Link began his isolation play 3 minutes and 1 second into the third quarter.
After receiving the ball, if the opponent didn't close in immediately, he would directly pull up for a jump shot.
After receiving the ball, if the opponent closed in immediately but had poor defensive positioning, failing to Block the driving lane, he would immediately dribble and drive forcefully.
After receiving the ball, if the opponent not only closed in immediately but also had good defensive positioning, Link would utilize his triple threat.
"Oh... no..."
"Unbelievable!"
"This is Link's fifth make."
"4 made shots, 1 driving score; in the past four minutes, Link scored 1 point after another, leading the team on a 12-3 run, directly forcing Duncanville High School to call a timeout."
The Fox Sports commentator couldn't help but exclaim.
"This is terrifying. I think if Link switched to shooting guard, he might be the next super shooting guard."
"Also, have you noticed, Miss Sophia seems happy about Link's scoring too."
Another commentator laughed.
At this moment, Fox Sports was broadcasting Sophia Clarke's subtle expressions.
Before the end of the first half, the live commentator mentioned that Link's offensive desire tonight wasn't strong, and it would probably be difficult for him to get Miss Sophia Clarke's first kiss. When the camera focused on her then, she didn't react immediately, and there was even a hint of worry on her face.
It seemed she really wanted Link to get 5+ and give him her first kiss.
And just now... when Link continuously scored, Sophia also subconsciously cheered along with the fans.
Is this the legendary — hating to the extreme is love?
...
...
After the timeout, the opposing head coach still wanted to test Link's one-on-one ability.
Unlike before the timeout, the opponent's defense was closer, indicating they didn't intend to let Link shoot.
Link's driving threat seemed much lower than his shooting threat, but clearly... this was a mistaken perception.
After Link's triple threat, facing a defender weaker than him in strength, he directly drove with his first step. However, the opponent's Speed was indeed fast, making it easy for them to keep him entangled in subsequent drives. For this, Link skillfully used a hop step.
A hop step can shift defensive positioning, but the difficulty lies in the body contact with the opponent during the hop, making it hard to maintain balance upon landing and execute subsequent attacking moves. After acquiring the [Hop Step Master] badge, Link, after a hop step, could not only go for a bank shot directly but also hop sideways to create space for a shot.
The opponent's adjustments during the timeout did not affect Link's scoring efficiency.
Link, who had 16 points in the first half, had already scored 18 points in just one quarter of the third. By the end of the first three quarters, Link's personal score reached 34 points.
...
...
In the stands, there were NBA scouts who came to watch the game.
This time, in addition to the Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves, there were also the New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Seattle SuperSonics.
"This kid playing in the High School League is like an adult bullying a child, especially in Texas where the overall strength is weaker."
"Yes. However, this kid's adjustment Speed is really fast. After being double-teamed on a ball-handling offense, he adopted the shooting guard's playstyle. The opponent didn't expect this kid could really play shooting guard, and in fact... I think he has a more promising future playing shooting guard."
"More promising playing shooting guard?"
"Well, his Speed is too slow for a point guard, he simply can't adapt to the NBA. But if he swings up to the shooting guard or small forward positions, he can establish himself in the NBA with his shooting and defense."
"That's true, but I still think Link is more suitable as a point guard. His defensive shortcomings can be covered by the team's defensive system. Also, he's only a little over 17 years old, and his body is still developing."
"I think he really pairs well with KG!"
The Minnesota Timberwolves' scouting team was debating about Link at this moment.
...
...
The game entered the fourth quarter.
Sophia Clarke, the leader of the anti-fans, clenched her fists, held her breath, and watched Link on the court with full concentration.
At this moment...
With one quarter left, can Link really get 5+?
He needs 16 points in a single quarter!
That's probably very difficult, after all, his third quarter was too accurate, only missing 2 shots.
For high school players, maintaining such high-efficiency touch consistently is undoubtedly a very difficult thing.
"Bah, what am I thinking?"
"Hmph, it would be better if he didn't get 50+ in a single game..."
"Bah, I don't want to give him my first kiss!"
Soon, Sophia Clarke realized the seriousness of the matter, quickly shook her head, throwing these foolish thoughts into the Atlantic, and at the same time, the girl's face instantly turned red.
...
...
Maintaining a hot hand throughout the game is indeed not an easy feat for a star high school player.
But for Link, who possesses the personality badge — [Reapers Scythe], it is a certainty.
Every time he makes a mid-range shot, his mid-range shot resistance to interference increases.
In addition...
Link also activated Player Takeover.
[Dominance Moment — Sharpshooter] Lv1.
Then the upcoming fourth quarter will be hunting season!!!
"OMG!"
"OMG!"
The live commentator was so shocked by Link's contested shot that he cried out to God.
Friends who often watch action movies know.
YES, is just okay, with a hint of perfunctoriness.
OMG, is a direct hit to the soul.
However...
Link's madness was not limited to this.
Link went completely wild with his shooting during the 2-minute Dominance Moment.
Crazy isolation play!
Shoot as soon as he got the ball!
Even if the defender was a Power Forward with height and long arms, he dared to shoot over them.
...
...
After the "Dominance Moment" ended, Link's efficiency declined somewhat, but with the Reapers Scythe in hand, he remained unstoppable.
In the first half, Link organized and connected the team, allowing everyone to contribute.
In the second half, Link used his personal ability, swinging the Reapers Scythe until it smoked, and he alone defeated the opponent.
To use the words of online novels from his previous life — terrifying as such!!!
As for 50 points...
Link had already reached it at 5 minutes and 58 seconds in the fourth quarter.
And by the end of the game, Link's score had reached 61 points.
He achieved a career-high score.
The final whistle sounded.
The more than four thousand fans in attendance spontaneously chanted "MVP."
...
...
61 points, 13 assists, 10 rebound, 4 Steals, 1 Block, a terrifying large triple-double.
And Sophia Clarke also fulfilled her promise after the game.
Sophia, a 178cm tall Caucasian beauty, dressed in a uniform and high heels, walked towards Link on the court with hesitant and shy steps.
"Damn it... damn it..."
"Bastard..."
Sophia was filled with shame and annoyance, but also vaguely felt some inexplicable happiness?
"He... is a gentleman and a decent person according to the media... he shouldn't disgustingly stick out his tongue," Sophia thought to herself.
The entire crowd cheered and egged them on.
Under the gaze of over 400 people and with the pushing of his teammates, Link, looking embarrassed, accepted Sophia's "first kiss."
"Wow!"
"Wow!"
"Wow!"
The moment their lips touched, it was as if an electric current shot through Sophia's heart. She had intended to give a perfunctory peck, but at that moment... her mind went blank, until Link took an inch and stuck out his tongue.
Sophia then pushed him away, looking at Link with some anger.
Then, Sophia suppressed the anger in her heart and turned to leave.
"Ding, the Host has triggered a random mission — This is Dominance!"
"Mission Reward: 500 Goat Points; random All-Star sparring partner card x1."
[Goat Points: 820/5,520]
...
...
The next day.
Link's 60+ large triple-double was widely reported by various media outlets.
And what shocked the fans the most was...
Link became the first high school student to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
The title was — "The Chosen One."
The cover image showed Link taking a shot against two defenders during the semifinals of the Final Four, his gaze still firm.
Additionally, in the bottom left corner, there was a small picture.
It was Link and Sophia Clarke's kiss-time.