Chapter 126: Shoot with Confidence

"I am honored to be a member of the Suns."

"This championship banner is proof of the entire team's hard work."

"I hope that this season, we can add another banner to the US Airways Center."

"..."

Wade Dong, as the player representative, gave a brief speech. A staff member then handed him a remote control. Wade Dong and Stern pressed the button together, and the championship banner was raised in the US Airways Center. However, with only one banner in the arena, it felt a bit lonely.

...

The championship ring presentation ceremony ended.

The 2012-13 season, the Suns' first regular-season game, officially began.

During the offseason, the 76ers had pursued Bynum, even offering him a five-year, $60 million contract. However, Bynum chose the Suns' three-year, $27 million deal. It wasn't that Bynum didn't care about money or that he wanted to win a championship with the Suns. The main reason was that Bynum felt that only Wade Dong understood him in the league.

For example, during the preseason, Bynum, a big center, was pulled out to the three-point line to shoot. Wade Dong and Gentry not only didn't criticize him but also designed a special tactic for him. This feeling of being valued was truly great.

"Beep!!!"

As the referee's whistle blew, the game began.

Iverson and Hill, dressed in suits, sat in the audience.

The 76ers' starting lineup was: Richardson, Holiday, Turner, Young, and Hawes.

The Suns' starting lineup was: Nash, Wade Dong, Dudley, Gortat, and Bynum.

Wade Dong returned to his familiar shooting guard position, and Gortat started at the power forward position.

The Suns' bench was also very deep, with players like Dragic, McGrady, Tucker, Green, Middleton, Frye, Morris...

Players like Dragic and Tucker could start for other teams.

Against Hawes, Bynum used his height and arm span advantage to tap the ball to Nash. Nash quickly dribbled up the court, and the 76ers fell back to defend. Nash passed the ball to Wade Dong at the frontcourt.

Wade Dong caught the ball at the three-point line and immediately shot a three-pointer!

"Swish!!!"

The three-pointer went in!

Wade Dong scored the Suns' first basket of the new season.

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

The US Airways Center erupted with "MVP" chants.

The Suns were the defending champions, and the 76ers were weaker, but they were still an NBA team, and every team was formidable. After switching to defense, Turner also scored a mid-range jumper!

"Defend Wade Dong's three-pointers!"

76ers head coach Collins shouted from the sidelines as Wade Dong got the ball again.

Anyone who had watched the Olympics knew to fear Wade Dong's terrifying three-pointers, especially in the fourth quarter of the final, where Wade Dong made 14 out of 14 three-pointers. This was a nightmare for all coaches.

"Hehe~"

Wade Dong glanced back at Collins and, facing Holiday's defense, shot another three-pointer!

"Swish!!!"

The ball went through the net again!

Dragic turned to McGrady and said, "Senior, this move is very similar to yours."

"The move is similar," McGrady smiled, "but the accuracy is not on the same level."

McGrady didn't start, which had a lot to do with his current physical condition and competitive state. For a veteran like him, the regular season was more about staying fresh. His true value would be seen in the playoffs.

If McGrady were to start in the regular season and play 30 minutes a game, he might not last long before old injuries flared up.

...

The first quarter had been going for 7 minutes.

29:17!

The Suns were leading the 76ers by 12 points, and Wade Dong had made 6 out of 6 three-pointers, scoring 18 points in a single quarter before being substituted out.

The Suns had Nash, Dragic, and Varick at the point guard position; Dudley, Middleton, and McGrady at the small forward position; Gortat, Tucker, Green, and Morris at the power forward position; and Bynum and Frye at the center position.

Only the Suns' strongest shooting guard position had Wade Dong!

So, after Wade Dong was substituted out, Dudley continued to stay on the court, and Middleton came in as a substitute.

This was also Wade Dong's intention. He wanted to cultivate Middleton, especially since McGrady's playing time in the regular season was limited. In most games, McGrady might not even play. The goal was to keep McGrady healthy for the playoffs.

...

In the broadcast room.

Yu Jia, "Six out of six three-pointers, Wade Dong is amazing!"

Coach Zhang, "This is Wade Dong's standard performance!"

Yu Jia, "Wade Dong is resting, and the rookie Middleton has come on as a substitute."

Coach Zhang, "He is the Suns' first-round, 29th pick this year. Let's see if he can bring us any surprises."

...

"Good luck!"

Before Middleton went on the court, Wade Dong patted his shoulder and said, "Don't let your sister down."

Luo Qingyan already had four players under her management: Wade Dong, Curry, Middleton, and Green. The "sister" Wade Dong mentioned was Middleton's agent, Luo Qingyan.

"Okay!"

When Middleton stepped onto the court, he was still very nervous.

At this time, the Suns' lineup on the court was Middleton, Dragic, Dudley, Gortat, and Bynum.

Dragic also intentionally tried to boost Middleton's confidence. Seeing Middleton open, he immediately passed the ball to him.

"Hmm?!"

Middleton caught the pass at the three-point line!

At this moment, he was extremely nervous! This was no longer the preseason.

"Pass the ball to me quickly!"

Bynum, in the low post, reached out to Middleton for the ball.

Middleton hesitated again. Holiday gave him a step, and at this moment, should he pass the ball to Bynum in the paint or shoot a three-pointer?

Wade Dong, sitting on the bench, took the towel off his head and shouted to Middleton, "Middleton, shoot with confidence!"

"Okay!"

With Wade Dong's encouragement, Middleton no longer hesitated and shot a three-pointer.

"Clang!"

Perhaps due to nervousness, the ball hit the rim, and the 76ers grabbed the rebound.

Bynum rushed to Middleton and questioned, "Why didn't you pass the ball to me?"

"I..."

Middleton lowered his head, not daring to speak.

"Bynum, you shut up!"

Wade Dong suddenly shouted, "Just do your own job."

Middleton was signed by Wade Dong's sports agency, and he had to perform well to make money for Wade Dong. Of course, Wade Dong would favor Middleton.

"I..."

Bynum dared to vent his anger at the rookie but not at Wade Dong, so he also lowered his head.

Wade Dong then comforted from the sidelines, "Don't be disturbed, play at your own pace!"

Middleton was greatly encouraged!

Until the end of the first quarter, he had three more shooting opportunities.

4 out of 4 missed!

Middleton played for four and a half minutes in the first quarter and scored zero points.