Chapter 2 February

Due to the suspensions of Ben and Jackson, coupled with Su Feng's inconsistent shooting touch, the Raptors had slipped to third place in the league and second in the East standings by February.

Online, the Honey fans joked:

"My great Feng, never shoots unless it's a fadeaway!"

"The guy above is being ridiculous, okay? My Feng never shoots unless it's a drifting fadeaway!"

"No way, no way, it's already 2002, surely there aren't people still watching Raptors games just to see Feng score, right?"

"Exactly, isn't Feng's 'picturesque' shooting form appealing enough?"

Truth be told, when Su Feng saw these comments from Chinese and American netizens mocking him, he really felt like his fans were fake fans.

Because if he had the chance to shoot properly like Kobe, how could Su Feng possibly shoulder all the responsibility alone?

No choice.

Since the Raptors' upcoming opponents after the All-Star weekend were mostly playoff teams, the Raptors, with their depleted roster, were finding it incredibly tough.

To conserve strength for the upcoming playoffs, Davis stubbornly continued to implement the second-in-command rotation strategy.

As a result, the huge gap in strength between the Raptors' role players and their main players became apparent.

However...

In this difficult stretch of games, young Parker got plenty of practice.

Parker, who averaged only 3.8 points and 1.3 assists in November, had raised his rookie season averages to 8.1 points and 3.6 assists by the end of February.

In games, Parker's rhythmically bizarre spin moves even earned him the nickname "Toronto Little Gyro."

In early March, the Raptors suffered another three losses.

They lost to the Celtics, Suns, and Mavericks, respectively.

"Strike while the iron is hot," Auerbach didn't hold back against the Raptors in their game.

In that Raptors-Celtics game, Su Feng was guaranteed to face at least three defenders whenever he drove into the paint.

As a result, after the role players missed a ton of open looks created by Su Feng, the Celtics defeated the Raptors 119-102 on the road.

The Suns' victory over the Raptors was almost identical to the Celtics' game.

Marion, Lewis, Hill, Mcgrady, George took turns...

Anyway, D'Antoni would concede defeat if Su Feng managed to get an easy shot in the game.

Nash rested for this game, and with Su Feng frequently hampered, Little O'Neal turned into an "ice shooter" on the court.

In the game, Little O'Neal even had an embarrassing moment where he missed layups and outside shots.

As for the loss to the Mavericks...

There wasn't much to say about it.

Because when Old Nelson's team went crazy in a game, there was no reasoning with them.

In this game, the Mavericks shot a whopping 60% from three-point range and made 21 three-pointers...

With that kind of accuracy, plus the Raptors playing on a back-to-back, the result was obvious.

On the 10th, Ben and Jackson officially ended their suspensions.

And the Raptors, welcoming back their two key players, "lived up to expectations" and upset the Magic on the road.

"Hmm... I haven't played in a while, my hands are a bit rusty."

After the game, looking at the strange looks from his teammates, Ben, who had a stat line of 2 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 turnovers, said while touching his head.

"My hands... are also a bit rusty."

Jackson, who shot 0-for-9 with 0 points, 3 rebounds, 4 fouls, and 4 turnovers, quickly explained.

It must be said that the NBA is indeed a place where miracles happen.

Because in this league, it's never a surprise when strong teams lose to weak teams.

It's just that Su Feng felt his heart was tired.

Because lately, Su Feng often encountered double or triple teams in games, so you know how many open looks these bastards missed?

No exaggeration...

With Su Feng's current playmaking ability, comparable to Nash, if his average assist count doesn't go up, these guys should all be burned at the stake!

...

In March, just as Su Feng was wondering if his teammates were only capable of catching "bad passes"...

In Philadelphia, due to a recurrence of an old injury, the Philadelphia Thugs officially announced that Iverson would be out until the playoffs.

And now...

Su Feng never expected that the difficulty of defending his scoring title this year would increase again.

Because the "Rondo Rule" hadn't been introduced to the NBA at this time...

So after Iverson confirmed that he would miss all remaining regular season games, his average score remained at 31.8 points.

Therefore, to surpass Iverson, Su Feng had to ensure that his average score in the remaining games exceeded 37.4 points.

Originally, based on Iverson's recent performance, his average score after the All-Star weekend was declining compared to his frequent high-scoring games before the All-Star weekend.

So...

Iverson's injury, in a sense, increased the difficulty for Su Feng to surpass him.

This season, because his teammates performed too well in the first half, Su Feng's personal shot attempts couldn't compare with last season.

In Su Feng's previous life, from the 99/00 season to the 18/19 season, only O'Neal, Curry, and Harden helped their teams to the top of the league standings while also winning the scoring title.

Among these three, Harden, who had the highest average score when he won the scoring title in the 17/18 season, relied not on his average shot attempts but on his terrifying 10.1 free throw attempts per game.

In addition, O'Neal, who had the highest average shot attempts among these three when he won the scoring title, only had 21.1 attempts.

Therefore, it's a false proposition that a team's star player can consistently score high without disrupting the team's chemistry.

Because in this league, no one can guarantee that their touch will always be consistent.

Last season, because Little O'Neal was injured early, and Carter was out of form in the initial stages...

Su Feng had no choice but to score heavily in games.

But now, even Parker, who is eager to prove himself, takes around 8 shots per game...

And based on the current officiating standards in the NBA, the referees are already doing everything they can to protect Su Feng on the court.

Therefore, to surpass Iverson in the last 17 games and maintain the team's current chemistry, Su Feng knew that he only had one option: adjust his shot selection.

That is, increase his three-point attempts and drives to the basket, and reduce his mid-range shots and low-post isolation plays.

To score with the highest cost-effectiveness on the court.

So now the question is:

Why didn't Su Feng adopt this approach to score before?

The answer is simple...

If you look at why Harden can't reach the Finals, you'll understand.

There are no easy win-win situations on the basketball court.

Especially before Su Feng's two-motion shooting could break through its limitations.

Two-point shots aren't as efficient on the court, but Su Feng's stable mid-range and fadeaway shots are key to ensuring his dominance on the court.

Just like the Warriors after adding Durant, their opponents had no way to stop them.

Because Durant's two-point shots could always keep the Warriors going in crucial moments, so as long as the Splash Brothers didn't become "Iron Brothers," the Warriors only needed to survive the stalemate, and they could use their three-point barrage to take away their opponents.

In addition, adjusting his shot selection meant that Su Feng would be taking a gamble in the next 17 games.

After all, without the stable mid-range shots, if Su Feng couldn't open up the situation from the outside, he could easily mess things up.

Because at that time, your opponents only need to tighten up the defense in the paint to successfully defend you.

Oh, you say Su Feng can switch to mid-range mode at this time?

That won't work.

Because we're talking about choosing the most efficient way to play, so even if Su Feng's mid-range shooting percentage is high...

It can't exceed the shooting percentage near the basket.

On the basketball court, being able to score 30 points with around 20 shot attempts is already the limit for scorers.

Therefore, having decided to go all-in, Su Feng knew very well that he had to go on a 17-game scoring spree in the next 17 games to surpass Iverson!

Look, the thoughts of kings are always so different.

Among all the easiest paths to take, they prefer to choose the most difficult one for themselves.

Just like in Su Feng's previous life, when he was reading books online, those handsome readers would go through all kinds of difficulties and try all sorts of novels just to find one that they could follow.

Knowing that there are tigers in the mountains, they prefer to go to the tiger mountains.

...

On the 12th, the Raptors hosted the Philadelphia Thugs at home.

Speaking of which, this game was also the first game where Yao led the team alone after Iverson's injury.

Before the game, Yao Ming happily imitated Su Feng's signature move in front of the scorer's table:

Throwing a handful of magnesium powder into the air, and then looking at the scorer's table staff with a bitter expression on their faces.

Before the start of this game against the Philadelphia Thugs, Su Feng specifically looked for Nash.

Because to complete the 17-game scoring spree, Nash was an indispensable part of Su Feng's plan.

After all, based on Su Feng's current status, he would basically be closely guarded by his opponents once he crossed half court in the game.

Therefore, completely imitating Harden was definitely not going to work in Su Feng's view.

Because, how can the targeting that Harden received on the court compare to what Su Feng receives now?

So, when necessary, Su Feng knew very well that it was time for him to show the world again his "devilish legs" that had once made Nash's two dogs run ragged.

On the court, after the players of both teams finished warming up, the big screen showed the starting lineups for both teams tonight.

Philadelphia Thugs: Yao Ming, Ratliff, Christie, Mcgrady, Snow.

Raptors: Ben, Little O'Neal, Su Feng, Old Curry, Nash.

Before the start of this game, because of Iverson's absence, Su Feng suggested that Davis put Curry in the starting lineup.

Because this way, Su Feng would have enough space to put on his "show.time" on the court!

The so-called fighting with the heavens is endless joy, fighting with people is endless joy.

In the past two years, Su Feng has fully felt the true meaning of this sentence.

On the court, in the jump ball, Little O'Neal successfully stole the jump ball from Yao Ming, and the Raptors had the first attack.

Nash was responsible for dribbling the ball across half court.

Su Feng first ran along the right wing, and after using Little O'Neal's screen to enter the baseline, he used Ben's screen to return to the right wing.

This was one of the classic tactics that Davis had drawn up for him in his rookie season.

It's just...

After Iverson's injury, the rate of rotation defense on the outside for this Philadelphia Thugs team also greatly improved.

Therefore, Su Feng's opening play didn't fully create an open shot.

Aaron Mcgrady appeared in front of Su Feng after switching defenses with his teammates.

However...

As a senior who is determined to set a good example for Klay, what's the difference between this kind of ball and an open shot in Su Feng's eyes?

On the court, after receiving Nash's pass, Su Feng pulled up and shot without waiting for Mcgrady to react!

Swish!

0 to 3!

On TNT, Smith, who was once Su Feng's teammate, laughed: "Honestly, I almost thought I was still living a few years ago.

Because if I'm not mistaken, the tactic that the Raptors just used on the court should be called the 'Half-Moon Run' tactic.

And this set of tactics was designed by John and his two assistants for Su during his rookie season."

On the court, after Su Feng scored the first points for the Raptors with a three-pointer, the Raptors quickly retreated to defend.

Without Iverson, the Philadelphia Thugs couldn't pick up the pace. After crossing half court, Yao Ming was brought to the high post to facilitate the offense.

At this time, the young Yao also showed his immaturity.

On the court, because his pass to Ratliff didn't have enough power, Su Feng directly cut out from the wing and intercepted the ball.

The Raptors took advantage of the situation to counterattack, and after giving the ball to Nash to organize the offense, Su Feng also started his new round of running plays.

In recent years, Su Feng first developed based on Klay as a template;

Then, after evolving based on Jimmy Butler and Leonard as templates;

Su Feng, who gradually figured out a sunny path that belonged to him, once again switched his form to "Klay Thompson" tonight.

And can he "stay true to his original intention" and "achieve his goal"?

Swish!

0 to 6.

On the court, Su Feng, who felt good, hit his second three-pointer of the night on the left wing.

The retreating Philadelphia players never expected that Little O'Neal and Ben charging into the restricted area were there to screen for Su Feng...

And on the sidelines, noticing the Raptors' tactic designed specifically for pull-up three-pointers, Rick Carlisle always felt that John Davis was the craziest of the crazies in this era.

Because even Old Nelson couldn't do such a thing as designing a tactic specifically for pull-up three-pointers!

On the court, Philadelphia attacked.

Snow deliberately slowed down the pace of the game.

After all, this way, Yao Ming's height advantage on the offensive end could be fully utilized.

In the low post, Yao Ming hit a hook shot after turning his back to the basket, 2 to 6.

It's just that, before he could high-five his teammates to celebrate...

Noticing Ben charging towards the baseline to quickly inbound the ball, the young Yao almost didn't get a back injury from Ben!

However, Ben was just bluffing this time.

Because the other players of the Philadelphia Thugs retreated quickly, so Nash didn't rush to cross half court after receiving Ben's pass.

And at this time...

Yao Ming, who had already retreated to his own half of the court, was suddenly embarrassed.

On the court, because Su Feng's first two three-pointers had brought a lot of pressure to the Philadelphia Thugs, the outside players of the Philadelphia Thugs expanded very far out.

Seeing this, Su Feng didn't waste any more energy to run away from Christie.

It turned out that, under the organization and coordination of Nash and the passing of other Raptors players, Su Feng quickly gained a one-on-one situation with Christie on the court.

Dong, dong!

Then, as Su Feng unleashed his e-skill like Yasuo, Christie was quickly left behind him.

This season, this kind of one-step crossover has gradually become Su Feng's signature move.

In the restricted area, because they expanded very far out, the other Philadelphia Thugs players couldn't immediately help defend Su Feng.

In order not to give Su Feng a chance to perform, Ratliff, who was closest to Su Feng, decided to use a hug of love to relive his past camaraderie with Su Feng.

But...

Just as Ratliff's arm hooked onto Su Feng's waist...

While using his upturned butt to push against Ratliff from behind, Su Feng actually forced a shot!

This is a textbook three-point play.

That is, when there is physical contact, take the initiative to seek contact with the defensive player.

And while maintaining your own center of gravity, use the reaction force to catch the defensive player off guard.

Different from Harden's pure flopping style of play, Su Feng's style of play is not only brutal, but also gives people a feeling of "strength to uproot mountains and energy to overwhelm the world" in terms of perception.

On the court, as Su Feng walked towards the free throw line, the cameraman even gave his upturned butt a special close-up.

And now, who knows how many female LSPs in front of the TV screamed hysterically?

Swish!

After making the extra free throw, Su Feng's personal score tonight had reached 9 points.

On the sidelines, Carlisle called a timeout in time.

After all, even if Iverson was injured, he Carlisle still wanted to try to lead the team to win at the Air Canada Centre.

After the timeout, the Philadelphia Thugs focused on Yao Ming.

Yao Ming passed to Ratliff inside, who completed a dunk over Ben's head.

4 to 9.

And back on offense, Su Feng, feeling that the opportunity wasn't great, gave the stage to his teammates.

It's a pity that Little O'Neal couldn't avenge Ben.

At the high post, his iron-blooded jump shot bounced off the rim.

As a result, not knowing if it was because he thought Ben was easy to bully...

After grabbing the rebound himself, Mcgrady actually completed a fast break like Iverson, going coast to coast.

Ben, who was the fastest to retreat, couldn't block the shot.

6 to 9.

It was the Raptors' turn to attack, and Su Feng, who successfully ran into an open space, failed to hit his shot, but fortunately, after accumulating a long period of anger, Ben angrily grabbed the offensive rebound for the Raptors.

Niao ni mm bie lie! (Fujian dialect)

Meaning, if the tiger doesn't show its power, do you really think I'm a sick cat?

Outside, after receiving Ben's pass, Su Feng held the ball in one hand, showing off his skills and dizzying Christie, who wanted to come up and block his three-pointer.

Then, after speeding into the restricted area, Su Feng once again used his upturned butt to push away Ratliff, who was trying to stop him from completing the layup.

It's just that due to the era and version, the referees didn't blow the whistle this time.

Bang, swish!

4 to 11.

And at this time, on TNT, because he felt that it was boring to keep praising Su Feng, Smith turned to Derek and said:

"Hey, man, let's bet on how many points Su will get tonight?"

Hearing this, Derek smiled slightly and said: "Betting is okay, but I'll decide how to bet."

Smith was amused.

Because in his opinion, no one in the commentator industry knew Su Feng better than him, so after nodding, he gestured for Derek to speak.

"How about this, I guess Su will get 60 points or more tonight?" Derek said after thinking for a while.

Looking at the naive Derek, Smith felt that he was sure to win.

Because of this Philadelphia Thugs team tonight...

Smith knew very well that as long as Su Feng could maintain his current touch, the game would be over in less than three quarters.

So...

Since you've already bet, what should we use as a bet, old buddy?

"If I guess wrong, then I'll let you kick my butt hard during the broadcast, how about that?" Derek laughed.

"Oh, my dear old buddy...

You know what, I can't wait to kick your damn butt with my pointy leather shoes!" Smith said, patting Derek's shoulder.

The camera returned to the Air Canada Centre.

Faced with Su Feng's aggressive momentum after the opening, this time, Yao Ming backed down Ben in the low post and hit a fadeaway shot.

In Su Feng's previous life, after Yao Ming gained weight, it was difficult for Ben to compete with this little giant on the defensive end.

Therefore, seeing Ben frequently getting the worst of it against Yao Ming, Little O'Neal also took the initiative to suggest to him: "Hey, Ben, let me guard Yao."

"No, I think I can still play against Yao."

At this time, feeling that his status as the second-in-command was in jeopardy, Ben decisively rejected Little O'Neal's suggestion after sensing Little O'Neal's "wild ambition".

What a joke!

As Su Feng's most loyal guard, back then, the Black Eight and the championship were clearly his Ben's first!

Therefore...

The head can be broken, the blood can flow...

Ben didn't want to admit defeat on the court.

The game continued, and the Raptors attacked.

Nash broke into the paint and scored with a floater.

6 to 13.

Back on offense, the Philadelphia Thugs, Iron Tree Mcgrady hit a three-pointer in the corner after receiving Yao Ming's pass.

9 to 13.

In the first quarter, the speed of offensive and defensive transitions for both teams was very fast.

By the time the official timeout was called, the score on the court had reached 14 to 19.

Under Christie's mad dog-like entanglement, Su Feng's subsequent offensive opportunities weren't very good.

But as a patient hunter, Su Feng had plenty of time to wait for his prey to let their guard down.

After the official timeout, the Philadelphia Thugs attacked.

Mcgrady, who was quite like "Little Iverson" tonight, scored another layup.

16 to 19.

Raptors possession, taking advantage of Christie's opportunity to catch his breath, Su Feng slipped to the left wing with the help of Ben's screen.

Nash quickly passed the ball, and facing Snow, who was helping to defend him, Su Feng decisively fired.

Swish!

16 to 22.

And on TNT, seeing Su Feng's hot touch...

At this time, Smith always felt cold sweat breaking out on his back.

"Hey, Kenny, don't panic, this game is far from over." Derek, who noticed that Smith's expression was wrong, took the opportunity to tease him.

Panic...

Panic my ass!

I, Kenny Smith, have personally experienced big scenes like the Black Eight Bulls, how could I possibly panic in this small scene tonight...

Swish!

On the court, the Philadelphia Thugs' counterattack was blocked, the Raptors fast-breaked, and Su Feng hit his fourth three-pointer of the night.

Smith: "..."

Holy crap!

No way, no way...

Am I the clown myself?

...

PS: 6200-word small chapter is here! My body isn't quite right today, so I'll update 6200 words to show my appreciation! Continue to beg for double monthly tickets!