NBA: The Dynasty Crasher

Chapter 39: Covering the Rain Man

As the fans discussed the game, the Sonics launched their best fast break, and the Knicks quickly returned to defense. Zhao Dong, having just crossed the baseline, sprinted toward the basket after reaching the left-wing three-point line. Meanwhile, Rain Man had already cut into the paint from the right wing. Payton, from the top of the key, threw a long pass toward the basket, which was wide open—Ewing and Oakley were still far from the paint and had only just reached the free-throw line.

"An alley-oop?" Zhao Dong thought as he saw Payton release the ball. His gaze first locked onto Rain Man, then followed him as he soared toward the basket. Without hesitation, Zhao Dong launched himself toward Rain Man to challenge the dunk. In that instant, across the United States and on the other side of the Pacific Ocean, countless eyes focused on the sky above the Knicks' paint area.

Snap! A sharp, crisp sound echoed.

The basketball was lifted high into the air, but Zhao Dong met it with a ferocious block. Both he and Rain Man Kemp collided mid-air with a dull thud, their bodies twisting away from the impact, and they crashed heavily onto the floor.

"Oh!" The crowd gasped in amazement, and fans leaped from their seats in shock.

In a hotel in Los Angeles, Jordan and Pippen exchanged silent glances, both impressed by the athleticism displayed.

"Tom Cruise, you lost!" Spike Lee shouted triumphantly at Tom Cruise from the front row at Madison Square Garden.

"That's unbelievable!" Tom Cruise sighed, shaking his head. He had wanted to win, but the Chinese player, Zhao Dong, had denied him that opportunity.

"Oops, hope he's not injured!" Zhang Lili and Sun Zhenping, who were on the sidelines, looked at Zhao Dong, who remained on the floor. Zhang Lili, in particular, was deeply concerned. He understood the weight injuries could carry for athletes. Seeing that Zhao Dong hadn't gotten up immediately, he shook his head in frustration and muttered, "You shouldn't play like this. It's just a game. What if you get injured? The national team is watching you."

"Does the national team want to recruit Zhao Dong?" Sun Zhenping asked in surprise before quickly nodding. "That makes sense. With Zhao Dong's strength, he should definitely be considered."

"I've heard that the national team has added Zhao Dong to their inspection list," Zhang Lili revealed with a smile. "Our national team looks promising this year. They're calling it the golden generation."

"The young player Wang Zhizhi is very strong. With Zhao Dong, our inside strength will be even more powerful in the future. The World Championships in '98 might take us even further." Zhang Lili commented, his tone full of optimism.

Zhao Dong lay on the floor, gasping for breath, his chest feeling as if it were collapsing under the pressure, making it hard to breathe.

"How are you, Zhao Dong?" Oakley shouted, leaning over him.

"Okay... Phew... I'm fine," Zhao Dong managed to gasp out.

"You're crazy, you know that?" Oakley replied with a grin. "But you really threw off Shawn; he should know better than to mess with you now."

With Oakley and Ewing's help, Zhao Dong slowly got to his feet, while Shawn, still seething, did the same. The two locked eyes, their faces flushed with anger, resembling two wild animals ready to pounce.

Zhao Dong's strategy was clear: irritate Rain Man by exploiting his weaknesses, disrupt his rhythm with tough defense, and then crush his confidence with brutal offense. This was the only way to ensure success in his mission to neutralize Rain Man tonight.

"Let's go again," Zhao Dong challenged, his voice full of resolve.

"Bring it on," Rain Man spat, his anger palpable.

"You'll be on the floor next time," Zhao Dong shot back, his voice filled with intensity.

"Not a chance!" Rain Man growled.

The two squared off, trash-talking with fiery intensity, their bodies inches apart. It seemed like a fight was about to break out, but thankfully, their teammates stepped in to separate them. The game continued, with the ball still in the Sonics' possession in the frontcourt.

"Mr. Gloves, pass the ball to Rain Man. I'm still a few blocks ahead of him," Zhao Dong shouted at Payton.

"Damned rookie, your mouth stinks like crap!" Payton, the trash-talk king, immediately fired back, not missing a beat.

Zhao Dong smirked, realizing Payton's ability to spray insults from a distance. "So, you're the real trash-talking artist," Zhao Dong thought, amused by the challenge.

"Jeff, Zhao Dong's speed seems to have increased these past two days. He's almost as fast as Childs now," Thibodeau noted from the sidelines.

Van Gundy nodded thoughtfully, recognizing Zhao Dong's potential. He had always been interested in expanding his range, hoping to control more of the game. His long-range shooting ability was a sign that Zhao Dong was working to improve the skills necessary for outside players.

"His passing, ball-handling, and tactical awareness are all improving. He's definitely one of the key players we need to focus on," Van Gundy mused.

Oakley had mentioned to him that Zhao Dong, like Alan Houston, was part of the Knicks' future, and Van Gundy knew he had to handle this situation with care.

On the court, Zhao Dong and Shawn were back at it in the paint, both continuing their verbal battle. Overall, Zhao Dong's trash-talking skills were superior, and his ability to maintain control over his emotions was impressive. Shawn, however, was becoming more and more irritated with each exchange, his actions growing more exaggerated as the game went on.

"Gary," Rain Man called out, as he reached his position on the front-right side of the basket. He quickly raised his hand, calling for the ball from Payton.

Payton saw the positioning was ideal, and Rain Man's backup technique was on point, so he quickly passed the ball. Shawn caught it and began backing into Zhao Dong, just two meters away from the basket. A bit closer, and he'd have a clear path for a dunk.

"Boom, boom..." Shawn backed into Zhao Dong, repeatedly hitting him with his chest. Zhao Dong stood his ground, his strength proving too much for Rain Man to overcome. Realizing it was difficult to get closer, Shawn quickly turned and tried to drive to the basket for a dunk.

Zhao Dong didn't turn around but took a quick step back, then pivoted just as Shawn reached the basket. With a violent motion, Shawn attempted to dunk with his right hand, but Zhao Dong was ready. He took a small step, leaped from above Shawn, and with a swift motion, slapped the ball away.

The crowd roared as the sound of the block echoed through the arena.

"Beautiful! Zhao Dong sends the second block of the game straight to Rain Man!" the commentator's voice rang out from Madison Square Garden. "Oh, Oakley picks up the ball, and the Knicks are off on a fast break!"

Zhao Dong moved quickly, his speed at level 85, enhancing his fast-break ability. He wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by.

Shawn, frustrated and eager for revenge, kept up the chase. He had suffered a great loss, and after being humiliated, he was determined to get back at the Chinese player.

"This guy is fast!" Shawn thought, realizing that despite his effort, he couldn't get ahead of Zhao Dong.

Zhao Dong raced across the frontcourt, his speed unmatched. Shawncouldn't believe it when he saw he hadn't surpassed him.

"A first-class speed small forward," Thibodeau remarked to Van Gundy.

Van Gundy silently nodded, his eyes fixed on Zhao Dong as he sprinted down the court, deep in thought but saying nothing.

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