One Year Left to Play

Chapter 560 - 171: This Is Just Too Miserable! (2)

It was right not to underestimate the Hornets. Glenn Rice, one of the top shooters in the league today, scored 15 points in the eight minutes from the end of the third quarter to the beginning of the fourth quarter, helping the Hornets take a 4-point lead at one point.

But the Lakers, who were focused throughout, ultimately came back to retake the lead.

At 11:02 in the fourth quarter, with the Lakers leading 112 to 109 by 3 points, Zhang Hao came out to receive the ball at the top arc and hit a three-pointer, widening the gap to 6 points and effectively securing the victory.

In the end, the Lakers narrowly won against the Hornets 115 to 111!

This game didn’t have much attention, but quite a few reporters still showed up.

Of course, they came because of the Lakers.

However, one reporter whimsically went to interview a Hornets player—Michael Adams.

When asked about Zhang Hao’s game-sealing three-pointer, Michael Adams responded: "When I saw Zhang, I was reminded of my younger self..."

...

After the game with the Hornets, Zhang Hao quickly took a shower and immediately called a cab back to the hotel to catch the Bulls vs. Spurs game.

No matter how he rushed, he couldn’t make the start of the game. By the time he got back to his room and turned on the TV, it was already halftime, with the Bulls leading the Spurs 57 to 48 by 9 points.

Currently, the Bulls have played 69 games, with a record of 61 wins and 8 losses, while the Spurs have also played 69 games with 55 wins and 14 losses.

Zhang Hao didn’t care about the Bulls’ final record; he hoped the Bulls would perform well and take down the Spurs!

Before he could be happy about the Bulls leading the Spurs by 9 points, the halftime news made him want to hit something!

"Your younger self? I’m way better looking than you, alright!"

Watching Michael Adams being interviewed and reminiscing with that clear look...

"The reporter asking this question is not a nice person either!"

Looking at the TV screen showing his season average of 1.2 three-pointers made with a 31% success rate, while Michael Adams had an average of 2.5 three-pointers with a 29.6% success rate at his peak...

Actually, his top arc three-pointer success rate was 34%! Besides, most of his attempts were from that area!

But occasionally having to shoot from the sides... the success rate was quite frustrating...

"19 of 9 field goals, 1 of 3 three-pointers, 8 of 8 free throws, 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks... Auntie had 18 of 11 field goals, 9 of 12 free throws, getting 31 points, 13 rebounds... I defended Auntie 8 times, he scored 4 baskets and drew 2 fouls, my one-on-one defense still needs improvement... my shooting percentage, another game below 50%..."

Zhang Hao analyzed the Lakers’ game recap during the Bulls and Spurs halftime on TV, feeling a bit gloomy...

Lately, ever since the Magician voluntarily went to play off the bench, Zhang found himself taking more bailout shots.

When teammates had no opportunities, and with little time left, he would receive a pass and, rather than feeling burdened, he felt very excited and thrilled—that was his teammates’ trust.

But to have a high shooting percentage in such cases would be miraculous.

When finally looking at his shooting percentage, there would be some heartbreak inevitably...

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the halftime break of the Bulls and Spurs game ended, and the second half began. Zhang Hao stopped dwelling on his shooting percentage and focused on watching the game.

Come on Bulls! Take down the Spurs!

With this inner shout, Zhang Hao hoped for a Spurs loss so their Lakers could reclaim the top spot in the West...

Then, 58 minutes later, the Bulls and Spurs game ended.

to 113, the NBA game score, with the away team’s score listed first.

They turned it around!

The Spurs, after being outscored 29 to 21 in the third quarter and trailing by 17 points, pulled off a huge comeback with a 33 to 12 fourth quarter!

David Robinson made 20 of 31 field goals, 11 of 15 free throws, and went off for 51 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks in total, scoring 21 points and getting 5 blocks in the fourth quarter alone... While Jordan also scored 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, David Robinson’s fourth-quarter explosion led the Spurs to complete the great comeback...

The Spurs achieved their 15th consecutive win, continuing to sit atop the Western Conference, while handing the league leader their 9th loss of the season!

Seeing this outcome, Zhang Hao was left speechless... but also felt like laughing.

He seemed to really see the image of Jordan shedding tears...

Unfortunately, the Bulls couldn’t end the Spurs’ winning streak, and their Lakers would remain second in the West.

But...

"The Bulls lost two games this month, the Spurs haven’t lost a single one, winning all 13 games they’ve played this month, with one more game to go. Anyway, the Spurs’ record this month is better than the Bulls’, and head-to-head, the Admiral smashed Jordan... So, will Jordan not win the Player of the Month again?

For five consecutive months, he’s been the second-best player in the league, with the best performer changing every month. His luck is comparable to draft luck!"

...

...

The latest MVP prediction list: David Robinson has surged to the second spot in the league!

The first spot, naturally, belongs to Michael Jordan, who had the best overall performance of the entire season.

On March 30th, Zhang Hao and his team arrived in Orlando.

At lunch, all the news he saw was about David Robinson’s 51-point game toppling the Bulls.

This time, the Bulls absolutely dominated the headlines.

Is there a chance to become the only team in NBA history with single-digit losses?

With 12 games left, the Bulls have become absolute protagonists at the season’s end.