Humiliated in Return

Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in Indiana after Indianapolis.

Of course, it also has the second-best professional basketball team in Indiana after the Pacers—the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

The Fort Wayne Mad Ants were one of the few G League teams Link recognized, not because he followed G League news, but because of the NBA 2K19 single-player mode, where the protagonist played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

However, Link's knowledge of the Mad Ants stopped there. After all, a game couldn't capture every detail of a G League team.

Today, at the Mad Ants' home court, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, scouts from countless NBA teams had gathered.

First, everyone wanted to see how that miraculous Chinese-American player, who had dropped a triple-double last game, would perform today.

Second, they were eager to see whether Lance Stephenson could dominate the G League.

Unlike Link, who had suddenly appeared in people's sight, Stephenson had made a name for himself early on. Growing up in New York, he had embarrassed many adult streetball players while still in high school, and his talent earned him a spot on the U18 National Team.

However, just like his current demotion to the G League, Stephenson had repeatedly sabotaged his own career with various off-court incidents.

But overall, most scouts still considered Stephenson a genius. So the matchup between him and Link had become a must-watch.

"Today's game, Link, you're starting at the three. Even though you're playing the three, I need you to guard Stephenson on defense. No doubt, that troubled guy is the Mad Ants' top scorer. But I believe you can shut him down, just like you shut down Luke Ba Weiyuan last game."

Before the game, Conner had centered his tactical focus on Link.

Even though Link had only played one good game, he was the only one Conner could trust.

Upshaw was hardworking but limited in ability. As for Brockman... that guy would get crossed into a fool by Stephenson, who came from streetball.

So whether Link's last game was a flash in the pan or a sign of real skill, Conner had no choice but to try.

The opponent was an NBA-level player, one sent down only because of his bad temper!

"Brockman, same as last game, I want you to set more screens for Link. When he calls for a screen, you need to be there immediately!"

Then, Conner turned his gaze to Brockman. Without a doubt, Brockman's tactical role had shifted from core to blue-collar. Now, Brockman didn't need to handle the ball on offense; he just had to do simple work like defending, screening, and cutting for dunks.

Conner expected Brockman to resist fiercely, so his tone was harsh. To his surprise, Brockman nodded obediently.

"Alright, I got it."

Though his tone carried some reluctance, Brockman still agreed.

Sure, he didn't like Link. But the facts showed that cooperating with Link led to good stats and a win.

So unless Brockman was an idiot, he wouldn't clash with Link again.

Seeing his teammates willing to cooperate, Link smiled. Now, he was about to experience what it felt like when James and Stephenson went head-to-head back in the day.

※※※

Even though G League games weren't on the same level as the NBA, the basic procedures still had to be followed. Pre-game warm-ups couldn't be skipped.

Link's open-shot accuracy today was still high. At this stage, Grant Hill's shooting stability was excellent.

If old Hill's shooting consistency could combine with prime Hill's athleticism... Link swallowed. He hoped his system could really be that powerful.

"You're Link!?"

While Link was shooting and thinking, he heard someone calling him.

Turning his head, the person was none other than the infamous "Born Ready," Lance Stephenson.

Face-to-face with Stephenson, Link's first impression was that the guy was full of killing intent.

His eyes were wide, staring at Link like a venomous snake fixated on its prey.

"Lance, barging into our warm-up half like that isn't a good look," Link said, glancing around. He noticed several teammates had already gathered.

Mad Ants head coach Steve Gansey was undoubtedly the most nervous. If Stephenson started trouble before the game even began, he'd be furious enough to spit blood.

"What's wrong with it? The league doesn't say players can't cross midcourt during warm-ups. I've heard George talk about you a lot. You're tougher than I imagined, Link."

"Is that so? Thanks for the compliment, Lance. I—"

"But basketball isn't about who's tougher. I know George speaks highly of you, but that's just because you were college teammates. I'll show you how brutal the NBA is, kid. If your coach happens to put you on me, you're in for a bad time."

With that, Stephenson turned and walked away.

Everyone was baffled. This was Link and Stephenson's first meeting, with no prior grudge. Why would Stephenson come over to provoke him?

But that was Stephenson. If his mind worked like a normal person's, he wouldn't have fallen to the second round.

Link shook his head, unfazed by Stephenson. He knew plenty of scouts were here today, so he wouldn't miss this chance to shine.

"The game is about to start, and this is undoubtedly the highlight of the G League season! Former New York prodigy Lance Stephenson versus the pride of the Chinese-American community, Link. Their matchup is something everyone's been waiting for."

As the commentator finished, the referee tossed the ball, and the game began!

The Mad Ants' 2.16-meter white center won the tip. This giant looked as imposing as Whiteside.

Link couldn't help but think that in a few years, these slow, oversized centers might struggle to find a spot even in the G League.

Lance Stephenson caught the ball and brought it up the court himself. Stephenson was a versatile guard, standing 1.96 meters, capable of playing both the one and the two. When needed, he could even slide to the three.

Stephenson assumed Link wouldn't come at him so quickly, but as soon as he crossed half-court, Link was already pressing him tightly.

"Link is matched up directly with Stephenson! The marquee matchup of this game has started early!"

Stephenson smirked. He didn't believe an average-athletic Chinese-American could stop him. Back in the day at Rucker Park, he had crossed up countless opponents. He could do the same in the G League.

Stephenson was indeed a bit eccentric, but he wasn't stupid. He knew Larry Bird valued him highly, and he knew Bird's decision to send him down was born of frustration that he wasn't living up to his potential.

So, in the G League, he wanted even less to disappoint Bird.

Stephenson alternated dribbling between his left and right hands, determined to break through. But on the first step, the more athletic Stephenson failed to get past his man!

"He anticipated the move correctly—rest assured, Link's defense is airtight!"

The commentator cheered. The number 5 Chinese-American on the court had already drawn the attention of too many eyes. Even the commentator couldn't help but interpret the game from his perspective.

"Damn it!"

Stephenson gritted his teeth in frustration. He quickly pivoted, using his back to lean into Link and force his way through. Once he reached the free-throw line, he raised the ball.

A fake shot so convincing that even Brockman prepared to fight for the rebound. Yet Link still wasn't fooled. He didn't bite or jump onto Stephenson, keeping his body tight against him the whole time.

At that moment, even Mad Ants head coach Stephen Gansy shook his head. If any college player ever asked a coach what textbook perimeter defense looked like, Gansy would definitely pull up the footage of this possession to show them.

No reaction to fakes, no loss of position, no easy jumps. On the street courts of New York, Stephenson had never encountered defense like this.

Stephenson was forced to stop, and he began anxiously searching for a teammate. But the crafty Link gave him no chance. Seizing the moment, Link swiped down.

Stephenson lost control of the ball, suffering a clean steal. Right from the start of the game, Stephenson had handed Link a gift with a turnover!

"A steal! Can they turn it into a fast break!?" The commentator jumped to his feet in excitement.

But on the court, Link remained unhurried. By now, many fans had noticed a shadow of Grant Hill in him.

Link knew he didn't have the ability to run a fast break, so after just two dribbles, he fired a long pass.

Brockman was sprinting at the front. When he caught the ball, there was no one in front of him!

What came next was simple. Brockman threw down a two-handed dunk, and the Blue Team took the first points of the game in the most electrifying way possible.

Another easy finish. That was why Brockman no longer butted heads with Link. With Link on the court, scoring had become a lot easier for him.

"A beautiful dunk, but the credit for this possession mainly goes to Link's stellar defense. He shut down Stephenson on the very first play. I wonder how Stephenson will react for the rest of the game."

After Brockman's dunk, Link spread his hands toward Stephenson.

"You were right. Being strong isn't the key to winning basketball. Brains are." Link tapped his head. His words and gesture undoubtedly enraged Stephenson.

After all, wasn't everyone always saying he had a problem with his head?

Trying to throw down a statement, only to be humiliated in return—Stephenson's mood was certainly sour right now.

Meanwhile, in the stands, who knew how many scouts had already silently scribbled a single sentence in their notebooks.

"Regardless, he's worth a shot on a 10-day contract."