Michael Jordan, who didn't actively attack much in the first quarter, completely unleashed his offensive firepower against Vince Carter in the second quarter. After a crossover step, even if he didn't completely shake off his opponent, Michael Jordan could still finish with a layup after contact. Michael Jordan could also drive halfway and pull up for a jump shot, or even a fadeaway turnaround jumper.
Furthermore, The Dream, whose stamina could only last 15 minutes, played 9 minutes in the first quarter, meaning he would rest for the entire second quarter. This further weakened the Raptors' defense.
Watching Michael Jordan, still with his graceful style, go head-to-head with Vince Carter on the court, the score didn't close quickly, but the deficit remained at 5-8 points. Moreover, Michael Jordan's offensive state was getting better and better; only on the defensive end was he struggling a bit, after all, he was older.
Doug Collins was therefore not in a hurry to let Link play immediately. After all, the team was currently missing Christian Laettner, a high-quality inside pivot, and Link had a heavy burden on the offensive end. As for Zach Randolph, although he also had some playmaking, it wasn't much, and he was completely not on the same level as the veteran heartthrob Christian Laettner.
"Mr. Doug, let me guard Vince Carter later!" Link came to Doug Collins' side and volunteered.
Doug Collins was slightly surprised. Vince Carter was the Raptors' offensive spearhead, an absolute offensive hub, with most tactics revolving around Carter; and when Link first entered the league, he often needed teammates to cover for him on defense. However, as the season progressed, Link's defensive influence had visibly improved.
But wanting to guard Vince Carter, isn't that a bit difficult? Vince Carter, in the prime of his career, was not Scottie Pippen, who was 34 and had suffered a major injury.
"Alright, Link, I believe you can do it." Doug Collins thought for a moment before agreeing.
Although Doug Collins knew that Link would most likely not be able to guard Vince Carter, this was a necessary path for growth, just consider it tuition. Of course, encouragement was still needed, and trust was still needed.
With 6 minutes and 11 seconds left in the second quarter, the Washington Wizards were trailing 44-40. Doug Collins called a timeout. Hamilton and Tyronn Lue were substituted out, and the five players remaining on the court were: Link, Michael Jordan, Gerald Wallace, Randolph, and Haywood.
The Raptors, on the other hand, brought back their starting lineup.
On the Raptors' offense, Carter noticed that his defensive matchup had changed, no longer Michael Jordan, and a relaxed expression appeared on his face. Link, with his keen insight and sharp observation, saw this and said with great displeasure, "Buddy, your show ends here."
Vince Carter was slightly stunned, but before he could say anything, Link continued, "Next, I'll stick to you like glue!"
Carter smiled and said, "rookie, I hope you can do it!"
Carter immediately reached out for the ball at the 45-degree angle outside the left-wing Three-Point Shot line, seemingly intending to go one-on-one and teach Link a lesson. Link was secretly delighted by this; if Carter used Off-Ball Movement, he, being 25cm taller, would find it difficult to effectively get around screens and catch up to him.
But if it was a one-on-one, Link was full of confidence.
After receiving the ball, Carter made a triple-threat jab step, but Link barely fell for fakes. Carter had no choice but to rely on his explosiveness. Carter's first step wasn't particularly fast, mainly because his ball-handling skills were somewhat lacking, the worst among the four shooting guards.
In terms of jumping ability, Carter was a tier above Kobe, but in terms of ball-handling Speed and dribbling combos, he was a tier below Kobe. Carter's first step didn't immediately shake off Link's defense. After the second step, he tried to use strength to push him away. While moving, he could indeed lean on Link and drive two steps, but before reaching the basket, he was almost forced to stop by Link. "Heh!" Link deliberately let out a cold laugh to provoke Carter's emotions and make him make an unreasonable offensive choice.
I have to say... "no moves are better than moves" is really true. Link didn't say anything, just sneered twice, and Carter couldn't take it anymore. He directly went for a fadeaway turnaround jumper, using his shoulder to bump Link before jumping, preventing him from jumping immediately. But Link's long arms and Explosiveness still played a role.
"Rebound!"
"Rebound!"
The moment the basketball left Carter's fingertips, Link shouted loudly, reminding his teammates to protect the Defensive Rebound in time.
"Shit!" Seeing his bricked shot secured by Haywood, Carter gritted his teeth. Of course, this didn't delay Carter's transition defense. Carter was sticking very close, and Haywood didn't have Christian Laettner's long-Passing ability, so he could only settle for giving the ball to Michael Jordan.
"What? Is this guy crazy?" Carter, who was guarding Link tightly without the ball, was very surprised. This guy wasn't staying honestly outside the Three-Point Shot line but was moving towards the basket. On the court, both teams' big men had just crossed mid-court. Outside the arc at the top of the key, Michael Jordan was facing Peterson's defense. Michael Jordan made a fake move and then lobbed the ball to Link on the other side of the right wing, in the mid-to-low post.
Carter, who chose to front-guard, felt a surge of power when Link received the ball. Immediately after, Link exerted force and backed down a step, pushing Carter back a step. Link was stronger than Carter in terms of strength, weight, and height, and his ball-handling skills were also sufficient. Carter definitely couldn't withstand Link's initial hard drive, but... Link's second drive would be difficult to push away the 102kg Vince Carter.
Link, still about 2 meters from the hoop, didn't continue to drive hard. Instead, he pivoted on his right foot, made a right-hand reverse turn, and used a drop step, simultaneously pushing Carter away and facing the basket directly. However, Peterson, who was guarding Michael Jordan, and Alvin Williams, who was guarding Gerald Wallace, both rushed behind Link.
"Hoo!" Director Zhang of Tianchao Sports' commentary studio couldn't help but exclaim.
Link's semi-transition offense actually attracted three defenders, which meant that Michael Jordan and Gerald Wallace were both wide open. Link changed his mind at the last minute, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, and directly threw the ball to Gerald Wallace behind him.
Uh... in terms of shooting percentage, Michael Jordan was definitely better than Gerald Wallace, but at this time, Hakeem Olajuwon and Antonio Davis had already retreated to near the Three-Point Shot line and were both in Michael Jordan's area. The Raptors fans present couldn't help but exclaim at this moment, "Wow!" This pass was too stable, accurate, and ruthless, too artistic! After Gerald Wallace received the ball, "Swish!" A Three-Point Shot went in!!!