Jamaal Tinsley stared blankly at the giant screen inside Quick Loan Center Arena.
In just over a minute, they were already down by eight. What on earth was happening?
It wasn't just Jamaal Tinsley. The other Indiana Pacers players—and even their coach—were all bewildered.
But where some were miserable, others were overjoyed.
Deafening cheers erupted throughout Quick Loan Center Arena.
They'd been choking back their frustration for two whole games. Now, at last, they could let it all out. It felt incredible!
Clap, clap, clap!
In the VIP conference room at Quick Loan Center Arena, Dan Gilbert, a cigar dangling from his lips, couldn't help applauding.
No wonder Nike had signed Su Yi—and even paid him three million dollars more than LeBron James.
He really was impressive.
Dan Gilbert might not know much about basketball.
But he could clearly read the score: 8–0.
At first, Dan Gilbert hadn't meddled in the dispute between his players.
But after Su Yi made a name for himself in just a few games, on top of all the media attention and his Nike deal,
the Cleveland Cavaliers' value had soared.
The increase was even more staggering than what LeBron James had brought the team over his three seasons in Cleveland.
To Dan Gilbert, Su Yi was clearly a blue-chip investment.
Naturally, Dan Gilbert hurried to put an end to this farce and get the team back on track.
Of course, LeBron James had put in three seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even if he hadn't earned all the credit, he'd certainly put in the hard work.
So in the owner and general manager's eyes, the team now had two stars.
As for the tactics, that was up to Mike Brown.
After this, Mike Brown's standing had risen considerably.
Swish.
The Indiana Pacers finally scored on their third possession.
Jamaal Tinsley used a screen from Jeff Foster to get open for a shot.
Without hesitation, he sprang up, hung in the air, and took a mid-range jumper.
The ball dropped neatly through the hoop.
The score was now 8–2!
But the Cleveland Cavaliers answered right away.
Eric Snow and Big Z ran a pick-and-roll. Snow shook off his defender and drove into the paint, drawing the Indiana Pacers' defense toward him.
The next second, Eric Snow flicked his wrist and sent a pass across to Big Z, who was rolling to the basket.
Big Z caught the ball and charged toward the hoop in long strides. One step, two steps, then he leaped high.
In midair, he brought the ball down like a sledgehammer and slammed it through the rim.
Boom!
The dunk landed with a thunderous crash.
Big Z scored with a one-handed slam.
The score was now 10–2!
The Cleveland Cavaliers had stretched their lead back to eight.
On the bench, Mike Brown nodded. With Su Yi back on the floor, the whole team looked like it had been reborn.
More importantly, the five players on the court seemed to move as one.
The Cleveland Cavaliers went on to string together a smooth, five-game-winning-streak-style offensive run. Every player on the floor got involved.
They racked up 31 points in the quarter.
And they left the Indiana Pacers completely rattled.
The Pacers managed just 16 scattered points in the entire first quarter.
31–16!
The Cleveland Cavaliers led by a full 15 points.
The sight left Cavaliers fans in the arena and watching on TV thrilled. This was the real strength of the Cleveland Cavaliers!
"Su, great job!"
As soon as Su Yi returned to the bench, Mike Brown came over and patted him on the shoulder, praising him.
Su Yi had gone 5-for-6 in the first quarter, including 2-for-3 from three, and put up 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.
As for LeBron James, back in his proper role, he had 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
A stat line like Draymond Green's!
Su Yi: Not bad!
LeBron James: (ノ｀Д)ノ
As the game went on, the Cleveland Cavaliers found their rhythm, building an ever-larger lead. The Indiana Pacers had no answer.
In the end, the Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Indiana Pacers 117–85, winning by 32 and snapping their two-game losing streak.
Their record now stood at 14 wins and 5 losses!
Six Cavaliers scored in double figures. Su Yi played just three quarters but led the team with 27 points, along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, guiding them to victory.
LeBron James also played well, finishing with a near triple-double: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.
As soon as the game ended, reporters swarmed Su Yi for interviews.
LeBron James, left with only a few reporters around him, watched with envy and jealousy. That was supposed to be his treatment. Damn it!
Su Yi answered the reporters' questions openly. Of course, he refused to comment on anything involving conflict within the team.
Su Yi knew the rule: what happened in the locker room stayed in the locker room.
It took a full half hour for the reporters to finally let Su Yi go.
He immediately turned and headed for the players' tunnel.
"Su, you were so cool tonight!"
"My idol, Su!"
"Su..."
A chorus of young voices reached Su Yi's ears. He stopped to chat with his young fans, sign autographs, and take pictures, granting their requests.
"Goodbye, everyone. Be careful on your way home."
Su Yi said goodbye to his young fans, then headed down the players' tunnel.
Soon, he was back in the locker room. The teammates who had arrived ahead of him all gave him a thumbs-up and showered him with praise.
The mood in the locker room improved dramatically.
Su Yi thanked each of his teammates in turn, then grabbed his clothes and went to wash up. In such a good mood, he even sang as he cleaned up...
While Su Yi was washing up, the internet was already going wild.
Reporters and fans alike were full of praise for Su Yi.
"Led by Su, the Cavaliers crushed the Pacers by 32: He's the team's true engine!"
"An all-time great rookie! Su gives this cursed city hope of winning a title!"
"What's behind six players scoring in double figures? Su's gravity has brought the whole team into play."
"Held the opponent to 85 points! Su's scoring firepower has sparked the whole team's defense."
"A selfless leader! Su doesn't chase stats, yet the Cavaliers' offense flows beautifully."
"With Su leading the way, the Cavaliers play prettier basketball than the Suns."
"Su God has arrived! Cleveland has finally found its chosen one!"
"LeBron James finally stopped dribbling aimlessly at the four! Thank Su for saving his career."
"The whole arena chanted MVP in the closing minutes! Su's name echoed through Quick Loan Center Arena."
In just a month and a half, Su Yi had cemented his place on the team.
His presence had also completely unlocked his teammates.
Players like Big Z, Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden.
Eric Snow most of all. Su's presence had transformed him. In this game, he went 4-for-7 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line, putting up a double-double of 10 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, and 1 steal.
Damon Jones: ┭┮﹏┭┮
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