Chapter 800 - 250: The Ordinary Rookie’s Counterattack (Part 3)

Zhang Hao easily defeated the unmotivated Derrick Coleman in the jump ball and immediately sprinted forward after landing.

The 76ers still had some players who were very active on defense, like Clarence Weatherspoon, the player who had received the most trade inquiries from other teams since the season started. He aggressively blocked Barkley’s fast break, but others... Zhang Hao cut into the paint, Iverson already retreated, but could only watch Zhang Hao use his height to easily receive the ball, jump, and dunk to score two points.

It was easy, even though the 76ers had secured 9 wins, better than the last-place Celtics’ record, their actual strength might be about the same as the Celtics, and they didn’t have the same level of energy when facing the Lakers.

Instead, players like Starkhouse and Coleman lacked any fighting spirit.

But Iverson was very active!

Coleman, being such a big presence down low, Zhang Hao could only stay close to the basket for protection, and Clarence Weatherspoon also cut into the paint, dragging the hardworking defensive switch Barkley to the baseline vicinity. Rex Vokes, rarely starting, actively spaced the floor, and Starkhouse also spread the floor, leaving Iverson to isolate one-on-one against Kenny Anderson!

Back in the day, Kenny Anderson was the fastest player on the court, even Spud Webb, at about five-foot-four, had a speed that only matched his.

But in recent years, first came Damon Stoudamire, then Iverson... each was stronger than the last!

Kenny Anderson defended diligently but was still deceived by Iverson’s crossover move. Iverson exploded with the first step, reaching the free-throw line, stopped suddenly, and made a pull-up jumper!

Fans were curious about what kind of performance the rookie who had been humiliated by 58 points would present. When Iverson attacked, the fans in the arena focused on him.

Then, many fans who usually didn’t watch much television and only read news, occasionally coming to the Great Western Forum to watch a match to enjoy the lifestyle of the wealthy, were shocked as they took photos to impress friends when hosting gatherings in their living room.

Iverson’s crossover and pull-up jumper combination looked even more outstanding than Kenny Anderson, known for his crossover moves and pull-up jumpers!

After scoring, Iverson pointed his chin at Zhang Hao, gestured towards the top arc, then turned and retreated on defense.

In the transition, Kenny Anderson advanced to the frontcourt with anger. He admitted the rookie had talent; having faced many setbacks, he even admitted the rookie was more talented than he was.

But, after all, he was a mid-career player in his sixth year—how could he lose face in front of a rookie?

This play, Kenny Anderson decided to take on himself!

Outside the three-point line, Kenny Anderson faced Iverson’s very aggressive defense!

With a different handler, not so good at dribbling or with a high dribbling stance, there was a real chance of getting a steal from Iverson!

Fortunately, he had encountered this once before, so Kenny Anderson was prepared. Under Iverson’s tight pressure, Kenny Anderson found a gap in Iverson’s aggressive defense, executed a beautiful behind-the-back dribble to create space, and broke into the paint!

This left Iverson helpless, unable to disrupt his sudden stop and jump shot, needing to rely on teammates.

But Campbell wasn’t there!

Kenny Anderson drove straight to the basket. Clarence Weatherspoon released Barkley and recovered, but after hesitating, was a step too late. Kenny Anderson’s breakthrough layup was successful!

Kenny Anderson’s behind-the-back dribble was quite stylish. The audience generously gave applause and cheers to their team’s genuine leader and true star.

The 76ers went on offense again, switching defenders. Barkley guarded Coleman down low, George Lynch defended the undersized 6’6" power forward Clarence Weatherspoon, Kenny Anderson guarded shooter Rex, and Doug Christie continued to mark Starkhouse.

As Zhang Hao anticipated, Iverson didn’t pass to Coleman. This guy, seeing Mr. Zhang coming to guard him, would surely take matters into his own hands.

Iverson dribbled continuously between his legs, but Zhang Hao was unfazed. Suddenly, Iverson broke to the right!

Iverson was fast, just like the last encounter. Given no prior foot movement, Zhang Hao couldn’t stop Iverson’s breakthrough, but Zhang Hao wasn’t flustered, extending his arm to cover Iverson’s stoppage jump shooting space, blocking off the mid- and long-range shot space.

But as Zhang Hao followed Iverson’s breakthrough and reached the free-throw line, he was blocked!

Clarence Weatherspoon came out to block Zhang Hao while George Lynch had already retreated into the paint for a double-team with Zhang Hao on Iverson. But by then, it was too late to rush out, and Iverson’s mid-range shot after the pick-and-roll from the right side of the paint was good!

The Lakers’ possession saw Kenny Anderson bypass Iverson, attracting a trap from Clarence Weatherspoon and Rex Waters as well as Iverson’s trailing, passing to Doug Christie behind him. Doug Christie’s corner three was off the mark, but Barkley cut in to finish with a put-back, securing two points.

Barkley’s put-back tonight received loud cheers...

Soon after, Iverson continued to go one-on-one against Zhang Hao. Zhang Hao, on alert this time, sped up to block Iverson’s shooting after using the pick from the top right side of the free-throw line, but Iverson suddenly stopped while using the screen, stepped back and made a quick lateral move, stepping just outside the free-throw line, sidestepping a shadow-casting Zhang Hao, and made another jump shot!

Next, after the Lakers started the game with three consecutive baskets, they lost their offensive rhythm. Zhang Hao rounded to the top arc, received the pass after shedding Coleman, shot a three and missed, and Iverson grabbed the defensive rebound actively, advanced to the frontcourt, and continued the iso play.

This time, Zhang Hao was hesitant as Iverson pushed forward but still chose to attempt to prevent Iverson’s breakthrough space.

In those two previous plays, Iverson used his teammate screens during breakthroughs very effectively compared to when they met last time, clearly showing improvement.

Without a rim-protecting center, using the last game against the 76ers defensive style against Iverson was ineffective! Blocking Iverson from advancing past the three-point line was imperative.

However, faced with Iverson’s fake move, Zhang Hao faltered, got faked out with a step, and Iverson quickly dragged the ball horizontally, avoiding Zhang Hao’s pursuit defense, promptly turned, and nailed the jump shot!

This move, akin to how Iverson faked out Jordan, shared a similar essence!

The difference was that Iverson had to create other threats against Zhang Hao first, forcing Zhang Hao to guard against the drive, not just guarding his shot.

This was challenging, but Iverson managed it!

After scoring, Iverson once again raised his chin at Zhang Hao: "Gentleman, do you still think I’m ordinary?"