Curry inbounded the ball from the baseline and passed it to Su Yan. Su Yan brought it up the court and faced Kobe one-on-one.
The other players on both teams spread out to one side, making room without being told.
They left the stage to Su Yan and Kobe.
The Knicks' and Lakers' best players faced off in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, with both teams fighting for their lives.
Protecting the ball was the bare minimum.
Whoever stopped the other first could help their team win.
"Thump!"
Kobe closed in, sticking to Su Yan tightly. He absolutely would not give Su Yan the slightest chance to shoot a three-pointer.
Su Yan raised the ball and swung it in a wide circle in front of him, trying to shake off Kobe before attacking.
But he couldn't.
Kobe was an All-Defensive-level player, too.
When his desire to win was at its peak, his defense could reach DPOY level for a short time—just as terrifyingly strong.
Kobe wouldn't fall for such a simple fake from Su Yan.
Time was ticking away.
Kobe couldn't afford to take his time forever.
"Bang!"
Su Yan dribbled hard and stepped back. The moment Kobe lunged at him again, Su Yan deliberately crashed into him.
A test of strength.
Su Yan was stronger than Kobe. Just one collision sent Kobe stumbling back two steps.
An opening?!
Kobe gritted his teeth, enduring the pain and numb ache in his chest, then rushed in again, staying glued to Su Yan.
"Hmph, Su Yan, if you're trying to overpower me, sorry, but I won't let you get away with it!"
Kobe roared.
"Bang!"
Su Yan knocked Kobe back again and scoffed. "I don't have much ball-handling skill. All I've got is brute strength and the Three-pointer.
That's how I