"Beep!!!"
The referee blew the whistle again.
Coach Gentry was frustrated and slapped his thigh. Just a moment ago, he was relieved that Wade Dong was calm, but as the conflict was about to end, Wade Dong suddenly punched Horry.
Wade Dong had wanted to punch Horry for a long time, even though this Horry was different from the one in his previous life.
However, Horry's actions made Wade Dong want to hit him. Earlier, Wade Dong remained calm because Horry was protected by his teammates, and he didn't have the chance to act. Now, Horry was taunting and making faces, so Wade Dong couldn't resist punching him.
Wade Dong knew he had the "Bad Luck Potion," but using the potion wouldn't be as satisfying as punching Horry directly. Besides, Wade Dong felt it was a waste to use 5 talent points on someone like Horry.
Horry rolled on the ground in pain!
The Spurs players also rushed over, but not to defend Horry. The players from both teams were separated by the referees again!
...
"Well done!"
"Well done!"
"Well done!"
Chinese fans were watching the live broadcast. When Horry knocked Nash down, they were furious and wished they could punch Horry through the TV screen.
However, the players were quickly separated by the referees.
Fans who didn't see the fight felt especially frustrated, and Horry continued to taunt Nash as if nothing had happened.
His taunting expressions and actions were seen by the fans through the live broadcast.
At that moment, Wade Dong rushed over and punched Horry, making the fans feel incredibly satisfied. "Our brother Wade, ruthless but not talkative!"
"Learn from Brother Wade, stand up for your teammates without delay!"
"This punch was so satisfying, even more than a dunk!"
In China, few fans blamed Wade Dong for being impulsive. Instead, they praised him for the punch, with the only complaint being that he only punched Horry once. They felt he should have given Horry a full set of punches to vent their anger.
...
The game was temporarily stopped due to Wade Dong's punch.
Head coach Gentry was called over by the referee. It looked like Wade Dong might receive a Flagrant 2 foul.
Gentry was arguing with the referee.
The Suns players gathered around Wade Dong. Dudley said, "Brother Wade, next time you want to beat someone like him, just give me a signal. You don't need to do it yourself."
Wade Dong smiled and said, "I get angry just looking at him. I have to punch him myself to feel satisfied!"
Nash patted Wade Dong's shoulder, expressing his gratitude without words.
Frye said, "Brother Wade, with your abilities, if you want to vent, you can just dunk on him. Why do you have to punch him?"
"Dunking on him isn't satisfying enough."
Wade Dong explained, "Besides, who can't guess the reason Horry was on the court in the crucial fourth quarter? If he avoids me, I won't have the chance to dunk on him."
The Suns players didn't say much more, but at that moment, they truly recognized Wade Dong as the team's leader.
Gentry argued with the referee until his face turned red, but it didn't seem to have much effect. After a while, he walked back angrily.
Wade Dong smiled, knowing that the Flagrant 2 foul was inevitable.
As expected, the referee gave Wade Dong a Flagrant 2 foul. However, to balance things out, Horry's Flagrant 1 foul was also upgraded to a Flagrant 2 foul.
Wade Dong and Horry were both ejected from the game!
But this incident had no impact on the Spurs, as Horry was just an old veteran guarding the water cooler. Wade Dong, on the other hand, was the core of the Suns' offense and defense.
...
"Black whistle!"
"Black whistle!"
"Black whistle!"
Chinese fans were furious and slammed their tables.
However, slamming the table too hard hurt their hands... After blowing on their hands, the fans calmed down. According to the relevant rules, Wade Dong's action was indeed a Flagrant 2 foul.
...
Before leaving the court, Wade Dong walked to the Spurs' bench and waved his finger at Popovich. "This is your choice, idol~ Today, you will see that even without me, my teammates can still defeat the Spurs."
This statement was a response to the Spurs' decision to tank the last regular-season game.
You thought the Jazz were harder to deal with than us, but now you'll know what it feels like to be swept and only win one game before going home!
"Hmph..."
Popovich just raised his eyebrows, showing some disdain for Wade Dong's words.
The Spurs were only down by about twenty points, with eleven minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Suns had lost their core player, Wade Dong, and this was their chance!
Moreover, Wade Dong had a Flagrant 2 foul. If the Spurs won this game, they would face the Suns without Wade Dong in the next game, making victory almost certain.
Finally, they would return to their home court, and Popovich already saw the light of victory.
You want to sweep us? You're dreaming!
That was Popovich's thought, and a smile appeared on his face. Horry's actions were not planned by him, but he wanted to give Horry a thumbs up!
Wade Dong was ejected from the game, but he didn't go straight to the locker room. Instead, he stood in the player tunnel watching the game.
He still had 25 talent points left. If the Suns were in trouble in the last three minutes, Wade Dong would not hesitate to use the "Bad Luck Potion." You show no mercy, so why should I?
Wade Dong was ejected, and Iverson returned to the court.
The Spurs' starting lineup was back on the court: Duncan, Jefferson, Parker, Leonard, and Ginobili.
97:76!
This was the current score, with the Suns leading by 21 points. There were still eleven minutes left in the game, and this lead was significant. As long as the Suns could hold off the Spurs' offense, winning this game wouldn't be difficult.
After returning to the court, Iverson's eyes changed!
Even as a rookie facing Jordan, he showed no fear. Now, as a veteran, he would not let this game be stolen from him!
Duncan returned to the court and aggressively posted up against Frye under the basket!
"Beep!"
The referee blew the whistle!
Before the ball was even released, Duncan was fouled by Frye, and the shot did not go in.
Duncan made one of the two free throws.
However, when it was the Suns' turn to attack, Nash received the ball and made a long pass to the frontcourt. This was the Suns' signature fast-break tactic!
Iverson had already run to the frontcourt and easily caught the pass at the three-point line. He then dribbled and went straight for a three-step layup!
Ginobili rushed over to block Iverson, but Iverson's individual ability was too strong. He twisted his body and made the layup, scoring a 2+1!
After Iverson made the free throw, not only did the Spurs fail to close the gap, but the lead was extended to 23 points.
"Phew~~~"
Wade Dong sighed in relief!
The crisis caused by his punch was over. His teammates were trustworthy, especially Iverson, who could make everyone forget his age on the court. He was still the invincible Iverson!