Chapter 644: Taking the Lead
It was Team USA's offensive possession.
Durant continued calling for the ball, showing a strong desire to attack from the very beginning. He wanted to go 1 on 1 again.
Durant was the undisputed offensive core of Dream Team 9, and his performance fully matched that ambition. Throughout the World Championship, Durant was not only Team USA's leading scorer, but also their most efficient player.
His style of play was naturally suited to the international stage.
Durant was playing with more and more confidence. On this possession, after using his signature change of direction, he went straight into a pull up jumper.
This time, Yi Jianlian did not lose position.
The good news was that Yi closed out immediately.
The bad news was that he closed out too aggressively.
"Beep! Beep!"
The referee blew the whistle.
A foul on a 3 point shot.
Durant shrugged and stepped to the free throw line, sinking all 3 shots.
10 to 4.
Durant had started the game in top form, scoring 8 of Team USA's 1st 10 points.
China's offensive possession.
Chen Yan brought the ball across half court.
Although Sun Dasheng was nominally the point guard, Chen Yan actually shared the duty of advancing the ball almost equally with him. It created a kind of dual point guard system.
Iguodala immediately applied pressure to Chen Yan.
Whether Chen Yan could truly be defended was 1 thing, but at the very least, he could not be given open space. Otherwise, he would show everyone what effortless scoring looked like.
Chen Yan used a screen and easily shook off Iguodala.
Durant switched onto him.
Durant's physical strength could not compare with Iguodala's. He also tried to pressure Chen Yan, but his slender arms and legs did not cause Chen Yan any trouble.
Instead, Chen Yan bumped him back 1 step.
Durant's performance reminded fans of his legendary bench press result at the draft combine.
Iguodala immediately came over from the side and behind to double team Chen Yan, trapping him.
Chen Yan naturally passed the ball to Yi Jianlian.
Team USA's rotations and help defense were very quick. After all, these players were known for their mobility.
Yi Jianlian then passed to Sun Dasheng, who threw a bounce pass into the paint.
Yao Ming once again had a chance to play 1 on 1 against Chandler.
To counter Chen Yan, Dream Team 9 chose not to double team Yao Ming at the start. That was a luxury Yao rarely enjoyed, whether in the NBA or international competition.
Although he had lost weight, Yao Ming's post skills and footwork had not declined.
After backing down Chandler, Yao quickly spun on his left foot. While turning, he faked a pass, then spun again.
Fading away, he released the jumper.
The shot went in.
10 to 6.
The Shanghai Shuffle reappeared.
China's bench collectively stood up.
Chen Yan also excitedly went over to high five Yao Ming.
Yao's exquisite footwork sent his teammates' adrenaline soaring.
Chandler could only lower his head and return to the defensive half.
Coach K said nothing, and there was nothing he could say.
When he allowed Chandler to guard Yao Ming alone, he should have been mentally prepared for this result.
Team USA possession.
Rose drove into the paint off a screen from Durant.
On this possession, China chose to collapse its defense.
After driving in and finding the lane crowded, Rose decisively passed the ball out to Durant on the perimeter.
The biggest difference between international basketball and the NBA was the lack of a defensive 3 second rule. All big men could stand in the paint as long as they wanted.
This was very unfriendly to players who primarily relied on driving.
Chen Yan had anticipated Rose's move.
He knew it would be difficult for Rose to drive all the way in, and he also knew Rose's 1st passing option would definitely be Durant, who had just set the screen for him.
Chen Yan exploded forward and subtly tipped the ball, changing its flight path.
The ball was deflected to Sun Dasheng, while Chen Yan immediately sprinted downcourt without stopping.
Sun Dasheng threw a long pass to Chen Yan.
Durant instantly sprinted back on defense and stayed close to Chen Yan.
He wanted to use his body to prevent Chen Yan from gaining speed. If Chen Yan forced a shot, Durant could rely on his length and athletic tools to block it.
His plan was well designed.
But how could Chen Yan be the kind of player who followed his opponent's script?
Chen Yan leaned into Durant and drove inside the 3 point line.
Suddenly, he secretly applied force with his left elbow, pushing Durant just enough, then smoothly retreated back beyond the arc.
The combination of momentum and subtle contact made it impossible for Durant to keep up.
Chen Yan now relied not only on skill and talent, but also on experience.
He knew the referee would not call such inconspicuous contact.
Durant knew it too, so he could only silently watch Chen Yan shoot from beyond the arc.
Chen Yan pulled up immediately after retreating, relying purely on feel.
There was not much time for him to aim on this fast break 3 pointer.
"Swish!"
A shot straight through the heart.
The net rippled.
10 to 9.
Durant felt frustrated when he saw the score.
He had started so well and kept scoring, yet the lead had been cut down almost instantly.
Team USA possession.
After several passes, Iguodala received an open look on the perimeter.
He pulled up for a 3 point attempt.
Missed.
The biggest problem with Dream Team 9 was its shooting ability, especially from the perimeter.
Apart from Durant and Billups, the other starters were not consistent outside shooters.
This was Team USA's greatest weakness, and it was something China could exploit.
Before the game, Jonas had repeatedly emphasized collapsed defense. If Dream Team 9 had a cold shooting night, they might very well shoot themselves out of the game.
The ball bounced high off the backboard, giving Dream Team 9 enough time to get back on defense.
China entered a half court set.
This time, Yao Ming did not call for the ball in the low post. Instead, he moved to the high post to screen for Sun Dasheng.
Sun Dasheng drove left with the ball.
Team USA switched quickly and did not give him a chance to break down the defense.
Sun Dasheng made a wide pass from outside the paint to Chen Yan.
The pass was excellent, and to some extent, it also showed Sun Dasheng's court vision.
Chen Yan received the ball, first faked a step to the left, then dribbled with his right hand and drove inside.
Chen Yan handled this possession very simply, but his fake was decisive and realistic enough to fool Iguodala.
The moment Chen Yan drove in with the ball, Iguodala lost his balance and slipped straight to the floor.
Chen Yan entered the paint.
Yi Jianlian cleverly backed into Durant, boxing him out.
Chandler was still at the top of the arc and could not protect the rim.
Dream Team 9's paint was completely empty.
The Chinese fans in the stands rose to their feet together.
Chen Yan's showtime had arrived.
Chen Yan accelerated and took a powerful step.
Just as he was about to reach his highest point, Chen Yan twisted his body and completed a reverse dunk.
It was not a regular reverse dunk.
It was a spinning reverse dunk.
11 to 10.
Chen Yan had not only displayed his leaping ability, he had also given China the lead.
Dream Team 9 head coach Coach K called timeout.
At that moment, he could not think of a better solution than stopping the game.
.....
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