[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-golden-age-of-basketball":3,"chapter-the-golden-age-of-basketball-the-golden-age-of-basketball-chapter-1128":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Golden Age of Basketball",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1444545,1896,"Chapter 1128 - 12: Kill Me with a C! (Part 6)","the-golden-age-of-basketball-chapter-1128",1128,"\u003Cp>When you rush upstairs in a panic, madly knocking and asking why there’s constant renovations, the property management tells you that no one actually lives here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end of the first quarter, Gan Guoyang had scored 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals—an average performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal only had two points, coming from a dunk after a teammate’s pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used all his strength for a furious dunk, as if trying to break the rim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he played very frustratingly in the first quarter, the Trail Blazers were successful in their defense against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Low post against Ah Gan, he found he couldn’t budge him; the two were evenly matched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moving inside, he either got double-teamed and couldn’t pass the ball or got intercepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three of Gan Guoyang’s steals were completed against O’Neal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Obviously, Gan Guoyang had closely studied O’Neal’s offensive habits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The timing of his dribbling, the characteristics of his moves, and his weaknesses in ball protection were all finely analyzed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such poor low-post offense not only left O’Neal with nothing but also disrupted the Magic’s offensive rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Trail Blazers quickly gained an 8-point lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Magic could only rely on outside shooting to add points; with the Twin Towers blocking the inside lane along with O’Neal being restrained, it was hard to score.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first quarter, the Magic hadn’t secured a single offensive rebound; their power forward, Torbert, was a soft, white-winger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the Trail Blazers’ Twin Towers, he offered little support to O’Neal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the break, Magic head coach Matt Guokas comforted O’Neal, \"It’s fine to be outplayed by Ah Gan; don’t be discouraged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guokas didn’t even try to motivate O’Neal; almost all the league’s coaches did the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because encouraging a rookie to go hard against Ah Gan usually led to the team’s and player’s downfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Challenging a boss too aggressively too soon often didn’t end well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at that moment, O’Neal’s competitive spirit was ignited, and he said, \"Coach, let me play more in the second quarter. I can do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guokas hesitated, patted O’Neal’s shoulder, and said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled his days playing with the Philadelphia 76ers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, one of his major tasks was protecting Chamberlain, ensuring he wasn’t worn down, harassed, and relieved him of pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the 1966-1967 season, they won the championship, ending the Celtics’ eight consecutive titles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, O’Neal didn’t have a forward like him by his side or a teammate like Luke Jackson in the post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Magic needed a good defensive big man to succeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the second quarter, the substitute lineup for both sides played evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Trail Blazers maintained a 10-point lead, and Guokas called for a timeout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides’ starting lineups returned to the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal couldn’t wait to get on the court; his competitive spirit had been fully ignited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he entered the game, he began demanding the ball in the low post, this time much faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Catching the ball, he spun and pressed inside, hoping to use his weight and height to score!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang stepped aside, allowing O’Neal into the basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal leaped up, aiming for a one-handed dunk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most defenders at this point would be pinned down by O’Neal, unable to jump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, they’d watch helplessly as they were humiliated by a towering dunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gan Guoyang actually withstood it, directly confronting O’Neal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Single-handedly blocking O’Neal’s dunk attempt!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the clash of powerhouses, both lost their balance in mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal fell heavily to the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Gan Guoyang also fell back, crashing into the soft pads of the hoop’s base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball fell into a Magic player’s hands, and they scored a layup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Magic made that shot, but it wasn’t O’Neal who scored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal struggled to his feet, throwing himself back into defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang had already sped past half-court, charging into the paint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Porter threw a long pass to the interior, and Gan Guoyang caught it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal couldn’t keep up, and Gan Guoyang easily dunked it in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After emphatically slamming the ball, O’Neal felt very frustrated, unable to keep up with Ah Gan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal was already quite fast, but Gan Guoyang was faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal wanted to position himself for low-post offense again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Gan Guoyang began to front him, directly blocking O’Neal with his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the fierce struggle for position, neither would give way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal tried to carve out space, but Gan Guoyang firmly controlled the territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, these two players encountered an opponent of comparable strength on the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Gan Guoyang was a bit stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal felt fatigued; the ball didn’t come into his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The outside shot missed, and Gan Guoyang quickly anticipated the rebound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal desperately tried to grab it, but Gan Guoyang held him off, tipping the ball to a teammate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Trail Blazers’ possession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal put in a lot of effort, yet didn’t even touch the ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made the emotional big guy very angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the following play, he found it difficult to continue attacking from the low post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every center, after multiple strong post plays, needs some time to adjust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for Ah Gan—he could keep attacking relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, in the latter part of the second quarter, O’Neal’s nightmare began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang entered a continuous low-post attack mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many players double-teamed him, no matter how O’Neal defended, he insisted on taking the ball strong to the hoop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In low-post offense filled with powerful clashes, the most vigorous physical confrontations ensued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spinning jump shots, hook shots, and floaters after cutting through the middle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And purely relying on strength, pushing past O’Neal under the basket for layups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gan Guoyang made six consecutive shots, O’Neal was genuinely overwhelmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big guy, is your stamina bar infinite?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such intense clashes, aren’t you tired?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m already exhausted defending, aren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t over yet; on the seventh attempt, Gan Guoyang kept attacking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used the Sigma Step to face the basket, continuing to show off his skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang didn’t take mid-range shots or sneak threes, nor did he resort to pick-and-rolls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was determined to use his body, facing the rim, charging right at O’Neal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another baseline move, reverse layup; this time, O’Neal panicked and slapped out, not daring to let it go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slap landed on Gan Guoyang’s shoulder, but the ball still went in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two points, plus a free throw!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal stood there stunned, holding his waist and wiping his sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, this must be a nightmare, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is this nightmare? Why do I keep giving up points?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why can’t I defend him? I’m so tired, I can’t keep up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal had great endurance, but even he couldn’t withstand the high-density, continuous high-intensity offense and defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang didn’t even want to give O’Neal a rest during free throws; he grabbed the ball and threw it in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal had given up on low-post attacks on offense, passing the ball to teammates instead—he needed a break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sikels’ driving layup was swatted away by Gan Guoyang as he charged in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Magic team was a bit dazed, and the point difference was heading towards 20.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was still a slow pace; Gan Guoyang demanded the ball in the low post for the eighth time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three Magic players surrounded him, and Gan Guoyang distributed the ball to Lewis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lewis took a step inside and passed back to Gan Guoyang, who started moving outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the baseline three-point line, a location unsuitable for double-teaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal had no choice but to engage one-on-one, yet again a one-on-one situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, O’Neal’s gaze towards Gan Guoyang was somewhat lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweating profusely, with his mouth slightly open, he seemed to be on the verge of collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought, \"Just take a mid-range shot, big guy, just a mid-range. I’ll give a token hand raise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, Gan Guoyang adjusted his breathing, broke through the baseline again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baseline breakthrough was a defensive weak point for O’Neal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because with his wide build, he had to give space to the attacker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, he would be blocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with a slightly slower turn, there was no help on the baseline from teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he never had much of a solution for the baseline breakthrough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, very few use this move; which center constantly breaks through the baseline?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ah Gan would. Having studied thoroughly, he’d keep targeting you with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal gave up on chasing and also on fouling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang went baseline, twisted mid-air, jumped off two feet, and dunked one-handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of dunk allows him to brace with his shoulder to prevent collisions, making it ideal for a 2+1 play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unmatched in detail, completing a unilateral slaughter against O’Neal with a 17:2 run.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as the half ended, Gan Guoyang said to O’Neal, \"Not bad in the second quarter, keep it up in the third, you know my specialty is the third quarter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal was so distraught he appeared angry, glaring at Gan Guoyang, saying, \"Did I provoke you, Ah Gan? Did I provoke you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gan Guoyang calmed O’Neal down, saying, \"It’s a game, Shaq. I greatly admire you, so I give it my all. Did you give it your all?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>O’Neal was left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come on, the second half, the so-called third-quarter king, come on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smash me!\u003C\u002Fp>",1548,"2026-06-06T01:41:50.199Z",1,"novelbin.me","242d30be60ab47f68e4c2a1c8310f4b5f65de9c47faf3616fcddd23527cc70ba","the-golden-age-of-basketball-chapter-1129","the-golden-age-of-basketball-chapter-1127",2033,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-golden-age-of-basketball-cover.jpg"]