He didn't pay much attention to rookies, so he couldn't even remember this one's name.
For that reason, he didn't think much of the rookie. In his eyes, someone built that big was bound to be lacking in speed, so beating him would be a breeze if he relied on quickness.
After Tatum got the ball, he gave a slight fake to the left, then immediately dribbled right and drove.
But after taking one step, he was surprised to find that the bull-strong rookie had quickly retreated to the right while sliding laterally, cutting off his path.
Tatum was taken aback.
But Tatum had spent years in the league, and his court awareness and ability to adapt were still highly commendable.
When he couldn't get past on the right, he immediately used a behind-the-back dribble and drove left.
But as he came around to the left, he was surprised to find the rookie had cut him off there too.
Seeing that he couldn't break through, Tatum pulled the ball back between his legs with his left hand and stepped back beyond the three-point line.
He planned to take a step-back three.
But as he stepped back, he found that the rookie had already made it to the three-point line too.
And he was already leaping to contest the shot.
Tatum was at the very last moment of his own jump, and he couldn't stop himself in time. He had no choice but to go up with the shot.
At the same time, he raised the arc of his shot in midair.
That last-second adjustment changed the ball's trajectory, and it ultimately hit the front of the rim and bounced out.
Pang Bo boxed out for the rebound, and Dauding leaped high to grab it.
James clenched his fist and couldn't