Chapter 539: Wade Dong Returns

After three days in the hospital, Li Jiajia's health had nearly fully recovered. Director Han arranged for a health care nurse to accompany Li Jiajia home, which was far more professional than a postpartum caregiver.

The villa was bustling with activity.

Everyone had taken on a new role; the mahjong table had long been stored away, under the pretense of creating a healthy environment for the baby.

....

The second round of playoffs had already begun, and eight teams had been eliminated.

Second Round Matchups:

- Western Conference:

 - Suns vs. Trail Blazers

 - Lakers vs. Spurs

- Eastern Conference:

 - Hawks vs. Pacers

 - Heat vs. Raptors

There was still no news about Wade Dong's return. The Trail Blazers, having beaten the Suns once in the regular season, were in high spirits facing a Wade-less Suns team and were determined to win this series.

Some analysts began to voice their opinions.

If Wade Dong didn't return for the second round, it was likely that the series would go to six or even seven games. They didn't believe the Trail Blazers could eliminate the Suns but acknowledged it wouldn't be easy for Phoenix to sweep them either.

Game Results:

- Game 1: Suns 107, Trail Blazers 103

- Game 2: Suns 115, Trail Blazers 114

Although both games were held at the Suns' home court, they were fiercely contested. Lillard averaged 47.5 points per game, causing significant trouble for Phoenix. 

Especially in Game 2, where the match went down to the last three seconds, Curry hit a game-winning three-pointer; had he missed it, the series could have been tied at 1-1.

Despite losing two games in a row, the Trail Blazers remained confident that they could win at home in Game 3.

Various media outlets began to favor the Trail Blazers, believing they could defeat the Suns on their home court.

.....

The Suns' players arrived at the airport, preparing to board their team plane to Portland for an away game.

Before boarding, Gentry muttered again, "Why hasn't there been any news from Dong Ge?"

He had repeated this statement countless times over the past few days; it had become almost second nature to him. Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang before takeoff.

"Oh wow! It's Dong Ge calling!"

Seeing the caller ID, Gentry nearly jumped out of his seat!

All players turned their attention to Gentry. "Dong Ge is calling?"

"Dong Ge, are you feeling better?"

Gentry's hands trembled with excitement as he finally managed to answer the call.

"Bring my jersey and shoes."

Wade said: "I'm heading straight to Portland; I heard someone say that the Suns can't win Game 3 without me, and it made me a bit angry."

Gentry excitedly replied: "Your jersey and shoes are with Warrick; we've all been waiting for you!"

"Then... see you tomorrow!"

With that, Wade hung up.

"Oy yeah~~~ Dong Ge is coming back!"

Before takeoff, cheers erupted throughout the cabin as if Wade's return would make everything easier for them in the playoffs.

...

When would Wade return? The Suns organization had not provided any definitive answers.

Thus this news generated considerable buzz; however, no paparazzi dared stake out at the hospital. Even if they saw that Wade hadn't traveled with the team to Portland, they wouldn't dare publish anything until after warm-ups when they noticed Wade wasn't present—many players from Portland breathed sighs of relief.

"I can hardly believe it—what injury could keep Dong Ge out for so many games?"

However, some like Gortat and Frye genuinely worried about Wade's condition; they held deep feelings for him.

After last season ended, in order to retain Gortat and Frye, Portland offered them solid contracts—thanks largely to Wade's influence when Phoenix traded them both for rookies seeking better development opportunities.

As game time approached, Lillard loudly encouraged his teammates: "Everyone stay strong; we must win this game!"

Before Lillard finished speaking, an uproar erupted in the arena.

"Oh wow!!!"

"Oh wow!!!"

"Oh wow!!!"

The crowd gasped in astonishment as if witnessing something unbelievable.

"Dong Ge..."

Gortat looked up and saw Wade smiling as he walked out from the players' tunnel.

"Wade is back?!"

Lillard could hardly believe his eyes.

Just moments ago, both teams' starting lineups had been announced on the big screen:

Suns: Curry, Carter, Thompson, Durant, Green 

Trail Blazers: Lillard, Matthews, Afflalo, Aldridge, Gortat

Wade was not listed among the starters; everyone assumed he wouldn't play tonight. But now he appeared just as the game was about to start?!

"Hiss..."

The crowd collectively gasped as Wade's presence filled them with despair for those supporting Portland.

"Dong Ge!"

"Dong Ge!"

"Dong Ge!"

All Suns players rushed over excitedly to surround Wade in celebration.

....

"Beep!!!"

With that whistle from the referee signaling game time,

Gortat and Durant jumped for possession; Gortat tipped it directly into Lillard's hands while Carter intentionally fouled Lillard by grabbing him lightly as he drove past.

After committing his foul, Carter walked toward the sidelines while Wade adjusted his jersey and stepped onto the court.

"The basketball god has arrived... we're done for!"

"Yeah! We thought we could beat Phoenix but now that Wade is back we have no hope left."

"Forget about winning—just enjoy playing!"

Fans murmured among themselves; even Portland supporters felt hopeless upon seeing Wade return.

The Trail Blazers inbounded from baseline.

Lillard dribbled upcourt thinking to himself: "Wade hasn't played in half a month and didn't warm up earlier... he shouldn't be able to keep up with my pace!"

Then,

Lillard drove past Wade on his left side; Wade took half a step back!

"Just as I thought!"

Lillard felt a rush of excitement; he was right—Wade couldn't keep pace with him! He surged toward the basket for an easy layup.

But behind him, Wade quickly closed in and leapt up just in time to swat Lillard's shot against the backboard!

"Smack!!!"

A thunderous block!!!

This rejection sent Gortat into a frenzy as he exclaimed: "Dong Ge! What a block!"

"You better watch what you say or Lillard might get mad—quickly get back on defense!" 

Wade reminded Gortat while dribbling upcourt.