Leadership

Smack!

Marc Gasol got to the ball first, tipping it back into his own backcourt as the Boston Celtics gained the first possession of the game.

Patrick Beverley cautiously dribbled the ball across half court. As he dribbled, he took deep breaths, trying hard to stay calm.

He knew this was a rare opportunity. If he performed well, he could cement his place in the starting lineup. And the opponent before him was Russell Westbrook—one of the league's top five point guards.

Just after crossing half court, Westbrook lunged at him like a ferocious tiger. The sudden intensity gave Patrick Beverley quite a scare.

Knowing he could not let his guard down, Patrick Beverley immediately passed the ball to Paul Pierce on the wing.

After Paul Pierce caught the ball securely, he noticed Patrick Beverley's nervousness.

So he quickly motioned for Patrick Beverley to come over and set a screen. Understanding his intent, Patrick Beverley hurried over to screen for Paul Pierce.

After the pick-and-roll worked, Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha both pounced on Paul Pierce, trying to trap him.

However, just as they were about to succeed, Paul Pierce quickly threaded the ball through the gap between them, delivering it accurately to the wide-open Patrick Beverley.

Patrick Beverley seized the opening without hesitation, rose up, hung in the air, and decisively launched a three-pointer.

Clang! Unfortunately, the shot came up just a little short and failed to find the basket.

"Damn it!" Patrick Beverley could not help muttering a curse at himself, his heart filled with frustration and self-blame. He knew he had just missed a perfect opportunity. He could have done better, but he had failed to put the ball through the hoop.

The self-reproach in his heart left him briefly dazed.

"Get back on defense!" At that moment,