Chapter 801 - 251: Signs of Maturity

Glancing at Iverson, Zhang Hao didn’t respond.

Any verbal response at this moment would only make the opponent more smug.

He had to find a way to return the favor... But how?

He could guard Iverson, but Iverson couldn’t possibly guard him!

If Iverson dared to defend him, he’d make sure Iverson understood what a sharpshooter was, taking fearless shots right in his face again and again.

After reaching the frontcourt, Zhang Hao continued to spread the floor, unaffected by Iverson’s words.

However, Kenny Anderson actively helped Zhang Hao find an opportunity!

After advancing to the frontcourt, Kenny Anderson sought Zhang Hao for a pick and roll!

Zhang Hao found it strange since Kenny Anderson was better at penetrating directly, but he still stepped up to block Iverson for Kenny Anderson. Kenny Anderson, understanding Zhang Hao, forced Clarence Weatherspoon to switch after forcing him out, then passed back. Iverson tried to cut in front... Zhang Hao extended his hand and caught the ball from above and behind Iverson.

Strange at first, but after receiving the ball, Zhang Hao understood Kenny Anderson’s intention.

Create an opportunity for him to play Iverson one-on-one!

Iverson watched Zhang Hao catch the ball and lift it up, wanting to curse — how to defend this? If the guy shoots directly, what can he do?

However, given the chance to shoot directly, Zhang Hao chose not to do so.

Play!

With such a fun opportunity, of course, he had to play!

Zhang Hao pulled the raised ball down, Iverson reached out to poke it away, but Zhang Hao deftly pulled the ball to the side and rear, using the behind-the-back dribble move he trained three times before, a sideways behind-the-back dribble!

A behind-the-back dribble! Iverson hurriedly moved to the right side to block, trying to steal during Zhang Hao’s change of direction.

Iverson’s speed and impact were fiercer than Zhang Hao expected, almost stealing the ball, but luckily he had practiced for a few days. Using the spacing from his body’s distance, Zhang Hao tapped the ball behind his left leg through the crotch, moving forward to block Iverson’s move to return to position. The space opened up as his right hand caught the ball!

Zhang Hao dodged Iverson and drove straight to the basket!

"King of Cross Step (Bronze)" trigger! Speed +3, starting at the fastest speed!

Charging into the paint, Zhang Hao slammed the ball into the hoop over Derrick Coleman!

Wanting to escape... but unable to... Unprepared, Derrick Coleman guarded under the basket, expecting Zhang Hao to collide with Iverson, then saw Zhang Hao break through with a cross step, leaving Iverson aside!

With this physique and speed coming in, not to mention defending, even fouling couldn’t be done in time!

The most frustrating thing for Coleman was that after Zhang Hao dunked on him, he turned and ran back as if he didn’t see him.

The audience began to cheer when Zhang Hao broke through Iverson with a change of direction. It’s here! Finally here! Zhang Hao’s point guard playing style!

Passing by Iverson, Zhang Hao slowed down and said to the expressionless Iverson, "Change of direction? Seems pretty simple."

Iverson was about to explode!

Him, a point guard, self-claimed to be 183, was crossed over by a self-claimed 206 centimeters center using a cross step!

This was like a loud slap in his face...

A man’s breaking point occurs in an instant.

If Zhang Hao used harsh words, or more aggressive attacks to deal with Iverson, Iverson might have become more motivated.

But Zhang Hao ignored Iverson’s taunts and instead retaliated using Iverson’s most proud skill... Completely shattering Iverson’s mentality!

At first, Iverson intended to lead the attack after posing a threat. He wanted to win, last month he lost the Player of the Month award due to low scoring, because he consciously aimed to become a better point guard.

Now, all reason, all calmness, disappeared!

Once reaching the frontcourt, Iverson continued to go solo. At this time, Zhang Hao’s coverage of the three-point line and mid-range defense took effect.

Zhang Hao’s defense wasn’t foolishly adhering to previous methods; he guarded the anticipated screens at the free throw line, strengthened the blockade in Clarence Weatherspoon’s direction, giving Iverson room to break through from the other side.

With Iverson’s speed, he could have forced his way around the right side, and even George Lynch coming up wouldn’t be able to contain Iverson’s change-of-direction stop-and-shoot. However, after losing composure, Iverson took any chance he saw, breaking from the left side, being double-teamed by Zhang Hao and Barkley, forcing a shot... only to have it swatted out of bounds by Zhang Hao!

As Iverson lost composure, the situation where the 76ers held even with the Lakers at the start due to Iverson’s solo play collapsed in an instant, the Lakers easily took control!

The Lakers were in an average state, but most of the 76ers players had no mindset to resist. After Iverson’s mental breakdown, the 76ers quickly crumbled.

At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led the 76ers by 13 points, 31 to 18.

76ers coach Johnny Davis didn’t resist much, only thinking about creating better solo opportunities for Iverson, with no thought of closing the gap. Who knows how devastating it would be if the other side raged... The painful memory of their last meeting was still fresh!

In the middle of the second quarter, once the Lakers widened their lead to 22 points, they began resting Zhang Hao and Kenny Anderson.

The Lakers didn’t specifically target Iverson too much, which made it even harder for Iverson to accept.