CHAPTER 1246: CHAPTER 506: SHOWDOWN AT THE SUMMIT (PART 4)

The referee blew the whistle to start the final quarter, and Zhang Yang refocused, diving into the game.

As the final quarter began, both teams continued their tactical offensive battle, playing with great patience. In the first few possessions, the teams exchanged blows back and forth. In the first 3 minutes, they reached a score of 7-6, bringing the score to 82-81, with the Bobcats leading by just 1 point.

Just as the fans were prepared to continue enjoying the tactical see-saw battle, the situation changed dramatically!

It was the Lakers’ turn to attack, and they hit iron again from outside the three-point line to start the final quarter. Kobe, who was 1 for 6, seized the opportunity when Afflalo was caught off guard, and pulled up for a three-pointer, nothing but net!

Then Fisher hit a three-pointer from the sideline, Gasol made a near-distance floater, Garnett cut in and drew a foul from Brad Miller, making both free throws... The Lakers scored 8 points in 2 minutes!

During this period, the Bobcats only managed to rely on Okafor’s catch-and-turn basket attack against Gasol for a 2+1 play, getting outplayed 8-3 by the Lakers.

to 89, the Bobcats suddenly trailed by 4 points!

Fortunately, Zhang Yang stepped up in time, penetrated the inside straight to the basket, and executed a Nash-like running low-handed layup, stopping the bleeding for the Bobcats.

It was the Lakers’ turn to attack again, and Kobe, seeing that his team had finally outpaced the opponent, actively called for the ball outside the three-point line for an iso. Zhang Yang anticipated Kobe’s intentions and took it upon himself to defend on the three-point line.

Facing Zhang Yang’s defense, Kobe bent down and made continuous probing steps; as he felt ready, he pulled up and shot!

But just as his toes left the ground, he shockingly found that Zhang Yang had jumped earlier, extending his long arm, almost pressing down on the ball he lifted!

A perfect waist maneuver!

In mid-air, Kobe forced himself to lean back more than 45 degrees, narrowly avoiding Zhang Yang’s hand by just one or two centimeters, and released the ball...

Unfortunately, all the strength Kobe put into his waist resulted in insufficient power from his shoulders and back; the ball hit the front rim and bounced back!

Upon seeing the ball’s trajectory, Zhang Yang knew that it probably wouldn’t go in. After landing, he turned and charged inside, arriving at the drop point quicker than Ariza, used his body to box out Ariza, grabbed the ball, and seamlessly turned to launch a fast break!

After landing and stabilizing, Kobe made a wrong reaction by charging inside after Zhang Yang, only to be slipped by Zhang Yang’s abrupt turnaround! Nonetheless, without a moment’s hesitation, he immediately turned to follow, teaming up with Ariza in pursuit, both closely following Zhang Yang from behind.

Without an opportunity for a chase-down three-pointer, Zhang Yang dashed all the way to the free-throw line, grabbed the ball, and took three big steps.

Kobe and Ariza on the left and right also took heavy steps, preparing to seize the perfect moment for a block... Suddenly, they saw Zhang Yang on his third step jump up and toss the ball backward with his left hand!

The two immediately halted and turned their heads, seeing Okafor following up, promptly blocking... huh? Where’s the ball?

Even the prepared Duncan on a follow-up was wondering: Where’s the ball?

As the two turned to look back, they just witnessed Zhang Yang slamming the ball into the basket with one hand!

Old Ironsmith + Ironza: Didn’t he pass the ball out? It’s possible that I was seeing things, but it’s unlikely we both saw it wrong!

In unison, they both turned to the big screen seeking an explanation.

Of course, the operator will replay such a shot — after Zhang Yang jumped on the third step, he took the ball with his left hand to the left side of his head and tossed it backward, but not toward the advancing Okafor; instead, he threw it downward, catching it with his right hand behind his back, lifting it again, and during the descent, slammed the ball into the net!

Listening to the fans’ frantic cheers from the live audience, Old Ironsmith and Ironza burst with rage!

Indeed, it was just a fast-break dunk, but why were the fans so excited? Turns out Zhang San pulled off a trick play, leaving them like fools repeatedly deceived!