Chapter 280: Team's Record for Most Points in a Quarter

"One more win, and the championship trophy will be ours!"

"The Heat will definitely make a strong comeback in this game!"

"Then we'll go all-out offense against them!"

"Dongge, this fifth game will be your personal show."

The day before the game, the Suns' coaching staff and players gathered in the meeting room to review video footage of the previous games and analyze the upcoming final match.

Of course, all these remarks were lighthearted banter. In reality, not only did they need to conduct a thorough pre-game analysis, but they also had to be ready to adapt and respond to the opponent's tactics during the game.

...

Two days later.

The fifth game of the 2012-13 season's Finals tipped off in Phoenix!

Numerous celebrities and VIPs were in attendance, including some Chinese stars like Yao Ming and Huang Yu, who were sitting together, engaged in quiet conversation.

Zhang Yang and Guo Zifeng were also present to watch the game.

These two individuals were the second and third largest shareholders of the Wei Dong Group. Without their influence, it would have been impossible for the Wei Dong Group to become the world's third-largest sports equipment company, second only to Gouzi and San Ye Cao, in just one year.

"Dongge, how many points are you planning to score tonight?"

Before the game, Iverson, dressed in his signature hip-hop style, joked with Wei Dong.

Iverson had a special connection with the Suns, as he had won his championship with them, making his affection for the team second only to the 76ers.

Prior to the game, experts had already predicted that if Wei Dong won another championship, he would solidify his position as the best player in the league.

In just one year, Wei Dong had set countless records that left other players in despair, but what he lacked was a collection of honors.

...

The fans arrived early, and at 7 p.m., the fifth game of the Finals officially began!

"Beep!!!"

With the referee's whistle, the game officially started.

Wei Dong received the ball and dribbled into the frontcourt. The Heat employed a basic 2-3 zone defense with Wade and Chalmers in the front, James, Ray Allen, and Bosh in the back, and Bosh positioned in the restricted area.

"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

The fans cheered rhythmically for the Suns.

"Swish!"

Wei Dong dribbled past Wade and Chalmers in one move and drove straight to the basket.

James and Ray Allen came to help defend, but Nash and McGrady were both open beyond the three-point line.

However, Wei Dong didn't pass the ball. He dribbled past James and Ray Allen, then jumped and dunked over Bosh, slamming the ball into the hoop!

Bosh was also knocked to the ground!

"Wow!!!"

The atmosphere in the arena instantly ignited.

A one-on-five play!

A jaw-dropping dunk!

Right from the start, Wei Dong treated the fans to a dunk worthy of the Top 10 Plays of the Year.

After Bosh got up, he inbounded the ball, and Chalmers quickly dribbled into the frontcourt and passed to James, who also drove past McGrady and headed to the basket.

"Bang!!!"

James dunked over Gortat.

"Wow..."

Even though it was the Suns' home court, many fans couldn't help but cheer for James.

James' dunk was equally impressive!

...

TNT was also providing commentary for the game.

Shaquille O'Neal: "Oh, that's a powerful response from James!"

Charles Barkley: "Wei Dong's dunk was the most explosive! I won't accept any arguments!"

Shaquille O'Neal: "I want to argue with you..."

Charles Barkley: "I won't accept any arguments!"

Shaquille O'Neal: "Hahaha... I don't want to talk to someone without a championship ring."

...

After James' dunk, the Suns quickly inbounded the ball, and Nash passed to Wei Dong near the three-point line. Wei Dong caught the ball and took a three-point shot!

"Swish!!!"

The ball went straight through the net!

And then... James responded with another successful layup.

Both teams were playing at a fast pace!

Each offensive possession was completed within ten seconds, and the quick transitions between offense and defense forced the opponents to scramble on defense, resulting in high shooting percentages for both sides.

It was a pure small-ball style of play, the Suns' rhythm.

This surprised Gentry. Was it possible that his lighthearted pre-game analysis was coming true?

Learning from the enemy to defeat the enemy?

Even though the Suns were dictating the pace, with seven minutes left in the first quarter, the score was 39-36, with the Heat trailing by only 3 points.

This all-out offensive battle was the most thrilling, and the fans were on the edge of their seats!

After a short break, the Suns made substitutions, with Nash, McGrady, Green, and Gortat all going to the bench for rest. Only Wei Dong remained on the court from the starting lineup.

Curry, Thompson, Middleton, and Frye came into the game.

The Heat also made adjustments, bringing in Lewis for Bosh and Kidd for Chalmers, committing to the small-ball strategy for the entire game.

After the break, Curry dribbled into the frontcourt and, one step away from the three-point line, took a shot.

"Swish!!!"

The ball went straight through the net.

42-36!!!

"Yeah!"

Curry shouted in excitement after hitting a three-pointer right after coming into the game.

The Heat's offense.

Wade dribbled past Curry and then threw the ball towards the basket!

"Clang!!!"

James completed an alley-oop dunk, showcasing the brothers' chemistry.

42-38!!!

There were only 4 minutes and 29 seconds left in the first quarter.

"Suns for the championship!"

"Suns for the championship!"

"Suns for the championship!"

The fans cheered loudly for the Suns.

Time ticked by, but the offensive showcase from the Heat and the Suns continued.

"Clang!!!"

James made another dunk.

49-47!!!

The Suns led by 2 points, with only 5 seconds left in the first quarter.

Curry inbounded the ball and passed to Wei Dong.

Wei Dong dribbled towards the frontcourt, and Wade defended near the midcourt line. Wei Dong stuck close to Wade and quickly spun past him.

There were only 2 seconds left in the first quarter.

Wei Dong, two steps away from the three-point line, took a shot with perfect form.

The fans' eyes followed the ball as it moved, and they only cheered when it went through the net at the basket.

52-47!!!

The Suns broke the league record for most points in a quarter by a team.

This meant that both single-quarter scoring records in the league belonged to the Suns: the individual single-quarter scoring record of 37 points by Wei Dong, and the team single-quarter scoring record of 52 points, just set.

"Dongge, you're the man!"

Before setting the second-quarter strategy, Gentry didn't forget to compliment Wei Dong.

...

In the second quarter, Gentry decided to let Wei Dong rest on the bench at the start.

This was the Suns' rhythm, and Nash's role could be maximized, so Gentry didn't see the need to overuse Wei Dong. He wanted Dongge to rest for a minute before returning to the game.

James and Wade also sat on the bench at the start of the second quarter.

Both teams were essentially playing with half-reserve lineups. Three minutes into the second quarter, the Heat trailed by 11 points.

James and Wei Dong stood up simultaneously, ready to check into the game.

At this moment, Spoelstra sneaked a glance at the Suns' bench and noticed that Wei Dong was also standing up.