Chapter 46

"Welcome back to the Quicken Loans Arena, where the Philadelphia 76ers are challenging the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of the game!"

In the arena, the enthusiastic atmosphere from the start of the game had cooled down considerably. Everyone was well aware that with LeBron, the Cavaliers would not sit idly by in the second half; they would launch a counterattack, seeking opportunities to reverse the score.

However, the strong performance of the Chinese player during the first half's transition period had poured cold water on the Cavaliers' fans.

"In the first half, with less than 12 minutes of playing time, the Chinese player Chen once again underwent a super evolution, delivering a surprising performance."

Kenny Smith flipped through the data, and the statistics were displayed on the TV screen.

"The offensive points of both teams are relatively concentrated. On the Cavaliers' side, LeBron scored 16 points in the first half, bringing him closer to his average of 30 points per game. If nothing goes wrong, he should be able to secure the average points today."

"On the 76ers' side, the main scoring point is still Allen Iverson. However, a closer look at the scoring data reveals that the other players on the 76ers have also contributed to the score. Although the points from each player are not high, it indicates that the team's offense is running smoothly."

"Healthy, Kenny."

Charles Barkley interjected, "In our professional basketball league, we call this a 'healthy' scoring distribution."

"Although you were a professional player, you never experienced being the team's core scorer, so it's normal that you don't know."

Barkley waved his hand, and the data on the screen changed. The statistics of two players from both teams were magnified and displayed in the center, with their game photos on either side.

"Look at the Cavaliers' side. LeBron scored 16 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in the first half, with impressive data. However, the other players on the team performed poorly, and the offense was very sluggish, relying mainly on LeBron's personal breakthroughs. Only five players scored, which is not a 'healthy' offensive performance."

"On the 76ers' side, HOHO~MYBOY~ my Chinese player, hahaha, his performance was outstanding!"

Barkley became excited, waving his hands, "Look, look, 7 rebounds, including 3 offensive rebounds, and 10 points in the first half. Not bad, right? And it's not over yet!"

On the screen, Chen's data was highlighted, especially the assists, which were pushed to the forefront.

"As a power forward coming off the bench, he recorded 5 assists in the first half!"

Barkley was extremely excited, laughing loudly, "More assists than KING JAMES, amazing!"

This data was the key reason why the Cavaliers' fans were speechless.

The key players of the first half, as chosen by T-N-T, were LeBron James and Chen.

"If I were Coach Cheeks, I would definitely put the Chinese player in the starting lineup for the second half, pairing him with Allen and Webber. The team's offense would be even more formidable!"

Kenny Smith, however, did not entirely agree with Barkley's statement, waving his hand, "Charles, there's a piece of news you might not have heard. I've heard that some people have already started campaigning for the Chinese player to win the Sixth Man of the Year award this season."

"Although there has never been a Sixth Man of the Year with such few appearances in history, based on the Chinese player's current performance, who can say it's impossible?"

Since the 1982-1983 season, when the NBA began awarding the Sixth Man of the Year, no rookie had ever won the award in their first year.

Moreover, there was a strict requirement: a player must appear in at least 65 games (or 80% of the team's total games). Chen would not be able to meet this requirement this season.

In the first half of the season, Chen had played only a dozen games. Even if he played every game for the rest of the season, he would not reach the 65-game requirement. Therefore, he was not eligible for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

However, the Sixth Man of the Year is voted on by media journalists and commentators from the United States and Canada. With Chen's "three small changes in three games, one big change in five games" trend, his status in the eyes of journalists and commentators was rising.

Everyone who had watched Chen play was amazed by his rapid evolution. It seemed that the Chinese player, who was still hesitant in some aspects in the previous game, would suddenly evolve and gain new abilities in the next game.

This stark contrast easily caught the attention of the media.

On the court, the second half had been underway for some time, and the official timeout in the third quarter allowed for substitutions.

"We're playing well, very well! Maintain the high-pressure offense, don't relax for a moment!"

Coach Cheeks sent out a pure bench lineup of Chen, Li Nailong, Matt Barnes, Louis Williams, and Salmons, and said sternly:

"In the next transition period, continue to run the offense with Chen as the core. Everyone must participate to give the starters a full rest. Then we'll decide the game in the fourth quarter!"

"Alright!"

The players were highly motivated, and the team still held a 5-point lead. The game continued.

"Chen, POST!"

Chen moved to the low post, and his eyes began to "scan" the entire court. The movements of his teammates and opponents formed in his mind, and he knew exactly what would happen in a few seconds.

This situation was like playing a basketball game in the original timeline with the tactical guidance turned on. The running routes and tactical guidance appeared on the court floor.

Above each player's head, various symbols and prompts appeared, indicating who was good at three-pointers, who was skilled at breaking through, who liked to receive the ball at a certain position, and where their offensive "sweet spots" were.

In the paint, the young Louis Williams made a reverse run to open up the defense, breaking into the key and quickly running behind Chen to set a screen for Salmons, allowing him to rotate and give up the strong side.

Chen, who should have been unaware of everything, was facing Louis Williams with his back. The Cavaliers' players were not prepared, but Chen suddenly paused, passed the ball between his legs, and sent it through the gap between Chen and the defender, accurately reaching Louis Williams.

"…?!!"

Louis had not yet reacted when the ball smoothly landed in his hands, as if it had a magical force urging him to shoot quickly.

"Swish"

A smooth layup, and the 76ers' offense was completed!

"HOHO! Between-the-legs pass!"

Barkley shouted, clapping his hands, "This kind of pass is what Andre of the Jazz is best at. I didn't expect to see it from the Chinese player! Andre is a versatile warrior, capable of a 5x5 performance!"

The Andre Barkley was referring to was a source of pain for many Rockets fans.

The tall and lean small forward from Russia, Andrei Kirilenko, had top-tier athleticism among white players, known for his shot-blocking and steals.

On the offensive end, Kirilenko could break through and shoot, with decent skills, and he was particularly good at rebounding. Many times, when facing the Rockets, Kirilenko would lurk behind the defenders, waiting for the right moment to leap and block the Rockets' shots.

However, veteran fans might remember that Kirilenko's post play was also exceptional.

The classic between-the-legs pass to assist Boozer's layup was a common sight in Jazz games. Kirilenko's extraordinary court vision was overshadowed by his versatile skills, especially his explosive defensive performance, becoming a less noticed strength.

Chen's pass just now indeed had the essence of Kirilenko!

On the offensive end, the Cavaliers' bench players failed to score, and Chen, as usual, grabbed the rebound and turned to make a long pass.

"Another fast break?!"

The Cavaliers' bench center, Varejao, quickly retreated. At this moment, Chen seized the fleeting opportunity, dribbled two steps, and, as the opposing guard came to defend, passed the ball to Louis Williams.

"This kid is fearless...!"

The Cavaliers' players were furious. With Chen's passing ability, especially his long passes reminiscent of Bill Walton, the pressure to defend him increased. This allowed Chen to use his threat to smoothly lead the offense, making it easier for his teammates to complete their tasks.

"SCREEN!"

In the frontcourt, Chen and Li Nailong executed a screen without the ball, and Chen received the ball outside the three-second area. He then looked up.

This glance caused chaos in the Cavaliers' defense. All the players quickly turned to confirm the positions of their defensive assignments, fearing that Chen would suddenly deliver a decisive assist.

"Leave me open?? I'll make you pay!"

By the time they turned back to look at Chen, he had already released a smooth mid-range shot, the ball spinning in the air and cleanly entering the net.

"Unstoppable!"

Kenny Smith exclaimed, "The Chinese player, facing the Cavaliers' bench, is unstoppable on the offensive end!"

The rest of the game became a personal showcase for Chen. Mid-range shots, passes, rebounds—every action Chen took, he remembered the words of D'Antoni.

"Don't let the opponent see through you!"

Each of Chen's actions had a clear element of deception, with endless fake moves. Every shoulder fake, every shot, every glance, was used to manipulate the Cavaliers' defense. The Cavaliers' players, like puppets, were pulled by Chen's every move, and their defensive formation remained unstable.

"Don't underestimate me. After the training camp, my passing attribute has reached 80 points...!"

Indeed, in the virtual training camp, Chen made further progress, not only completing 60% of the Magic's passing challenge but even exceeding it, reaching about 65% of a legendary superstar's level.

This performance gave Chen a significant boost in his passing attribute, increasing it by 65 points to reach 80 points.

This passing attribute, even among the NBA's big men, was rarely matched!

"Another assist! The Chinese player has delivered another brilliant assist!!"

Another assist to a teammate's mid-range jump shot from the free-throw line, and Chen had his ninth assist.

On the statistics sheet, Chen had already scored 17 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists.

Just one step away from a triple-double!

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Brothers, we are currently 15th on the new book list for signed authors. With so many big names starting new books this month, it's a great achievement to be in this position. I bow to all the readers for their strong support!

Looking at the rankings, all the books ahead of us are in major categories, and we are the only sports novel on the list!

If my calculations are correct, the new book period will end next week. I wonder if you can give me a surprise and push us into the top ten with one final effort? A recommendation is worth 5 points, a member click is worth 5 points, and a collection is worth 2 points. Everyone, please vote! Hoo-hoo~!

The rise of sports novels will come, just like sailing with the wind to cross the sea! Mobile users, please visit http://m.piaotia.net

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