Thanks to Iverson's '2+1' play, the 76ers narrowed the gap to within 10 points.
Time ticked by, second by second...
With two minutes remaining in the game, the 76ers were still down by nine points.
If Wei Guo were still playing, the 76ers would be much more relaxed with this point difference, because they know that Wei Guo will definitely lead them to a comeback.
But Wei Guo is still alive, yet he cannot play!
Since Wei Guo is no longer a 76ers player, if he were to actually play, he might be kicked out by security guards who would think he's an idiot.
Iverson glanced at Wei Guo again!
Wei Guo said, "If we want to catch up, the most important thing is defense! We must not let the Magic score again."
The Magic are on offense.
McGrady's dribble was stolen by Iverson.
Then...
Iverson scores on a fast break layup.
91:98!!
The 76ers are down by 7 points.
The Magic were relatively relaxed. Armstrong dribbled the ball up the court and passed it to Hill, who was looking for an offensive opportunity.
Wei Guo had been observing the situation on the field.
"Protect the rebounds!"
Wei Guo offered a reminder.
Hill takes a mid-range shot.
"bang~~~"
The basketball bounced off the rim.
At this moment, the Magic's point guard Armstrong, who is only 1.8 meters tall, squeezed under the basket to fight for the rebound, but Van Horn easily grabbed the defensive rebound.
"This level of intensity..."
Wei Guo shook his head slightly, "If they encounter me or O'Neal, I'll wreak havoc on their inside game."
From small things, one can see the big picture.
Although he had only watched one game, Wei Guo understood that if neither of the two teams on the court made it to the finals without acquiring some strong players.
This season's opponents... are in the West.
......
There are only 1 minute and 27 seconds left in the game.
The 76ers are down by 7 points.
After Van Horn grabbed the rebound, he raised the ball overhead to avoid Armstrong's pressure, and then passed the ball to Iverson.
Iverson dribbled the ball up the court.
"Squad him!"
The Magic's head coach yelled, "Don't let Iverson score!"
Cummings asked, "Brother Wei, if it were you, how would you handle this ball?"
"I can't even be bothered to answer you! Have you ever seen me pass the ball in a crucial moment?"
After a pause, Wei Guo stroked his chin and said, "But... if we double-team Iverson, McGee might be open. With Iverson's ability, passing the ball to McGee would be too easy."
In this game, McGee made all three of his three-point attempts!
"Swish...swish...swish..."
Iverson dribbled between his legs repeatedly, then suddenly accelerated, passing between McGrady and Armstrong!
Two defenders couldn't stop Iverson!
Iverson made a sudden stop in the middle of the shot, and McGrady turned around and rushed over again, trying to block Iverson's shot from behind, but Iverson saw through this.
Iverson faked a shot, and McGrady was faked out!
Just then...
McGee circled to the three-point line and found himself wide open.
"Whoosh~~~"
Behind-the-back pass!
No one expected that after Iverson's beautiful dribbling and fake, he would choose to trust his teammate. McGee received the pass and shot without hesitation!
The basketball traced a beautiful arc in the air...
"Whoosh!!!"
The basketball went through the net cleanly.
94:98!!
The point difference was narrowed to four points.
Allen Iverson has always been described as a lone hero who, when he had scoring opportunities, would pass the ball to his teammates.
This approach...
McGee made the shot, and everyone was moved, feeling that Iverson's playing style had become more mature. But if McGee had missed the shot, would some fans have said that Iverson was shirking responsibility in the crucial moment?
Others don't say it.
Ten years later, this happened many times with a certain player.
......
A twelve-point lead quickly dwindled to just four.
The Magic didn't call a timeout...
With 51 seconds left in the game, if the Magic score a basket, the 76ers will still have no chance.
The 76ers have already set up their defensive formation.
McGrady dribbling...
At this moment, McGee, who was standing at the three-point corner, was closest to Wei Guo. Wei Guo whispered a reminder: "Count to ten in your mind, then go up and double-team McGee."
"I understand, Brother Wei."
McGee nodded, silently counting, "10, 9, 8, 7... 1!"
"superior!"
McGee suddenly abandoned his defense on the Magic's corner player and rushed to double-team McGrady!
McGrady was manipulating the shot clock... With the shot clock almost up, McGrady faked a shot and pulled up for a jump shot!
However, McGee came to help defend, and his fingertips grazed the basketball, changing its arc in the air. McGrady's usual shot was very flat, but this time, the basketball's arc in the air was seven or eight degrees higher.
"Rebound!!"
Wei Guo roared.
Van Horn immediately positioned himself under the basket, and after the basketball bounced off the rim, he caught it and held it protectively in his arms.
McGrady rushed over...
He reached into Van Horn's arms and tried to pull the basketball out, but Van Horn held it tightly in his arms.
McGrady pulled hard!
"Beep!!!"
The referee couldn't stand it anymore and called a foul on McGrady.
"Did I commit a foul???"
McGrady spread his hands, questioning the referee, "This was a perfectly legitimate jump ball, where did I foul???"
The referee ignored McGrady and signaled for the 76ers to inbound the ball.
......
With only 27 seconds left in the game, the next attack is crucial.
Brown also called a timeout.
"The next possession is crucial; we need to hit a three-pointer. Van Horn, you inbound the ball..."
If the Magic don't call a timeout after the shot goes in, they must immediately foul and send the opponent to the free-throw line!
"That won't do!"
A voice came from behind the player.
There was no need to turn around; everyone knew it was Wei Guo's voice. Iverson and the others immediately looked at Wei Guo, who said, "If the Magic don't call a timeout, McGrady will stay on the baseline to receive the ball."
McGee and McLoach double-teamed McGrady as soon as he received the ball, not even giving him a chance to dribble. Allen, you watch Armstrong's position; he'll come back to receive the ball after McGrady is double-teamed.
"Once McGrady passes the ball, Allen, you go up and steal it! If McGrady doesn't receive the ball, then foul him immediately."
"Um..."
Brown paused for a moment, then said, “Let’s do as Wei Guo says.”
"The most important thing is to make that three-pointer."
Wei Guo added, "Van Horn, after you inbound the ball, immediately go to the basket to box out. If you miss the shot, grab the offensive rebound and you'll have another chance to attack."
"Understood, Brother Wei!"
Van Horn nodded.
Wei Guo extended his right hand, and several players understood his meaning. They placed their large hands on Wei Guo's palm and pressed down sharply, shouting, "Go for it!"
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