Steve Nash sets up for Duncan, after a high pick and roll between the two, intending to pass to the rolling Duncan.
But Gan Guoyang, after breaking it up, doesn’t defend Nash, leaving space for Nash to attack the basket, nor does he allow Duncan to receive the ball to attack the rim.
As a result, Nash misses the layup because he was blocked from behind by Gan Guoyang, and when Duncan tries to put it back, he is intercepted again by Gan Guoyang.
This is a solid one-on-two defense, entering the fourth quarter, Gan Guoyang’s defensive state is completely activated.
It’s like a player entering a zone on the offensive end, scoring on every attempt effortlessly.
Now Gan Guoyang is defending successfully no matter what, as if he added a lid on the basket, not allowing any points below the rim for the opponent.
After recovering ball possession, Gan Guoyang passes the ball to Kobe, who quickly counterattacks, utilizing his speed and explosiveness to charge directly to the basket, changing direction and successfully dunking!
Tonight Kobe has already scored 18 points, his offensive efficiency is quite high, dodging through the fast breaks like a nimble snake, sending the ball into the basket.
Compared to last season, his physique and skills have greatly improved.
Nash attempts once more to pass the ball to Duncan, but Gan Guoyang’s three-quarters fronting makes it hard for Duncan to receive the pass, almost resulting in a steal.
Luckily, the ball is tapped back into Nash’s hands, but Nash hesitates to further advance, as Ah Gan now looms in the interior like a monster, devouring all offensive options you have.
The ball goes to Dee Brown, who opts for a mid-range shot from outside and scores, Nash’s passing decision is still quite commendable.
In Phoenix, Nash didn’t garner the team’s full attention, the Suns still centered around Kevin Johnson, relegating the 23-year-old Nash to a backup position.
The Suns didn’t realize they made the same mistake as the Cleveland Cavaliers did back then.
The Cavaliers, during that time, had Mark Price and after drafting Kevin Johnson, made him a backup.
Later, believing Price was enough, they traded away Kevin Johnson, gifting the Suns their backcourt core for the next 10 years.
Now, the same scenario occurs again, only this time it’s the Suns playing the role of the Cavaliers.
The Suns have Kevin Johnson and deem Nash somewhat redundant, thus trading Nash to acquire Walker.
After joining the Celtics, under Beelman’s tutelage, Nash has displayed great potential.
Including this ball, Nash has provided 12 assists tonight, serving as the backbone of the Celtics in this match.
But Nash knows, for the team to win, Duncan must perform.
The Celtics successfully defend a Trail Blazers attack, and Nash leads the counterattack.
This might be their best opportunity to turn the tables, Nash eyes the front, delivering a precise long pass to Duncan, who’s sprinting down!
This is Duncan’s chance to break the scoring drought, Gan Guoyang’s defensive position isn’t ideal, to defend this he may have to foul.
Duncan receives the ball cutting into the paint, fakes and moves to a better position, yet Gan Guoyang indeed finds it hard to contest, as Duncan has already secured a favorable stance.
However, when Duncan attempts a layup, the Trail Blazers’ number 5 sprints from behind, leaps high, and swats away Duncan’s shot!
A gigantic block from Jermaine O’Neal!
The ball is seized by Fox, who goes up again, only for Little O’neal to rise for a second jump, swatting it away once more.
Brellock captures the ball, and the Trail Blazers slow down the tempo to consume time.
These two magnificent blocks not only thwart Duncan’s scoring efforts but also disrupt the Celtics’ counter play.
Tonight, the Trail Blazers’ interior defense is impeccable, with blocks and steals leaving the Celtics utterly frustrated.
Kobe cuts into the lane once more, tearing through the Celtic’s defense, distributing the ball to Gan Guoyang, who drives and draws a foul from Duncan.
He makes both free throws, leaving little time for the Celtics, or rather zero time for Duncan to break through.
Duncan’s hindrance is not only Gan Guoyang but the entire stubborn interior defense of the Trail Blazers, making him feel like the water level is approaching his neck.
The shark is still prowling nearby, he even catches glimpse of the shark’s unemotional round eyes, seemingly black voids devoid of life, witnesses to untold slaughters.
At what seemed like a desperate moment, as Duncan felt suffocated and thought the game might as well end here, he suddenly had a thought.
During a dead-ball interval, he approached Gan Guoyang and asked, "Sonny, how should I initiate an offense from the low post? How do I successfully put the ball in?"
Gan Guoyang was taken aback, thinking this kid truly is humble in seeking knowledge when unable to overcome his opponent, he resorts to asking for advice?
Previously, the two hadn’t communicated, as Beelman instructed Gan Guoyang not to chat, and Gan Guoyang kept his promise not to do so.
Likewise, Duncan would not trash-talk against Gan Guoyang, but at the final stage, he suddenly thought, why not seek advice from Ah Gan?
Is there anyone else in the world who knows better on how to deal with Ah Gan than Ah Gan himself?
Gan Guoyang held no significant animosity toward Duncan and had enough enjoyment for this game.
Since he sincerely sought advice, Gan Guoyang wouldn’t ignore him, not being petty-minded.
From below the water, a massive and terrifying fin emerges, unveiling the beast’s real nature—not a shark, but a playful orca.
"You always try to establish deep position, but without strength dominance, it’s ineffective against me. Try posting up from a bit further out to receive the ball. Secure the ball first, brother, if you can’t hold onto the ball, how are you going to play?"
"What about your 45-degree bank shot? If you can’t pressure in, try mid-range shots instead of always charging inside, is your mind going numb?"
"Attack facing the hoop, it’s tougher for me to defend when you’re facing the hoop, which makes drawing fouls easier. How many times did I face up against you tonight, shouldn’t you learn from that? Are you zoning out? Plus, doesn’t Bobby just plead from the sidelines instead of advising you? Damn that stinking bastard, muster up some fighting spirit."
Gan Guoyang’s guidance quickly calmed Duncan’s mindset.
Meanwhile, he made his first field goal of the night—a bank shot facing the hoop from the left 45-degree angle.
Gan Guoyang exerted his full power to block, yet Duncan still made the shot!
This score didn’t change the situation on the court, but the Fleet Center erupted with applause and cheers.
Even Beelman sighed in relief on the sidelines, at least they weren’t shut out, scoring is good.
Ultimately, the Trail Blazers, with an away score of 110-96, easily defeated the Celtics with a 14-point margin, extending their winning streak to 16 games.
Duncan ended up scoring only 2 points, tormented by Gan Guoyang’s defense, but at the last moment, he overcame his psychological crisis using his wisdom.
Duncan realized that when facing Ah Gan, being nice and offering praise might be the most effective tactic.
As the game concluded, Gan Guoyang and Duncan embraced on the court, Gan Guoyang ruffled Duncan’s head saying, "You performed really well, I believe the future is yours."
Hearing such compliments from Gan Guoyang filled Duncan with not only fulfillment but a bit of confusion, wondering when will the future arrive?
However, he quickly cleared these distractions and focused on preparing for the upcoming games, patiently waiting for the arrival of his era.