Near Buzzer-Beater

At this moment, Alvin Gentry called a timeout.

The players from both sides walked towards their benches.

In the TNT broadcast booth.

"Kenny, this is the most exciting game I've seen all year. The court changes in an instant, that tense atmosphere... it makes me wish I could be out there with them," Barkley said excitedly.

Kenny Smith nodded in agreement, feeling the same way. "Charles, I feel just like you. No matter which team wins today, it won't be surprising, and there are no losers today."

Barkley nodded in agreement, then changed the subject. "I wonder what kind of strategy Coach Alvin Gentry will draw up during this timeout?"

Kenny Smith thought for a moment and speculated, "It's probably about rebounding. Michael Olowokandi not grabbing that rebound just now should have served as a wake-up call for the Clippers."

Barkley nodded, also feeling that Michael Olowokandi had made a mistake on that last play.

At the Clippers' bench, Alvin Gentry was silent for a moment before saying, "For the next 90 seconds, we absolutely must secure the rebounds, and try to get the ball to Chen to finish. We need him to score."

It was clear Alvin Gentry was giving Li Chen the freedom to shoot.

In reality, Alvin Gentry wanted Li Chen to protect the rim, but if Li Chen left, there would be no one to score.

Alvin Gentry had realized that among the entire Clippers team, Chen, this Eastern Kid, was the most reliable guy.

At the same time, the players nodded in unison. They felt a bit envious, but not jealous, because Li Chen's performance had won them over.

Of course, there was one exception: Odom was jealous!

Li Chen knew himself best. After thinking for a moment, he finally spoke, "Coach, I hope to have the freedom to choose my shots."

Li Chen's words stunned Alvin Gentry and the other players.

Odom also froze, then sneered, "What? Afraid of taking responsibility? Trying to pass the buck? Someone like you will never become a superstar."

Li Chen turned to look at Odom, thinking this guy really knew how to seize every opportunity, no matter where he was.

"Odom, shut up," Alvin Gentry snapped, veins bulging on his forehead.

Then Alvin Gentry looked at Li Chen seriously and said, "Okay! Do it your way."

Li Chen nodded seriously.

At this point, Alvin Gentry added, "Elton Brand, you'll replace Michael Olowokandi for the rest of the time. Wang, you'll play center."

Wang Zhizhi was a bit surprised, but more than anything, he was thrilled. He finally had a chance to perform, and he vowed to do his best.

Meanwhile, Michael Olowokandi looked somewhat dejected.

Li Chen patted his shoulder in comfort.

Just then, the timeout ended.

The Clippers inbounded the ball.

Artest immediately stuck to him again. Li Chen blinked and said, "Yo! You're back! Honestly, your stamina isn't that great!"

Artest gritted his teeth, wanting to elbow this jerk.

At that moment, Li Chen ran a cut and shook Artest off.

Andre Miller, quick as a flash, passed the ball to Li Chen.

Artest, who had just caught up, lowered his center of gravity, applying defensive pressure as Li Chen moved.

Li Chen suddenly accelerated, looking like he was about to drive past Artest.

Artest took a step out, blocking Li Chen's driving lane.

At this moment, Li Chen suddenly turned, and simultaneously, the basketball passed through Artest's long legs.

He went past him, but Li Chen's dribbling was average, making the move slightly flawed.

After getting past Artest, Little O'Neal and Reggie Miller both came to defend Li Chen.

Li Chen went for a three-step layup, faking a shot and then passing to Wang Zhizhi. Wang Zhizhi hit a bank shot.

The score was 101 to 102.

With 76 seconds left.

The Pacers slowed down their pace, advancing the ball towards the frontcourt.

After a short while, after several passes, the ball finally went back to Little O'Neal.

The Pacers continued to attack through Little O'Neal, as the Clippers had no interior presence to match him.

Seeing that Wang Zhizhi couldn't hold off Little O'Neal, Li Chen had to abandon Artest and double-team Little O'Neal.

Little O'Neal jumped forcefully, but the double-team defense from Li Chen and Wang Zhizhi interfered, and he missed the shot.

Although the ball didn't go in, Little O'Neal grabbed the rebound again. He jumped up to shoot, but Li Chen blocked him.

The ball didn't go out of bounds and was picked up by Jamal. Just then, Andre Miller poked the ball away while Jamal was off guard.

Subsequently, Andre Miller and Jamal began fighting for possession of the ball, and the court descended into chaos for a moment.

The referee did not blow his whistle.

Finally, the ball was recovered by Brand, who immediately dribbled and prepared to sprint towards the frontcourt.

But at this moment, he was held by Reggie Miller.

This made Elton Brand very unhappy.

The referee's whistle blew, and Elton Brand went to the free-throw line. He was a bit nervous because these two shots were too important for them.

Elton Brand missed the first shot, which annoyed him.

At this time, the other Clippers players clapped their hands to signal him not to be nervous.

At the same time, Li Chen also came over and comforted him, "Brand, you've already missed it, so don't worry about it."

Hearing this, Elton Brand rolled his eyes. Li Chen's way of comforting people always sounded so awkward.

Elton Brand said with a dark expression, "Chen, I'm begging you, don't speak next time."

However, Li Chen's casual words actually made Elton Brand less nervous, and he calmly made the second free throw.

The score was 101 to 103, with the Clippers leading by two points.

At the same time, only 27 seconds were left in the game.

The Clippers called another timeout to set up their defensive strategy.

In the TNT broadcast booth.

"Kenny, want to make a bet?" Barkley asked expectantly.

Kenny Smith thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sure, but..." He changed his tone and said, "But I choose the Clippers to win."

Hearing this, Barkley hesitated and cursed Kenny Smith as an old fox in his heart.

It was obvious that the Clippers had a much better chance of winning the game than the Pacers. So Barkley decisively gave up.

The timeout ended, and the two teams returned to the game.

Jamal brought the ball past half-court.

Andre Miller put pressure on Jamal, preventing him from passing the ball inside.

The Pacers had 14 seconds left on their offensive clock.

After several passes, the ball was finally passed to Little O'Neal under the basket.

Even with Li Chen and Wang Zhizhi's strenuous double-teaming, Little O'Neal still missed the shot.

However, while the three of them were fighting for the rebound, Little O'Neal tipped the ball to Reggie Miller on the perimeter.

As soon as Miller received the ball, he was double-teamed by Elton Brand and Corey Maggette.

At this moment, Artest came over to set a screen.

Reggie Miller realized he didn't have much time left. Using Artest's screen, he decisively jumped and shot a three-pointer over Corey Maggette.

Corey Maggette was smart and didn't choose to foul this time.

At this moment, the Pacers' offensive time ran out, and at the same time, the ball fell into the basket.

104 to 103, Reggie Miller hit a buzzer-beater to defeat the Clippers.

Only three seconds were left for the Clippers.

At this moment, the stadium erupted. The cheers were like a tsunami, crashing against the Clippers like waves. Every player's heart sank, making them feel uncomfortable.