After Link cut into the paint, Terry was completely mismatched in terms of size, physique, and strength. If it weren't for Link's 'dunk addiction' acting up, it would have been four consecutive makes.
After pushing Terry aside, he attempted a dunk, but was unfortunately blocked by Nazr Mohammed.
Uh... Mohammed's Block ability is very poor, averaging less than 0.7 Blocks per game. In other words, Link allowed him to achieve more than a game's worth of Block quota.
Having learned his lesson, Link controlled his 'dunk addiction' well, opting for layups whenever possible instead of dunks.
Although Terry could catch up to Link's cuts, he could only watch helplessly as Link pushed him aside and completed a layup.
Of course, the Hawks would also try to limit Link's receiving of the ball by collapsing their defense and double-teaming. But this would turn Laettner, who possesses accurate mid-range shooting and playmaking abilities, into a weaker version of Nikola Jokic.
"Link, I love you to death!" During the first quarter's rotation, Link and Laettner were substituted out simultaneously. At this moment, Laettner walked with his arm around Link's shoulder, shouting passionately.
Laettner, who achieved fame at a young age, was a super talent during his NCAA years, winning two consecutive NCAA championships and an MOP, and was selected for Dream Team I. He was the third overall pick in '92, but his career did not live up to expectations after entering the NBA.
He was considered an overrated player.
Now, in the late stage of his career, he seems to be ushering in a second spring.
Link and his hand-off cooperation were extremely tacit, like a two-man game. For a guard, it's not just about being tall to perfectly execute a 'hand-off cooperation'; it requires the ability to read the defense, flexible off-ball movement, and excellent ball-handling skills.
"Brother, calm down, otherwise... it's easy to cause misunderstandings." Link looked at Laettner, who seemed eager to kiss him, and couldn't help but laugh wryly.
...
...
As the game entered the second half, Laettner continued to play alongside Link.
On the court, Link, halfway through his run, noticed the defense collapsing early. Mohammed, the Hawks' inside player, wanted to collapse into the paint prematurely to intercept Laettner's Passing to Link. At this moment, Link suddenly popped out to the right wing's elbow area.
Terry was also a half-step slow. After Link received the ball, he immediately lowered his center of gravity and drove, attracting Rahim's defense. With eyes in the back of his head, he passed the ball back to Laettner, who made a mid-range shot.
59 to 5, the Wizards led by 9 points. Although Link currently only had 12 points, he was 6 for 8, only missing one shot besides the blocked dunk.
"The rhythm is really good, boss!" Larry Drew laughed.
"Mm." Doug Collins nodded.
"Boss, I've found that Link... he's truly a versatile player, as if he comes with his own offensive system. Whether he's with Laettner, Jarred Vanderbilt, or Brendan Haywood, he can fully bring out their advantages." Larry Drew praised Link to the skies.
"Haha, of course. Link, before he entered the NBA, he was hailed as a Chosen One."
"Even though our NBA sky is filled with people, Link... will undoubtedly be that shining star."
Doug Collins was extremely satisfied with Link.
Link made another successful cut for a score, and also drew a defensive foul from Jason Terry.
"Damn rookie, aren't you a guard? Do you only rely on physical advantages? Where's your technique?" Terry, who had been continuously bullied by Link, was furious.
"Brother, I actually don't want to have such a strong body..." Link spread his hands, saying with a helpless expression.
But just as Link was immersed in showing off, the Hawks suddenly launched a fast break...
"Link, stop posing... hurry back on defense!!!" Michael Jordan, seeing the Hawks about to go 5-on-4, quickly shouted at Link.
...
...
On offense, Link could practically devour Jason Terry alive.
But on defense, facing the incredibly fast Jet, he also struggled.
Terry used a crossover dribble to shake off Link's long-armed defense and hit a Three-Point Shot, bringing the score to 80 to 75, trailing by 5 points. The Wizards' overall defense was actually quite good, however, at this stage, Michael Jordan had not truly re-adapted to NBA games.
No... to be precise, he wasn't quite used to playing NBA games with a 38-year-old body. The distribution of Stamina was quite unreasonable, which also led to a significant difference in the team's defensive efficiency between the first and second halves.
In a semi-transition offense, Terry used a sudden stop-and-go rhythm, a sudden change of direction, and with a "thump!" sound, Link, who was fully focused on defending him, was faked to the ground. Immediately after, the Jet flew in for a layup.
"Wow..."
"Wow..."
"Haha, this big guy was faked out by our Jet like a dog eating shit."
The Hawks' home commentator mocked, and the live fans and Hawks' bench players also joined in the jeering.
Jason Terry glanced sideways at Link.
Michael Jordan, however, immediately came to Link's side, pulled him up, and patted his butt, comforting him like an older brother: "rookie, defending seriously is nothing to be ashamed of."
If it were any other rookie, they would be immensely grateful for Jordan's words at this moment, but after this period of interaction, Link had a full understanding of Michael Jordan's character.
"Michael, if I'm not mistaken, you're currently 4 points ahead of me," Link said, showing no appreciation.
"Hmph, you annoying rookie..." Jordan cursed in annoyance, but his eyes were full of smiles. Jordan especially loved competition, and not just in basketball.
At this point, with 6 minutes left in the game, the Washington Wizards had a 6-point lead, but it wasn't secure. Link had 22 points, and Jordan had 18 points.
Link, whose Stamina was gradually failing, felt his body becoming heavy, and Terry's Speed was indeed fast... that's why Link was faked out.
And this scene...
Would clearly become major NBA news tonight.
Link tried multiple times to get his revenge in the next 6 minutes, but Terry, with his low center of gravity and fast Speed, wasn't fooled.
With 1 minute and 9 seconds left in the game, the Wizards were on a semi-transition offense. Link drove with the ball, lowering his center of gravity to drive to Terry's left. Terry's reaction wasn't slow; he anticipated the driving route, but Link forcefully squeezed past him. At the same time, Link's ball-handling hand subtly applied a bit of hidden force, and with a "thump!" sound, Terry instantly fell backward. The next moment, Link rushed to the basket and completed a 'low-altitude power dunk'.
"Wow..."
"Wow..."
The fans in the arena were stunned.
Jason Terry was actually faked out by the big man?
However, only Terry himself knew this grievance. After picking himself up, he complained to the referee.
"From my perspective, I didn't see what you're talking about..." the referee said.
"Brother, you're terrible... like a crying child going home to complain to mommy." Link even made a crying face, wiping away tears, at Jason Terry.
"Damn rookie..." Terry cursed, laughing in exasperation. But at the same time, Terry also understood that Link, this high school number one draft pick, was not only hard to bully, but also as tough as the players from the 90s.
...
...
The game ended with Link getting 26 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 Steal.
A standard 25+5+5!
Tonight's rebounds, although Link activated the Rebound Maniac's Dominance Moment, his luck was average. The rebound spots were relatively far from him, making it difficult to get there immediately.
Of course...
From the perspective of others, such as the Hawks' star inside player Rahim, he felt that Link was very lucky... always grabbing rebounds three steps in front of him.