He wasn't as fast as Rukawa, so getting past him with speed alone was impossible. He had to rely on his rhythm.
He used his dribble and slight fakes to keep shifting Rukawa's center of gravity.
At first, Rukawa stood firm with his legs spread and arms slightly raised, as steady as Mount Tai.
But no defender could stay perfectly still while an attacker kept drawing him out. After Wang Yi's repeated feints, Rukawa finally moved.
He shifted left, while Wang Yi changed direction to the right, finally getting half a step past Rukawa.
Rukawa was still wondering whether this guy might suddenly pull up for another step-back three-pointer, so he didn't chase at full speed.
As a result, Wang Yi drove straight into the paint. Only then did Rukawa realize that this Flower Monk really was going for a layup.
He hurried back into the paint at full speed, but as he moved back, Wang Yi suddenly dribbled behind his head and headed for the left baseline. Rukawa had overcommitted and ended up beneath the basket.
By then, Wang Yi had reached the left corner, beyond the three-point line. He turned around and rose for a jump shot.
The shot was a little off, and the ball actually skimmed the side of the backboard.
That slight graze changed its trajectory, sending it straight toward the hoop.
In the end, with a swish, it went in.
The score was now 6–5.
The spectators shook their heads one after another. "This guy's way too lucky. The shot was clearly off, but it grazed the side of the backboard and went in."
"This guy's gotta be having some kind of dumb luck."
"It's not dumb luck. He's just full of shit."
Wang Yi shrugged and spread his hands toward Rukawa.
It was