The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!

Oh, is this what it feels like to start the fourth quarter ahead, opposing Su Wan?

Truly disoriented!

And after the fourth quarter began, they grew even more frantic.

Su Wan opened with a three-point shot, narrowing the deficit to 7 points.

Leonard held up his hands in frustration, his face full of helplessness.

The Bolis people in the audience saw Leonard's helpless expression on the big screen and mirrored his look.

They've observed Leonard's performance over the past year, believing that selecting him at the fifteenth pick in the first round was definitely a good choice.

Why is it a good choice...

Consistent performance, active defense, and low-key off the court!

These adjectives signify potential for greatness in the future!

To sum it up, Leonard this season gives off the impression:

He's not like a rookie!

Yet...

Faced with Su Wan, he immediately showed his rookie immaturity.

Barkley could even see Leonard was somewhat cautious.

This means that after the series ends, Leonard would need some time to recover from the aftermath of this game...

However, the Pacers are in great form tonight.

Su Wan scores, and they quickly counterattack.

The score hovered between 8 to 10 points for about 7 minutes until the last 3 minutes, when Su Wan hit a mid-range shot, returned to defense, predicted in advance, and boldly stole Zach Randolph's outbound pass.

"That steal was really audacious!"

Bill Walton clearly saw that if Su Wan hadn't completed the steal, the ball would have reached Leonard's hands, allowing him to directly shoot a three-pointer. That would have put the New York Knicks in a passive position.

What's more to say?

Skilled and daring!

"Bang!"

With Su Wan's one-arm slam dunk, the deficit dropped back to 4 points.

The next possession was crucial for the Pacers. Rick Carlisle, seeing the Knicks' defense gaining momentum from Su Wan's play, called for a timeout to meticulously set up the next offensive play.

The ball flowed smoothly and ended up in Zach Randolph's hands.

Randolph took the ball, immediately turned around, and shot with a "half-hook" style to avoid the hands of Su Wan and Dior blocking him overhead, completing the score.

Deficit returned to 6 points.

Zach Randolph roared loudly.

And then made eye contact with Su Wan.

Since Su Wan left this city, Randolph aimed to become the new master here after him.

But Su Wan shone too brightly; all Randolph could do was follow in Su Wan's footsteps and do what he once did for this city.

Like right now, stepping up to respond to the opponent.

Even if the opponent...

Is Su Wan!

At this moment, Randolph felt he was finally becoming "Su Wan," he too turned into "Su Wan!"

He aimed to...

Secure tonight's victory.

Yet he knew, it wouldn't be easy.

Su Wan locked eyes with Randolph, sensing Randolph's determination.

Their initial experience as teammates was unpleasant, but Su Wan knew Randolph had the potential for "Reformation," so his reliability during critical moments as Indiana's "Gate God" came as no surprise to him.

However, Su Wan wanted to reach this year's finals, and there was only one path forward, hence...

Fall!

Randolph!

With continuous crossovers, Su Wan faced Leonard, but his sight was set on Zach Randolph, who was about to rush him.

This wouldn't be someone so active on defense back in New York.

But with the Pacers, Su Wan believed he would certainly charge forward.

Leonard felt like he was going crazy.

He could clearly sense that Su Wan wasn't even looking at him, sparking his competitive spirit, but watching Su Wan's continuous crossovers, his stance wavered gradually.

Then...

He swayed him with a step!

Leonard saw the direction of Su Wan's breakthrough clearly, but he couldn't catch up because when Su Wan revealed his true intention, Leonard's balance had already shifted to the other side.

He had no ability to adjust his movement direction and could only watch as Su Wan stepped over him.

Zach Randolph indeed rushed forward in defense, while Su Wan stepped out with his right foot, transferring the ball from right hand to his left behind him.

It was at this motion, the "Big Grizzly" realized he made a misjudgment.

"Bang!"

With a move resembling Wade's "Mysterious Steps," Su Wan stepped away from Leonard and then bypassed the eagerly defensive Zach Randolph.

The deficit returned to 4 points.

Mike Malone directed the Knicks' defensive positioning on the sidelines, incessantly making "closing gate" motions, clearly aiming to compact the defense and prevent Zach Randolph from receiving the ball.

This moment highlighted the limitations of traditional centers in influencing the game.

Randolph reluctantly passed the ball to Afflalo on the perimeter.

The three-point shot bounced out of the rim.

As Su Wan held the ball, some Pacers' fans began clutching their heads.

"Bang!"

With only 39.5 seconds left, Su Wan immediately went for a fast break.

The strategy was well executed, the mobility issues of the "Black and White Bears" resulted in the Pacers' transition defense this time being poor.