Basketball games are unpredictable; a single run can often end the game.

That's exactly what Popovich is worried about...

This timeout was mainly to allow the Spurs to make adjustments, especially for Duncan. The responsibility of defending Wei Guo rests on Duncan's shoulders, and if they cannot limit Wei Guo's performance, it will still be difficult for the Spurs to win the game.

The Phoenix Suns' bench.

Gentry laughed heartily, "Popovich calling this timeout means he's panicked. Let's go all out, Wei, dunk a few more, and this run will take the game away."

"If you could dunk with your mouth, you'd be the best dunker in the league."

Wei Guo rolled his eyes and said, "The Spurs' defense will continue to target me. Winning the game will depend on everyone's performance."

The Suns aren't without talented players...

Putting aside Nash, Joe Johnson's three-point shooting percentage ranks third in the league, and his one-on-one ability is top-notch... This player won't be content to be the second or third option forever. Although he can only be considered the fifth option on the Suns, there were Wei Guo, Nash, Stoudemire, and Marion before him. Once he goes to a new team, he can even become the team's leader.

For example... if Joe Johnson had gone to the Hawks, he might have earned the title of 'King of the Hawks'.

......

The timeout has ended, and the game has resumed.

The Spurs are on offense...

Ginobili was still orchestrating the play, and Parker received the pass from Ginobili at the left 45-degree angle, dribbled once, and then launched a short floater.

This is Ginobili's style of playmaking. Ginobili is a shooting guard, and when he passes the ball, his teammates need to catch it and score immediately. Parker did the same thing, except... he didn't anticipate Nash behind him.

*Smack!!!*

Nash blocked Parker's shot from behind.

This goal deserves a standing ovation...

The commentator exclaimed excitedly, "My God, that's Steve's block... Anyone who says Steve has no defense, I'll kick their ass!"

The commentators always try to set the pace, which happens at any home game.

but...

Nash's block was truly breathtaking.

If this block had come from Wei Guo, it wouldn't have made much of a splash, after all, he's been the block leader for four consecutive seasons. But Nash... he doesn't get many blocks a season, otherwise there wouldn't be the saying 'Gee doesn't attack, Nash doesn't defend'.

Johnson immediately launched a fast break after receiving the ball.

Ginobili gave chase...

One person was incredibly fast, and Wei Guo caught up with Ginobili as he chased after him!

Johnson turned around and saw Ginobili and Weiguo following at the same time. When they got to the free throw line, Johnson slammed the ball onto the backboard.

"Bang!!!"

As expected...

Wei Guo and Ginobili followed at the same time, but Wei Guo jumped higher, straddling Ginobili's head and dunking the ball into the basket.

63:56!!

The Suns lead by 7 points.

Although Popovich called a timeout, he couldn't stop the Spurs' losing streak, and it all started with Nash's block.

Muhammad followed and inbounded the ball from the baseline to Ginobili!

Popovich shouted, "Shoot when you have the chance!"

This is a reminder to the Spurs players to be decisive when shooting... They shouldn't have a wrong impression of the Suns' defense just because of one block by Nash. The entire Suns team... only Wei Guo can be called a defensive stalwart.

After crossing half-court, Ginobili passed the ball to Parker!

Parker drove to the basket, and facing Joe Johnson's defense, the little spinning top quickly turned and got past Joe Johnson, then made a low layup!

"Whoosh!!!"

The basketball went into the net.

63:58!!

The Spurs are still down by 5 points.

Parker played at an All-Star level on this play; this is Parker's best scoring method. Among all point guards in the league, Parker ranks in the top three in terms of speed.

The little spinning top turns around...

It's also Parker's signature move.

Popovich was very pleased with the play and told his assistant coach, "Parker is a sharp weapon. We need not only his playmaking but also his scoring."

......

In the second half of the game, the two sides traded blows.

The score difference remained within 5 points...

Wei Guo's shooting touch was average, with his field goal percentage only around 60%, and the Spurs did not double-team him.

Joe Johnson was substituted halfway through the third quarter.

Sitting next to Gentry, Joe Johnson looked a little annoyed. Gentry asked, "Feeling bad about being substituted?"

"No..."

Joe Johnson shook his head. "I didn't play well tonight."

Gentry said, "Your skills are much more mature than last season. You could have scored more points, but Wei Ge overshadowed your talent."

Joe Johnson said, "I've been reading a lot of books lately, and there's a Chinese saying that goes, 'How dare a firefly compete with the bright moon?' That probably means Wei Ge and I... Wei Ge is like the moon, and I'm just a firefly."

Gentry laughed, "You really don't know how to give examples. What this sentence means is not to overestimate yourself. Wei is a professional player, and you are a professional player. Wei has his strengths, and you have your own strengths. It's okay to follow in Wei's footsteps, but there's no need to compare yourself with Wei."

What you're saying...

Gentry also shared a story about himself, which is that when he was a child, his parents would always compare him to other people's children, so the type of person Gentry hated the most was other people's children.

This story amused a group of people.

Gentry looked at Joe Johnson meaningfully, "You know what... Wei has always thought highly of you. He believes you can definitely become a superstar, and he even looks forward to the day when he becomes your opponent."

"How could I possibly be a match for Brother Wei..."

Joe Johnson was so startled by Gentry's words that he waved his hands repeatedly.

Gentry said, "Your one-on-one ability is very strong. Except for the three-pointer from the top of the arc... your shooting in all other areas is not bad. The only players whose shooting heatmap can compare to yours are Nash and Wei Ge."

These are all facts...

Joe Johnson is very efficient at scoring, but his average points per game are not high because he doesn't take many shots. Teaming up with Wei Guo requires adapting to this. If Joe Johnson were given enough shot attempts, averaging 20 points per game would be easy for him.

After Gentry's encouragement, Joe Johnson was full of confidence.

"Go, child..."

Gentry patted Joe Johnson on the shoulder, "There are still a little over three minutes left in this quarter, go out and prove yourself."

......

There are 3 minutes and 16 seconds left in the third quarter.

81:79!!

The Suns lead by 2 points.

Before that...

Joe Johnson scored only 7 points on 2-of-7 shooting, including three points from free throws.

Suns on offense!

Nash passed the ball inside to Wei Guo, who received it and faced Duncan with his back to the basket. Muhammad came up to help defend... Joe Johnson took advantage of this opportunity to slip along the baseline.

Such a great opportunity...

With a no-look bounce pass, Wei Guo delivered the basketball to Johnson in an instant.

"Whoosh!!!"

Johnson received the ball and scored a layup.

83:79!!

The Suns are leading by 4 points.

Gentry's words still echoed in Joe Johnson's ears: he said Joe's future achievements would be great, and that in this team, only Nash and Weiguo were players he could not surpass.

That's enough!

This team...

Joe Johnson can only be considered the fifth option, and he could even be kicked out of the starting lineup at any time. Ahead of him are Wei Guo, Nash, Marion, and Stoudemire.

Before this, Joe Johnson had never imagined that his career could compare to that of Marion and Stoudemire, so Gentry's words gave Joe Johnson a lot of confidence. Gentry also said that his off-ball movement and one-on-one ability are top-notch, and he would prove it to Gentry.

As he returned to defense, Wei Guo casually patted Johnson on the backside, "Good positioning!"

"It's all thanks to Brother Wei's good wording..."

Johnson felt a flutter in his heart, and a touch of shyness even crept into his soul.

Bowen missed a mid-range shot, which was saved by Johnson.

The Suns are on offense.

Johnson has a strong offensive drive...

Nash simply passed the ball to Johnson, letting him post up against Bowen. With Wei Guo drawing the defense, the Spurs didn't dare to double-team Johnson.

Bowen is a player who can make the first defensive team. He was still angry when Johnson blocked a shot, and when he saw Johnson trying to go one-on-one with him, he immediately challenged Johnson to a contest.

Facing Bowen's tough defense!

Johnson turned during the contact, took a step closer to the basket, and looked back at the moon!

"Whoosh!!!"

The basketball went into the net.

85:79!!

The Suns lead by 6 points.

Bowen was even more irritable, following Johnson around and hurling insults at him... After being counseled by Gentry, Johnson was in a very good mood, and he regarded Bowen's trash talk as impotent rage.

The Spurs are on offense.

Ginobili made a serpentine breakthrough, but Wei Guo moved laterally to block Ginobili's offensive path. Intimidated by Wei Guo's imposing presence, Ginobili dared not go for a layup and instead passed the ball to Bowen, who was closest to him.

Bowen takes a mid-range shot.

Not good...

Wei Guo turned around and grabbed the defensive rebound.

Johnson had already run to the frontcourt and reached out for the ball... Wei Guo made a long pass and accurately delivered the ball to Johnson, who received the ball and launched a three-point shot.

"Whoosh!!!"

The basketball went into the net.

88:79!!

Johnson scored 7 consecutive points and returned to the court, helping the team extend their lead to 9 points.

......

With little time left in the third quarter.

Popovich is getting increasingly frustrated. He already has Wei Guo to shoot, and there's Nash, who can not only connect the team but also score without hesitation when needed. Now, with the addition of Joe Johnson, the Spurs are completely unable to stop the Suns' offensive firepower.

This is like a war...

While the Spurs were still using their shields for defense, the Suns suddenly picked up their mortars.

......

The third quarter has ended.

The Suns' bench players all stood up, high-fived Joe Johnson, and brought him towels and drinks.

in the past...

Only Weiguo has this treatment.

Johnson was flattered and secretly vowed to play well in the fourth quarter and help the team widen the score gap as soon as possible.

The fourth quarter begins.

Gentry kept Johnson on the court without hesitation, and even... benched Wei Guo. A nine-point lead was excellent, allowing Wei Guo to rest for two minutes.

Wei Guo jumped for the ball at the start, so the Suns took the lead in the fourth quarter.

Nash beckoned to Johnson to set a screen for him. After breaking through, Parker followed closely. Johnson stepped back to the three-point line, and just as he was about to shoot, the ball was in his hands.

Johnson practiced this move for twenty years.

Raise your wrist...

Leg power...

Take off, take off...

Make a move...

"Whoosh!!!"

The basketball went into the net.

93:81!!

The Suns finally gained a lead of more than double digits.

"three~~~"

The commentator exclaimed excitedly, "Tonight he's transformed into Jordan!"

Joe Johnson has already scored 17 points, making him the Suns' second-highest scorer. After being inspired by Gentry, he scored 10 points in just 4 minutes.

Wei Guo took a sip of his drink. "I feel like I don't need to play tonight... Everyone played really hard."

With Stoudemire suspended, fans were worried that the Suns wouldn't be a match for the Spurs, but now it seems... those worries were unnecessary. For every Stoudemire suspended, there's a Joe Johnson to step up.

......

Stoudemire's home in Phoenix.

There were more than a dozen beer cans scattered on the ground...

This wasn't about drowning one's sorrows in alcohol. Americans prefer to drink beer when they're happy. Ever since Johnson scored the layup, Stoudemire has been opening one beer after another, thinking to himself, "Johnson is a pretty good guy. I'll definitely give him a big hug next time we meet."

Stoudemire craves victory more than anyone else.

There's a saying on the basketball court: winning isn't scary, but whoever isn't there is embarrassing. If the Suns lose this game, fans might say the team can't do without Stoudemire.

This is a recognition of Stoudemire...

Stoudemire certainly wouldn't think that way, because he was suspended and lost the game; Stoudemire would only blame himself.

......

Three minutes later, all the key players returned to the field.

The Spurs failed to capitalize on this time to close the gap...

Now that Wei Guo is back, even if Joe Johnson plays exceptionally well, the Spurs' defensive focus will still be on Wei Guo, who will help Joe Johnson create space.

Joe Johnson once again takes on Bowen in a one-on-one match...

He backed down and drove hard into the paint, feinted a half-turn, and then pushed past Bowen for a layup.

"Whoosh!!!"

The basketball went into the net.

This was Joe Johnson's 22nd point of the game... Since returning in the third quarter, Joe Johnson has had an 80% success rate on isolation plays, making four out of five attempts.

Gentry's abilities are evident!

actually...

Joe Johnson was a highly skilled player, but his introverted personality made him dislike being in the limelight. When he first entered the league, he was selected by the Celtics, but his performance declined after a strong start, failing to meet the team's expectations. He was then traded to the Suns, where he shared the same position as Hardaway. Facing the veteran, Joe Johnson showed considerable humility.

Until this season...

The arrival of Wei Guo and Nash finally freed Joe Johnson.

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