Chapter 434: Chapter 130: Dominating Both Offense and Defense from the Start!

"Maybe nobody will notice in the future. I heard that the New Yorkers are quite dissatisfied with Old Nelson’s coaching record... Indeed, the record that the Divine Calculator led the Knicks to achieve in the past two years was too good, all over 55 wins. If Old Nelson wants to create something great, it’s estimated that it won’t succeed without three to five years, and the core of the Knicks is getting older...

However, the Knicks are indeed wealthy; their starting lineup costs over 28 million, right? More than the total salary of everyone on the Bulls team."

The referee walked to the center circle with the ball, and Zhang Hao gathered his thoughts, focusing on the game.

Ewing had been eager to fight; he wanted to crush Zhang Hao! To make Zhang Hao cry!

The four major centers each have different playstyles, with significant differences, but they share one common feature — regardless of which one of the four major centers, their physical fitness ranks among the top few among centers.

Even though he knew Zhang Hao’s athletic ability was good, Ewing still felt he was better.

At 7 p.m., the referee blew the whistle to start the game, and amidst the cheers of the crowd, Zhang Hao leaped up quickly, tipping the ball backward!

The cheers of the crowd abruptly ceased, turning into gasps of surprise!

When the Knicks have a lousy record, New York fans are fans of all strong teams in the NBA, loving whoever they see.

When the Knicks have a good record, most New York fans are loyal Knicks fans and don’t watch other teams’ games.

Right from the start, Zhang Hao shocked the less experienced but city-dwelling New York fans. After winning the tip-off, his lightning-fast break made the crowd gasp with surprise!

Winning the tip-off placed Zhang Hao at the forefront of his teammates, triggering the "Single Rider" bonus with the fast break, speed +5, and from the current temporary speed of 92, it soared directly to the league’s fastest speed of 97!

And it’s not just fast; it’s fierce!

The Knicks didn’t underestimate the Lakers at all; they meticulously studied this former dynasty team, showing signs of resurgence, knowing how fierce Zhang Hao’s fast break was. Little Anthony Mason immediately stepped up to block Zhang Hao from receiving the pass, but Zhang Hao easily sidestepped to occupy half the position, then collided together... Little Anthony Mason was directly elbowed away by Zhang Hao! Zhang Hao successfully caught the ball!

At this moment, Zhang Hao’s mind was particularly clear. He dribbled into the paint, suddenly spun a step from the left side of the three-second area to the right side of the restricted area, avoiding Charles Oakley, grabbed the ball, spun, jumped with his back to the baseline!

As he jumped, Zhang Hao’s right hand grabbed the ball and turned half a circle from below to the left side of his body, rising up, then straightened his arm, swinging it over his head, and as he descended, he forcefully slammed towards the hoop...

With a "bang," when Zhang Hao smashed the ball into the basket, the crowd couldn’t help but gasp in surprise again!

A complete windmill side tomahawk!

And with his back to the baseline!

Explosive!

Zhang Hao’s first shot tonight was explosively fierce!

"Dunk Master (Bronze) triggered..."

Zhang Hao didn’t need to look at the subtitle prompt; by looking at the shocked eyes of his teammates and even his opponents, and hearing the gasps from the crowd, he knew this shot directly ignited the scene!

So exhilarating!

Just the first shot, Zhang Hao understood what the subtitle prompt "enhanced reaction capability" meant—allowing the star using the experience card to have awareness matching that level during the game!

Little Anthony Mason and Charles Oakley’s defensive cooperation was excellent, but he instantly reacted to what he should do, and he succeeded!

"An off-ball player with a 94 ability rating, this should be the peak state of an off-ball player, right? Talking about mid-range shots, under-basket offensive details, awareness... Not considering comprehensive ball-handling attacks, I don’t think Jordan would be stronger than me!"

As Zhang Hao ran to the backcourt, his teammates saw his clearer, brighter eyes, feeling an intense confidence from them!

The morale of the teammates, already boosted by Zhang Hao’s dunk, grew significantly more confident at this moment!

Others might not notice, but the Magician felt a bit of a chill... Zhang Hao’s different details were too clear for a star of his caliber, ranking among the best of the best in NBA history. Zhang Hao’s instantaneous decisions were in no way inferior to those of seasoned veterans!

Under the current circumstances, Zhang Hao was improving—a player for the big moments!

Transitioning to offense, the Knicks attacked.

Ewing grew more annoyed—so what if you look handsome and your playstyle is stylish?

He just can’t stand these handsome guys!

Ewing started moving very actively.

Most of the Lakers team was ready for the inevitability of being unable to defend, with Zhang Hao defending against Ewing.

Even though their new core was a genius, he still had immature aspects, combining unexpected agility with poor dribbling, immense route-running analytical ability but accompanied by a lack of final defensive judgment capability...

Zhang Hao defending Ewing was an inevitability for the Lakers, as Campbell would fail once out of the three-second area, and the Magician needed to conserve energy for crucial moments; only Zhang Hao could defend.

However, contrary to his teammates’ expectations, Ewing thought he could easily use power to find comfortable shooting opportunities, but, while he did have a physical advantage, it wasn’t much! Also, during movements colliding with Zhang Hao, Ewing found it difficult!

"How is this skinny monkey so tough? Is his skin all bone?"