Chapter 38

"Playing for 13 minutes, 8 out of 8 shots made, 2 out of 4 free throws, scoring 14 points and 7 rebounds, HOHO~! Look at this technical statistics table, can you believe that this is the data of a rookie who has played less than 10 NBA games, facing the league's top power forward, Tim Duncan?"

As the home commentator of the SBC Arena analyzed and narrated, the first-half game statistics of the Spurs' home game against the 76ers were displayed on the screen.

Although it was only a half-game statistic and not very comprehensive, the data of two players were highlighted, drawing much attention.

"In the first half, the tall Chinese player once again demonstrated the terrifying scoring burst that comes from a combination of driving and shooting. So far, this Chinese kid has scored only through mid-range shots and close-range baskets. You heard that right, no post-up, no fadeaway jump shots, no hook shots, no advanced interior techniques, just continuous mid-range shots and incredibly strong close-range drives! BAM!!"

The commentator became more and more excited, and the screen began to replay Chen Mu's outstanding performances in the first half, showing him bypassing layers of screens to score, leading the fast break, and fiercely contesting every rebound as if he were facing an enemy. Chen Mu's performance not only won the praise of the commentator but also earned the recognition of the Spurs' home fans.

"I see a familiar look on the faces of the fans here. I remember that six months ago, during the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Amar'e also made our fans show this expression."

The commentator recalled, "It's a look of helplessness, a mix of admiration and frustration. Although we know that in terms of raw talent, our Tim is definitely superior, and the opponent's points mostly come from team cooperation and finding space, which can't be compared to Tim's consistent one-on-one scoring."

"But a game is a game, and scoring is scoring! From the Alamodome to the SBC, the ones who can win the respect of the people in this arena are the true talents!"

Although Chen Mu's performance was outstanding, the other highlighted data on the screen was equally eye-catching.

"Playing for 18 minutes, 6 out of 9 shots made, 4 out of 6 free throws, scoring 16 points and 6 rebounds, Tim Duncan, the master of fundamentals, still dominated half the court!"

In the first half, the Spurs' strategy of using Allen Iverson and Webber as decoys to let Chen Mu score continuously seemed ineffective, and the small lineup they used also proved to be a failure.

In the second quarter, when Popovich made adjustments and brought in the backup center, Mehmet Okur, although it reduced Chen Mu's close-range scoring, it increased his mid-range scoring. This unusual combination of a power forward playing like a small forward left the Spurs at a loss.

However, on the offensive end, Duncan was also unstoppable, easily scoring every time he faced Chen Mu. Even when the 76ers used Webber and Chen Mu to double-team him, Duncan could still find ways to draw fouls, score awkwardly, or deliver brilliant assists.

Although the statistics showed that Chen Mu and Duncan had similar performances in the first half, the actual effect clearly revealed the significant gap between them.

"Ball control, this is the biggest difference between you and the top power forwards."

Before the second half began, 76ers' head coach Billy Chicks, after explaining the main tactics for the second half to the players, pulled Chen Mu aside and analyzed in detail: "Ball control is not something you can develop in a short time; it requires a lot of hard work and patience. You don't need to worry about it right now."

"In the second half, you will still be our sixth man. Remember..."

Chicks stared at Chen Mu and raised a finger, saying, "Whenever you receive the ball within your shooting range, take the shot immediately. Gregg will certainly make adjustments, switching defenses, delaying, and controlling your ball reception. They will use every means to prevent you from scoring comfortably."

"But as long as you stay determined and can make one or two more shots, no one will be able to stop you in this game...!"

Although Chicks' tactical skills were not great, he was a former basketball player and understood very well how the momentum on the court could profoundly affect the game.

"I understand, Coach...!"

Chen Mu nodded slightly, with a flame of determination burning in his eyes.

Soon, the second half began.

Without Chen Mu on the court, the 76ers returned to their usual strategy, with Allen Iverson and Webber as the focal points, and the team moving in unison, with Iverson leading the scoring.

Without a rebounding point in the paint, Duncan began to dominate the boards and consistently hit shots, leading to a 9-2 run that quickly widened the score.

"Chen, you're up!"

During a dead ball, Chen Mu entered the game. Whether it was his imagination or not, he felt that the 76ers' players on the court seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, while the Spurs' players appeared to become suddenly tense.

"Do I have such a significant impact on the game...?"

Chen Mu didn't know the answer, but he shook his head to clear his mind of these thoughts.

At the moment, he had only two things in his mind:

The basketball and the hoop.

The 76ers were on offense, and everything was running as usual. Chen Mu moved along the baseline.

"Hmm...?"

This time, however, Popovich clearly didn't intend to make it easy for Chen Mu.

"Not Duncan?"

Next to Chen Mu, it wasn't Duncan or Okur, but a relatively slender figure.

"B...Bruce Bowen...?!"

Chen Mu was taken aback. He never expected the Spurs to send out their best individual defender, known for his corner three-point shooting and sticky defense, Bruce Bowen.

"Height isn't too much of a disadvantage, faster feet, and extremely rich defensive experience... I see!"

Chen Mu couldn't help but glance at Popovich, who was stroking his chin thoughtfully, and shook his head with a bitter smile, muttering to himself, "Is he treating me like Dirk Nowitzki...?"

"Chen!"

As he was thinking, a voice from the wing called out. Chen Mu looked up to see Andre Iguodala holding the ball at the 45-degree three-point line, passing the ball high into the air.

Steadily catching the ball, Chen Mu was forced into a back-to-the-basket position, which felt very awkward.

"I still need to turn and face the basket to attack...!"

Chen Mu made up his mind and immediately caught the ball and turned, but just as he faced the basket, Bowen's hand, like a surgeon's scalpel, quickly sliced down.

"Slap...!"

The hand slap was precise, easily slicing the ball from Chen Mu's hands.

"Oh no...!"

Chen Mu realized the danger and saw Bowen preparing to dive for the ball. He steeled himself and also dove.

With his longer wingspan and better position, Chen Mu managed to touch the ball first, poking it back to Iguodala, then stumbled to his feet and started to set a screen.

Iguodala, understanding the play, started his move as soon as Chen Mu set the screen, charging into the paint like a cheetah.

"Come on...!"

In the paint, Okur was ready to block Iguodala's shot with a big cap.

With the body of a super scorer but the heart of a point guard, Iguodala wouldn't fall for such a simple trap. He scooped the ball with one hand and passed it back to Chen Mu, who was just about to grab a rebound.

"Hmph...!"

Bruce Bowen wasn't fooled by their little trick and quickly stepped forward, blocking Chen Mu's path and, intentionally or not, extending his foot under Chen Mu's.

"Crack...!"

Chen Mu didn't notice Bowen's move. His right foot stepped on Bowen's foot, causing intense pain. Chen Mu's body leaned, and he was about to fall.

"Ugh...!"

Chen Mu let out a light groan, gritting his teeth and focusing on one thought.

"The ball... I have to shoot the ball...!"

As his body began to lose balance, Chen Mu extended his right hand, using more force in his wrist and fingers than usual, and desperately shot the ball. He then fell to the ground, clutching his ankle in pain.

"Is this...?!"

Bowen didn't expect this rookie to be so determined to score. He looked up in surprise and saw the ball arc through the air in an unusual, extremely high trajectory, then suddenly drop.

"Swish!"

It went through the net with a perfect swish.

"Wow...!!"

The entire crowd gasped, noticing that Chen Mu had fallen to the ground, clutching his ankle, clearly injured.

In a situation where he had lost his balance, Chen Mu still managed to hit a mid-range shot, which was a significant blow to the Spurs' morale.

"Beep beep beep!"

The referee immediately blew the whistle. The 76ers' medical staff checked Chen Mu, and fortunately, his ankle was only slightly sprained, not a serious issue, but it would affect his running and jumping in the short term.

"Breath... breath... breath... breath..."

Sweat poured down Chen Mu's forehead as the intense pain gradually subsided. However, the anger from being tripped began to surge.

"Hey, rookie, are you okay?"

The game was temporarily paused, and Bruce Bowen, for some reason, walked a few steps to the 76ers' bench, looking at Chen Mu with a nonchalant expression: "Did you step on my foot just now? Be more careful in the future. Don't force a drive under tight defense."

"Huh..."

Chen Mu suppressed his anger, looked up at the seemingly innocent Bowen, and said through gritted teeth, "Bruce, I can't predict who will win this game, but there's one thing I'm sure of..."

A fierce flame burned in Chen Mu's eyes, and his heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst out of his chest.

"I'm going to blow you up...!!!"

Bowen was taken aback, looked into Chen Mu's eyes, and instinctively took a step back.

In that moment, he was certain he saw a wild beast...!

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