Chapter 502: The Suns' Regular Season Goal

​63:48!!!

The first half ended, and the away fans were stunned.

Durant, Curry, and Thompson had just scored 12 points in 1 minute and 39 seconds, and they were even giving Wade Dong a break. Were the Suns really this powerful?

...

In the away team's locker room...

"Continue to make history because we are the strongest, but some players have started to become arrogant and complacent," Alvin Gentry said, holding a thermos. "I don't want to see this attitude in the team. Today is just a small punishment for you. When the season ends and the team wins its fourth consecutive championship, you can go wild in the nightclubs."

"Yes!"

Varick's eyes lit up. When the Suns won their first championship, the team had Wade Dong, Steve Nash, Iverson, Hill, Dudley, Marcin Gortat, and Channing Frye. Time flies, and the Suns are now aiming for their fourth consecutive championship.

From that championship team, some retired, some transferred, and only Wade Dong and Varick remained from the championship roster, not including the coaching staff.

Could they lie down and win the fourth championship?

Or, if Varick had never left the team, would they have won more championships? Could all these honors get him into the Hall of Fame after retirement?

"This season, I want to aim for 80 regular-season wins!"

Alvin Gentry shared his determination, "If we can do it, it will be one of the hardest records to break in the league."

"Old Gentry, you think the same as me."

Wade Dong raised his chin, "From the day I entered the league, I was destined to become a ruthless record-breaker."

"Whew..."

Several players gasped.

This was the determination of Wade Dong and Gentry—80 regular-season wins. Even the mighty Suns wouldn't dare to dream of this.

It would be incredibly difficult to achieve...

They would have to defeat their opponents every night, ensuring the team remained injury-free. Only a few players in the entire league could play a full season without missing a game. If the Suns suffered injuries to key players like Durant and Curry, even if they rested for just ten days or eight months, it would be extremely challenging for the team.

They couldn't rely on Wade Dong every night, could they?

The players didn't dare to speak, and Gentry asked, "Don't you have confidence?"

"Yes!"

This time, everyone answered Gentry loudly.

"Dong Ge, we can give players appropriate rest when playing weaker teams," Gentry said softly.

"I don't need rest!"

Wade Dong shook his head and added, "But others can take turns resting to minimize injuries."

After the system left, it gave Wade Dong a hundred bottles of 'Recovery Potion', which was more than enough. With Wade Dong's explosive physical talent and these potions, he didn't have to worry about any injuries.

...

The second half began, and the Suns were only trailing by 15 points.

Wade Dong, Curry, Thompson, Durant, and Draymond Green entered the game, and the familiar feeling returned.

Wade Dong held the ball at mid-range and made a turnaround jumper.

Swish!!!

The ball swished through the net.

63:50!!!

The Hawks played patiently on offense, but the Suns' defensive efficiency was also high. Paul Millsap missed his shot.

Wade Dong rushed to grab the defensive rebound and made a full-court bounce pass, delivering the ball precisely to Curry.

Bang!!!

Curry dribbled once and jumped, making another dunk.

"Oh yeah!"

The fans were excited; Curry had dunked again!

This was Curry, not Wade Dong, contributing two dunks in a game, which was a rare sight.

"Great pass, Dong Ge!"

Curry high-fived Wade Dong as he returned to defense.

In his first year with the Suns, Curry had also been a teammate of Nash. To be fair, Wade Dong's passes were even more comfortable to catch than Nash's.

The Hawks' rhythm was disrupted as the Suns kept scoring.

...

Swish!!!

Wade Dong hit an ultra-long three-pointer.

71:72!!!

The Suns took the lead with 4 minutes and 27 seconds left in the third quarter.

"Timeout!"

Budenholzer called a timeout.

An assistant coach reminded him, "Besides offense, the Suns' defense is also terrifying. In the last 9 minutes, from the last minute of the third quarter, we've only scored 8 points."

"I know!"

Budenholzer held the tactical board. "Korver and Teague should draw the defense's attention by moving to the perimeter. Pass the ball to Millsap and Horford, and we'll play a half-court game against the Suns."

This tactic didn't seem very effective.

After the timeout, the ball was passed to Horford, but he was guarded by Wade Dong under the basket.

Although Horford was taller, he was far weaker than Wade Dong. He lost the ball with a simple spin move.

Slap!

Wade Dong cut the ball down.

"What the..."

Budenholzer was furious. "Was my tactic overheard? Why is Wade Dong under the basket?"

The Hawks quickly returned to defense.

Wade Dong dribbled to the frontcourt, with no intention of passing. He drove past a double team and went for a one-man fast break. After evading the double team, Wade Dong rushed to the basket for a powerful slam dunk.

Bang!!!

The dunk was powerful.

Wade Dong landed lightly, not even bothering to celebrate. He just waved his hand and led his teammates back on defense.

The Hawks tried to catch up.

But Durant and the others were determined, and Gentry's motivational speech during halftime ensured the Suns wouldn't give the Hawks a chance to catch up.

...

Beep!!!

The referee's whistle signaled the end of the game.

Final score: 93:106!!!

The Suns defeated the Hawks on the road.

Game stats:

Wade Dong: 43 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, 7 steals, 5 blocks

Durant: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Curry: 27 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, 0 blocks

...

Since the start of the season, Wade Dong had only ranked first in steals and blocks. He was in the top five in the other three categories but not first.

There were two main reasons for this.

First, in about ten of the twenty games played, Wade Dong didn't play in the fourth quarter.

Second, this season, Wade Dong focused more on defense.

...

Usually, after a game, the two teams would shake hands amicably. However, the Hawks didn't do this after tonight's game. They headed straight for the player tunnel.

Budenholzer also maintained a grim expression throughout.

At the post-game press conference, the first question from the reporters was, "Why didn't you start the game with Durant and the others?"

Gentry explained, "Some players made minor mistakes before the game. It was a form of punishment, but fortunately, they reflected and recognized their mistakes."