Chapter 777 - 16 I’m Joking_2

The experienced Danny Ainge controlled the rhythm on the court and trash-talked Petrović, trying to provoke him to handle the ball more and go for more one-on-one attacks, aiming to speed up the game pace.

"You’re about to get past me, come on! Croatian? Or should I call you Yugoslavian?" Ainge kept provoking Petrović both defensively and offensively.

At that time, Yugoslavia was already clouded by the shadows of war, filled with racial confrontations and secessionist sentiments.

With big Serbian nationalists like Milošević taking power in the country, the secessionist forces within Yugoslavia were getting restless.

In July 1990, Kosovo declared independence, and the Yugoslavian civil war was on the brink of starting.

Ainge, notorious for his sharp and even malicious tongue, named Dennis Johnson "Chemotherapy" when Johnson was first traded to the Celtics.

Since Dennis Johnson was known as "Cancer" during his time with Supersonics due to conflicts with the coach, Ainge’s nickname meant chemotherapy, intending to prevent this "cancer" from spreading in Celtics.

Though well-intentioned, this kind of nickname really was damaging.

Fortunately, after coming to the Celtics, Dennis Johnson’s temperament changed drastically. Immersed in Boston’s harmonious atmosphere and glorious history, he didn’t hold a grudge against Ainge for the nickname.

DJ, however, found the nickname quite good, and he believed it symbolized that eventually, this "nickname" would cure the "cancer," and he would no longer be the team’s toxic presence.

But this was between teammates, where the intent was still friendly, and it was all just friendly banter.

However, it was different with opponents. Ainge deliberately poking at Petrović’s sore spot with national issues made Petrović very angry.

Initially, Petrović controlled his temper and took advantage of his speed and shooting to single out Ainge during attacks.

But Petrović gained no advantage, as Ainge, a seasoned veteran, had solid defensive tactics.

He used his steps and physical contact to stick closely to Petrović.

If Petrović pretended to attack or pass, letting the defender make a difficult choice, his one-on-one play would be smoother.

But when he was determined to go one-on-one, Ainge knew it too, made no other choice but to focus tightly on Petrović, making it very difficult for him.

For two consecutive rounds, Petrović went one-on-one with Ainge on the perimeter, and he didn’t score a single basket and had one steal by Ainge.

The Suns counterattacked, with Thunder Dan Majerle leading ahead, received Ainge’s pass and slam-dunked powerfully with both hands!

Although a White player, Dan Majerle had exceptional jumping ability, strong explosive power, and was among the top dunkers among White players.

Each dunk was with thunderous might, thus fans nicknamed him "Thunder Dan."

The Suns took the lead in the second quarter, marking their first lead of the game.

This made Petrović even more anxious and angry, especially when he received the ball in the backcourt and Ainge approached to apply full-court pressure.

Petrović couldn’t contain his anger, drove forward, raised his hand and knocked over Danny Ainge, picking up an offensive foul.

Dead ball, Bobby Berman called for a timeout, realizing something was off with Petrović tonight.

In the recent rounds, Petrović had the chance to collaborate with Sabonis to orchestrate the offense.

Yet, he chose not to do that, instead taking on Ainge by himself, what’s with him tonight?

During the timeout, Bobby Berman asked Petrović what was wrong, and Petrović didn’t exactly say it, only mentioning, "Personal grudge, I’ll handle it myself."

Gan Guoyang, who had been contending with Ainge for years, since the finals of 1986, knew this guy was provocative on the court, and definitely irritated Petrović.

Gan Guoyang was about to enter the game, he said to Petrović: "That bastard Ainge, did he say something excessive? I’ll help you shut his mouth."

"Oh no, not Sonny, no... This is between him and me. I will calm down, I won’t play recklessly, I’ll be calm."

Petrović did not want the team leader to intervene. If Ah Gan stepped in, it could end with an elbow, which might send Ah Gan back to the locker room.

"I can stay out of it, but you need to handle Danny yourself, in the right way." Gan Guoyang patted Petrović on the shoulder.

The brief pause ended, Gan Guoyang was back in the action, and Charles Barkley also returned to the court.

The ball was still with the Suns, with Barkley receiving it and facing Ah Gan.

This was the first direct confrontation between the two in this game, with Barkley slightly intimidated.

"Come on Charles, you only dare to shoot from outside? When did you become a shooter?" Gan Guoyang also used his words to provoke Barkley.

With the ball outside the three-point line, Barkley, very calmly, chose a pass, giving it to Kevin Johnson cutting inside.

However, Johnson’s layup was disturbed by Sabonis and didn’t score, and Sabonis grabbed the defensive rebound aiming for the frontcourt.

Gan Guoyang charged forward like a rocket, and Sabonis made a long football pass, connecting with Gan Guoyang.

The fans at Memorial Coliseum stood up, ready to cheer and pay tribute.

A gliding dunk just inside the free-throw line!

Bill Schonely’s Rip city though delayed, finally arrived.

The teams tied at 40:40, the competition still extremely intense.