NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 460 Real-world dunk from the free-throw line

A dunk from the free-throw line in a real game! Jia Fei's dunk would be a perfect score even in a dunk contest, let alone in a real game. Moreover, he didn't seem to be struggling to complete the dunk from the free-throw line; he even had some energy left. In other words, if it were below the line, his take-off point could have been moved a tiny bit further back.

Jia Fei's dunk dealt a heavy blow to the Hornets fans in attendance. This explosive performance, especially by an opposing player, brought not surprise, but silence to the home crowd. Was the other player good? Absolutely! But the problem is, it's their player, and this is our court—that's just awkward…

After completing his dunk, Jia Fei returned to defense, smiling at both Steve Jordan, who was chewing gum on the sidelines, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was guarding him. There was no trash talk, no provocation, just a faint smile.

But sometimes a silent smile is more effective, more deadly. Jordan chewed his gum faster, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's cheeks puffed out; for a moment, he even resembled Dwyane Wade.

Art Mayork excitedly high-fived Jia Fei, 40:49, the 20-point difference had been narrowed to single digits!

"Teacher Ma, Jia Fei is so cool! He actually dunked from the free-throw line in a real game!" Wang Zixing was so excited that he almost jumped off his chair. Luckily, he remembered that he was a host and not a fanatic fan.

Ma Jian, being older, appeared much calmer: "You don't need to worry about Jia Fei's performance. Back-to-back games won't affect him. If he wants to score, no one in this league can stop him."

Hornets coach Clifford on the sidelines looked helpless. You can't blame the players for that kind of play; the opponent is just too good. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's defense wasn't the problem; getting fooled by the fakes doesn't necessarily mean his defense is bad, but rather that the fakes were incredibly convincing. Most importantly, Jia Fei is indeed very accurate from three-point range. If Westbrook or Rondo made that move, you wouldn't care; just defend against drives and passes, let him shoot you to death—he doesn't have that ability.

Coach Buden wore a satisfied and happy expression. Having a Gundam in hand was truly invaluable. Since Jia Fei left, he had led the team through countless battles in the Eastern Conference, and many nights when the team was trailing, he felt utterly powerless and alone. But since joining the Clippers in the Western Conference this season and reuniting with Jia Fei, that confident and grounded feeling had returned. It's like having a hundred million in your pocket, walking into a small bar, and of course, you can loudly announce to the men and women there, "Tonight, it's on me!"

Kemba Walker dribbled over with a serious expression. The 20-point lead was gone in an instant. As the team leader, he had a responsibility on his shoulders, especially since the owner was watching the game today. He couldn't let the opponent turn the game around so easily. This was our home court!

He controlled the ball at the edge of the penalty area, controlling the rhythm, calm and collected. He needed to stay calm; scoring was the priority, stabilizing the situation was paramount. Completely containing Jia Fei was unrealistic; his good friend knew all too well just how strong Jia Fei was.

Dwight Howard kept calling for the ball in the paint; he wanted to be the savior too! Just because Kaminsky couldn't out-steal Art Mayok doesn't mean I can't. Give me the ball, create some space! The man who could be traded one-for-one for Running Man back in the day is back!

Kemba Walker actually dislikes Warcraft. It's 7102 already, and he still thinks he's a superstar? Back-to-the-basket moves, you didn't even figure them out in your prime, now that you're old and your body is declining, you've suddenly figured it out?

But he just came on and was so eager to get into position for one-on-one shots, it wouldn't be right not to give him the opportunity. The Hornets' current problem is that the team is severely lacking in primary scorers. Batum is a supporting player, his offense is piecemeal and he can't really force a shot. You have to worry when Michael Kidd-Gilchrist takes a shot. Marvin Williams is becoming more and more like a role player, he has forgotten that he was once a prodigy and is becoming more and more like a role player with little presence.

The Hornets brought in the old Warcraft in the hope that he could be rejuvenated, or at least have a brief resurgence. As for expecting him to return to his peak, that's a bit of wishful thinking.

After all, for players who rely on their physical abilities, their performance declines rapidly after the age of 30.

Kemba Walker lobbed the ball to Dwight Howard, who caught it and instantly felt he had the opportunity to become the team's leader. "Nobody else can do it, but I can! You'll never underestimate me again! Who says I'm only good for pick-and-rolls and finishing plays? Who says a dominant center has no place in today's small-ball era? Who said that?"

Dwight Howard received the ball with his back to Art Mayork, then turned and sat back inside.

Art Mayok is very physical, lowering his center of gravity to contest plays. After training with Jia Fei, he watched a lot of game footage and became very familiar with the playing styles of major NBA players. Dwight Howard's low-post technique is very rough; he only has a few basic moves. His so-called low-post footwork is really just about shoving his way to the basket for a dunk. It's hardly "dream footwork"; many domestic Chinese centers with solid floor-style footwork look much better than him.

In his youth, Dwight Howard could dominate the rim with his strong upper body and explosive jumping ability. Although his jumping ability is still very good now, it is not as good as it was in his peak. He has maintained a good physique and has not gained weight. He is still very muscular, but the back injury from back then still affects his explosiveness. In addition, he has not developed good lower body strength over the years, which makes it really difficult for him to deal with if the opponent lowers their center of gravity and locks his lower body.

Art Mayork's strategy is to lock down Dwight Howard's lower body. Want to turn around and shoot? Go ahead! But want to squeeze in for a dunk? You'll have to crush me!

Dwight Howard can't break through! His lower body strength is a major weakness! He hasn't developed a hook shot or a turnaround jumper over the years. Everyone says Howard only knows the "iron-blooded jump shot," but he actually has a basket.

Warcraft was getting impatient because he couldn't squeeze in, so he used his elbow to clear a path and knocked Art Mayok down!

Art Mayork was really tough; even after being elbowed so hard he saw stars, he didn't back down an inch.

"Beep beep beep—" The referee's whistle blew—Offensive foul!

The monster held the ball in one hand, a puzzled smile on his face, looking at the referee, wondering why he had committed a foul.

"Ate, are you alright?" Jia Fei saw that Art Mayork had been elbowed and immediately went over to ask!

"I'm fine!" Art Mayork laughed. "The ball is ours now!"

"Yes, that's right!" Jia Fei said, patting him on the shoulder.

The Hornets fans in the arena started booing. Some booed Art Mayok for being pretentious, while others booed Dwight Howard for being unreliable. "Damn, you can't even beat Art Mayok, no wonder the Hawks don't want you anymore."