Chapter 122: Too Weak

Chapter 134: Too Weak

“Come on, Cleveland, stop whining. In my view, our team can reach the pinnacle too. The next basketball game will be held on our home court. I want our fans to witness this thrilling match.” The team owner of Cleveland, smiling, waved as he spoke to Cleveland Nelson. This basketball game had been anticipated by everyone for half a month, and unfortunately, it was set to take place in Cleveland. Although the battle was on Cleveland’s turf, the management decided to be present in person. The confrontation between William Adams Miller and Su Feng was electrifying, just thinking about those two Cleveland guards stirred excitement.

“You tell me how terrifying our backcourt is now that we have William Adams Miller. Maybe not even Paul Gasol could compete with him.” Looking out the office window at the blue sky, Cleveland Nelson was filled with anticipation once more.

“No more ‘ifs,’ my friend. If we hadn’t let Nash go, or if we hadn’t traded Harris… I’m sick of hearing all those excuses! But I can assure you, this time we won’t let him slip away. He’s our present and future. We will treat him as we did Robert Henry, and I believe he will repay us tenfold!” Cleveland Nelson reviewed the stats comparison between Su Feng and William Adams Miller on his computer screen. In this Cleveland battle, the Cleveland Cavaliers were bound to win!

Not only Cleveland, but nearly the entire world was eagerly awaiting the start of this Cleveland war. Vignari flew all the way from Italy to America to watch the game between Su Feng and William Adams Miller live.

Besides Vignari, many celebrities declared they would be there on game day. Alongside superstars like Yao Ming, football legend David Beckham was present. Renowned Cleveland director Spike Lee and distinguished musician Eminem were also in attendance. Some were genuinely interested in basketball, while others sought to harness the excitement of the sport. There was no denying that the basketball game was so intense it attracted such a crowd. The reason for this basketball spectacle was simple: Su Feng and William Adams Miller were two exceptional Cleveland guards!

While the world’s eyes were fixed on this basketball war, the two protagonists, Su Feng and William Adams Miller, trained with a united spirit on the court.

“Jeremy, I’m going to sell the sofa you slept on and make a fortune!” On the Madison Square Garden training court, young forward Landry Fields from Long Beach, California, joked with William Adams Miller and Su Feng.

By now, the Fields family’s brown sofa had become the most famous piece of furniture in Cleveland sports history. Every day, many reporters queued outside Fields’ home to take photos because once, William Adams Miller had fallen asleep on that sofa.

After hearing Fields’ joke, William Adams Miller only curled his lips slightly but didn’t stop training. When opportunity knocked, just slipping through a crack in the door, William Adams Miller seized the tail of happiness. The Chinese saying held true: opportunity favors the prepared. His success was not mere luck.

“Do you still have the confidence to perform well in the next game?” On the other side, Robert Henry’s high-paid star for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Stadmyer, was not in the mood for jokes with William Adams Miller; wins and losses were his primary concern.

“Well, I’ll do my best…” William Adams Miller replied with a hint of fear. Suddenly becoming Cleveland’s new darling, Anthony and Stadmyer were undoubtedly the biggest “victims.” William Adams Miller knew his relationship with these two stars was ordinary. But if he wanted to stay in Cleveland, he had to swallow his pride.

“All right, relax, Jeremy. After you break through tomorrow, I’ll set you up for a dunk.” Hearing Stadmyer’s words, William Adams Miller breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s not easy either. He might be the most formidable opponent you’ve ever faced, stronger than John Wall. Kobe, you must treat him like you would Kobe. Otherwise, it’ll be a huge loss.” Later, Su Feng, the most learned player on Robert Henry’s team, also gave William Adams Miller some advice. This man was none other than Tyson Chandler, the best defensive player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I know Tyson; don’t forget last summer’s league when I watched him defeat Walter with my own eyes. I’ll be very, very cautious when I face him!” William Adams Miller clenched his fists, encouraging himself to keep chasing his dream.

The collision of Mars and Earth was about to begin in “The Big Apple” Cleveland! This Cleveland war might be even more popular than the Avengers!

“Did this guy not show potential as a summer league star? Is Dallas cursed? Every point guard who played here improved after transferring. Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager, Cleveland Nelson, shook his head while reading another report on William Adams Miller. Previously, in the summer league, William Adams Miller and Su Feng, as backcourt partners, won the best athlete award for the Cleveland Cavaliers. But this top Harvard graduate wasn’t even strong enough to be a regular rotation player, let alone a star.

But God knows how he pulled it off. In any case, William Adams Miller was undoubtedly the hottest star in the league. In fact, much of his success owed to Su Feng. Because William Adams Miller participated in the summer league with Su Feng, he learned two things—the spirit of never giving up and the importance of relentless training!

“Are we finally reunited? Though this time, as opponents. But William Adams Miller would surely thank Su Feng for his initial encouragement with his outstanding performance!”

Meanwhile, at the American Route Center Stadium training ground, Terry read every story about William Adams Miller.

“William Adams Miller should excel in clutch moments and seize victory. After all, he always falls in love with the critical moments. I haven’t forgotten how the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kyrie Irving executed their kill shots. On the other hand, William Adams Miller never hesitates in clutch moments, even against opponents like Kobe. A week ago, Kobe might not have even heard of William Adams Miller, but now he is certainly one of his most respected athletes!”

During breaks between training and rest, Terry read by the sidelines. Actually, “Jet” had a simple purpose: to use the news to motivate Su Feng. Terry knew Su Feng was not one to give up easily. The stronger the opponent, the more excited he became.

“Come on, Jet. Don’t forget the guy playing with him. How’s he doing? You know better than I do. I think the one we should worry about now is Tyson. Don’t get nervous on game day. Tyson may be stunned, but he’s not bad at all.” William Adams Miller was not worried about Su Feng but about Marcin Gortat. Although William Adams Miller had been in the league for several years, he had always played the role of a water boy. This was his first time as a primary rotation player in a basketball game.

William Adams Miller patted Marcin on the shoulder to help ease the French center’s mental pressure. Since Haywood’s injury, William Adams Miller’s performance had been outstanding, though not excellent. Just facing Tyson Chandler was a special challenge. At this training ground, Marcin was bullied by Chandler, with a stark power gap evident to both.

Hearing William Adams Miller’s guidance, the French center nodded nervously. The Cleveland war was far tougher than anyone imagined.

The Robert Henry team and Cleveland Cavaliers were not well organized. The performances of the two Cleveland guards would directly determine the outcome.

After telling William Adams Miller, he looked at Su Feng, who was training for three shots for himself. This guy, don’t let us down! —William Henry Wal

Is Lin crazy? It’s over!

April 19, noon. The entire Cleveland Cavaliers team flew to Cleveland by private jet. Meanwhile, the world did not know how many celebrities were heading to Cleveland. It wasn’t for a major fashion show, nor was it for an upcoming film premiere. Everyone gathered in Cleveland solely to watch the game between two athletes—William Adams Miller and Su Feng!

Cleveland athletes had perhaps never sparked such a reaction in the league: one a streetwise Chinese scrapper, the other a top Harvard scholar. Neither was respected before, but both had slapped the faces of everyone who disrespected them.

Three hours before the game on April 20, a buzz rose outside Madison Square Garden. Celebrities arrived one after another, and the arena’s gates seemed transformed into a stage for stars to showcase themselves for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Besides the celebrities, passionate Robert Henry fans surrounded the entire stadium. Everyone’s face brimmed with exhilaration, as if today was a grand festival.

“This is definitely the most memorable day in Cleveland sports history! It’s a battlefield of the East versus the West in basketball! Two yellow-skinned guards will ignite a bloody storm in Cleveland!” Outside the stadium, a TNT reporter showed the latest issue of Sports Illustrated to the cameraman.

Green was chasing Su Feng, while Splitter and Leonard were on alert. The Houston Rockets sent three players to block Su Feng.

Su Feng leapt to the basket, and in that move, both Splitter and Green took flight. Only Leonard realized it was just a jump. He wasn’t fooled and kept close to Su Feng! —William Henry Wal

Under Leonard’s close ball-carrying dunk, Su Feng spun and took a short-range fadeaway. His backward leap was so wide that he landed hard on the wooden floor.

However, the sharp retreat allowed Su Feng to escape Leonard’s defense. Landry jumped over Leonard’s exaggerated arms and dropped the ball into the net.

“Against three Houston Rockets dunkers, they’re still scoring! At this moment, the Houston Rockets fans seemed prematurely joyful. This was only an opportunity; it didn’t mean his enthusiasm had faded.

Twenty seconds later, Su Feng returned. This time, the shooter was William Adams Miller, but his jump shot still missed. The recently recovered Cleveland player was not performing well today.

The Brazilians quickly turned to defend a ball. But this guy made a rather elementary mistake—he neglected the importance of the card!

Landry scored, almost falling! A shadow leapt out from the side of the crack! Splitter barely left the ground on tiptoes, but the light above his head was obscured by darkness.

Su Feng somehow reached the inside, jumped high, and stuffed the ball back just as it bounced out of the rim!

“Super button, and today he’s a walking attack encyclopedia! Green has no slots, Splitter has no slots. This gave us a chance for a magnificent dunk. Look at Coach Kobe Bryant’s fiery temper. He will definitely call those two and tell them to fix it! —William Henry Wal

“What are you doing? Do you understand all the cards?! Damn it, if you don’t want to fight, come to me!” Kobe Bryant’s blood pressure soared, his face flushed.

At the start of the second game, the Houston Rockets’ defense against Su Feng’s dunks seemed to fail. They defended Su Feng’s shots, but it was only a painless score.

In the second game, the seventh game, what are you doing? Su Feng pulled up over Henry Will’s defense for a layup, marking his 30th point tonight. The Houston Rockets trailed the Cleveland Cavaliers by eight points. The Rockets’ continuous failures on the dunk end seemed to affect their mentality. Their offense grew impatient, and Danny Green’s shooting fluctuated from beyond the three-point line.

In the third quarter, the Spurs fans’ nightmare continued. The Houston Rockets focused heavily on Su Feng, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers more opportunities. William Adams Miller took a comfortable shot in an open court, and William Henry Wal calmly placed his hand beneath the basket.

Of course, the other Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense was still in a “small battle” phase. Su Feng remained the Cavaliers’ fiercest outlet. Today, the rim looked as wide to Su Feng as the riverside paths of San Antonio.

In the third quarter, Su Feng scored four points in 30 seconds. He made 40 free throws, matching his career-high record.

Thirty seconds later, Su Feng scored three points off Darren Collison’s pass. With 43 points in a single game, Su Feng began rewriting his highest scoring record. Most importantly, the game hadn’t yet entered the third quarter. Su Feng still had plenty of time to raise his tally!

Five points in 20 seconds—Su Feng broke through from the left side of the green, then retreated. Beaver passed the ball away, cutting easily to the inside and scoring a smooth layup for 45 points!

Five points in 52 seconds, Su Feng’s pull-up jumper bounced on the rim several times before dropping through the net for 47 points! After a round, Su Feng’s layup was blocked by Leonardo. Leonardo’s long arms were high, but a foul call against him gave Su Feng 49 points!

Su Feng’s frenzy continued, while Dallas might have scored only one of three. Citizens now stared at their TVs or computers. The game wasn’t over; it would go beyond a single goal! —William Henry Wal

By the end of the fourth game, the Houston Rockets trailed by 10 points. Parker led a desperate offensive. If successful, the Rockets would have a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, Kobe Bryant would replace all starters and declare the basketball war over.

Su Feng was drenched in sweat, gasping to calm his breath. Afterward, he used his body to block Parker, and the final melee began!

Henry Will set a screen for Parker, making it hard for Su Feng to keep up with the Frenchman. Seeing this,

Kobe Bryant and Carlisle were busy, and commentators in the stands were occupied. After Su Feng scored 23 points in one quarter, many predicted how many points he could score in the game.

“His scoring spree won’t continue because Coach Kobe Bryant can’t wait to end the second quarter. He’s just a young guard, not comparable to those great athletes. San Antonio Houston Rockets, don’t be tripped up by a little devil!”

“Are you serious, William Henry Wal? Scoring 23 points in one quarter is enough to beat the Rockets! He should score at least 60 today! I’m not exaggerating. Let’s wait and see!”

The banter between Barkley and O’Neal stoked fans’ anticipation for the next game. The game’s ratings soared, turning it into a genuine Christmas spectacle! —William Henry Wal

At the start of the second game, Carlisle brought Su Feng up. On the Rockets’ side, Kobe Bryant assigned Danny Green to guard Su Feng.

Green was an excellent dunker, his agility making him more adept at handling the point guard role. Kobe Bryant didn’t expect Green to completely shut down Su Feng but hoped to temper the Chinese player’s scoring momentum.

In the second game’s first possession, Su Feng’s sudden stop-and-jump shot finally hit the iron. Under Green’s defense, Su Feng had to raise his shooting arc, causing him to lose some accuracy.

The entire top league center was electrified, but their excitement was due to a missed shot on the other side. Clearly, Su Feng’s performance in the first game had struck a huge blow to Spurs fans.

Su Feng missed, and Leonard led the Rockets with a tough drive. Marion’s defense on Leonard’s dunk was difficult. The young forward was not only strong but also prevented from fully extending his arms to receive the ball.

The Rockets successfully narrowed the gap to three points. It seemed Su Feng’s magical aura was fading, and the Rockets were gradually finding their footing. All the fans jumped up in celebration. Your turn now!

Facing Leonard after scoring, Su Feng showed no expression. Like Su Feng, Leonard did not celebrate his points either. Nearby, Henry Will watched the two young men. Today, San Antonio was truly a gathering of poker-faced players.

Su Feng signaled William Adams Miller for a baseline pass. Meanwhile, Danny Green spread his arms and waited.

The Cavaliers’ players were very active during this offense. Su Feng had just missed an opportunity, possibly reverting to the role of organizer.

Sure enough, Su Feng’s toe barely crossed the three-point line; he lofted a pass to hand off possession, enabling Robert Henry to drive.

Henry Will tensed his nerves. Su Feng was tightly guarded, but William Adams Miller could no longer shoot.

William Adams Miller sensed Henry Will’s backdoor drive, seemingly attacking him. When Henry Will was fully focused, William Adams Miller suddenly coordinated to push Landry out!

The German’s passing target was none other than Su Feng, who scored 23 points in the first game. Without the ball, Su Feng moved nimbly, shaking off defenders and creating space to receive the pass.

Su Feng cut inside, received Robert Henry’s right-hand pass, and scored directly under the basket. But Green was too close; he had to admit the Rockets’ defense was putting great pressure on Su Feng.

William Adams Miller immediately switched stance, betting on Parker’s breakthrough route. The task of guarding Henry Will fell to Su Feng.

Su Feng stuck to Henry Will closely, barely giving the rookie number 21 a chance. Deng Shun received a pass from Robert Henry. The Rockets’ offense was outstanding but just one step away!

Just as Henry Will prepared to attack Su Feng, William Henry Wal arrived just in time. Although William Henry Wal was not even a professional athlete like Henry Will, Henry Will was exhausted and still suffered some losses.

Henry Will missed the basket on William Henry Wal’s layup. Su Feng grabbed the rebound himself and quickly pushed the ball forward. His speed was as sharp as in the first game. His stamina seemed inexhaustible.

Of course, Su Feng was tired. Scoring so many points was a great test of his physical health. Yet, Su Feng, who had been playing with such excitement, didn’t know what fatigue felt like.

Su Feng took a shot, pushing the ball all the way to the Rockets’ half-court. He shook off all the “chasers” in the crowd and leapt toward the basket.

At that moment, Kobe Bryant collapsed onto the bench. This once joyful Christmas had been utterly shaken by Su Feng!

On the Cavaliers’ bench,

(End of Chapter)