Chapter 35: "Grace"

Andrew, now thrust into the role of interim head coach, found himself facing an unfamiliar challenge—the New Jersey Nets. This was the team where former Chinese player Yi Jianlian had played, experiencing the highest peak of his career despite a mixed journey.

Before the game, Andrew approached the locker room, walked straight up to Paul Millsap, and without hesitation, said, "Paul, you're starting tonight."

Millsap's eyes lit up. Although he'd suspected this during training, hearing it directly from Andrew's mouth made his heart race. It wasn't just another game; it was his moment.

Andrew caught the gleam in Millsap's eyes and gave a nod of approval. This was the exact reaction he wanted—a spark of excitement to ignite the fire in his players.

He didn't need to say much more. A simple pat on Millsap's shoulder, a silent exchange of trust, and Andrew was out of the locker room.

Millsap clenched his fists, watching Andrew's back with a silent vow: I won't let you down.

The locker room erupted into congratulatory applause. Even the seasoned veterans, like Uncle Huo, smiled in support. Everyone knew this was Millsap's big chance, a reward for his hard work—and they all hoped it would light a fire under the team.

As the players stepped onto the court of the sold-out Continental Airlines Arena, the roaring crowd of 18,000 intensified the stakes. Carter, the high-flying legend, was a superstar in New Jersey, and his presence electrified the atmosphere. Thousands of Chinese fans in the stands waved flags and banners—here to witness their hero, Yao Ming, take on one of the NBA's most famous players.

Across the ocean, in homes and schools, Chinese fans had gathered, ignoring work and studies just to witness this matchup. Yao Ming and Carter were household names, capable of turning any game into a must-watch spectacle.

After the pre-game introductions and warm-ups, Andrew, now standing on the sidelines as interim head coach, was approached by Lawrence Frank, the Nets' head coach. They shook hands at the technical platform—Andrew's first face-off as a head coach.

The handshake was brief, but Frank couldn't hide his smirk. An assistant coach? He thought this game would be an easy win.

"Ding! New system mission: Defeat the New Jersey Nets. Reward: 1 honor point," a voice echoed in Andrew's head. His mind was set—there was no room for failure.

As the game tipped off, Yao Ming won the jump ball, tipping it back to the Rockets. Andrew's heart raced, but he remained composed on the sidelines, eyes scanning the court. His plan was already in motion.

The Rockets ran their usual play: Yao Ming posted up at the free-throw line, and Millsap, after screening for McGrady, slid into the high post. The defense focused on McGrady, giving Yao an opening to pass to Millsap. Millsap caught the ball and shot.

"Bang!"

The ball clanged off the rim—too strong. Kostic grabbed the rebound, and the Nets quickly turned the tables.

On the defensive end, the Rockets executed Andrew's newly devised strategy, pinning down Carter and Jefferson. But Kidd, ever the savvy veteran, opened up the court, directing the ball to Kostic, who had a mismatch with Millsap in the post. Kostic backed him down and sank the easy basket.

At the commentary desk, ESPN's Matt Scott chuckled. "Looks like the Rockets made a big mistake putting this rookie, Millsap, in. Two missed shots already? He's not ready for this level."

"Yeah, doesn't seem like Howard is injured, so this was definitely Andrew's call," his partner, Vann Keith, added. "A poor decision, for sure."

On the next possession, the Rockets ran the same play again. This time, Millsap found himself wide open, but once again, his shot was too strong, bouncing off the rim. The crowd groaned, and Scott laughed again, "Three chances, three misses. Not the start Andrew was hoping for."

In the stands, Dawson, the Rockets' general manager, sighed heavily. He hadn't wanted to interfere, but it was clear Andrew's gamble wasn't paying off—yet.

Luckily for the Rockets, Yao Ming was there to clean up. After Millsap's miss, he outjumped Collins for the offensive rebound, drawing a foul in the process. Amid the chorus of boos from the home crowd, Yao calmly sank two free throws, tying the game at 2-2.

As the action resumed, Andrew called out to Millsap. The young player's frustration was evident, his confidence shaken by the missed shots. Andrew walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Relax. Play your game. Don't overthink it. I'm not pulling you out."

Millsap exhaled deeply, visibly relieved. The pressure had been mounting, but Andrew's words gave him the confidence he needed.

At the commentary booth, Scott leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Hey, Van, it seems Van Gundy isn't here tonight. Looks like Andrew is running the show."

"That's right," Keith chimed in. "I heard from the officials that this rookie start was Andrew's decision. Looks like he's got a lot to prove tonight."

"And not a great start with Millsap," Scott added with a grin. "Maybe Andrew's trying to reward him for that Summer League trophy?"

Keith laughed. "Summer League success doesn't always translate to the big leagues, Scott."

On the court, Yao's free throws had steadied the Rockets, but the pressure from the Nets was mounting. Kidd, the floor general, directed traffic, feeding the ball back to Kostic in the post. The mismatch was clear, and the veteran was ready to exploit it.