Wang Yi had watched the Asian Games basketball final between Japan and China.
China had won the championship, but the game had been incredibly tough.
China's two starting guards, in particular, had struggled badly against one Japanese player who wouldn't let up.
Between them, the two guards had made just three of their eighteen three-point attempts.
At the time, though, that guy had long hair. Wang Yi hadn't recognized him right away when he suddenly showed up with a shaved head.
Clearly, Yoyogi had put him in for this final possession specifically to guard Wang Yi.
If that was how they wanted to play it, then bring it on.
Suzuki Hideya knew that since Wang Yi had scored only 20 points this quarter, he was sure to shoot a three on his final possession.
So after Shen Yanchao passed him the ball, Suzuki stuck to him like glue near half court.
The other two players came over to help defend, too.
Wang Yi saw them.
He smirked.
Then he pulled up for a jumper right where he stood.
Suzuki hadn't expected Wang Yi to shoot as soon as he caught the ball, without even taking a moment to set himself.
There was no time for a conventional defensive play.
So—
The instant Wang Yi jumped, Suzuki shoved him sideways, throwing him off balance.
As far as Suzuki was concerned, anyone shoved midair would have to be out of their mind to still make the shot.
But he still hadn't understood Wang Yi.
On the basketball court, Wang Yi really wasn't human.
Although Suzuki shoved him as soon as he jumped, Wang Yi's powerful core kept his upper body steady.
He'd also anticipated the sideways drift in advance.
So he adjusted the angle of his shot.
And then the crowd witnessed