Chapter 370: The Past History of the Three Great Forwards

The Miami Heat produced the basketball they had dreamed of; the cooperation among the Three Giants is as smooth as silk, and their offensive‑defensive efficiency is astonishing.

But a terrifying fact stands before them.

Even with the super Three Giants swinging to such a degree, they still can't take down Kuaisuan.

Kuaisuan's payroll is only a step away from the poverty line; their highest‑paid player is Nowitzki, twenty million. Next is Fan Xi, ten million. The rest are either on minimum contracts or rookie deals, with only a few mini‑middle‑class earners.

This input‑output ratio is simply terrifying.

This team‑building philosophy is unprecedented.

Every owner in the league envies Kuaisuan. They occupy one of the biggest cities, sell the most expensive tickets, and are playing the Western Finals and the Championship against one of the league's highest‑tax teams.

The return rate is truly astounding; Kuaisuan has become the most profitable team of the year, with no doubt about it.

"Si Telin looks at the current Kuaisuan; he must be wanting to cry, right?

" Kaiwen Jianeite taunts Si Telin on TV.

When Si Telin first sparked a racism scandal, Kaiwen Jianeite was the most vocal. Because he is a black among blacks. Among blacks there are deep‑black, light‑black, and mixed‑black. Although according to the "one drop of black blood" principle, any child born of any race is called black.

Generally, a pure‑black like Kaiwen Jianeite would call guys like Curry and Griffin "light‑colored" fellows.

Kaiwen Jianeite belongs to perhaps the blackest group in America, likely never intermarried since the Southern slave owners were freed.

Those even blacker than Kaiwen Jianeite probably have to go to mainland Africa, where they even distinguish matte black and satin black.

"Si Telin fell into the darkness before dawn; all of that should have been his. Unfortunately… he shouldn't have committed such disgusting discriminatory acts; all black people should unite!" Kaiwen Jianeite used the halftime pause to speak for their group.

They are very united; because of that unity, no one dares to use discriminatory language now.

After Kaiwen Jianeite finished, the white commentator Mai Ke Bu Lin finally began discussing basketball. Of course, he also sneered, "I have to say Jieke Fan is the luckiest basketball player ever; he has received too many benefits. He easily became a team owner, and Michael Jordan even spent many years circling around this."

"Kevin, what do you think will happen in the second quarter? Does Miami have a chance to lead by double digits before halftime?"

Mai Ke Bu Lin asks Kaiwen Jianeite.

Kaiwen Jianeite's style differs from Kobe's. He says, "I haven't faced Jieke Fan in the playoffs. But I think if Miami maintains this intensity, Kuaisuan can't sustain it. Even with an iron will, there will be moments of slack."

With such comments, Kaiwen Jianeite still acknowledges Miami's Three Giants. Although last postseason he wildly criticized the league for favoring the Heat, with three referees turning a blind eye to James's fouls and even assisting him.

And at this moment, Kaiwen Jianeite is unaware of something.

Fan Xi, on the bench, is not talking about how to withstand the Heat's high‑pressure policy.

"We need to find a way to crush their defensive‑counter system, and not let them unleash their talent fully."

Fan Xi says from the bench, "Essentially, they are leading us by their talent; we must change that."

Maikelbang suggests starting with defense, curbing James and Wade.

But achieving that is harder.

"Play fast with fast! Chang Xi, you and I will be dual point guards. When I have the ball, you sprint to a spot for a set shot. When you have the ball, we slow the pace. Also, you must contain Wade on defense."

Fan Xi suddenly glances at Bilupusi, the key figure who once ended the Lakers dynasty by snatching the Finals MVP from atop Kobe and O'Neal.

For Bilupusi, this is undeniably a huge challenge. Though his form has recovered well this season, age is still a factor.

And when Fan Xi's scorching gaze fixes on Bilupusi, the stoic point guard nods firmly and says, "Leave it to me.

"

Beep!

The whistle blows.

Fan Xi, Bilupusi, Leonard, Nowitzki, and Little Jordan take the court.

The game begins.

Bilupusi dribbles past half‑court, Nowitzki cuts in, and they set a pick‑and‑roll. Meanwhile, Fan Xi steps with a strange gait, makes a graceful turn into the paint, and as he jumps, Bilupusi's pass arrives with pinpoint accuracy.

Fan Xi leaps, grabs the ball, and slams it in with one hand.

You never have to worry about a veteran point guard's passing precision and tactical use.

Switching sides, the fight continues; Fan Xi follows Michael Miller.

Bilupusi holds off the Flash Wade.

Wade makes a quick cut, trying to catch Bilupusi off guard with his mobility… There's a Chinese martial saying: "the old man's legs age first."

After a ball‑handling guard ages, no matter how fierce his defense was when young, lateral movement inevitably lags… Even a strong player like Jason Kidd was a nightmare for the #1 position at his peak. But age makes him unable to keep up with younger players' cuts.

However, veterans have experience.

Their analytical judgment forms in an instant, allowing them to react a step ahead.

Bilupusi retreats early and leans his body sideways.

Poof!

After Wade cuts, he collides with half of Bilupusi's body, his stride halts… Bilupusi's hand darts out, forcing Wade to retreat.

Wade retreats beyond the three‑point line, then passes to James.

This is a successful defense.

Kaiwen Jianeite praises it on TV, saying he likes this tough yet smart defense.

James faces Leonard one‑on‑one; after a hard cut inward, he stops abruptly and jumps for a shot… Bang! Swish!

The basketball bounces erratically into the hoop.

Little Jordan under the basket quickly feeds the ball to Fan Xi.

Fan Xi takes the ball and sprints; Kuaisuan's fast break is extremely rapid.

In an instant they reach the three‑point line.

At this moment the Heat's defense loosens slightly; Fan Xi suddenly stops outside the three‑point line, makes a shooting motion, and Wade and Michael Miller rush to defend.

They are a bit startled; Fan Xi's last‑second three‑pointer in the game leaves them uneasy.

Little did they know, as soon as they defended, Fan Xi covertly passed the ball.

Bilupusi receives the ball, swings his hand like a blade… Swish! Three‑point made.

Staples Center completely boiled over.

Bilupusi illustrated his "walk the talk" with a beautiful pass, a beautiful defense, and a perfect spot‑up three‑pointer.

"I finally understand what Nash and Nowitzki said in the interview yesterday."

Garnett said on TV, "Many veterans near the end of their careers no longer have tactical roles; they're tied down, can only move along preset tactical routes, becoming a screw‑like machine component."

"But with Kuaisuan, they always have a chance to showcase the leadership experience from their careers. That's the treatment veteran players deserve, not just stabilizing the locker room or helping young players train, running on the court like engineers."

"You have to know, these former super‑stars never used to run tactical routes before."

Kevin Garnett sincerely remarked, "When I get old, maybe I'll go to Kuaisuan too."

For Garnett, Kuaisuan is too attractive.

Seeing Garnett's crazy excitement, the commentator couldn't help teasing, "But Kuaisuan already has Xiao Qiaodan and Nowitzki."

Garnett shrugged his shoulders and said nothing more.

The game, however, kept going.

Bilupusi's three‑pointer achieved the strategic effect Fan Xi hoped for.

The Heat's offensive pace slowed, and they lost some decisiveness; they began to think.

Two super‑stars on the court cannot overthink; when they start to think, internal friction inevitably appears.

Swish!

Wade forced his way into the paint; under Bilupusi's high‑intensity defense he struggled, but his left hand slammed the ball into the hoop.

After scoring, he let out a hard roar, venting his excitement.

Yet, looking back, he saw Bilupusi calmly advancing with the ball.

Fan Xi took his uncanny steps.

Fan Xi is a top‑level off‑ball athlete, no doubt. To stand out under Kobe Bryant's tutelage, you must have off‑ball skills.

Moreover, Fan Xi's running routes are very planned.

Hard to predict.

Hamilton once said that when our Captain Jie Ke runs, he looks like he's gliding on water. Moreover, in his vision the court is a fully three‑dimensional space.

Fan Xi quickly ran to the bottom corner; Bilupusi still used a pick‑and‑roll with Nowitzki to feed the ball to the baseline.

Though his speed was a bit slow, his reliability was high.

The ball turned to the left‑side corner.

Miami's defense pressed up accordingly.

But as the defense stacked to the left, Fan Xi didn't catch the ball; instead he jumped and slipped the ball into the lane, like a refraction of light.

Miami's defense missed.

Nowitzki received the ball in the paint and easily finished with a layup.

This wildly imaginative tactical plan made Kevin Garnett call out to God, and Staples Center erupted with screams and cheers.

"Lord Almighty, this is like magic. Is this a triangle offense? Or a Princeton, or a UCLA cut? A three‑in‑one pick‑and‑roll?"

Garnett said in astonishment.

"If it were me, it would definitely be a massive, forceful dunk. Nowitzki is too genteel."

Garnett also mocked Nowitzki.

Kuaisuan gained the strategic initiative. Fan Xi and Bilupusi's dual‑guard combo plus Nowitzki as an offensive weapon created unprecedented chemistry.

Hamilton sat on the bench, gaping, and couldn't help telling Vince Carter, "I feel like I'm seeing the Lakers' show‑time of old combined with our Pistons' trench warfare."

Vince Carter never expected the tactic could be played like this, and the three of them had never practiced together before. It was purely based on court intuition.

"Jie Ke is terrifying; he can satisfy everyone's needs and can morph into any shape," Grant Hill praised.

Hill is a gentleman, but his words sounded as if he were driving.

Nearby, Arenas mused, "That's probably why he's so popular with women. As far as I know, women's 'floor plans' come in many types; Jie Ke can meet them, showing his great plasticity."

Hmm?

As soon as Arenas said that, Grant Hill immediately realized the guy had gone off the rails.

He patted Arenas's shoulder: "Hey! Gilbert, this isn't a press conference; don't show your humor. We're all in the same boat."

Arenas laughed heartily; he liked teasing Hill, the upright gentleman. He had heard Hill's piano skill was high and even asked whether Hill had ever 'matched' on his home piano.

Hill was made very embarrassed by him.

Of course not.

Yet, a devilish thought sprouted in his mind… why not try? It probably isn't blaspheming music, right?

…

Miami Heat's second quarter still played well; Wade and James remained powerful locomotives.

However, after the second quarter they trailed by one point.

Kuaisuan turned the score around.

In fact, Kuaisuan once led by five points in the middle.

But as Bilupusi's stamina faded, his defense couldn't keep up with Wade's pace; the Flash caught him and delivered two consecutive rounds, dropping the score.

Afterwards, Kuaisuan put Gilbert Arenas on the floor.

Another completely different dual‑skill guard.

Kuaisuan's backcourt is full of talent.

Just the core point guards number four: Nash, Arenas, Fan Xi, Bilupusi.

So the Heat were a bit unadapted.

"Nowitzki scored 16 points in the second quarter; that was the key factor for Kuaisuan's comeback. His scoring ability is outstanding; as long as the guards give him space, he can devour the defense like a cake."

McBlin praised Nowitzki during halftime.

Although Garnett was reluctant to admit it, he also said: "Nowitzki had the softest touch among the big forwards of our generation. Moreover, he has good spacing and a strong ability to seize offensive opportunities; he used to play soccer. So when Fan Xi and Bilupusi clear space for him and make the pass, he will score quickly."

Speaking of this, Garnett couldn't help but say: "If Nowitzki had gone to play soccer back then, and Duncan's hometown hadn't suffered a flood, and he continued to learn swimming, then no big forward of this era could stand shoulder to shoulder with me."

」

This remark made McBlin burst out laughing.

As everyone knows, the greatest power forward in history, Tim Duncan, had learned to swim back then; if not for that damned typhoon, he might have become a figure like Phelps—he is a typical freak with long arms and legs. But because the swimming pool was flooded, the bored him started playing basketball, and this led... to the flying demon of Wake Forest University, the NBA's greatest power forward in history.

While Garnett was joking with the two top peers, Fan Xi's group was walking toward the locker room, chatting easily in the player tunnel, until...