Chapter 1045: Chapter 336: Just You Wait, We’re Back!

After entering December, the Warriors continued to speed along the highway of victory.

They lost to the formidable Indiana Pacers on December 2nd, the Timberwolves on December 13th, and the Los Angeles Lakers on the 20th.

And these were the only defeats for the Hawks throughout December.

It’s worth mentioning the game against the Lakers on the 20th, where Kobe Bryant scored 43 points throughout. Moreover, he only arrived at the Staples Center half an hour before the game started from court.

The rule of catching the scene still applied, plus Karl Malone’s consistently excellent performance made the Lakers a force not to be overlooked in the West this year.

No matter if Shaq can accept it or not, but Kobe is now closer to the championship than he is, that’s a fact, even though he’s currently entangled with troubles.

On Christmas Day, Roger led the team to defeat the Detroit Pistons for the second time in the season, making the previous three losses irrelevant.

Marcus Camby had his best performance of the season in this game.

In the third quarter first, he cut in and received a pass from Roger, then directly rose up to dunk over the best defensive player Big Ben who was trying to draw an offensive foul under the hoop.

This dunk was very spectacular because Camby’s jumping position was still a distance from the hoop, especially with Big Ben in between. So Camby ultimately used his wingspan to complete the dunk from quite far from the basket.

Camby is not an offensive player, but this dunk was enough to make his offense tonight memorable.

Seeing Camby dunk over Big Ben’s face, Roger shook his head. For some reason, every time he saw a dunk, Roger would subconsciously think of Duncan.

Tim Duncan, the NBA’s top stamp collector.

However, this game was not easy, Chauncey Billups was on fire tonight, and Richard Hamilton’s mid-range shots were also quite outstanding. The Christmas Day atmosphere made all the Pistons players seem to be pumped with adrenaline.

Until 47 seconds left in the game, both sides were still tied, which was precisely where Camby shone brightest today.

Billups passed the ball to Rasheed Wallace in this crucial possession, Wallace backed Camby, then turned to hook. But under Camby’s active defense, the key shot by the Yelling Maestro bounced off the rim. Camby secured the rebound and was about to pass, but Ron Artest appeared out of nowhere and stripped the ball from Camby’s hands.

The basketball just happened to fall into Rasheed Wallace’s hands again, he immediately tossed it toward the basket. But Marcus Camby reacted swiftly, almost jumping instantly, again interfering with the Maestro’s attempt. For the second time in a row, the Maestro’s crucial shots failed due to Marcus Camby’s defense!

“Great defense!” Mike Breen punched the air, “Marcus is simply the guardian angel of the Bay Area’s paint!”

Once again, Camby’s defense didn’t reflect any block data, but he gained the respect of the fans, commentators, and teammates.

And, a solid victory!

After Camby’s defense against the Maestro, the Warriors immediately countered, with Roger handling the ball and playing a pick-and-roll with Stoudemire. But after the pick-and-roll, Roger didn’t pass, but shot a fadeaway jump shot against the Yelling Maestro who came to switch defense.

Rasheed Wallace strained to rush over, fingertips reaching Roger’s palm.

The next meter, the basketball went in, the referee blew the whistle, giving Roger the chance for a three-point play!

Needless to say, the Yelling Maestro was very agitated, knowing well what letting Roger accomplish a 2+1 means, thus he started shouting at the referee.

“If that’s a foul, then Marcus’s defenses against me were all fouls!”

Faced with the excited Maestro, the referee didn’t call a technical this time, but also didn’t respond.

Roger eventually stood on the free throw line, sealing the shot amidst boos from all Detroit fans.

After Roger scored, Marcus Camby raised both arms high.

Roger also pointed at him: “You’re going to get the ultimate gift, I promise.”

In the end, the defending champion Pistons lost the Christmas game 95 to 100.

And it was the second time this season the Warriors defeated the defending champions!

Winning once might be luck, but winning twice is enough to demonstrate the Warriors’ strength this season.

Roger had 35 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block during the game.

Stoudemire had 22 points and 7 rebounds, Marcus Camby had 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

This Warriors team has matured.

After this, the Warriors didn’t lose any of the remaining two games in December.

Thus, after finishing December, the Warriors’ record was 28 wins and 5 losses!

Way ahead!

And just look at the opponents the Warriors have defeated.

Spurs, avenged.

Defending champion Pistons, a double kill this season.

Dallas Mavericks, won again.

Indiana Pacers, although lost once, also won once.

Apart from Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors have almost beaten all strong championship contenders this season!

Roger and the Warriors became the focal point in the sports world.

Also in focus are the NFL’s New England Patriots and their star player, Tom Brady, who shares the same brand as Roger under Reebok.

The New England Patriots didn’t start the season well, with just a 2-2 record.

But thereafter till now, the New England Patriots went on an undefeated streak, eventually finishing the regular season with 14 wins and 2 losses, winning the AFC East championship!

It must be noted, last season the New England Patriots didn’t even make the playoffs due to injury issues, which was definitely the darkest moment in Tom Brady’s career. But this year, he has truly turned things around.