Chapter 63

Chapter 63

After lunch, the three returned to the training facility for the afternoon session. During practice, Van Gundy introduced the newly designed pick-and-roll and weak-side back-cut tactics tailored for Zhao Dong.

The pick-and-roll strategy involved Zhao Dong setting a high-screen with the point guard. After the screen, he could remain at the high post, roll to the basket, or pop outside the arc. With his versatility, Zhao Dong was an ideal candidate for executing this tactic effectively. Additionally, he could run pick-and-rolls from the wing, exploiting mismatches to his advantage.

The weak-side back-cut tactic required Zhao Dong to cut to the basket after Ewing drew defensive attention on the strong side. Given his inside-cutting ability, rated at a high 90, this tactic suited him perfectly. It was clear Van Gundy had recognized Zhao Dong's cutting prowess and crafted these plays to maximize his impact.

"I expect you all to execute these tactics effectively in future games," Van Gundy instructed the team.

Ewing immediately understood the implications. Adding these tactics meant Zhao Dong would get more shots and more ball-handling opportunities. However, Ewing wasn't overly concerned. His shot volume wasn't dictated by Van Gundy—if he wanted to take 25 or even 30 shots in a game, he could. But with his current physical condition, he was unlikely to sustain such a high workload, especially during the regular season when conserving energy was crucial.

Still, Zhao Dong's growing influence on the team had begun to irritate him. To maintain his dominance, Ewing intentionally increased his shot attempts in recent games. Although Van Gundy's decision to incorporate tactics for Zhao Dong annoyed him, it didn't directly reduce his own opportunities, so he chose not to voice his displeasure.

Meanwhile, Oakley pulled Zhao Dong aside after practice, his voice laced with concern. "Why didn't you let Wells handle this? I told you before—leave this stuff to your agent. Now that you've gone to the coaching staff yourself, Ewing or the media could make things difficult for you."

Zhao Dong was taken aback. "I'm just used to handling things on my own," he replied, shrugging.

Oakley shook his head in disapproval. "Well, you'd better start getting used to having an agent. Your job is to play basketball; let Wells deal with everything else—even hooking up with women, if that's your thing."

Zhao Dong laughed awkwardly, though he couldn't help thinking, What's the fun in letting my agent handle that?

The decision to add tactics for Zhao Dong stirred discontent among the team. Allan Houston, in particular, felt uneasy. If Ewing wasn't willing to reduce his shot attempts, the additional shots for Zhao Dong would inevitably come at the expense of other players—himself included.

Houston's frustration grew as he reflected on Zhao Dong's lackluster performance in the previous two games. Determined to protect his standing, he decided to call his agent, Bill Spiriclan, to pressure the management and coaching staff.

"We need to ensure Zhao Dong doesn't get too many additional shots," he told Spiriclan.

Houston's current average of 12.5 shots per game was something he wanted to maintain. If Zhao Dong's shot attempts exceeded his, Houston believed he would need to demand more opportunities to secure his role within the team's hierarchy.

In the evening, Madison Square Garden was alive with energy. The Knicks' strong performance this season had the fans buzzing with excitement, and the star-studded crowd reflected the team's growing popularity.

Starting Lineups:

Jazz: Greg Ostertag, Karl Malone, Brian Russell, Jeff Hornacek, John Stockton

Knicks: Patrick Ewing, Zhao Dong, Charles Oakley, Allan Houston, Chris Childs

The game was being broadcast live across the U.S. on TNT, with CCTV providing live coverage for viewers in China. The TNT broadcast team of Bill Walton and Matt Guokas previewed the matchup.

"Now that Laimbeer has retired, the 'Four Villains' era feels incomplete," Walton remarked. "But tonight's game will be fiery, with three of the toughest players on the court."

"Do you think there'll be a fight?" Guokas asked jokingly.

"Probably not. These guys know the fines and suspensions aren't worth it. They'll stick to playing tough defense," Walton replied with a chuckle.

Locker Room Drama

Before the game, the media stirred up tension by asking Zhao Dong about Karl Malone's dismissive comment that he had never heard of him. Zhao Dong, never one to hold back, fired back, "Tell him, just like Barkley, he'll never win a championship. He should retire early."

As he made the bold statement, Zhao Dong glanced sideways at Ewing, thinking to himself, Ewing, you fool. If you keep suppressing me, not only will I fail my mission to take down Jordan, but you'll also never win a championship. If it comes to that, I'll leave New York, and the system will just send me to snipe someone else. Either way, you're doomed.

Meanwhile, in the Jazz locker room, the reporters' version of Zhao Dong's comments reached Karl Malone, who was livid.

"What nonsense is that rookie spewing?" Malone growled, his fury evident.

"Relax, Karl," Stockton said coldly. "We'll handle him on the court."

The mention of championships hit a nerve with both players. Winning a title was their ultimate goal, and anyone standing in their way became an enemy.

"Of course," Malone replied, his eyes burning with intensity.

Barkley's View

Over in Houston, Charles Barkley was tuning in to the game from his home.

"Charles, aren't you watching Jordan's game? ABC is broadcasting the Bulls against the Lakers tonight," his wife Maureen asked.

Barkley shook his head. "Nah, I've watched enough Jordan games. Tonight, I want to see the Knicks. They've got this rookie, Zhao Dong, who talks a big game. He's got some talent, but he's been running his mouth against me and Jordan. I want to see him get put in his place."

Maureen, a New Yorker and Knicks fan, teased him, "Oh, so it's Flying Dragon versus Flying Pig? I heard you're his inspiration."

"Yeah, he said it himself," Barkley replied, a touch of pride in his voice.

On the Court

As the teams lined up to enter the court, Zhao Dong noticed Malone and Stockton glaring at him. Malone's expression was fierce, while Stockton's cold, calculating stare felt as sharp as a blade.

"So, this is the infamous 'Black and White Duo,'" Zhao Dong thought. The pair had earned their reputation as two of the NBA's most notorious villains, with Stockton even being voted the league's top villain over Rodman.

The stage was set for a heated battle at Madison Square Garden.

In the NBA, survival often meant employing a mix of physical tactics—stepping on opponents' feet, applying pressure on their throats, pushing with knees, slapping hands, using elbows, and even targeting the most vulnerable spots, just as PJ Brown had done to Zhao Dong. Even the notorious Dennis Rodman had felt the sting of these aggressive moves.

Karl Malone, known for his immense strength, approached Zhao Dong, his eyes burning with intensity. He raised his massive right arm, a 55 cm circumference of muscle. His arm was a full circle thicker than Zhao Dong's, and despite both players weighing roughly the same, Malone had a slight edge at 113 kg. His upper arms were significantly larger, and his bench press was top-tier, exceeding 200 kg—far outstripping Zhao Dong, who could manage only 150 kg.

The difference between them was clear: Zhao Dong's physique was more balanced, with proportional strength in both his upper and lower body. In contrast, Malone's build was top-heavy—his upper body bulk outmatched his lower body, revealing weaknesses in his core strength.

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