Link's dunk once again forced the Warriors to call a timeout.
"Wow, Link... you jumped really high just now... if that dunk was in the Slam Dunk Contest, I'd give you a 9." Michael Jordan, returning to the bench, slung his arm around Link, seemingly good buddies, but in reality, Michael Jordan was mocking Link's showboating.
"Michael, if you participate in the Slam Dunk Contest this year, I'll definitely go too," Link said, not to be outdone.
"Link, if I were just a player, I would definitely go... but besides being a player, I'm also a successful businessman, so I don't have that much free time," Michael Jordan said proudly, with his nostrils flared.
Link's mouth twitched subconsciously at this.
After the timeout, there were less than 8 minutes left in the game.
86 to 69!
The Washington Wizards led by 17 points.
In addition, Link had already achieved near triple-double stats with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist, just 2 rebounds shy of a triple-double.
For a guard, 2 rebounds in 8 minutes is not difficult if they want it, let alone for Link.
In the remaining time, the Warriors tried to catch up with Three-Point Shots, but their Three-Point Shots clanked, easily leading to "long rebounds." Link took the opportunity to activate [Dominance Moment: Rebound Maniac] Lv1. Under the Wizards' oppressive defense, the Warriors' Three-Point Shots kept missing.
Link also grabbed 3 rebounds in just 2 minutes, and also boosted his assist count to 12.
The Wizards also took the opportunity to extend their lead to over 20 points.
Doug Collins, seeing that the win was secured, substituted veterans like Michael Jordan and Laettner, bringing in Connet Alexander and Buffalo Jarred Vanderbilt.
The Wizards' defensive system was built around "Link + Brendan Haywood." However, in the last 5 minutes of the game, the team's defense seemed to revert to its original state. Although Link and Haywood were still on the court, players are not robots; everyone can relax, especially when leading.
But a truly strong team can maintain tenacious defense throughout the entire game.
For this reason, Link used his actions on the court to inspire his teammates.
Facing Jason Richardson, who was eager to get back at him, Link gave himself ample buffer space by staying a half-step back. Although Richardson's physicality was explosive, his ball-handling skills were not top-tier, which affected his first-step Speed. Even so, if Link stuck too close, he would still be beaten by his opponent.
Jason Richardson drove to the left. The moment he neared Link, he suddenly exerted force and pushed hard. As Link was pushed back, his long arm shot out again, making a "snap!" sound, disrupting his drive.
Connet Alexander quickly came over to help, swiftly gaining possession of the ball.
It was evident that Alexander's defensive focus in this possession was much sharper than when he first came on, and he was more active and dedicated.
This was Link's "defensive infectiousness."
If the team's cornerstone is so active and competitive, what right do others have not to work hard?
...
...
The game ended.
113 to 91, the Wizards successfully defeated the Warriors to achieve their third consecutive victory.
Jason Richardson had a grim expression throughout the post-game embrace.
Even though he delivered two amazing fast-break dunks in the game, he shot 3-for-11 from the field, 1-for-5 from Three-Point Shot, and 1-for-2 from the Free Throw line, with only 9 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound. His field goal percentage was less than 30%.
To be fair, as a rookie, these stats aren't particularly bad.
But the problem was...
Link, on the other hand, shot 12-for-23 from the field, 3-for-5 from Three-Point Shot, and 4-for-6 from the Free Throw line, accumulating 31 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists, 3 Steals, and 1 Block, with a field goal percentage over 50% and only 2 turnovers, and what's more...
Bob Sura, who primarily defended him in the first half, was DNP'd by him.
He himself, who primarily defended Link in the second half, was also in a sorry state.
This made Jason Richardson feel very frustrated. Link wasn't fast, didn't jump high, and wasn't much stronger than himself, but that bastard's game rhythm... was too "eerie" (strange, 'eerie' is the simplified form of 'strange' which means 'bizarre' or'strange').
He always seemed to predict his predictions...
"Hey man, don't always look so gloomy... smile a little," Link said with a laugh as he hugged Jason Richardson.
"Hmph," Jason Richardson snorted, but ignored Link.
"Buddy, if you keep that attitude, next time I see you... I might have to chase you down for a Block," Link said, half-jokingly.
"What?" Jason Richardson felt insulted. With Link's slow Speed, how dare he say he would chase him down for a Block?
"See you next time!" Link laughed.
...
...
"Ding, congratulations, Host, for completing the random mission - Dare to Think, Dare to Do!"
"Mission Reward: 1000 Goat Points, [Super Physique Athletic Sprint Card (Monthly)] x1."
[Goat Points: 2,124/26,240]
Including this post-game reward, Link is less than 4,000 Goat Points away from drawing a new player template.
At the current Speed, it can be completed next month.
As for this [Super Physique Athletic Sprint Card (Monthly)], Link originally planned to save it, as his current athletic potential was almost fully tapped. But then he thought, no, he couldn't...
This type of training card has a very important additional effect: it can reduce the probability of injuries during training.
For NBA players, what talent is most important?
Static physique? Jumping ability? Shooting touch? Ball-handling skills?
These are all important, but the most important thing is that you can actually play on the court.
...
...
[Two consecutive triple-doubles, the league's new triple-double king is born. As of now, rookie Link has achieved 3 triple-doubles, a stat that leads the entire league.] - Reported by ESPN
[Reborn from the Ashes, the Washington Wizards have recently achieved a 3-game winning streak. Their current record ranks second in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the entire league, trailing only the Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. This season's Washington Wizards will become a spoiler for the league championship.] - Reported by Sports Illustrated.
[Rookie MVP Rankings, Washington Wizards rookie - Link is far ahead. Although Pau Gasol is also very outstanding, there is still a considerable gap compared to Link.] - Reported by The Washington Post.
[League Supernova - Link, he has made what was considered a weak draft class, not favored by outsiders, the most watched draft since '96. High school rookies have also become great again because of Link!!!] - Reported by USA Today.
The next day!
On the flight back to Washington, Link repeatedly read through these articles praising him.
This made Michael Jordan, who was beside him, unable to resist complaining: "Link, do you want me to frame these newspapers for you!"