Chapter 5: Li Rui Has Scored!
After observing his teammates nearby, Li Rui shifted his attention to the game on the court.
The match was intense, with the Rockets' main offensive strategy revolving around Yao Ming.
After Alston or McGrady brought the ball up the court, they would hand it off to Yao positioned low, spreading the floor to allow Yao to steadily dominate the interior against Kwame Brown.
Both were first overall picks, yet while Kwame Brown was considered a bust, Yao Ming had become one of the NBA's premier centers.
Yao’s offensive repertoire was vast—whether it was a hook shot or a close-range turnaround jumper, his control was exceptional, and he played with toughness.
Kwame Brown was repeatedly outplayed by Yao, and the Rockets quickly gained the upper hand.
The Lakers began double-teaming Yao, but he continuously passed to open shooters like Alston and Battier, both of whom were sinking open three-pointers today.
The Lakers’ defense was struggling…
Seeing this, Kobe decisively stepped up. Dribbling forward, he faked past McGrady’s defense, broke through a quadruple coverage, and after a highly difficult glide, skillfully avoided blocks from Yao and McGrady to finish with a pull-up shot.
“Damn, that’s incredible,” Li Rui marveled at Kobe’s skills.
Kobe often made such difficult shots under intense defense; the difficulty was tremendous.
Li Rui’s own ability rating was 79, but Kobe’s was surely 97 or higher now.
The cheers in the Staples Center had not died down when McGrady dribbled up, used Yao’s screen, and confidently launched a three-pointer.
Kwame Brown failed to switch in time, and McGrady’s shot was uncontested.
Swish!
The ball cut through the net.
After scoring, McGrady tauntingly looked at Kobe.
Others feared Kobe, but he never feared anyone.
“Bring it on, let’s go head to head.”
What followed was a shootout between Kobe and McGrady.
The first quarter ended quickly with the score at 25 to 20.
“The score is low, but the intensity is high,” Li Rui muttered.
“Exciting, really exciting.”
Watching such a game up close from over a decade ago was exhilarating; in his past life, he could only watch it on TV.
The only downside was that he still hadn’t had a chance to play.
In the second quarter, Coach Phil Jackson adjusted the strategy, assigning Lamar Odom to front Yao Ming, preventing him from receiving the ball.
Both McGrady and Kobe rested on the bench.
At this time, Alston showcased impressive dribbling and penetration skills. After a series of fancy moves, he easily bypassed Smush Parker and drove into the paint before passing to Yao or kicking out to a shooter, energizing the team’s offense.
It wasn’t that Alston was that good; Smush Parker was just that bad.
Soon after, Smush Parker advanced to the frontcourt and tried to pass to Odom, but Wells anticipated it, intercepted, and completed a coast-to-coast thunderous dunk.
Smush Parker’s turnover caused Kobe to stomp and curse on the sidelines.
Li Rui clearly sensed Smush Parker’s confidence crumbling under Kobe’s verbal assault, leading to several more careless mistakes.
Farmar was brought in and played adequately.
When Kobe returned, he continued to ignore his teammates and go solo, while the Rockets maintained their steady teamwork.
The first half ended quickly with the score at 51 to 42.
The home Lakers remained suppressed by the Rockets.
Li Rui continued to be ignored, sitting on the sidelines as a respectful spectator.
In the locker room.
“Look at what you played in the first half? A complete mess.”
“Smush, how many turnovers did you have? Four. And you took five threes without making a single one.”
“Kobe, you don’t have a single assist. You need to pass.”
“Kwame, can you protect the boards?”
...
Coach Phil Jackson did not hold back as he yelled at the players who had been on the floor.
The atmosphere in the Lakers’ locker room grew tense.
Kobe covered his face with a towel; he didn’t want to explain why he had zero assists in the first half.
Damn it, he passed the ball out, and those idiots couldn’t hit an open shot.
Might as well do it himself!
Kobe didn’t care how many defenders were in front of him; his success rate was higher than those worthless players.
After the tirade, Coach Jackson calmed down and prepared to make substitutions. Scanning the bench, his gaze fixed on Li Rui.
“Li, you’re starting the second half. You’re replacing Smush.”
“Okay, coach. I’m ready,” Li Rui responded excitedly.
“Once you cross half court with the ball, pass to Kobe, spread the floor, and wait for your shot opportunity,” Coach Jackson instructed earnestly.
He didn’t expect Li Rui to organize the offense, only that he wouldn’t cause trouble.
“And I need to focus on defense, right?” Li Rui added.
“Yes!” Coach Jackson nodded.
The Lakers players were somewhat surprised by the substitution, but no one dared to question Coach Jackson’s authority.
“If we put this guy in, the point difference might just get bigger.”
“Can’t help it, this is the China rivalry game; he’s got the market behind him.”
“I wish I had such a big market backing me.”
“They complain about my shooting, but this guy’s shooting is even worse.”
Smush Parker, Turiaf, and Morris-Evans whispered behind Li Rui’s back.
Everyone in the Lakers believed Li Rui was getting a chance mainly because of his market value.
And indeed, that was Coach Jackson’s thinking.
Of course, there was also the feeling that anyone playing point guard for the Lakers was about the same; this position had always been a weakness.
Coach Jackson deeply missed the player he once coached, Derek Fisher. If possible, he wanted to bring him back to the Lakers.
As halftime was almost over, sitting by the locker, Li Rui heard the system notification sound in his mind.
[Host has received first playing opportunity; reward: “Best Form (Small)” potion ×1.]
[“Best Form (Small)” potion: slightly enhances host's performance during the game.]
A timely blessing.
At such a critical moment, Li Rui was deeply moved; he wanted to bow down to the system.
“If you do not abandon me, I am willing to call you my godfather.”
Maybe becoming godfather would mean getting stronger without the need for tasks.
Unfortunately, the system gave no response.
...
Although 35-year-old Klay’s ability rating was 79, in real games his performance was unpredictable—sometimes shooting 8 for 10, other times 0 for 10.
If he arrived on the court and shot terribly, the situation could worsen.
Now, with this potion, it was enough; he didn’t expect a huge boost, just to maintain normal performance.
Once his position was secure, occasional bad games would be acceptable.
[Use.]
Without hesitation, Li Rui used the potion, feeling a warm sensation in his palms.
His confidence rose further!
All this communication happened within his consciousness, time passing in an instant.
The second half was about to begin; the cheerleaders were still shaking their hips, but the moment was near.
Li Rui took off his warm-up pants at the sideline and began warming up.
The Lakers lineup was Li Rui, Kobe, Walton, Odom, and Kwame Brown.
The Rockets fielded Alston, McGrady, Battier, Hayes, and Yao Ming.
“Li Rui is taking off his pants and coming in!”