Link continued his off-ball movement. This time, through two single screens, he forced TJ Ford to endure two physical bumps while chasing him. By the second delay, it was clear Ford couldn't keep up.
"Switch!"
"Switch!"
The Blazing Rose Team's coach shouted loudly from the sidelines.
Travis Outlaw, serving as the team's Power Forward, hurriedly went to chase Link.
This poor man's version of Kevin Garnett lunged out. Link had space to shoot, but he didn't take it himself. Instead, he fired a straight-line bullet pass. With a 'whoosh,' the ball went directly to Josh Smith under the basket.
Looking at the sub-180cm TJ Ford in front of him, Josh Smith rose up directly for a powerful dunk.
Boom! The rim buzzed from the force of the dunk.
Having felt somewhat frustrated today, he didn't forget to give the rim a forceful tug.
"Nice pass!"
"That pass was so timely."
"Yeah, it was sent out almost the instant the opportunity appeared for Josh Smith under the basket."
...
...
Link's off-ball offense wasn't just a pure shooter's catch-and-shoot; he would read and observe the game.
At the same time...
The 198cm Link could also use drives to the rim after catching the ball to further tear apart the opponent's defensive formation.
Receiving a pass from Bosh near the elbow of the free-throw line, Link looked at the hurriedly arriving and off-balance TJ Ford. He feigned a shot to throw off the opponent's center of gravity, then put the ball down, stayed low, and drove past him.
The white number 50 player defending Link tried to provide help defense. Link waited until he had completely left Bosh's side before performing a 'moon-watching' look-back pass to Bosh at the free-throw line. The latter caught the ball and hit an open mid-range jumper.
81 to 76!
The Dream Chasing Warriors Team's lead reached 5 points. At this moment, there were 2 minutes and 19 seconds left in the game.
Theoretically, the Blazing Rose Team still had a chance to come back, and a significant one at that. However, the Dream Chasing Warriors Team was now leading not just in score, but also in momentum.
...
...
"That's pretty much it!"
"Yeah."
"I didn't expect this kid from China to actually have an off-ball offensive game."
"It's a pity his running and jumping talent is a bit lacking, otherwise... major NCAA schools would be fighting tooth and nail for him."
Through his individual performance, Link left a deep impression on the various media reporters present.
As for the NCAA scouts, they once again adjusted Link's future ceiling in their hearts.
"Go have a good talk with him tonight," Rodney Terry, the head coach of the University of Texas, instructed the assistant coach beside him.
"Alright, Coach." The assistant coach also showed a smile at this time.
The UCLA scout, who had been following Link from the beginning, noticed the "predatory" looks other competitors were giving Link and felt it was necessary for UCLA's coaching staff to personally visit the ABCD Training Camp.
Otherwise...
A kid like Link would eventually belong to someone else.
...
...
Beep!
The game ended.
88 to 82!
Trailing by 1 point at halftime, the Dream Chasing Warriors Team successfully activated their offense in the second half through Link's off-ball play.
Link finished with the game's second-highest totals of 24 points, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound. In the second half, he shot 8-for-11, and his highly efficient catch-and-shoot play became the focus of the media after the game.
There were 21 media outlets of various sizes attending the scene. After the whistle blew, 11 of them rushed toward Link.
This was the first time Link experienced the feeling of being the "center of attention" at the ABCD Training Camp; before this, he had basically been ignored.
There were 5 media outlets interviewing Chris Bosh.
4 for TJ Ford.
Only 1 each for Josh Smith and Travis Outlaw.
"Link, can you evaluate your opponent—TJ Ford?" a media reporter asked.
"Lightning fast. He's the fastest player I've ever encountered, bar none. As you saw, he can easily break through my defense." This was clearly Link's style.
He rarely belittled opponents he had defeated, mainly offering praise.
Of course...
This wasn't just modesty; it also carried a strong hint of humblebragging.
You are very strong, but you're still no match for me.
That was the impression Link's answer gave the reporters.
"Chris, you and Link are high school teammates. Regarding his game tonight... do you have anything to say?" nearby, a reporter interviewing Bosh asked.
"It's normal. Link is a guy who plays with his brain. He can not only organize with the ball but also help the team on the off-ball end. Clearly, the outside world has somewhat underestimated him." Bosh naturally wouldn't miss an opportunity to hype up Link.
During TJ Ford's interview, Link was also mentioned. He said: "Although he doesn't jump high or run fast, his build is very sturdy, giving him a clear advantage at the Point Guard position. At the same time, he possesses unexpected shooting ability. I look forward to facing him next time."
Despite losing, TJ Ford showed considerable grace and acknowledged Link's strength.
When some reporters finished interviewing the players, they headed toward the head coaches of both sides.
"Link is a heavily underestimated player."
"Also, he isn't very old. If I remember correctly, he just turned 17, and his body is still in the developmental stage..."
"As veteran sports media members, you should know that many players undergo a transformation in their athletic talent at this age."
"And I believe Link is one of them."
The Dream Chasing Warriors Team's head coach, Chris Grant, spoke.
"Ah!"
"What?"
Grant's words surprised the reporters on the scene.
Some even felt Grant was joking.
"No way, did you guys really not notice... Link's Explosiveness is much faster than when he first arrived at the camp?" Grant frowned.
At this, some reporters couldn't help but laugh out loud.
To this, Grant only gave a speechless roll of his eyes but didn't explain further.
As a head coach, although Grant's basketball tactics and on-court adjustments were quite poor, he had keen observation. He truly discovered that Link's athletic talent was awakening.