Chapter 84

"Only less than two minutes are left in the game, what’s the point of the Jazz putting Lin Han back on the court during a timeout? It’s really baffling."

"Could it be that they’re making him come on to take the blame? I really didn’t expect Jerry Sloan to be so ruthless. But I have to say, well done, he should be treated like this."

"What are you talking about? Have you forgotten about Lin Han’s terrifying performance in the fourth quarter during the Jazz’s game against the Knicks? Maybe Sloan still trusts Lin Han in crucial moments."

"Forget it, do you really think miracles happen so easily? Besides, the New York Knicks are not the same as the Phoenix Suns. The Suns’ offense won’t stall like the Knicks. The Jazz have no chance of turning this game around. Only you Utah media still believe it, a bunch of bitches."

"What did you say? I’ve been looking at you with disapproval for a long time. You’ve been mocking this game from the start. Fvck, can the Los Angeles Lakers even make the playoffs this year? What are you showing off for, fvck."

When Lin Han, who had been on the bench for almost half the game, was put back on the court after a long timeout with 1 minute and 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter, this extremely bizarre scene almost immediately ignited the media stands. These reporters from major American media outlets had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Most of them did not want Lin Han to continue his crazy performance, as it would make their early-season predictions about him very awkward. Even if they had misjudged Lin Han’s abilities, they still hoped he would have a slump to give them a way out.

Therefore, before the game, Lin Han’s poor performance against Barkley had almost made them draft the front-page headlines for tomorrow’s newspapers. If Lin Han could appear on the court again, especially in the final moments of the fourth quarter, it would add some new content to the headlines. For example, Lin Han not only performed poorly in the first half but also in the second half, making him the biggest culprit and the biggest scapegoat for the Jazz’s loss. If Lin Han didn’t play in the fourth quarter, they wouldn’t be able to blame him as the biggest culprit or the biggest scapegoat. After all, Lin Han’s poor performance was not during the most critical moments, and if the Jazz really lost, he wouldn’t bear as much responsibility.

However, it was clear that most people hoped Lin Han would try a bit harder to embarrass himself and perform poorly. But there were still some media outlets that didn’t want this. Although Lin Han was still not favored by most American media, the local media in Utah were overwhelmingly supportive of him. However, even these local Utah media outlets didn’t understand why Lin Han would be put back on the court in a game that was almost lost.

"I thought this game was over, but I didn’t expect you to still be interesting. Now you actually dare to come back on the court."

To be honest, when Lin Han stood on the court again, Barkley was also very surprised. The Jazz were trailing by 5 points, and while it looked like there was a chance, the opportunity was actually slim. The Suns were controlling the game, and the Jazz couldn’t turn the tide. Putting Lin Han back on the court at this moment was indeed confusing.

"Hmph, the game isn’t over yet, do you really think you’ve won?"

Lin Han slightly glanced at his fat opponent with a hint of disdain. Barkley was speechless, as if to say, "Isn’t it already a sure win? Do you really think you can pull off a one-man rescue?"

"Haha, Lin, I understand how you feel right now, but it seems your teammates don’t trust you much. It looks like you’re only here to run back and forth."

Barkley, looking at Lin Han’s calm face, thought the Jazz would let Lin Han make a final push. Although Lin Han’s performance today was poor, his scoring burst was indeed excellent. Before the game, Barkley had learned a bit about the tactics the Suns had set up. This rookie, though inconsistent, could hit shots like Jordan, which was a headache.

However, when the Jazz’s first offensive play began, Barkley’s worries were gone. Lin Han didn’t touch the ball at all during the Jazz’s offense, not acting like a core player. It seemed the Jazz players on the court didn’t trust this young man much.

At least from Stockton and Malone’s perspective, the Jazz needed more teamwork rather than Lin Han’s individual efforts. However, the Jazz’s first play didn’t score, as they were rushed due to the lack of time.

But compared to the Jazz’s urgency, the Suns, who were trying to run out the clock, played calmly and composed, unlike their usual style. As the game progressed, both teams’ offenses stalled.

1 minute and 35 seconds left: Malone’s mid-range shot missed.

1 minute and 12 seconds left: Dan Majerle’s three-pointer missed.

1 minute and 2 seconds left: Stockton’s counter three-pointer also missed.

For a full minute, neither the Jazz nor the Suns scored. One team was trying to speed up, and the other was trying to run out the clock, neither in their offensive rhythm. When the clock hit the last minute, the Suns’ offense finally reached Barkley’s hands. If Barkley scored, the lead would be extended to 7 points, and the Suns would win.

So when Barkley got the ball at the top of the arc and faced Lin Han, the entire Suns team spread out, clearly setting up a one-on-one opportunity for Barkley. What no one expected was that Lin Han also signaled his teammates to spread out. Although this seemed like a suicidal move, the Jazz players, after a moment of hesitation, all spread out to one-on-one defend the Suns.

"Kid, are you ready to go one-on-one? But do you have the confidence to stop me?"

Looking at the open Jazz interior behind Lin Han and the Jazz players all spread out, Barkley was surprised. Lin Han was setting up a one-on-one, and if he got past Lin Han, he would have a clear path to the basket for a dunk.

Although one-on-one play was common in the NBA, such a reckless one-on-one was rare. Most of the time, when stars went one-on-one, their teammates provided support.

"Since that’s the case, I’ll oblige you!"

Seeing Lin Han’s calm face and lack of response, Barkley frowned and immediately started. Although this fat forward, he still managed to get past Lin Han in one step.

"Huh? Is that all?"

After getting past Lin Han without any resistance, Barkley was stunned. Lin Han had been so arrogant, refusing help from his teammates and setting up a one-on-one, but was this his level? Despite his confusion, Barkley didn’t forget his instincts and charged towards the basket. The other Jazz players were too late to react, as Lin Han had lost too quickly.

"Finished."

Seeing Barkley jump from just inside the free-throw line to dunk, Lin Han was still chasing behind but couldn’t stop him. The Jazz assistant coach, Phil Johnson, helplessly shook his head.

"Hahaha, I told you we were going to win this game, kid. Accept your fate!"

When Barkley slammed the ball into the basket, he let out a powerful roar, his dominant demeanor was unstoppable.

However, to everyone’s surprise, after Barkley’s roar, there was no booing. All the fans in the arena were stunned, staring at the fat man hanging from the rim.

The Suns players on the court were also stunned, and the bench was dead silent.

"Huh? Why do I feel so cold?"

After the intense dunk and roar, Barkley finally noticed the atmosphere was off. When he felt the coldness from his lower body and looked down, he saw Lin Han smiling and holding his pants, which had been pulled down. He could even see his own private parts swinging with the rim.

"Ahhh!!!"

After a moment of disbelief, a loud, pig-like scream echoed through the entire Delta Center, followed by thunderous laughter and the sound of photographers snapping pictures.

(Old Celtics fans might remember the game between the Celtics and the Pacers where Ron Artest pulled down Paul Pierce’s pants during a defense. Pierce, holding his pants up, still managed to make a three-pointer. That moment was hilarious, hahaha.)

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