Chapter 579: We Really Won

After Wei De entered the game, he quickly took control of the ball.

He was in excellent form tonight; he is the Heat's backbone and is playing at his peak.

Then Fan Xi stepped forward.

Fan Xi stared at him and said to Wei De, "De Huai En, we should properly wear him down."

He tangled with Wei De, using his body to confront Wei De.

Four years ago, Wei De used this move against Fan Xi. Back then Fan Xi was far less strong and lacked his current physical condition. Wei De's physique was near peak at that time, and his defense against Fan Xi was unprecedented.

However, he did not win then; instead he elevated Fan Xi, who made him the player with the most buzzer‑beater losses in a single season, especially in the finals, where he was buzzer‑beaten!

Now the offensive‑defensive momentum has shifted, and Fan Xi can also use his body to block and wear down Wei De.

Even under Fan Xi's entanglement, Wei De remained sharp; his cuts and drives stayed fierce.

Ha Si Le Mu set a screen for him, and he quickly penetrated inside the free‑throw line. But as he made a brief stop to glance at his teammates' positions, Fan Xi locked onto him again.

He hurriedly passed to James, who was also enduring a nanny‑style close‑guard from Yue Shi Shi Mi Si.

The 'wear‑down battle' Fan Xi mentioned is no empty phrase.

Every Heat player right now is bearing the strongest confrontation and entanglement of the series so far.

James grabbed the ball, forced his way past Shi Mi Si, drove toward the basket for a layup, when Jia Neite came from behind and blocked it… *click*!

The head referee blew the whistle.

James fell to the floor.

Jia Neite didn't even glance at him, turned around and high‑fived Yue Shi Shi Mi Si.

To Jia Neite, such a foul was unquestionable.

At this moment, Bi Er Wo Dun shouted on TV: "Exactly, that's it. Larry Brown finally showed his style; this is iron‑blooded defense. No one should think they can score easily."

Bang!

James missed his first free throw.

Swish!

The second free throw went in.

While James was shooting free throws, Jia Neite was still playing mind games. He held up five fingers at James and wiggled them.

It meant 'You still have five fouls left, James.'

Jia Neite is a player who excels at displaying a hard‑line attitude; whether you call him a fight‑and‑retreat type or an iron‑blooded jumper, his presence on the court indeed gives the impression 'He's not to be messed with; don't shoot in front of him.'

In the next half, the Heat's defense did not improve.

This gave Fan Xi a chance to break into the paint alone; after drawing defenders he passed the ball to Yue Shi Shi Mi Si, who drove inward, but when the defense regrouped, he quickly flung the ball to the corner of the three‑point line.

JR Smith caught the ball, and it was an open look.

The 'Nerve Knife' came out of its sheath, inevitably bloodied—either his own or the opponent's.

This time, the Heat were the ones injured.

Swish!

The ball pierced the Heat's net.

After scoring, JR Smith turned around, repeatedly patting his head to show toughness.

That's their culture.

But in Zhongguo culture, it usually means 'as if someone's brain works especially well.'

Is JR's brain really that sharp?

"Call me Mr. Inspiration!"

JR Smith shouted loudly.

The 'Nerve Knife' often imagines itself an artist, and artists need inspiration. He feels his inspiration is abundant and can conquer all.

Fan Xi reminded him to defend.

He then hurried to Lei Alun's side, entangling Lei Alun.

The Knicks' defensive level suddenly rose; after Wei De and James exchanged glances, they executed a pick‑and‑roll, Wei De driving inward with Shi Mi Si's guard, then handing off to Ha Si Le Mu, who turned his back to set a screen for James and smoothly passed the ball to James.

James went for a layup… Jia Neite lunged again… he swatted James's ball away.

When James landed, he stumbled, nearly falling.

The head referee called a foul on Jia Neite again.

Jia Neite was somewhat displeased.

But that didn't affect the final ruling.

That's probably what a home‑court whistle sounds like.

However, as Jia Neite himself said, he still has four fouls left and doesn't mind that much.

James stepped to the free‑throw line again and made both shots this time.

Then the game continued.

The Heat also tightened their defense.

Fan Xi and Jia Neite coordinated; after a pick‑and‑roll with Jia Neite, Fan Xi directly passed to Jia Neite, whose jump shot went in.

Fan Xi's 'high‑stakes gamble' is bearing fruit.

Turning back, Wei De forced a drive to the basket, and Fan Xi defended hard, fouling his layup.

"Actually, if this shot were at Madison Garden, it would be perfect defense. And in the previous possession, Jia Neite's block," Ken Ni Shi Mi Si said.

Bi Er Wo Dun also approved.

However, some home‑court whistles are normal.

It's an unwritten league rule.

Looking back, Fan Xi linked up with Smith again; when James came over to double-team, he passed the ball to Smith, who made the jump shot.

After halftime, James attacked the paint.

This is James and Wade using their individual driving power to break the defense's lock; their response was correct—even Spoelstra didn't think anything was wrong.

The commentators on the sidelines praised their toughness, saying their individual abilities were strong.

Charles Barkley even said that James plus Wade had surpassed the Jordan-Pippen view.

Barkley's statements are sometimes confusing.

On one hand, he would say James and Wade are stronger than Jordan and Pippen.

On the other hand, he would say Fan Xi could never catch up to Jordan's achievements. Fan Xi is still far from Thus we include: English.

He himself hadn't realized he was being contradictory.

If James and Wade combined are stronger than Jordan and Pippen, then Fan Xi, who defeated James and Wade in three finals, isn't he stronger than Jordan and Pippen? Moreover, Fan Xi even defeated James and Wade by himself on the Olympic stage—that difficulty is even greater.

Jordan frowned while watching on TV.

His frown wasn't because Barkley said James and Wade were stronger than him and Wade.

He is Thus we include: English, his court insight is unparalleled. He sensed something was off.

He realized James and Wade were entering high-intensity muscle confrontation, and they were also seeking it.

Such muscle confrontation, invisibly, causes the body to congest and reduces one's touch. Especially for James and Wade, they are not natural shooters.

This will produce an effect, perhaps good, perhaps bad.

On the other hand, James and Wade's lone deep penetration style seems to be turning teammates into spectators.

Would this be beneficial to the game?

Could this be Jieke Fan's conspiracy?

Jordan was thinking.

If he were on the court, he wouldn't use this method to break the Knicks' defense, because it's not yet the true critical moment; teammates could still step up first.

This is Jordan's game intuition.

Intuition is a wondrous thing; it often is the decisive factor distinguishing legendary stars from superstars.

But at this moment, the Heat players on the court lack this intuition.

Including James.

He just felt something was off, but he didn't know where.

The game continued.

Fan Xi and his teammates executed an attrition tactic until the sixth minute of the fourth quarter; they had played half.

During this time, James and Wade's offensive efficiency remained high.

The Knicks led for the first two minutes, then were tied.

At the sixth minute, James missed the first free throw but made the second, and the Heat took the lead.

Beep!

Larry Brown requested a timeout.

As Fan Xi left the court, he said to James: "LeBron, do you now know why you lost to me?"

Fan Xi wore a full smile, he extended two fingers to tap his own forehead, then threw a "yeh!"

Victory!

Fan Xi's words left James somewhat dazed; he wondered what kind of mystery formation Fan Xi was setting up.

Or perhaps we have revealed some sign of defeat.

James couldn't figure it out; he truly couldn't make heads or tails of Fan Xi.

He had already determined Fan Xi is a person with terrifying basketball IQ; in this game he actually predicted that Wade and I would have differing opinions—he's too scary. Fortunately Wade was extraordinarily brave tonight, and the team still leads.

Returning to the bench, Wade took a pack of ice and placed it on his knee.

James immediately had a bad thought, and quickly stared at Wade.

Wade smiled at him.

That smile was slightly bitter.

James immediately understood why Wade was so urgently defending tonight's victory.

Wade's old knee injury flared up.

This made James anxious.

Then he began to feel fear: Could Jie Ke have guessed this as well?

In James's heart, he was indeed somewhat startled.

…

Fan Xi returned to the bench and said: "We're going all-out on offense next, brothers. I guarantee that your time to achieve fame and fortune has come."

Fan Xi said generously: "This will definitely become a glorious chapter in your careers, because! We are really going to sweep Miami!!

Fan Xi normally doesn't get pumped up, so when he does, his teammates are a bit dazed, then they laugh while watching him.

Fan Xi shook his head and said: "Alright, Kevin, you're up!"

Garnett walked over and placed his hand on; everyone's arms gathered together: one, two, three, sweep!!!

Full of momentum!

Indeed, it still needs to be done professionally.

Garnett has been professionally pumped up for twenty years.

The Knicks set out their final lineup: Fan Xi, JR Smith, Josh Smith, Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler.

The Knicks' energy allocation tonight was excellent; they still have ample stamina.

And, tonight, everyone's shooting touch is extremely good.

…

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si lowered his voice, he said: "We must win tonight. This is the final battle; we have lost three years in a row to the same person. If we cannot defend our home court again tonight, the very meaning of our existence will be completely lost!"

I don't want anyone to put shame on my face, I don't want my teammates to be put to shame by following me. From now on, I will give it my all.

If I fail to do so, it can only mean that I am merely a player of this level. It has nothing to do with you!

James issued his battle declaration.

Then he patted Wei De's shoulder and said: "Dewey, you're already very tired tonight, you should rest. Nothing is more important than health."

Wei De stared at James, and he saw unprecedented determination in James's eyes.

And, unprecedented care.

Good! I believe you. Wei De said, then he also reached out his hand to pat James's shoulder: "No matter what happens, I will stand behind you; I don't think shame will be stuck on my face. You will always be my good brother, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si!"

The two embraced.

This is a meaning that transcends basketball.

…

Beep!

When the whistle sounded, the game continued.

Someone said, what drives humanity forward, besides honor, is shame.

Now, what motivates the Knicks is honor; what makes Miami united against a common enemy is shame.

This is a war of honor and shame.

Both sides are giving it full throttle.

Both sides are backed by strong fighting spirit.

When Fan Xi and James locked eyes, one could see the spark in James's eyes.

This is a blazing war fire never seen before, burning to the extreme.

Fan Xi received the basketball past half-court; James, relying on Camby's cover, suddenly charged from the side, almost catching Fan Xi off guard.

Fan Xi used a behind-the-back dribble to get past him; if not for his superb skill, he truly might have been forced back to midcourt by James's football-style charge, resulting in a turnover.

After James's charge came to nothing, he quickly returned to his defensive position.

Fan Xi is being guarded by Mario Cambos.

Cambos stared intently at Fan Xi; he was meticulous.

In college, he once dominated Derek Rose to win the championship, but after entering the NB, he's merely a qualified starter.

But his mental will is quite good.

This is one reason why he has stayed with the Heat longer than his contemporary second overall pick Beasley.

Fan Xi's sway on the way back shifted his center of gravity.

Then Fan Xi sharply entered the three-point line; when Ray Allen came to help defend, Fan Xi quickly passed the ball to JR Smith.

Smith was about to shoot when James made a quick sprinting motion.

Smith lacked experience, he passed to Josh.

But Josh had just received the ball when James had already completed his recovery defense.

This is a beautiful defensive trap.

Josh Smith received the ball and was trapped; Fan Xi originally went over to help, but unexpectedly he directly jumped up and shot… in the style of McGrady.

James didn't expect it either, after all Josh Smith is not known for shooting; three-pointers are especially his weakness.

Even more unexpected is… swish!

The three-pointer actually went straight in.

It pierced the Heat's basket.

The Knicks, relying on Josh Smith who hardly ever shoots threes, made a three-point shot.

This made the bench's Larri Brown look at Barillani, he said: "Italian kid, lend him your three-point touch."

Barillani shrugged his shoulders, he made a joke, saying: "Perhaps it was stolen."

This sentence made the bench burst into laughter.

At this moment, everyone was thinking: even Josh can make a three-pointer; could we really be sweeping the Heat and creating an unprecedented history?

…