Chapter 195: This is the most fatal mistake

Michael Jordan!

The undisputed god of the basketball field, he ruled the competitive nineties, he took over the prosperous age established by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and further carried it forward, making basketball's influence spread globally, becoming the second-largest ball sport in the world that can compete slightly with soccer.

Michael Jordan is the superstar in NBA history who perfectly organically combined top talent and top technology. In this matter, he not only led his era but also established his historical lead.

The league's number one guard today, Kobe Bryant, is only considered the closest to him. The gap is still comprehensive.

Fan Xi sees Michael Jordan's figure in the energy, and then, "Michael's full set of back-to-the-basket techniques and experience" completely permeates his limbs, bones, and brain thinking. This kind of "enlightenment" makes his strength soar.

Fan Xi clears up many stubborn illnesses he couldn't solve before in an instant, and his thoughts are clear.

Previously, Fan Xi also asked Kobe for the essence of back-to-the-basket play countless times.

Kobe Bryant is the best back-to-the-basket player currently active, none other, because in this era, even centers don't like this "technique blooming under powerful collision" much anymore.

Kobe was very strange before, wondering why Fan Xi's back-to-the-basket play couldn't be mastered. In his view, Fan Xi's strength is above average among guards, his ball-handling ability is top-tier among top-tier, plus his low center of gravity, his footwork control, his explosive power, his keenness to defense... these are all necessary factors to become a top back-to-the-basket player.

But Fan Xi was just missing that final kick.

Now, this kick has finally arrived. Fan Xi didn't just kick open the door to back-to-the-basket play; he walked directly into the highest hall of "back-to-the-basket play" and sat on the edge of the throne. And sitting in the center of the throne are only the distant Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan, the peerless duo of 1984.

In this era, no one will be more proficient in back-to-the-basket play than Fan Xi. Because in this era, players have started to abandon back-to-the-basket play, the league is chasing the trend of faster, more accurate, more efficient, and simpler, and breakthroughs and three-pointers have already shown signs of becoming mainstream offensive means.

LeBron James finally stops appealing under the undeniable facts and returns to the bench. He says to Pat Riley: "Los Angeles is really a bunch of tough bones; they weren't this brave before."

Pat Riley nods.

"This might be the toughest team in Lakers history. People used to say Los Angeles was a noble team, reluctant to put down their status and fight with opponents in the mud, fearing they would ruin their gorgeous clothes. But tonight, where are the Lakers fighting in the mud? They are fighting with bayonets at close quarters; Jack Fan has rewritten Los Angeles's culture."

The Iron Armor Still Remains!

The shouting in the arena continues, and Charles Barkley on TV is almost choking, saying: "I haven't seen this kind of iron-blooded, tenacious basketball for many years. F*** it, I support the Lakers tonight; if Jack Fan wins this game, I'll kneel down and kowtow to him!"

"I really, really hope they can win."

Barkley says this, his fists clenched.

In fact, in front of the TV, the vast majority of the audience thinks so. Fan Xi led this broken lone army to play out a meaning beyond the game; they were clearly an egg that would break at a touch, but now, they have cracked the tough Big Three.

Although everyone knows that after losing Bynum and Dunleavy in succession, it is very difficult for the Los Angeles Lakers to compete with the Heat for the final victory.

However, just as Charles Barkley said, Jack Fan, Miracle Child, please continue to create miracles.

"Next, we need to play steadily. As long as we ensure scoring, we can drag them down even if we drag them," Pat Riley arranges the strategy for the final moments: "Don't play messy with them; in case they create a miracle in the mess, we will lose more than we gain."

Riley clearly has a shadow cast by the resourceful Lakers tonight.

His strategy is supported by all Heat players.

Because everyone knows the Lakers no longer have organized combat power; they have no means in positional warfare. Kobe, Gasol, Bynum, Dunleavy—all are gone; they don't even have a stable shooting turret, so what are they fighting for?

At this time, just playing steadily is enough to scrap them.

At the same time, the Lakers' Phil Jackson is also asking Fan Xi for advice.

He looks at the Lakers players who are exhausted but full of combat power; besides being moved, he is moved.

Dunleavy's departure didn't make the Lakers' morale low; on the contrary, it greatly inspired the Lakers players' willpower. Dunleavy is like a pioneer, guiding them to continue to resist tenaciously.

"... We play positional warfare. We have the lead now, we have the ball, we don't need to launch a suicide charge again and again!" Fan Xi says firmly.

"But..." Phil Jackson furrows his brows; not only him, but other players also look at Fan Xi with doubt: "But, playing positional offense, our offensive points..."

"I will finish it."

Fan Xi says resolutely, sweeping his eyes over the determined faces of all his teammates: "It is you who brought the game here with blood and sweat; next, let me take on this final heavy responsibility."

Fan Xi's tone is calm, but it reveals an unignorable firmness and tenacity.

Just like what Kobe Bryant said when he was just injured: "I will take it, I will allow it, I will carry the whole world."

At that time, when Fan Xi said this, everyone had doubts in their hearts.

Now, all actions prove it.

Jack is the King.

He takes it, he allows it, he carries this team with a glorious history, bravely launching a cavalry-style charge against the tough Miami Big Three.

It is he who tells everyone that the Iron Armor Still Remains.

"1, 2, 3! We are the champions."

Fan Xi puts his hand in the air, all hands gather together, Fan Xi shouts: "1, 2, 3!"

Everyone's voice condenses into a tough iron lock: "We are the champions!"

Morale is still high, and the killing intent is still boiling.

The whole world thinks they can't do it, but at this moment, the belief in their hearts is incomparably firm.

Derek Fisher, this old slicker who has been in the league for more than ten years, can't help but feel his blood surging at this moment; he originally thought his heart was like still water and wouldn't roar along with the young people. But now, he finds the drive in his blood, and he decides to burn for a while.

When Phil Jackson calls his name, he is very, very excited.

With more than 2 minutes left in the game, the Lakers send Derek Fisher, Fan Xi, Luke Walton, Lamar Odom, and Joe Smith.

The Heat side makes a small adjustment; Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Howard are the final lineup.

Miller and Eddie House's roles are similar: providing perimeter shooting. Miller is a full-sized small forward; his height is far higher than Eddie House's, making him more suitable for positional warfare.

Fan Xi brings the ball to the frontcourt; he doesn't launch a fast offensive. Mario Chalmers follows his pace carefully. At this time, Derek Fisher runs quickly to the arc top. Chalmers is very worried that Fan Xi will set a screen and quickly retreats a step, but who knew Fan Xi would pass the ball directly to Fisher.

He runs into the three-point line, and Mario Chalmers chases quickly.

Fan Xi stops suddenly at a position one step inside the free-throw line; Chalmers is caught off guard.

At the same time, Fisher has already passed the ball over.

Fisher is very familiar with this kind of pass; he has been playing like this following Kobe for so many years.

Fan Xi traps Mario Chalmers behind him; this is a superb technique from the "God of Basketball." Mario Chalmers is controlled behind him and cannot move at all: as a new-era point guard, the number of times he has defended against back-to-the-basket play is countable on his fingers, and the few times were just defensive switches.

Who knew that at this critical moment tonight, Fan Xi would use this set on him.

Fan Xi receives Fisher's ball, uses his back to probe Chalmers's defensive reality, and quickly arches inward... His movements are very standard and just right; Chalmers is held firmly by him.

He simply can't block Fan Xi's one-on-one; he retreats two steps in succession.

At this time, Chris Bosh quickly helps defend; he wants to double-team Fan Xi, but who knew Fan Xi would suddenly collect the ball, turn to the left, and make a shooting motion; Chalmers was jumped into the air at that moment.

Fan Xi's fake move is lifelike.

Like the incarnation of art, in terms of spirituality, it is even a level higher than Kobe Bryant.

While Chalmers is jumped into the air, Fan Xi quickly turns right with the same pivot foot. Chris Bosh subconsciously takes a step forward, but who knew that just as he stepped forward to stick close, Fan Xi stepped inward, passed him completely, and easily put the ball into the basket with one hand.

Swish!

Perfect "four ounces to move a thousand pounds."

Perfect dream footwork.

Fan Xi's solid and beautiful footwork makes Staples Center cheer, and there is unexpected emotion.

At this moment, Jack can still play new tricks; how many hidden killing moves does this miracle boy have? He can actually play back-to-the-basket inside the paint?

The fans feel confused.

Peers are all stunned.

Kobe Bryant widens his eyes, feeling extremely incredible; he is the best back-to-the-basket player currently active. However, Fan Xi's two moves just now brought him a shock that caught him off guard; Fan Xi's footwork is too agile and beautiful, like a combination of Jordan and Olajuwon. His capture of defensive reality, his switching of footwork, and his grasp of timing have all reached master level.

"I said long ago he would become a back-to-the-basket master."

Kobe Bryant, in addition to being shocked, mutters to himself. He has always favored Fan Xi, but he didn't expect Fan Xi to complete a qualitative leap at such a critical moment.

"I saw Michael Jordan." Jerry West tells Magic honestly.

Magic nods and says: "Yes. We all underestimated him."

Pat Riley on the opposite side is also shocked beyond measure. When Fan Xi completes this strategic goal, Pat Riley, who was originally sure to win, panics. Fan Xi's goal puts the Lakers ahead by 3 points.

He makes a gesture to James; he wants James to defend Fan Xi next.

James's physique and various aspects can suppress Fan Xi; at this time, it should be his turn to come out and suppress.

James receives the instruction.

He arrives at the frontcourt, quickly receives Mario Chalmers's pass, kills from the flank into the paint, draws the Lakers' zone defense, and quickly passes the ball to the corner. Mike Miller receives the ball... Swish!

Three-pointer hits.

The two teams are tied again.

Back to the same starting line.

There is 1 minute and 48 seconds left; every second now is incomparably important. Everyone in the arena has their breathing on high alert, fearing to miss any moment.

Fan Xi doesn't bring the ball over the half-court himself; he lets Derek Fisher bring the ball over.

When he walks into the free-throw line, LeBron James immediately defends him without moving an inch.

He uses his powerful strength and broad body to crush and push Fan Xi, intending to push Fan Xi out of the paint.

James's strength is very strong, and his body is very broad. However, he hasn't entered the "back-to-the-basket" field yet; whether it's his own back-to-the-basket play or defending back-to-the-basket play, he is very mediocre.

Fan Xi quickly locks into a state where James has strength but nowhere to use it. Fan Xi's understanding of the rules is "enterprise-level." This is not a boxing ring; it's not about who has more strength, who wins—there is also the mastery of the rules.

James is now in this dilemma; as long as his movements are a bit bigger, he will definitely be called for a foul by Fan Xi.

He watches Fan Xi get the ball.

At this time, Kobe Bryant widens his eyes.

He is very worried.

Although James's ability to defend back-to-the-basket play is average, can Fan Xi really eat him?

Is James's strength alone enough for him to have a hard time?

Fan Xi receives the ball, leans back slightly, and finds James pushing hard against his back.

At that moment, he suddenly taps the ball, his body tilts slightly to the left and taps the ball backward; at that moment, he hit James with a "strength output" mismatch, and James was pushed inward by Fan Xi by half a step.

He quickly adjusts his strength to the left, but who knew that after Fan Xi's second dribble, he would turn directly, suddenly turn right with his left foot as the pivot foot. He passed James by half a step and cut inward... James lost his defense at that moment; he was still exerting force to the left.

Fan Xi kills into the paint, jumps up, unstoppable... Boom!

He completes a one-handed dunk in the Heat's paint.

The energy of Staples Center explodes instantly; everyone is shouting "MVP! MVP! MVP!"

These uniform shouts bring the "will of the people."

After Fan Xi lands, he deliberately passes James and tells this "Chosen One": "Your defense is too poor. If it were you defending me, Miami would be doomed."

Fan Xi looks down from above, like an absolute ruler with the "mandate of heaven," judging LeBron James.

From beginning to end, no one has ever dared to speak to James like this.

James is instantly furious; the dignified "Chosen One" is your turn to point fingers?

Over the half-court, James receives the ball, easily breaks through Luke Walton's defense, and kills into the paint with great momentum, but when he lays it up, Lamar Odom flies up and crashes James down, ball and all.

Beep!

The whistle blows, and James walks to the free-throw line.

A smile appears on Lamar Odom's dark and extremely tired face. His tone is weak, and his steps are a bit limping, but his tone is quite firm: "I have 1 foul left; I can play with you well. LeBron, you won't make this shot."

Saying this, he walks to Fan Xi and says in Fan Xi's ear: "Sorry, Jack, I can only do this much for you."

Fan Xi looks up at Lamar Odom's sincere face, and he suddenly has a feeling of tears in his eyes.

F***, sand in my eyes again.

"You've already done well enough, Lamar!" Fan Xi pats his shoulder.

At this time, Khloe Kardashian stands up and shouts: "Lamar, you are my pride! You are so powerful... I love you..."

Khloe Kardashian's words make Lamar Odom's spirit lift.

At this time, LeBron James is staring at the basket on the free-throw line; he is fully focused.

His free-throw percentage has hovered around 70% since entering the playoffs, and his free-throw percentage in the Finals is even below 70%.

So, Lamar's words have great lethality to him.

He tries hard to adjust his breathing, then throws the ball... Bang!

The first ball misses.

Staples Center is very excited.

Swish!

James hits the second free throw.

Narrowing the gap to 1 point.

At this time, there is 1 minute and 16 seconds left in the game.

Fan Xi brings the ball to the frontcourt; he is not in a hurry at all. Then, he passes the ball to Odom, who has moved to the high post, and continues to squeeze into the paint.

Although James tries hard to push Fan Xi out of the paint, he is passed by Fan Xi with a back-turn. Lamar Odom quickly passes the ball to Fan Xi. Fan Xi receives the ball and drags it upward... Just as he is about to complete this alley-oop, James kills out from behind powerfully and swats the ball out of bounds with one slap.

The head referee blows a foul.

However, Fan Xi thinks it's a goaltending.

The head referee stands firm under pressure; he doesn't change the call, nor does he look at the replay.

Because at the critical moment, he doesn't want to artificially change these things.

In the TNT replay footage, it is very clearly shown that this ball was swatted out during the descent.

Barkley is so angry he slaps the table: "This is too unfair, why? On what basis? Just because he is LeBron James? This ball is clearly bullying the Lakers; they want to finish off the Lakers, they want to finish off all of Jack Fan's efforts tonight. If the Lakers got these 2 points, they would lead by 3 points, and the result would be self-evident."

Barkley is very excited; he is even angrier than Kenny Smith, even though he clearly supported the Big Three and Miami before the game.

But this epic game really convinced him.

Fan Xi on the court is very calm; he directs his teammates to continue the inbound pass.

Luke Walton passes the ball to Derek Fisher. At the same time, Fan Xi traps James on the left side of the free-throw line.

Fisher quickly passes the ball over.

Fan Xi receives the ball, and James pushes hard, constantly spraying trash talk: "You can't hit it, Jack, you can't defeat me, no one can defeat me, you will lose this game, you will lose the whole series, you are finished, your efforts now are just adding luster to my crown..."

Fan Xi ignores him; he just squeezes backward hard... The force James applies to him each time is greater than the last, and it looks like Fan Xi is being forced to retreat step by step.

But just on the fourth collision, Fan Xi suddenly turns to the side, and James, who is exerting force forward, staggers forward, losing his defensive position. Fan Xi takes advantage of the situation and steps forward, jumps, and shoots... Bang! Swish!

A light bank shot hits.

The entire Staples Center boils over.

However, when Fan Xi lands, he steps lightly on the back of James's shoe, who is flying over to help defend, and slides, falling to the ground.

Fan Xi's reaction is very timely and professional; this can minimize the risk of ankle injury.

At the same time, the fans on the court are shouting: "Foul! Foul! Foul!"

2+1.

They all want a 2+1.

However, the head referee doesn't change the call.

So, with 55 seconds left in the game, the Lakers only lead by 3 points.

At this time, Fan Xi has already run quickly. High-speed cameras show the audience in front of the TV a detail: when Fan Xi takes the first step, his eyebrows suddenly furrow into a ball.

And, Fan Xi's running range seems to be decreasing.

Fan Xi arrives at the frontcourt and opens his arms to block Mario Chalmers.

At this time, LeBron James shouts there: "Jack, everyone says you're a little duke, you want to usurp the throne, do you dare to defend me?"

James is bayonets fixed, the dagger is revealed.

He just wants to kill Fan Xi at the last moment.

However, Fan Xi turns his head and says to James: "Do you think I'll fall for your trick? You're famous for passing the ball to teammates to shirk responsibility at critical moments."

Fan Xi's words make James feel very uncomfortable.

At this time, Chalmers passes the ball to James, who has run to an open position.

James takes the ball and kills into the paint. Luke Walton tries to hug him but is a step slow; his reaction has become slow due to the decline in physical fitness.

At this time, LeBron James takes flight in the paint.

Lamar Odom flies up again and pulls James down, ball and all.

When landing, James is still steady, but Odom suddenly staggers and falls to the ground.

He really has no strength left.

There are 37 seconds left, and Lamar Odom gets his sixth foul and leaves the court.

When he leaves the court, the whole arena is cheering.

At this time, Phil Jackson tries to call a timeout to adjust, but Fan Xi waves his hand to refuse. And when LeBron James is shooting free throws, he walks to the sidelines and says to everyone: "No matter what, no matter what happens, don't call a timeout next!"

"I will bring the championship trophy back to the locker room."

"I swear."

Fan Xi says incomparably firmly.

Then, he walks toward the court.

At this time, Bynum's eyes are very sharp, and he says to Fan Xi: "Jack, your bandage seems loose."

He points to Fan Xi's right foot.

NBA players use bandages to fix their ankles before playing to protect them.

Fan Xi smiles slightly, slowly squats down, and stuffs the broken bandage into his shoe.

Swish!

Swish!

LeBron James hits both free throws.

Narrowing the score to 1 point.

At this time, the newly entered Ratliff inbounds the ball.

This is the Lakers' last player; if they keep playing like this, the Lakers might really not be able to put together five players.

Ratliff was once a block king, but his free throws are a bit rusty after all.

He actually makes an obvious mistake; when Fan Xi runs over to ask for the ball, he sees a defender behind Fan Xi, and he actually passes the ball to Derek Fisher, choosing the far over the near.

Who knew James would flash out from behind him and steal the ball.

When Fan Xi and Ratliff quickly stand in defensive positions, he stops outside the three-point line; he wants to play for shooting percentage.

"This is the most fatal mistake."

Charles Barkley says.

He mutters in his heart: "The Lakers must hold on! The Lakers must hold on!"

... ===== CHAPTER 196 =====