NBA: A collection of super busts

Chapter 97 Why didn't you pass me the ball? I could kill the game!

After Ye Feng uttered a phrase in Yao Ming's hometown dialect, he also picked up the basketball and looked at the hoop.

His free throw percentage so far this season is only slightly over 70%, which is hardly that of an excellent free throw shooter. But at this moment, he took the shot with full confidence.

"Whoosh!"

After a sharp crack, Houston fans in the stadium screamed in pain.

From nearly securing a game-winning shot to being nearly defeated by the opponent, this dramatic rise and fall must have been incredibly painful for them.

Van Gundy quickly called a timeout; he needed to get his team to score the final point.

"Everyone must be vigilant and guard against their own people. Don't miss anyone! Don't let your guard down! Everyone, focus! We're only one step behind."

So don't rush to throw up threes, try to drive inside! Getting to the basket is where you have the best chance of scoring. Even if you don't score, we have Yao Ming.

"We have a great chance to grab the rebound!"

"Steve, calm down! Stay calm, don't throw things!"

Next, Van Gundy devised a very detailed series of screens to prepare Francis for receiving the ball. His tactics were so detailed that he planned out exactly when the players would start running, when they would turn around, and when and where they would set the screens.

Unfortunately, the overly detailed instructions resulted in insufficient timeouts. Before he could finish speaking, the referee had already begun urging the players to come onto the court. Van Gundy could only sigh and wave to signal that everyone could go on.

Cato stood on the sideline. He didn't have much offensive ability, but he was tall enough and experienced enough that the Grizzlies wouldn't easily obstruct his passing vision, making it easier for him to inbound the ball.

Ye Feng stood right in front of him, raising his hands and waving them around as much as possible to distract him.

"Dude, you guys are definitely giving it to Francis, right? I don't even need to look at you, I just need to keep an eye on Francis."

"Then turn around." Cato remained calm, completely unaffected by Ye Feng's trash talk.

"He definitely scurried from the baseline to the top line and received the ball outside the three-point line, so it's definitely on my left! Be careful, don't pass to the left, I can definitely steal it."

"beep!"

The referee was ready at this point and handed the basketball to Cato.

The moment Cato got the basketball, Ye Feng's movements immediately became more aggressive.

He swung his arms rapidly, his hands even creating numerous double images, and his entire body moved left and right in small, rapid motions, trying to expand his defensive area as much as possible.

This was a technique Ye Feng learned from a red-haired classmate in high school. By relying on his strong athletic ability and agility, he could disrupt his opponent's judgment and vision in as many ways as possible.

"Left! Left!" While interfering with the serve, Ye Feng kept shouting to disrupt Cato's judgment. At the same time, Ye Feng stared intently into Cato's eyes, trying to judge and guess the direction Cato might pass the ball.

"8 o'clock!" Williams shouted. Ye Feng immediately shifted his body to the left. He didn't need to look back. He trusted his teammate completely. Williams' shout proved that Francis was definitely in that direction.

But Cato wasn't really stubborn. As soon as he saw Ye Feng move, he quickly changed his target and passed the ball to the right, where Mobley had run out of position!

But just as he released the basketball, Ye Feng made a move that Ye Feng couldn't understand.

This guy actually flew out horizontally!

He made a diving save, a move often used by football goalkeepers, and sprinted sideways across the field.

That was a perfectly timed dive!

Cato then realized he had been tricked; Ye Feng had just used a feint similar to a reverse run.

With a "thud," Ye Feng made a perfect save, grabbing the basketball with both hands and holding it tightly in his arms.

Everyone was stunned. The Rockets players didn't even rush to steal the ball immediately.

This gave Ye Feng an opportunity.

He quickly flipped over to regain his balance, then raised his hand and threw the ball forward.

Williams grabbed the basketball and continued sprinting towards the frontcourt, trying to shake off the Rockets' defenders and prevent them from fouling him.

"Ball! Ball! Jason, ball!" James was running even faster at this moment. He kept waving his arms and shouting, wanting Williams to pass him the ball so that he could do a gliding dunk and show off his talent.

To his surprise, Williams completely ignored him, neither passing him the ball nor shooting himself, but instead dribbling the ball and running wildly in the opposite direction.

"Fuck you!" Seeing that Williams was unlikely to pass the ball to him, James clapped his hands in frustration and cursed.

"Buzz!"

With a buzzer, the Rockets players couldn't catch up with him until the game time was completely up.

The Grizzlies narrowly secured a victory in this game!

"Congratulations to the Grizzlies! Congratulations! They won the game thanks to Ye Feng's 2+1 game-winning shot!" Coach Zhang exclaimed. "This game will go down in history! The most exciting China-Germain derby in NBA history, the best one ever!"

"Chinese fans will definitely remember this match!"

于嘉道：「叶枫今晚轰下生涯最高的21分10篮板3盖帽2抢断！完美无比的表现！生涯第一次20+10，同时还有2+1绝杀和抢断杀死比赛！今晚的叶，表现无可挑剔！」

"Yao's performance was just as brilliant," Coach Zhang said. "22 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He's really becoming the Rockets' anchor, and he's showing more and more of the demeanor of a team leader! Van Gundy's system is still very suitable for him."

Yu Jia said, "The performances of other players on both sides were also commendable. For example, Francis scored 15 points and Mobley also contributed 12 points. On the Grizzlies' side, James scored the second-highest points on the team with 18 points, along with 5 rebounds and 6 assists."

"After tonight's game, the Grizzlies continue their undefeated streak, while the Rockets, with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses, have dropped to ninth in the Western Conference. Let's continue to follow the games of these two teams."

"That concludes tonight's broadcast," Yu Jia said. "Next, we will be drawing five lucky fans to receive an NBA basketball gift package, including a pair of the hottest-selling Adidas Y1.0 sneakers!"

"I'll say 'start,' Coach Zhang will call 'stop.'"

Coach Zhang: "Start!"

On the court, the Grizzlies, who had narrowly defeated the Rockets, were somewhat unhappy. James walked up to Williams, puzzled, and said, "Why didn't you pass me the ball, Jason? I could have scored two points and sealed the game!"

"No reason why, what's there to talk about? You came all this way for just 2 points?" Williams looked at James like he was an idiot: "What good are those 2 points to you?"

After saying that, Williams didn't want to argue with him anymore and turned to leave.

"Why not take it if you can?" James persisted, deeply feeling ignored and disregarded, a feeling he hated.

"Fine, if you insist on asking, I'll tell you." Williams got annoyed and turned to glare at James, saying, "First, after you dunk, there will still be about a second left. The opponent will have a timeout, and they will have a chance to tie the game with three points."

"Giving you this ball would be foolish."

"Secondly, if you don't attempt another shot, then Ye will have already achieved his first career game-winning shot. You made such a harmless basket, and Ye's game-winning shot is over. Why should I ruin my brother's game-winning shot and let you dunk on it?"

"For both personal and professional reasons, for the team and for myself, I shouldn't have passed the ball to you. Okay, rookie, any objections?"

If not, make way, I'm going to celebrate my brother's first career 20+10 game plus a game-winning shot!

It's Ye again! It's that bastard again!

James turned and glared at the two men, Williams and Ye Feng, his eyes filled with resentment and malice. He had made up his mind.

Those two bastards have to get out of here! Absolutely!

And that Haslem, get out too! They all have to get out!

"Here's the basketball!" Williams grabbed Ye Feng and handed him the ball. "Ye, this game is definitely a milestone in your career. You absolutely need to keep this basketball!"

"Isn't it up to the home team to decide who gets the basketball?" Ye Feng scratched his head, unsure if he could take the ball.

"I've already got it in my hands, why would I let them take it back?" Williams scoffed. "If I had to consult with people before doing things, wouldn't my reputation be ruined?"

"No need to discuss it, just take it." Yao Ming's voice came over, and the big man walked over and said, "It was indeed a beautiful game, so it's only right that you take this basketball."

"Look, even their team leader has spoken," Williams laughed. "Accept it!"

Amidst the laughter of the group, no one noticed that Francis, who had also intended to come over and say hello, sighed and then turned and left.

"See you after the game." Yao Ming patted Ye Feng on the shoulder, and Ye Feng then remembered that Yao Ming had said he would introduce him to a friend before the game started.

Are you trying to set yourself up with someone?

If so, it's best to find someone you don't have to take responsibility for.

Next, Ye Feng, who hit the game-winning shot, represented the team at the press conference. The reporters at the conference were extremely polite to him. They were quite kind to this rookie who had dominated the game tonight and achieved a career milestone. After praising him, Ye Feng knew that he was definitely going to be on the front page tonight.

Then, he asked Brown for leave and went to see Yao Ming.

Forty minutes later, in a stylish private room at a restaurant in Houston, Ye Feng met the friend that Yao Ming wanted to introduce to him.

"I know you!" Ye Feng recognized the Asian man at a glance, whose build, appearance, and demeanor were quite ordinary.

"Really?" The guy stood up excitedly, clearly not expecting Ye Feng to know him.

Yao Ming, who was about to make an introduction, stopped talking, as if to say, "You know each other, so I won't go on and on." He also gave the guy a reproachful look.

If you know me, why would you need me to be the middleman?

And then, the whole scene just got awkward.

The air suddenly became quiet.

Ok?

Yao Ming was also stunned.

What's going on?

That guy was obviously waiting for Ye Feng to call his name, ready to shake hands as soon as Ye Feng said his name.

To everyone's surprise, Ye Feng just stood there without saying a word.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it right." Ye Feng finally said, "I've seen you before, but I don't know you."

"On the media day of the new season, this guy came to Memphis to interview me and asked me a few questions."

"You remember!" The guy was even more excited when he heard that. He had just given up, but now he saw that Ye Feng actually remembered him: "My name is Duan Ran, a reporter from TX Sports."

"That's too modest," Yao Ming chimed in, adding, "First of all, he's not just a reporter. In the past two years, he's almost single-handedly created an NBA page on Tencent's website. You could say he's the number one person in Tencent's basketball department."

"Secondly, he didn't just interview you; he also published countless articles about you in China, all praising you. The fact that your sneakers sell so well in China is at least 3% thanks to Editor-in-Chief Duan."

"Oh, not at all, I'm not an editor-in-chief at all. I'm just a junior reporter now, and I don't even get a travel allowance." Duan scratched his head and chuckled. "Besides, Yao Ming is exaggerating too much. Whether I'm there or not, everyone will still buy your sneakers."

"After all, we've almost never had a player with your style in our country before, and everyone likes you."

"I especially enjoy watching you beat up foreigners."

"Are they treating me like Wong Fei-hung?" Ye Feng said. "Is their next step to get me to open a martial arts school in America...?"

"It's not that bad," Yao shook her head and said, "but the main reason I wanted you two to get to know each other is that I hope you can do Editor-in-Chief Duan a favor."

"Help? An interview? No problem, we're all on the same side, it's just a matter of a word. Just find a day without a game, I'll wait for you in Memphis." Ye Feng waved his hand, indicating that there was no problem at all.

Duan stopped being polite and said directly, "Besides the exclusive interview, I have another request. I hope to become a beat reporter for the Grizzlies, to interview and report on some inside stories, and to get up close and personal with the players."

"But this kind of thing isn't up to me to decide, is it? And shouldn't it be this kind of process?"

"Normally, yes, team reporters are usually assigned directly by the media executives and the team executives. But the problem now is that TX has almost no NBA experience or responsible department, so I'm the one who has to do it all."

"Nobody can talk to the Grizzlies. I'm not good enough, I don't have the status, the experience, or the qualifications. But if I don't become a beat reporter, I almost never get any scoops. I can only sit in the back row of the press conference and wait for God to smile upon me."

At this moment, Yao Ming also said, "Actually, I hoped to help Editor-in-Chief Duan, but the Rockets have strict requirements and systems, and there are already several reporters from China who are accompanying the team."

"It might not be a good thing if Editor-in-Chief Duan goes."

Ye Feng understood what Yao Ming meant. The closer someone is to you, the more they compete with you, the more ruthless they will be. Who knows what kind of trouble they might cause to sabotage you?

"You just need to help me get an interview or meeting opportunity, and leave the rest to me!" Duan Ran said, "I'm confident!"

"All I can say is that I will try, I will do my best to help." For Ye Feng, this was just a small favor, a matter of mentioning it to West or someone else. Moreover, for him, it was a good thing to have more of his own people conducting interviews and leaking information within the team.

At least this reporter seems quite reliable. If he speaks well of me in China and publishes more articles, my sneakers and other merchandise will definitely sell even better!

More importantly, Yao Ming and Duan Zai don't know how big a name TX Sports will become in the future, but Ye Feng does!

If I could use Duan Zai's connections to get in touch with some high-ranking people at Tencent, and then buy a few million shares of their stock or something like that.

Ye Feng certainly wouldn't miss out on something that was a sure-fire way to make money.

Duan Ran was clearly surprised that things went so smoothly. He was especially happy that Ye Feng agreed so easily, and he quickly took out the menu and said, "I just ordered a few dishes randomly, knowing that you athletes eat a lot."

"Order whatever you like, it's on me!"

"No need to save him any money." Yao Ming flipped through the menu familiarly and said, "His nickname in China is Duan Bancheng. It's said that half of the country is owned by his family. He has plenty of money. Reporting is just a hobby for him."

"Another one who doesn't work hard and ends up inheriting the family fortune?" Ye Feng laughed. He knew another person like that.

"Unfortunately, I have no family fortune to inherit," Duan Ran said. "Our family's only business is collecting rent."

Amidst laughter, the three chatted for a long time, and the atmosphere was quite lively.

Finally, as Ye Feng stood up to leave, Yao Ming extended his hand to him and said, "Maybe, see you on the national team?"

"See you on the national team!" Ye Feng shook his hand firmly. "Let's sweep away and crush all the big men in the world together!"

"Maybe we can win a medal?" Yao Ming was clearly already dreaming about next year's Olympics.

"Your appetite is too small," Ye Feng laughed loudly. "Of course, we want to dominate the whole world!"

"I will write this sentence in my article," Duan Ran said with renewed enthusiasm. "I will make TX Sports' page bigger and better!"

A few days later, an Asian man quietly appeared alongside the Grizzlies, occasionally asking questions of the players, chatting with them, and conducting brief interviews.

Everyone was already familiar with this kind of thing and didn't take it too seriously.

After a five-game winning streak at the start of the season, the Grizzlies finally started losing.

And it's a losing streak!

After all, they are going to face the three strongest teams in Texas on this away trip.

The Rockets are simply the weakest of the three Texas powerhouses.

The Mavericks and Spurs then taught the Grizzlies a lesson, inflicting consecutive losses on them.

In the days that followed, the Grizzlies' record fluctuated, with wins and losses, and their performance was quickly overtaken by the top teams in the Western Conference.

By the end of November, the Grizzlies had a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, the same as the Kings, with both teams tied for fourth place in the Western Conference.

If the Grizzlies could hide everything when they were on a winning streak at the beginning of the season, then when their record started to fluctuate, the team atmosphere naturally wasn't as good.

Complaints on the field, arguments during training, and accusations after matches began to emerge within the team, with Williams being the first to be targeted.

This guy has actually controlled his turnovers very well this season. In the first month, he averaged 6.9 assists per game with only 2 turnovers, which is already the best level of his career.

However, because he often wanted to show off some skills that he actually liked, he was also the one who got scolded the most in the team.

Williams' frustration was becoming increasingly evident.

After all, he felt he played well, but Brown always criticized him because of his style.

This frustration carried over from the competition field into training.

In early December, the Grizzlies lost to both the Lakers and the Clippers, both Los Angeles teams.

If losing to the Lakers is acceptable, then losing to the Clippers, who are at the bottom of the league, will have a significant impact on the Grizzlies' morale.

The good news is that they only have two games in the first week of December, giving them a full four weeks of rest afterwards.

Good heavens, in the course of a long season, it is truly rare to have four days without a match.

This is a good opportunity for the Grizzlies to make adjustments.

Brown gave the team a day off, and then significantly increased the intensity of the team's training the next day. During training, he repeatedly emphasized the team's chemistry and unity, and asked the players to pass the ball more and share more. He hoped to help the team regain the feeling from the beginning of the season.

The intensity of training that day was no less than that of the competition day; everyone trained until they were panting and their bodies were weak.

Brown watched the players run and share the ball from the sidelines and was quite satisfied. He hoped the team could bring what they had learned in training into the game.

At that moment, West arrived at the arena. He nodded and winked at Brown, then left again.

Brown knew West wanted to talk to him, so he blew his whistle to gather everyone in front of him: "I'm very satisfied with today's training! I hope everyone can carry on this momentum and remember our playing style."

"We are a team, we are a family! We need to learn to share! Don't hold onto the ball, don't always think about your own stats, and don't keep looking at your technical statistics during the game."

"Everyone is like this; my requirements for everyone are exactly the same!"

"Alright, I have to leave for a bit. Last 21 minutes! We can disband after that."

"The requirements for these 21 points are the same as before: every goal must be scored through an assist! I don't want any individual plays! Okay, go."

After Brown finished speaking, he waved and turned to walk towards West's office.

"What's wrong? Why can't we wait? We'll be completely done in 20 minutes." Brown sat down across from West, looking somewhat impatient.

"It's something very important," West said. "There's some pressure."

"Who can put pressure on you in this league?" Brown shook his head and said, "I don't believe it."

"What if it's outside the league?" West asked. "Like Nike!"