novel-bin Chapter 61 A Different Answer
Chapter 61 A Different Answer
He scored 34 points in a single quarter, setting a new single-quarter scoring record. His total of 64 points surpassed that of "Lu Dan" and set a new single-game scoring record for TD Garden, the former holy ground of the NBA.
This is the answer Wang Kai provided in this match.
This response was a rebuttal to the provocations and sarcasm from the extreme fans at the start of the game, as well as to all the doubts and discrimination against Wang Kai.
Less than two hours after the match, with the rise of the internet, Wang Kai's "answer" spread throughout North America and even gradually spread around the world.
A rookie scoring 30 or 40 points in a single game is considered very good, but if a rookie surpasses many legends in a single game, then it can no longer be described as just good.
ESPN calls Wang Kai a "wonder boy," and indeed, his performance can only be described as amazing.
At the post-game press conference, Wang Kai made no attempt to hide his disgust and anger towards some Boston fans when faced with reporters' questions. He even bluntly stated that this game was a response to the behavior of these people.
"Well done, kid, you've surpassed that old gambler. I bet he'll be furious when he finds out he's been overtaken, but he'll probably praise you on the surface while secretly wanting to have a one-on-one match with you."
Kobe inwardly cursed Joe, but at the same time couldn't help feeling a little fortunate—he wouldn't be able to score 81 points until next month, a score that would be hard to surpass. (Unless someone gets 43 free throws in a single game.)
Wang Kai left Boston with glory and victory, and someone is already waiting for him at his next away game.
When news of Wang Kai's 64-point performance spread throughout the NBA, some stars congratulated him, such as Kobe Bryant, who was already in a scoring frenzy, as well as Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, and others. Some stars also expressed their hope to face Wang Kai again and see who had the better scoring ability. Among these people was Allen Iverson.
Since the start of this season, the scoring title race between Kobe and Iverson has been particularly intense, with the two stars, who enjoy the highest status in their respective teams, chasing each other with one scoring performance after another.
However, Iverson's performance in November and early to mid-December was significantly better than Kobe's. Currently, the 76ers have a record of 13 wins and 12 losses, and Iverson is averaging 34.1 points per game, surpassing Kobe's 33.6 points and ranking first on the scoring list.
Before December 20, 2005, Iverson had not had the opportunity to play against Kobe, so when Wang Kai scored 64 points on the night of the 19th, Iverson began to look forward to playing against Wang Kai.
It has to be said that Iverson is actually a very "street-smart" player. His life experiences make him seem very "immature" in his dealings with others, but it is precisely this "immaturity" that attracts the love of countless young fans.
When I was fifteen or sixteen, I liked Sakuragi Hanamichi because of his passion; in my early twenties, I liked Iverson because of his unconventionality; in my mid-twenties, I liked McGrady because of Yao Ming; in my early thirties, I liked Kobe Bryant because of his dedication; and by forty, I liked nothing anymore because of life.
This is probably a typical summary of a Chinese basketball fan born in the 80s about his basketball fan career.
On the evening of the 20th, just as Wang Kai arrived in Philadelphia to prepare for the game against the 76ers the next day, Kobe Bryant once again shocked the entire United States with a performance of 62 points in three quarters at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Perhaps spurred on by Wang Kai's 34 points in a single quarter and 64 points in a single game, or perhaps because he didn't want to be constantly overtaken by Iverson on the scoring list, Kobe completely exploded in the game against the Mavericks.
虽然科比在之前一个多月的比赛中也有很多场次的得分表演，譬如11月20日对阵芝加哥公牛拿下43分、11月27日对阵新泽西网队拿下46分，还有12月12日对阵小牛拿下43分，但三节62分的表现还是震古烁今。
Kobe scored 32 points in the first half. In the first quarter, he made 7 of 8 shots, scoring 15 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. He scored another 17 points in the second quarter. What was truly astonishing was the third quarter, where Kobe scored 30 points, almost breaking Wang Kai's single-quarter scoring record.
With 62 points in three quarters, Kobe's individual score was one point higher than the Mavericks' total score in the first three quarters.
Kobe originally had a chance to set a scoring record in the fourth quarter that would leave everyone speechless, but when the Mavericks substituted all their starters at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the proud Kobe did not return to the court.
"Damn, Kobe, are you that good now? You can easily surpass my 64 points in just a few minutes in the fourth quarter."
"Haha, kid, you still have a lot to learn. 62 points is just a trivial score, which is why I didn't tell you. You need to learn to aim higher. Next month, I will set an 81-point benchmark for you. You have plenty of time to chase that goal."
It must be admitted that Kobe was truly unparalleled in scoring during this period. Putting aside the team's record, Kobe's scoring skills were indeed outstanding. He faced the toughest defensive players in every game, sometimes more than one, and he used mid-range shots, footwork, and frequent drives to the basket to score.
The NBA in this era is in a period before a complete transformation. With the Lakers establishing a dynasty, the Spurs and Pistons engaging in defensive battles, and the Heat rising, the importance of interior players has become particularly prominent. Any defensive role player, if properly promoted, might be able to get a big contract of at least the mid-level exception.
Teams aiming for the playoffs and even the finals are all slowing down their offensive and defensive transitions, reducing the number of offensive and defensive rotations, meticulously ensuring their offensive success rate, and improving their defensive efficiency.
Moreover, teams at this stage don't really value players' shooting ability that much. Not to mention inside players, even for perimeter defensive specialists, as long as you do a good job on defense, it doesn't matter whether you can shoot or not.
Therefore, most forwards and guards like Kobe Bryant practice footwork and consistent shooting under high-intensity pressure, rather than focusing on three-point shooting.
Every era has its own trends and characteristics. As times evolve, the overall level of players' skills and tactics is improving. Those players who transcend their era are truly great.
Kobe was a player who transcended his era; his skills would never be outdated in any future era. It's just that people often only cherish what they have lost or what they have never had.
When Kobe was still playing, people discussed his 81 points, the Lakers' mediocre record, and Kobe's record-breaking number of missed shots. But after Kobe left, people only remembered his 81 points, ignoring what lay behind them. (I've always believed that 81 points from 20 free throws are more valuable than 83 points from 43 free throws.)
When Wang Kai entered the Wachovia Center, he was greeted by boos from local fans as well as cheers from Chinese and Asian fans.
With Wang Kai's record-breaking performance and the media frenzy, more fans have taken notice of this phenomenal rookie from the East. As a result, there were many more Asian fans in the Warriors' away game against the 76ers.
"Hey man, that was a great game, your shooting was spot on."
"You too, Allen, I've watched your games."
Before the game started, Allen Iverson showed his friendliness; he's not the kind of player who would provoke others.
After a brief greeting, the game officially began. Iverson took the lead right from the start. After Dalembert won the jump ball, Iverson got the ball and rushed to the frontcourt at high speed to make a layup.
While Baron Davis had a size advantage, he was far slower than Allen Iverson.
Perhaps spurred on by Wang Kai, or perhaps inspired by Kobe's 62 points in three quarters, Iverson displayed an aggressive game from the start, unlike his usual self.
In many previous games, Iverson rarely attacked directly at the start of the game. He would let his teammates attack first, and only if his teammates couldn't do it would he take over.
For the Warriors, Wang Kai didn't take the shot himself on the first offensive possession. Instead, after setting a pick-and-roll with Murphy, he passed the ball to Murphy who was cutting to the basket.
Troy Murphy attempted a floater against Chris Webber's help defense, but missed.
After the All-Star Game last season, Chris Webber left the Sacramento Kings and was traded to the 76ers. In hindsight, the 76ers got the better deal. Webber is technically complementary to Allen Iverson, and he has indeed helped Iverson to some extent since joining the 76ers.
Iguodala blocked Wang Kai, allowing Kyle Korver to grab the defensive rebound.
Kyle Korver, who was selected by the Nets in the late second round of the 2003 draft, was then traded to the 76ers. When he first joined the 76ers, he was just a pure shooter. In his rookie season, he averaged 12 minutes of playing time, scoring only 4.5 points and 1.5 rebounds.
However, Kyle Korver is a very smart player. After realizing that relying solely on three-pointers wouldn't get him consistent playing time, he started learning positioning and defense. Although the results were only so-so, he finally became an important rotation player for the team last season, with improvements in both points and rebounds per game.
After receiving a pass from Korver, Iverson advanced to the frontcourt and, without relying on a screen, directly and dramatically changed direction to shake off Baron Davis before hitting a three-pointer.
Baron Davis struggles defensively against point guards who are fast and have good ball-handling skills. His defense lacks tenacity; he's always trying to steal the ball or use his strength to pressure the defense.
Iverson displayed strong aggression from the start, and also showed excellent form.