Chapter 143

At the critical moment.

The Ma Ci displayed an even stronger defensive resolve, blocking the Kings' offensive attempts time and again, while simultaneously executing fluid team coordination.

They calmly and deliberately converted their counterattacks.

In the end.

"Swish!"

"Bang!"

"Swish!"

Parker hit a spinning floater, Deng Ken delivered a chase-down block on Bibby under the basket, and the counterattack finished with a steady, veteran-like 45-degree bank shot.

Ginobili executed a ghostly "Ouzhou Step" layup.

The "GDP" trio contributed on both offense and defense.

With their combined efforts, the three defeated the Kings!

The steady Deng Ken, along with the remarkably improved Parker and Ginobili, made the "GDP" trio even more powerful and refined in their coordination this new season.

The fans in San Antonio expected the team to win back-to-back championships this season.

The Ma Ci played at a championship level.

This further heightened the anticipation for the showdown between the Bulls and the Ma Ci just one day later.

Soon.

That night arrived.

8:00 PM.

The United Center arena.

Half an hour before the game.

Both teams warmed up in an orderly fashion on their respective halves of the court, each face beaming with confidence, fully convinced of their ability to win the match.

"COME! ON!"

At the commentary booth.

Mike Brien exclaimed, "This group of young Bulls players all look incredibly confident facing the defending champion Ma Ci.

There isn't a shred of fear.

This is quite astonishing.

Moreover... they lost their last game; to maintain such a mindset under these circumstances is truly unexpected."

"Ha..."

Mark Jackson smiled and said, "They lost the last game because the 'Prediction Master' Su Yan was suspended, but in matchups where Su Yan plays,

the Bulls have won four consecutive games.

With Su Yan returning tonight, the complete Bulls roster featuring the 'Dragon Nation Twin Stars' has no reason to fear the Ma Ci on their home court.

They are ready to fight!"

"Haha!"

Mike Brien laughed loudly and added, "That's right; Su Yan is a Player of the Week who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the 'Big Shark' O'Neal.

Although he went undrafted,

he is already performing at the level of the Rookie of the Year.

Facing the defending champions, even if these rookies don't necessarily win, at least... they possess the courage to compete; what does it matter if they lose?!"

In the stands.

Tonight... the 'Basketball God' Jordan and 'The Worm' Luo Deman came to watch the game.

During the off-season,

the two visited the Bulls' training facility multiple times to provide guidance; coupled with their relationship with Pippen, they also got along quite well with Su Yan, Da Yao, and others.

The 'King of Bragging' Larry Bird and the 'Admiral' David Luo Binxun also showed up.

Additionally,

Xida also came tonight.

Since the opening game, she had gradually begun following Su Yan; seeing him play better game after game, her interest in him grew increasingly intense.

When Su Yan took on three opponents alone and turned the tables to KO all three,

and simultaneously... successfully earned both Rookie of the Week and Player of the Week honors,

in Xida's eyes, Su Yan was truly both handsome and skilled, possessing the full potential to be 'Jordan's successor.'

This caused her, a die-hard Jordan fan, to see her favorability toward Su Yan skyrocket; she was now effectively a fan of his.

She came tonight specifically to watch Su Yan play.

She was even wearing Su Yan's red number '7' jersey; before this, her favorite jersey to wear while watching games had been Jordan's number '23.'

On the court.

On the Bulls' side,

just before the game started, Coach Skiles gathered his teammates and said seriously, "The 'GDP' trio is the offensive core of the Ma Ci.

We are destined to guard these three.

Especially the 'Stone Buddha' Deng Ken; we must attempt to double-team him as much as possible.

Furthermore,

we need to note that the Ma Ci's offense relies heavily on coordination, and their defense is also extremely formidable; therefore, whether on offense or defense,

we all need sufficient patience.

Our opponent is the defending champion; we must absolutely remain calm."

"Oh!"

"Understood, Coach."

"Yes, Head Coach!"

Da Yao, Hinrich, and others raised their arms in agreement, each brimming with excitement; challenging the defending champions was naturally thrilling.

On the Ma Ci side.

Old Man Popo likewise gathered his players, stating solemnly, "The Bulls achieving four consecutive wins this season shows they have some caliber.

On the surface: the 'Dragon Nation Twin Stars' are the core.

In reality: the 'Prediction Master' Su Yan is the key point for the Bulls' victories.

Shut him down."

Saying this,

the old man looked at 'Thug' Bruce Bowen, "The task of guarding Su Yan is yours."

"Got it!"

Bowen nodded repeatedly, then licked his lips, "An undrafted player named Player of the Week, and a 'Prediction Master' title I've never heard of?

Hmph!

All flash and no substance.

In front of me, Bowen, all offense is futile; I will use my defensive skills to guard you and make your mentality explode!"

Soon,

the main game arrived.

Chicago Bulls starting lineup: Point Guard: Hinrich, Shooting Guard: Su Yan, Small Forward: Pippen, Power Forward: Antonio, Center: Da Yao.

San Antonio Ma Ci starting lineup: Point Guard: Tony Parker, Shooting Guard: Hedo Turkoglu, Small Forward: Bruce Bowen, Power Forward: Tim Deng Ken, Center: Rasho Nesterovic.

Ginobili off the bench.

It wasn't that his ability limited him to a reserve role, but rather that he was needed to lead the bench in rotation play.

"Jump! Ball!"

Da Yao and Nesterovic contested the tip-off.

"Slap!"

Nesterovic secured the better jump timing, flicking the basketball away first to win the tip-off for Ma Ci.

Turkoglu caught it.

Parker pushed up, passed from the right wing to Bowen in the middle, who then passed back to Turkoglu at the right wing.

At the same time,

Parker used a screen from Deng Ken, darted along the baseline to shake off Hinrich, then curled back out to receive the pass, executing repeated cuts and ball movements.