Chapter 177: The Shoulder Shimmy — Friends, Rivals, and Fire
Even the ESPN broadcast booth couldn't help but laugh after that play.
"Man, what are those two Celtics defenders doing?" Kenny Smith chuckled. "They left Chen Yan wide open like they were still stretching!"
Charles Barkley laughed beside him. "Yeah, Doc Rivers must be fuming right now. That's rookie-level defense!"
Boston had the ball next.
Rondo dribbled at the top of the key, scanning the court as Durant cut in from the wing. Instead of passing to his young star, Rondo lobbed it inside to Al Jefferson in the post.
Rondo's idea was clear — open up the paint, draw defensive attention, and free Durant on the perimeter. Smart play. For a second-year guard, he already had the poise of a veteran.
Jefferson backed down Boris Diaw, his shoulders dipping in rhythm. A fake to the right, a soft pivot left, then a clean hook off the glass.
4–3, Celtics take the lead.
It wasn't flashy, but it was textbook footwork — classic Big Al. One of the few modern big men who still played like an artist in the post.
Back on offense, the Suns set up again.
Diaw handled it at the top of the key, orchestrating like a conductor. Chen Yan curled around a Raja Bell screen on the wing and caught the pass at a 45-degree angle — just like their earlier possession.
This time, Durant and Tony Allen didn't freeze. They both lunged toward Chen Yan.
Chen immediately read it. He slipped a quick bounce pass to Raja Bell, then cut right between the two defenders.
Bell, reading him perfectly, bounced the ball right back.
The two executed a flawless give-and-go.
Perkins tried to rotate in time, but Chen was already there — an in-and-out dribble, a sharp crossover, and then a reverse slam over the helpless center.
5–4, Suns lead.
Perkins landed hard, pounding the ball in frustration. He glared at Durant and Tony Allen. "You gonna stop letting him walk through or what!?"
On the sideline, Doc Rivers shouted himself hoarse. "Lock in! Stick to your man! Be aggressive!"
Durant raised a hand in apology. Though the team's rising star, he was humble enough to own up to his mistake.
Next possession, Durant tried to redeem himself.
He took the ball near the elbow, jabbed twice, rose up, and fired.
Clank.
The shot rimmed out.
Diaw grabbed the rebound and, without even turning, whipped a behind-the-head pass downcourt to Nash — pure instinct.
Nash caught it in stride, creating a 2-on-1 fast break with Chen Yan.
Without looking, he dished it sideways.
Chen caught it in motion, rose up, and fired a transition three.
Swish!
8–4.
"Beautiful!" Kenny Smith exclaimed. "The chemistry between these two is unreal."
Barkley nodded. "People said Chen's hit the rookie wall — well, I want more rookies like this hitting walls!"
Kenny laughed. "Yeah, if that's the rookie wall, I'll build one in my backyard."
Boston answered again. Rondo called for a pick from Jefferson, slipped a bounce pass, and Big Al delivered another smooth finish inside.
8–6.
He was keeping Boston afloat.
"Defense! Defense!" Rondo shouted as he sprinted back. He knew Phoenix loved to run opponents out of the gym.
Nash slowed the tempo this time, bringing the ball across half court with his usual calm control.
Stoudemire set a screen at the top, and Nash used it to drive toward the free-throw line before dishing it right back to Amar'e.
Instead of attacking himself, Stoudemire pivoted and handed it off to Chen Yan — the hot hand.
He owed him one. In January, Chen and Nash had fed Amar'e for two 40-point nights. Now, it was time to return the favor.
Chen leaned into Tony Allen, backing him down. Tony's defense was fierce — pure muscle and intensity.
But Chen wasn't forcing it. A sudden step-back, a sharp side shift — using Stoudemire's frame to screen off the defender.
Durant rotated from the wing, trying to contest.
Chen didn't even flinch. He released the shot midair, the ball spinning high into the rafters.
Whistle!
Durant's body collided into him.
"And-one!" Chen shouted before even hitting the floor.
The ball hung in the air for a heartbeat — then dropped cleanly through.
Swish!
The crowd erupted.
Stoudemire and Nash ran over, hauling Chen up off the hardwood.
Still grinning, Chen turned to the cameras and rolled his shoulders in a playful shimmy, his signature celebration.
The fans roared. Even Durant couldn't help but smirk.
As Chen walked toward the free-throw line, he patted Durant on the back and said, half-jokingly, "Nice contest, KD. You almost got me."
Durant chuckled softly, shaking his head.
That was their bond — rivals on the court, brothers off it. Both competitors, both chasing greatness.
Tonight, it was a duel of pride and respect.
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