Chapter 236: Chapter 46: Showdown with Minnesota

Normal output.

When Su Xi left the court, the Pacers had a two-point lead.

After Su Xi came off, Kenny Anderson took over at the point guard position.

Carlisle had been prepared for them to fall behind, but to his surprise, Anderson came in and immediately hit a three-pointer. He was on fire.

This hot streak brought new life to the Pacers, creating some surprising team chemistry.

When the Timberwolves were forced to extend their defense, Artest got more opportunities on the wing, and Little O’Neal could also focus more on handling Garnett.

As the league’s third-ranked power forward, Little O’Neal wasn’t afraid of the second-ranked Garnett. The one he feared was Duncan, the Immovable One.

His complex array of offensive moves was largely useless against Duncan. Duncan was like an old man who had lost all his passion and libido; no matter how Little O’Neal tried to bait him, he’d never fall for it. Garnett, on the other hand, wasn’t quite on that level. Although he was a highly skilled defender, there were always times he could be hooked.

At the same time, Reggie Miller also started heating up.

Sanders was completely caught off guard. His entire pre-game strategy had been about how to deal with Su Xi.

But now, the veteran Anderson had taught him a lesson.

Su Xi sat on the bench, smiling happily.

Thanks to Kenny Anderson’s sudden explosion, he would be getting more rest time.

At the end of the first quarter, the Pacers led by eight points.

The score was 29-21.

As the second quarter began, Su Xi remained firmly on the bench.

The Timberwolves started with their defense and launched a few counter-attacks.

At this point, Artest had a chance to be the Pacers’ savior, but he couldn’t seize it... His offensive efficiency was very low.

By the time the Timberwolves had cut the lead to just three points, five and a half minutes had passed in the second quarter.

A well-rested Su Xi suited up and returned to the game, replacing Artest.

Carlisle had him try playing the shooting guard position.

Su Xi came face-to-face with Sprewell.

The "Madman" had the advantage in both height and build.

"I like your style, but right now, you’re not my opponent."

Sprewell initiated the conversation with Su Xi. "I was a lot like you when I was younger, but not as audacious. I only dared to choke my head coach, but you dare to call out half the superstars in the league."

The Madman really admired Su Xi.

He was wired differently from normal people.

It was clear he wanted to be friends with Su Xi.

Kenny Anderson was trapped by Cassell’s defense, so Su Xi quickly ran over to help and received the ball.

The Madman pressed up on him, extremely aggressive.

This was Su Xi’s first time playing shooting guard in a real game. The entire basketball world had been discussing how Su Xi’s individual scoring ability was weak, and his ability to create off the dribble was below the league average.

Carlisle clenched his fists, a little worried.

Just then, Su Xi made a quick jab step. His footwork was sharp and convincing. The moment his body lunged forward, the experienced Madman fell for it, instinctively taking a step back.

At that moment, Su Xi quickly changed direction with the ball and sped to the other side. His explosiveness and speed were already at the top tier of the league.

Afraid of being blown by in a single step, the Madman took two steps back on defense.

But Su Xi had already stopped on a dime, stepped back, and put up a jump shot!

In the defensive scouting report Sanders had prepared for the Timberwolves’ players, there was no mention of Su Xi having this ability.

However, Su Xi’s release on this shot was perfect. The ball obediently traced a beautiful arc... SWISH!

It dropped straight through the net.

Su Xi had taken a bit of a gamble; he wasn’t entirely confident in his shot either.

But his gamble paid off.

And when a gamble pays off, it’s time for some trash talk.

"How did your defense get so bad? When I used to watch your tapes, you weren’t this weak." Su Xi shook his head in disappointment. He was hoping the Madman would bring some of that coach-choking energy.

’The Madman has some superstar talent in him. What if I can absorb and fuse with it?’

But to Su Xi’s surprise, Sprewell humbly accepted it. "You’re right. I’m a lot weaker than I was in my prime."

’Boring.’

Su Xi pouted.

Back on the other end, Cassell passed the ball to Sprewell again. The moment he caught it, Su Xi was all over him.

The Madman’s offense had a few tricks up its sleeve. While not at a top-tier level, he still managed to shake off Su Xi’s pestering defense. He drove hard, then abruptly stopped for a shot. CLANG!

The ball didn’t go in.

But Garnett tipped the ball, tapping it into the basket.

After the score, he arrogantly roared at Little O’Neal, pounding his chest domineeringly.

His passion also ignited the home crowd. Garnett was a player who excelled at firing up the atmosphere.

And just then, Garnett shot Su Xi a vicious, provocative glare. It was as if he was saying, ’Didn’t you want a piece of me? Come and get it!’

Su Xi’s expression was blank, but he subtly pursed his lips.

Anyone who knew Su Xi knew what that meant.

When he did that on the court, it meant he was about to start his revenge.

Artest was getting restless on the sideline. He said to the "Hu Su Bao" next to him, "Tony, do you think Jack is going to posterize Garnett tonight? I think there’s a good chance."

"I’m ready for a fight. If Garnett dares to retaliate against Jack with his fists or feet, I’ll show him why they call me Tony Battie."

The "Hu Su Bao" flexed his muscles.

His current role on the Pacers was the same as Oakley’s on the Bulls back in the day. Back in Chicago, Oakley was Jordan’s bodyguard. If anyone dared to disrespect Jordan, he’d be the first to rush in and lay them out.

It was the same with Tony Battie.

He had originally gotten a contract buyout to come to Indiana specifically to team up with Su Xi and give Cleveland a hard time. Over time, the two developed a real bond. Moreover, the Chinese fans and brands were incredibly supportive. Tony Battie reaped the benefits of the Chinese market, and with encouragement from the team owner, he had proactively slapped the "Hu Su Bao" label on his own forehead.

’If you’ve got a problem, let’s fight.’

Artest was envious that Su Xi had such a personal bodyguard.

Privately, he always felt Su Xi didn’t need a bodyguard. Su Xi’s fighting ability was off the charts—he’d even broken his own demon of a father’s ribs with a single punch. What was a little NBA physicality compared to that?

Artest had seen videos of Garnett fighting. His assessment: utter crap.

Not even as good as some sloppy flailing.

Number one at talking tough and backing down.

Su Xi received the ball in the frontcourt once again.

This time, Su Xi waved his hand, and Foster quickly came up to set a screen.

Su Xi zipped past it, cutting sharply toward the paint. The Timberwolves’ newly subbed-in center, Olowokandi, was powerless to stop him and could only watch as Su Xi blew past him in a single step.

Garnett quickly rotated over from the side to help, looking ferocious.

Su Xi drove deep into enemy territory. Just as Garnett was about to go for a violent block, Su Xi stopped abruptly and turned his back to the basket. Garnett immediately stuck close to him.

Then, Su Xi pulled off a flashy move. He threw a no-look pass from behind his back.

Su Xi had practiced it a lot in private, but this was the first time he’d used it in a real game.

The result was pretty good. The pass almost went astray, but Little O’Neal, with his long arms, managed to reel it in.

Then he jumped. Garnett had just turned around and was knocked aside by the direct impact... BOOM!

Little O’Neal ferociously slammed the ball into the hoop with both hands, leaving Garnett under the basket as he dunked over him.

Garnett angrily gave Little O’Neal a shove.

After landing, Little O’Neal got right in Garnett’s face.

The two were on the verge of coming to blows.

The head referee quickly came over to mediate, separating the two.

He also gave both of them a warning.

He hoped they wouldn’t escalate the situation.

With the playoffs just around the corner, they shouldn’t do anything reckless. A suspension was no laughing matter.

The head referee pleaded with them earnestly.

And he had a point.

But Su Xi, standing nearby, added fuel to the fire. "Don’t worry. When Kevin Garnett faces an opponent he can’t beat, he only dares to put on a show. Even if you hadn’t intervened just now, he would have backed off on his own."

Su Xi’s words were cold and sharp, dealing maximum damage.

Garnett’s face changed instantly. He glared viciously at Su Xi, really wanting to punch him.

But Su Xi just stood there, smiling and looking at him.

As if to say, ’Do you dare?’