Before the start of the second quarter, when Su Feng was about to give Big Ben a chance...
Head coach Davis suddenly realized he had forgotten to remind Su Feng to attack the weak spots in the Bucks' defense.
So, he turned back to Su Feng, who was whispering with Big Ben, and said softly:
"Su, the Bucks leave a lot of openings in their defensive gaps. You should try to exploit those two areas."
Su Feng was almost scared to death by Davis.
It felt like suddenly realizing the invigilator is standing behind you while you're copying answers during an exam.
Su Feng quickly loosened the elbow he had around Big Ben's neck and nodded obediently, "Okay, coach."
Davis smiled, "Were you just talking to Ben about tactics? Ben is good, but he can't always remember what I ask of him."
"Yes, coach. I noticed, so I was just reminding Ben to do his job properly." Su Feng felt relieved hearing Davis say that.
Really sensible, this kid.
Davis now thought more highly of Su Feng—especially compared to Weatherspoon and others, who had been complaining to teammates after being substituted.
In the second quarter, the Bucks brought in Ray Allen and replaced "Big Dog" Robinson.
Although it was only a preseason game, Bucks coach Ford didn't want to lose to a weak team like the 76ers.
After all, the 76ers at that time were notoriously bad.
And when Su Feng realized his matchup was Robinson...
He felt a surge of energy rising inside him!
It didn't matter if Robinson was just a "stat-padder"—even if he was, he was still a very flashy one!
An 8,000-point career scorer...
In addition to having the priority to take shots, Su Feng felt his bright future was already calling out to him.
In the second quarter, the 76ers inbounded. Waters, who was handling the ball, signaled his teammates to spread out after crossing half court.
At that time, many NBA point guard idols were Magic Johnson and John Stockton, so passing was considered the top priority for point guards.
Waters wasn't Weatherspoon or Stackhouse; he was just an ordinary role player, so he simply executed whatever tactics the coach arranged.
Although he thought Su Feng attacking Robinson was basically suicide, he still followed the coach's instructions step by step.
It's worth noting that after passing the ball to the wing and then feeding Su Feng in the post, Waters still felt a pang of sympathy for him.
After all, Su Feng had recently earned a lot of attention...
But Waters simply couldn't imagine how excited Su Feng was at that moment!
Big Dog Robinson had excellent athleticism, but the only thing that bothered Su Feng was his casual defensive attitude.
Guarding so loosely—wasn't he afraid of being embarrassed by a rookie?
Catch, lean back, sudden spin. Su Feng's post move was completely undisturbed.
Swish—!
26 to 29.
"Nice shot!" On the bench, Davis was in a great mood seeing Su Feng score exactly as instructed.
Jason and Rick applauded: "Su really is the kind of plug-and-play player."
"Well, as long as you stick to the tactics, it's fine even if you miss," Davis nodded, glancing at Stackhouse.
Stackhouse felt a bit wronged, because Su Feng was enjoying special treatment on the court—how could he compare?
But Stackhouse didn't dare complain like Weatherspoon, because Iverson was sitting right next to him.
Before the new season even started, picking a fight with the team's point guard would be foolish.
On the court, the Bucks attacked. Big Dog lazily stepped up to the high post to receive the ball.
There was no one else on the Bucks who could play like a top draft pick...
Before his debut, he needed $100 million, off-court incidents kept happening, and he skipped alcohol training...
This guy—if he tried a little harder, his physical talent might have earned him more than 100 million in rewards.
For the preseason, Robinson wasn't very interested. In his view, these non-televised games wouldn't benefit him even if he played seriously.
To Robinson, players like Su Feng, who treat the preseason like the playoffs, were simply foolish.
The proudest achievement of Robinson's life was signing a 10-year, $68 million contract with the Bucks—without ever truly proving himself in the NBA.
He drove luxury cars, lived in a mansion, drank the finest wine, and slept with the most beautiful women...
Snap—!
On the court, while Robinson was thinking about how to use his talent to crush Su Feng, Su Feng suddenly stole the ball right out of his hands.
Robinson was furious. He wasn't exactly skilled, but his temper was explosive.
He charged back at full speed, but Su Feng quickly passed the ball to his teammate Waters.
Waters finished with an easy layup. 28 to 29.
Robinson felt humiliated by a rookie and glared at Su Feng with rage.
But to Robinson's frustration, Su Feng ignored him completely.
Su Feng patted Waters on the shoulder and said, "Rex, that follow-up was perfect."
Waters was delighted, his opinion of Su Feng rising sharply. "It's all yours," he replied.
Compared to preseason stats, Su Feng knew his priority was building good relationships with teammates.
Because temporary shooting rights and stat-chasing weren't as important to him.
Su Feng understood clearly: his current style of play relied heavily on teammates.
Without training a few "chefs," how could he enjoy the "cakes" once the season began?
And since he was also a "passing passer," he had to seize every rare assist opportunity.
Look—the coaches were applauding him.
The current 76ers were like scattered sand, and someone needed to bring the team together.
That's emotional intelligence!
The Bucks attacked again. Robinson was ruthless this time, driving hard after receiving the ball.
Su Feng retreated instantly, and when Robinson charged into position, Su Feng decisively called upon his "summoning technique"—
Where was Alabama's general?
Suddenly, Big Ben rushed in like a warhorse, delivering a powerful block on Robinson!
On the sidelines, even though the play wasn't exactly by the book, Davis couldn't help but applaud Wallace's emphatic block.
At home, the Bucks' fans gave a scattered cheer.
Because after the block, Wallace roared right in Robinson's face.
"You're irritable! Show me what that gets you!"
Seeing Wallace's fierce expression, Robinson hesitated.
If Robinson had more discipline, his career achievements wouldn't have stopped where they did.
In Su Feng's past life, most of Robinson's temper was wasted on petty antics.
On the Bucks' bench, Ray Allen watched expressionlessly, but inside, he silently praised Su Feng and Big Ben.
Because on the team, Robinson especially liked to pick on Ray Allen.
Ray wasn't someone who looked for trouble, but his patience had limits.
It was one thing to treat him like a younger brother, but giving him advice on how to play? Did Robinson really deserve that?
At this point, the conflict between Ray Allen and Robinson hadn't yet exploded. But in the future, once Ray Allen matured, he would no longer tolerate Robinson's attitude.
Every rookie has a tough chapter to endure...
Back on the court, the game continued. After being blocked by Big Ben, the Bucks still had possession. Robinson switched to "serious mode" to save face.
He elbowed his way forward, trying to intimidate Su Feng.
But Su Feng didn't back down—he pressed even closer.
Thump, thump...
Robinson, who hadn't trained much during the offseason, wasn't in peak condition. When he tried to change direction to beat Su Feng, the ball actually bounced off his own foot.
…
Robinson felt extremely embarrassed, especially since even Bucks fans were laughing from the sidelines.
So, when he returned to defense, Robinson kept making little moves, trying to harass Su Feng.
But Su Feng didn't panic at all and continued to fight back with firm positioning.
Clang—!
This time Su Feng repeated his move, but failed to score under Robinson's "strict defense."
However, just as Robinson was about to mock him, Su Feng spoke first:
"It turns out you're still pretty strong."
Su Feng, who had just added to his "iron value," felt a strange satisfaction. More importantly, Big Ben grabbed the offensive rebound.
Unlike Robinson, Su Feng had already sprinted to the other side. Spotting Su Feng's sharp silhouette in the crowd, Big Ben quickly passed the ball out.
Catch, shoot!
Clang—!
According to the system that assigns responsibility for missed shots, even though Robinson didn't contest, the "iron value" was still credited to him...
In the paint, Big Ben dominated, pushing the Bucks aside.
After securing the rebound, he lifted the ball, looked around, and found Su Feng again!
This time, Su Feng didn't waste the chance—he adjusted and released... swish!
A three-pointer from the top of the arc.
32 to 29—the 76ers, who had trailed by 11 points in the first quarter, had taken the lead!
That feeling of both assisting and scoring, Su Feng called it "double happiness."
Robinson was still serious on defense. Su Feng's first two shots had been slightly off-balance.
But as a shooter, even after missing twice in a row, Su Feng kept firing with confidence!
On the sidelines, Davis applauded: "This kid told me during his trial that even if he's off rhythm, he'll keep shooting."
Jason and Rick looked at Davis curiously. Davis explained, "Because he believes he's the best shooter."
Jason and Rick nodded. That kind of confidence is exactly what a shooter needs.
But...
Stackhouse had something to say.
Because he also had that quality—but he didn't get the same opportunities as Su Feng!
The game continued. Robinson was completely enraged. This time he pulled up for a mid-range jumper, and after scoring, he glared fiercely at Su Feng.
"Did you see that, rookie thief? This is what a champion looks like..."
But Su Feng didn't bother responding.
In his eyes, Robinson wasn't even worth trash talk.
On the court, Robinson tried to guard Su Feng immediately after scoring. Waters passed long to Mark, who quickly fed Su Feng. Su Feng broke past Robinson and scored!
33 to 31...
The Bucks called a timeout.