in2ebook Chapter 681: No surprises! And there can't be any more surprises!
Chapter 681: No surprises! And there can't be any more surprises!
"It's over! Barbie is Q!"
The moment the basketball pierced the net, Lakers fans were plunged into despair.
"Beep!"
Coach Phil Jackson had to call a timeout.
With only 13.4 seconds left and a 5-point deficit, how could they possibly catch up? How could they possibly win?!
Phil Jackson was completely panicked.
Kobe remained silent, his face ashen.
Paul's body trembled slightly, an involuntary tremor born of fear of losing the championship.
In his first year playing with Kobe, he made it to the NBA Finals.
This is a remarkable achievement.
But now that they've reached the finals, they're not far from the championship.
He collapsed here.
It's really a bit disheartening to fail like this!
Of course I'm not willing to accept this.
Phil Jackson tried to calm his racing heart and keep himself from collapsing, then immediately reassured his teammates:
"Guys, we still have a chance. We still have a chance. First, quickly grab a three-pointer, then double-team the Knicks and force them to make a mistake. That will create an opportunity."
It really doesn't work.
Then foul them, send them to the free-throw line, and gamble that they'll miss. We'll still have a chance.
because……
On offense, Kobe will definitely score; we have an unstoppable offensive player.
We will definitely win the game.
Let's bring the Finals to Game 6, back to our home court.
Go, go, go!
I believe you can do it!
The coach enthusiastically encouraged the team members.
At this moment... tactics are no longer important; what matters is belief and self-confidence.
"Ah."
Kobe nodded silently.
He knew the situation was extremely difficult, but he still didn't want to give up, and he absolutely couldn't give up.
But as the coach said...
Two points are not enough; we need three points now.
Not a moment.
Pause back.
The final 13.4 seconds are up for the showdown.
Paul inbounds the ball, Su Yan is watching Kobe, and the other Knicks players are also watching their respective teammates.
Everyone knows it will be Kobe who attacks, as long as the opponent isn't given a direct chance to attack the basket.
The Knicks' defensive strategy was clear: shut down Kobe's two-point shooting and prevent him from getting easy shots.
Su Yan thought so too.
So... when Kobe used a screen to quickly rush out and shoot, reaching the three-point line...
He didn't push too hard, giving them some space.
Paul witnessed this and immediately passed the ball to Kobe, who successfully received it.
13.3 seconds.
13.1 seconds.
Time is passing quickly.
Kobe not only had to score quickly, but also had to race against time.
"Snapped!"
The moment Kobe got the ball, he didn't think twice, and he was also afraid that Su Yan would pounce on him and not give him a chance to shoot a three-pointer.
"Wow!"
Without the slightest hesitation.
Kobe would take the ball and immediately shoot a three-pointer, a really long three-pointer at that.
He absolutely had to hit that three-pointer to keep the team alive.
Su Yan can do it.
He also believed he could do it and was sure he could make that three-pointer.
Only if the shot is made will the team have a chance.
Only by hitting the shot can the series be forced into another game, and only then will there be a possibility of a Game 7 comeback.
He kept telling himself to believe in his three-point shooting.
However... Kobe overlooked one thing: this was Game 5 of the Finals, a do-or-die moment, and the offense at this moment would definitely be under immense pressure.
Everyone must use their best offensive skills to withstand the pressure and score crucial points.
The so-called "key plays" are the result of day after day of training.
Three points?!
Kobe certainly did, and even once had a record of 12 three-pointers in a single game.
But... that doesn't mean it was Kobe's forte.
No.
Three-pointers were never Kobe's strongest offensive weapon, just like... Jordan wasn't good at three-pointers either!