One Year Left to Play-Chapter 289 - 99: Only Effort Must Not Be Betrayed

"Almon, we need you to score inside. The Bulls' interior is one of their weakest points. Kenny and Kevin will deal with the other weak point, the point guard position. Inside, we need you."

Without a trace of excitement, just like the calm impression Zhang Hao always gives his teammates, Zhang Hao, who said this, remained calm.

To Almon Gilliam, it even felt like Zhang Hao didn't really have expectations for him...

Unbearable!

The "disappointment" revealed in Zhang Hao's words drove Almon Gilliam crazy!

"F... it's just going to be painful. If you're in, you're in!"

Pushing Zhang Hao aside, Almon Gilliam once again strode onto the court with vigor.

Zhang Hao, who was pushed aside, silently returned to the bench, sat down with a blank expression but feeling (p≧w≦q) inside.

He was a bit tired, having taken a long break. He could continue playing, but if he really did, things would only get worse later.

But he knew his importance. As the team's best off-ball shooter, even just standing on the court, he could play a significant role. Not considering the basics, his impact wouldn't be less than that of a core player.

So during the break, the team had to hold on. Only by holding on would they have a chance, even if it was slim. He wanted to create a chance.

When they played against the Pacers before, Zhang Hao saw Almon Gilliam play as well as Sibaros, but Sibaros was genuinely tough, while Almon Gilliam was only verbally tough and easily backed down.

Zhang Hao didn't expect Almon Gilliam to consistently play aggressively, but against strong teams, he should give it his all!

The Bulls sent out Steve Kerr, Ron Harper, Jordan, Rodman, and Langley.

After the timeout, the Brooklyn Nets were on offense.

Kenny Anderson held the ball, facing Steve Kerr's defense, and didn't hesitate before going into isolation mode.

He understood the lineup clearly and simply: whoever encountered Steve Kerr from the two guards would go one-on-one. If doubled up, they'd pass the ball. Both guards could shoot threes, and Vaughn Fleming was ready for a mid-range shot or a cut to respond. Almon Gilliam and Jason Williams were to crash the boards.

With a beautiful crossover fake, Kenny Anderson got Steve Kerr to back off, then took a lateral step on the top right arc and shot a three-pointer...

As the team leader, after the new season began, he often saw Zhang Hao stepping up during crucial moments, leading the team forward. He wasn't jealous, just unwilling to accept it.

It was the same tonight. Facing Ron Harper, Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman's perimeter defense along with Langley's rim protection, only Zhang Hao had scoring opportunities, and it was Zhang Hao carrying the team again.

Now that Zhang Hao was resting, Kenny Anderson wanted to contribute like a leader should.

This was Kenny Anderson's first three-point attempt tonight. Against a team like the Bulls, even though he was facing their weakest defender, Steve Kerr, he was unsure.

However, he was decisive when he took the shot.

And, the ball went in!

Kenny Anderson immediately felt a surge of confidence! He immediately called for his teammates to get back on defense.

Whether they could defend or not was one thing, but effort was another.

The demeanor Kenny Anderson showed at this moment surprised Almon Gilliam, who had gone onto the court confidently but still felt a bit timid inside.

Although Kenny Anderson was the strongest player on the team, Almon Gilliam never respected him. He even thought Zhang Hao, the rookie, had better leadership abilities than Kenny Anderson.

But at this moment, Almon Gilliam felt something different.

It was the Bulls' turn to attack. Pippen had gone to rest, and now Jordan's offensive strategy turned into a high-post backdown.

Ron Harper moved up the front court like a fish and passed the ball to Jordan, who asked for it at the top of the key while backing down Vaughn Fleming, then cut inside.

Steve Kerr stood at the corner on the same side as Jordan, Langley pulled out for a mid-range, and Rodman found his own position.

Jordan backed down Vaughn Fleming and took a turnaround fadeaway, a simple and brutal move!

But the shot didn't go in!

Jason Williams fought hard with Rodman over the rebounding spot and had the advantage. Suddenly, a colorful, pierced head appeared in front of him, almost kissing him, causing him to hesitate in jumping, allowing Rodman to get his hands on the ball first and slap it out.

As Jason Williams turned to grab the ball, he saw Jordan, who got to it first!

With Jordan's shooting ability, he knew as he took the shot that it was likely a brick. As he landed, he dodged Vaughn Fleming and rushed into the paint, just in time to grab the ball Rodman slapped out. He took a step with the ball, jumped toward Jason Williams, and slammed it into the basket over him!

Jordan posterized him!

Jason Williams really missed the guy who owed him 500 bucks... He actually held his ground, and if that guy were there, he might've blocked Jordan.

Sitting courtside, Zhang Hao saw Jason Williams glance at him with fiery eyes after being dunked on...

"This guy, why does it feel a bit flamboyant after being dominated?"

Kenny Anderson received the ball and advanced to the front court, with Jordan sticking to him. He immediately passed the ball to Edwards.