Carrying the pre-game encounter with Ray Allen, Zack and the team officially welcomed their first home game after a five-game road trip.
On paper, the SuperSonics seemed to be the same SuperSonics. However, from the very first offensive possession after the tip-off, all Warriors players except Zack clearly felt a change in this SuperSonics team.
Last season, under the guidance of head coach Nate McMillan, the SuperSonics' average points allowed was around 97 points. Their impressive balance of offense and defense was memorable. But in the new season, with Bob Weiss, who had been absent from the NBA for twelve years, now at the helm, the SuperSonics' average points allowed in their first eight games reached an astounding 106.5 points.
How to describe the SuperSonics' defensive report card? Simply put, compared to them, even the Suns, who famously never played defense, looked good defensively. Coach Weiss came from the 1980s, an era where everyone competed on offense, and anyone who played defense was considered a "sissy." Therefore, the word "defense" simply didn't exist in Weiss's basketball philosophy.
Historically, there were many rumors about the SuperSonics bringing Weiss back in the 2005-06 season. However, one common consensus emerged: the SuperSonics hoped to attract more fans by playing run-and-gun basketball, similar to the Suns. Phoenix's rise was enviable. Seattle needed offensive basketball to gain more fan support. But more importantly, an investment group from Oklahoma would soon complete the acquisition of the SuperSonics.
In Zack's memory, some said the SuperSonics switched to offensive basketball hoping to fetch a good price later. Others said that this failed reform ultimately led to the SuperSonics' owner becoming disheartened. In short, regardless of who was right or wrong, with the team about to change ownership, the original SuperSonics players not adapting to the new coach's tactical system, and team morale steadily declining, a series of chain reactions followed. The SuperSonics were no longer the SuperSonics of last season.
Zack couldn't personally feel the specific changes in this SuperSonics team. But his teammates who had played against the SuperSonics last season could. Especially the veteran Warriors players. Because at this moment, the SuperSonics felt exactly like they themselves used to.
J-Rich Takes Flight, Sonics' Defensive Woes
On the court, using a pistol action, Richardson, with Zack's screen, easily got an open look from beyond the arc. Ray Allen, whom Zack had given a throat-slash gesture to before the game, couldn't get around Zack's wall. And, sadly, at that moment, not a single SuperSonics player even thought of delaying Richardson.
Swish!
Although incredibly athletic, it must be emphasized that Jason Richardson was actually an excellent three-point shooter. Especially after his rookie contract with the Warriors, Richardson maintained around a 40% three-point percentage throughout his prime, with respectable volume. This shot, Richardson made it look effortless, but after scoring, he immediately patted Zack's back. Not good at praising others, Richardson, after catching Zack's eye, said, "You made that shot feel as easy as taking a morning pee."
At that moment, Ray Allen, who happened to be passing by and overheard Richardson's comment, had an expression that could only be described as absolutely priceless. Because if Richardson had just "peed out his first pee" that morning, then what was Ray Allen?
Sonics' Offensive Struggles
Coming back, it was the SuperSonics' possession. This season, under Weiss's leadership, the only consolation for the SuperSonics was perhaps that Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis's individual statistics looked better. But compared to the Suns' sharp offense, which relied on Steve Nash's playmaking and Amar'e Stoudemire's and Shawn Marion's athleticism, the biggest problem with the SuperSonics' switch to run-and-gun was that their point guard, Luke Ridnour, throughout his entire career, was not known for his speed. As a future Thunder legend, Nick Collison also couldn't provide enough offensive threat in a run-and-gun system like Stoudemire.
As for the SuperSonics' star "shot-refuser," their starting center Johan Petro, whom they just drafted this year? Unfortunately, as a center who couldn't even finish easy layups in the NBA, with a career field goal percentage at the rim of only 58.1% and a true shooting percentage of only 48.4%, Petro's biggest role on the court was to help opposing defenders double-team Ray Allen.
At this moment, Zack didn't understand. With a SuperSonics team like this, where did they get the confidence to play run-and-gun?
In fact, just as Ridnour was laboriously dribbling the ball past half-court, the entire Warriors team had already retreated on defense. Then, transitioning into a half-court set, because only Collison had some finishing ability after a screen, Zack simply handed him over to Brown and led his teammates to actively expand their defensive coverage. At this moment, as the Warriors fans in the Oracle Arena chanted "Defense, defense," Ridnour had no choice but to quickly pass the hot potato to Ray Allen.
The Lingering Shadow of Bowen
Although Ray Allen's three-point shooting was famous, it must be stated that Mr. Ray Allen was not just a three-point shooter. The combination of driving and shooting was also Ray Allen's signature at this time. Dribbling on the move, Ray Allen could punish opponents at any time with his shot. And with his soft touch, Ray Allen also had a decent finishing percentage at the rim compared to perimeter players after driving to the basket.
But after last season, everything changed. Ray Allen's biggest change in shot selection in the 2005-06 season was an increase in outside shots and a decrease in drives to the paint. Although in the following 2006-07 season, Ray Allen tried to get back to his old self, due to his physical abilities declining year by year, after joining the Big Three in Boston, Ray Allen would gradually transform into the three-point sharpshooter that later fans remembered him as.
And the culprit behind Ray Allen's transformation was naturally the infamous Bruce Bowen, who had forced Vince Carter's "UFO" to crash to earth three times with his dirty landings. Last season, in the playoffs between the Spurs and the SuperSonics, Bowen truly wreaked havoc. While forcing Lewis to miss the rest of the playoffs and Radmanović to be sidelined until now, Bowen, impartially, completely shattered Ray Allen's illusions about humanity with a dirty landing in the game.
It is well-known that as one of Bowen's few friends in the league, Ray Allen had extended a helping hand to him during his most difficult time. But even so, Ray Allen was still backstabbed by Bowen. Although, as described by die-hard Spurs fans, after this dirty landing, Ray Allen, despite his sprained ankle, still persevered through the remaining 5 games, averaging 24.2 points, which supposedly proved that Bowen's backstab did not cause much harm to Ray Allen.
But many years later, when Zaza Pachulia treated Kawhi Leonard in the same way, these so-called die-hard Spurs fans, with their flexible moral compass, would immediately jump out and shamelessly declare, "The NBA doesn't allow dirty landings; dirty landings are intentional injury." Yes, in this league, anyone has the right to condemn Pachulia. But these so-called die-hard Spurs fans alone do not. Because when Bowen ruined one basketball star after another, and one classic battle after another, with his dirty tactics, they never condemned Bruce Bowen. Moreover, Ray Allen was absolutely not unaffected, as these die-hard Spurs fans described.
Warriors Take Control
On the court, when Ray Allen took that extremely difficult three-pointer over Piétrus, unable to exert himself as he had last season, he could only gamble... gamble that his touch would make the shot. However, reality never shifts according to individual will. Under the basket, after securing the rebound for the Warriors, Zack quickly launched a fast break with an outlet pass. Richardson, like a galloping horse, received the ball and finished with a behind-the-back windmill dunk in one fluid motion!
The Warriors' commentator at the scene laughed, "Jason's having his 'Showtime' again! It looks like he's found a way to coexist with the Messiah on the court."
It must be said, Richardson was truly a character. On the court, after completing the dunk, he inexplicably struck five different "poses" one after another. If this were the game against the Suns, Nash would have probably launched at least two counterattacks in the meantime.
J-Rich and Zack's Connection Blossoms
Back to the SuperSonics' possession. Rashard Lewis stepped up and hit a two-pointer for the SuperSonics with his signature catch-and-shoot. The 6'10" (208 cm) Rashard Lewis possessed a unique skill of quickly bringing the ball to its highest point for a shot after catching it. Ordinary forwards found it difficult to contest his catch-and-shoot, only able to prevent him from scoring by limiting his movement and catching ability. The only minor drawback was that due to average coordination and flexibility, his ball-handling offense consistently remained below par. Additionally, on the defensive end, his mobility also made him prone to becoming a defensive liability for the team. In the future, after moving to Orlando, his defense would only appear less terrible thanks to the defensive coverage of Dwight Howard, who at that time could be traded one-for-one for LeBron James.
Next, it was the Warriors' offense. Tonight, Richardson successfully stole the show. Because the SuperSonics' defense had lost its discipline under Weiss's tutelage, Richardson, with his outstanding athleticism, mercilessly snatched away the spotlight that rightfully belonged to Zack and Ray Allen.
On the court, as Zack prepared for a low-post back-down, he saw Richardson cutting to the middle, unguarded. Zack immediately passed the ball over his head to Richardson. Under the basket, after receiving the ball, Richardson spun and jumped, deliberately adding difficulty to what should have been a simple finish at the rim. In that moment... if Zack were Nikola Jokic twenty years in the future, then Richardson would undoubtedly be Aaron Gordon twenty years in the future.
Slam!
"Roar! Jason, are you trying to enter the Dunk Contest again? It looks like Jason really wants to be on tomorrow's Top 5 Plays," the Warriors' commentator chuckled from the broadcast booth.
On the court, Zack saw that Richardson was in good form. Plus, awakening this beast in Richardson was part of the plan, so in the first quarter, Zack repeatedly called for the ball and used his low-post gravity to connect with Richardson.
halftime score, Ray Allen's Realization, and a New Partnership
First quarter ended, 21-33. Richardson scored 17 points and 2 rebounds for the Warriors. Excluding two free throws, Richardson's other 15 points all came from Zack's assists (3 three-pointers, 3 dunks). At this point, Ray Allen, who had been quite annoyed with Zack before the game, no longer had any temper. Although, given Ray Allen's personality, he would certainly not retract his pre-game comments about Zack and James. But after witnessing the opponent's strength firsthand, continuing to bicker with them did not align with his character. (Kobe: ?)
In just the first quarter, Ray Allen saw Zack's offensive impact that was difficult to measure with statistics. Even though at the end of the first quarter, Zack had already put up a luxurious stat line of 7 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block.
In the second quarter, the SuperSonics, who kept Ray Allen and Lewis on the court, still couldn't turn the tide. Due to a lack of "explosiveness" on the court, no matter how good Ray Allen and Lewis's off-ball movement was, they struggled to consistently get open shots. In basketball, "explosiveness" doesn't just refer to players who are good at driving. Simply put, if you can attract the opponent's defense with your individual ball-handling offense, then you are the "explosive point" on your team.
Before being backstabbed by Bowen, Ray Allen was undoubtedly the SuperSonics' "explosive point." But at this moment, even if Ray Allen wanted to "charge with his gun and horse," the horse beneath him was no longer the same as before. Because the horse that allowed him to be considered among the super shooting guards had already died at the hands of Bruce Bowen.
On the court, after returning to action, Zack once again assisted Richardson on a spectacular play. At that time, Zack, observing Richardson's movement, simply used a light touch to alter the trajectory of the pass Davis had given him in mid-air. Even though at that moment, Davis, whose assist was "transferred away" by Zack again, really wanted to swear, but after seeing Richardson soar through the air, even the first "Beard Man," whose beard bristled with anger, couldn't help but praise, "That was a damn beautiful play!"
Slam!
High in the sky, Richardson completed the play with a spinning windmill dunk! So this was what Kwame Brown always talked about: playing with Zack makes everything easier?
The Unspoken Bond: Zack and J-Rich
During the retreat on defense, putting away his usual playful demeanor, Richardson looked at Zack's tall back. Just a month and a half ago, he had been pinned to the ground and beaten by the same person. But at this moment, Richardson believed that Zack was definitely the person he was worth following.
So, quickly catching up to Zack, Richardson said, "You know, even Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen." Then, after a pause, Richardson said, "I believe you are our Michael Jordan. Are you willing to let me be your Scottie Pippen?"
Hearing this, Zack, showing his signature smile, said, "I am not Michael Jordan, and I don't need Scottie Pippen. But I need Jason Richardson."
You see, communication between men is just that simple.
On the court, Richardson, who was destined to dominate all the highlights of tomorrow's Top 5 Plays, completed two more imaginative dunks at the end of the second quarter and in the third quarter. One was a windmill tomahawk dunk on a fast break off a pass from Zack. The other was a stationary windmill dunk in a half-court set off a brilliant pass from Davis.
Post-Game Reflections and Zack's Fine
The final score was 90-118. After the game, Richardson, who scored 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists for the team, said in an interview, "This is the most wonderful game I have personally experienced. I hope that every night from now on, I can enjoy basketball like this."
Meanwhile, Zack, who easily put up 18 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal, was unsurprised to receive a $25,000 fine the next day. Ray Allen made no comment on Zack's "throat-slash gesture" after the game. Because compared to losing, Ray Allen needed to consider his future more right now. The Warriors' Messiah had already told Ray Allen through his performance that if he didn't seize the moment, he would be slapped in the face by one rising rookie after another in the future. After all, this is the NBA, where success is king.
However, Zack's $25,000 fine wasn't for nothing. As the entire NBA got to know him better, more and more NBA players would realize just how difficult he was to deal with.
"Overlord I" Debuts: A Strategic Release
After a day of rest, on the 18th, Zack officially welcomed his "Overlord I" sneakers. On the day of the "Overlord" series release, a large shoe store in the Bay Area was temporarily transformed into a stage. Compared to LeBron James's shoe launch event back then, Zack was undoubtedly much luckier. Because after learning from the lessons of James's shoe launch, which was widely considered a disaster, Nike chose to release the "Overlord" series on the day of the " Derby." This not only attracted a large number of fans from , as well as local fans in the Bay Area, but also, on the meticulously arranged Nike stage, the "Overlord I," with its red main body, "Messiah" printed on the ankle, and elements on the side, was a visual triumph. Zack had already won too much based on appearance alone.
It is worth mentioning that shortly after Zack received his new sneakers, his good friend LeBron James called to congratulate him. This season, feeling a similar synergy between Zack being branded as the Bay Area's Messiah and his own "Chosen One" title from back then, James said on the phone, "Listen, brother, I have to pay you the highest respect, because this is a big moment for you since entering the NBA. Now that you have your own signature shoe, I look forward to you ushering in your era in Oakland."
LeBron's Astuteness and the Future of Nike
Just as Evans had predicted, James clearly didn't care about the relationship between "Messiah" and "Chosen One." Because at this moment, he was more concerned that with Zack being branded as the "Messiah" by Nike, he could see Nike's intention to position both himself and Zack as the future flag-bearers of the NBA in the post-Jordan era.
Undoubtedly, if you don't understand James's childhood, you absolutely cannot comprehend where his shrewdness comes from. In fact, on the eve of James being introduced to the public by the New York Times, the person he had long called "father," Eddie Jackson, had already profoundly influenced him. Although in Zack's previous life, many of James's fans liked to whitewash Eddie Jackson's background, presenting him as a so-called "mid-to-high-level official" to prove that his sponsorship of James and his mother was legitimate, the truth is, even LeBron James himself couldn't explain how Jackson managed to support him and his mother back then.
As early as James's childhood, Jackson had been imprisoned for extortion. And when James was in high school, even though Jackson had already broken up with James's mother, Gloria, Jackson had never stopped supporting James and his mother. This included James's first car in his life, and a luxurious mansion where James once temporarily stayed. Furthermore, when Jackson was sent to federal prison again for real estate fraud during James's high school years, people widely speculated whether it was related to Jackson needing a large amount of money to support James and his mother.
Just asking: could a scumbag like Jackson, who only benefited James and his mother, was useless to society, and was either extorting or serving time for fraud, truly be a "mid-to-high-level official"? Was every sponsorship he gave to James and his mother clean? This was LeBron James's childhood: full of darkness, even having to rely on Jackson's illegal gains to survive. Therefore, early in his upbringing, James understood a principle before all his peers: that to achieve his goals, he must become shrewder than those around him, no matter the cost. This shrewdness, accompanying his formal introduction to the public by the New York Times, would grow step by step with his ambition.
This summer, through his tour with Zack, James had already sensed the promising future of the market. James's inner circle of friends undoubtedly couldn't understand why LeBron would go to such lengths to curry favor with Zack, even to the point of acting like a simp in front of him. Because they didn't have James's experiences, nor did they understand the weight Zack held in Nike's future territorial plans for the post-Jordan era.
The Derby: A Night of Confrontation
Although at certain moments, James would also be jealous of Zack, for example, Zack's "Goodnight, Los Angeles," after calming down, James knew he had to suppress this jealousy. Because only then could he coexist in the NBA as the "Chosen One" with Zack, the "Messiah." In James's eyes, the NBA was vast, perfectly capable of accommodating two iconic superstar flag-bearers. Cleveland needed its Chosen One. Oakland, naturally, could have its Messiah.
On the evening of the 18th, Zack, entering the Oracle Arena in his new sneakers, hadn't even fully appreciated the difference of these new shoes yet when Yao Ming, using a traditional way of welcoming new shoes, stomped on them three times. In that moment, looking at the nearly 300-pound strongman in front of him, Zack said with a wry smile, "Brother, do you want me to retire tomorrow?"
Hearing this, Yao Ming, who still wanted to stomp a few more times, said, "I didn't even put any force into it, stop faking it." It must be said, compared to polite congratulations, Zack preferred Yao Ming's way of celebrating.
As the highly anticipated " Derby" of this NBA season, Yao Ming and Zack, two players who successively became NBA No. 1 overall picks in 2002 and 2005, had already become the "Light of Asia" in the eyes of American fans. This night, whether it was the Warriors players, who were gradually being won over by Zack, or the player on the Rockets' side who had yet to fully wake up, everyone knew that this night was destined to belong only to Yao Ming and Zack.
Before the game, a large number of reporters who had traveled all the way from almost completely surrounded Zack and Yao Ming. But unlike the harmonious atmosphere these reporters imagined, even before the game started, Yao Ming and Zack successively expressed their attitudes during interviews.
"I don't like the idea that this game will be a friendly match. As long as I start playing, I will give my all," Yao Ming told the media before the game.
And compared to Yao Ming's subtle approach, Zack directly said, "Tonight, only one of me and Yao Ming is destined to 'walk out alive'."
Although after Yao Ming and Zack finished their interviews, reporters all thought that the two brothers were deliberately creating an atmosphere before a big battle, they might not believe it, but in the NBA, where the crown comes with its weight. Neither Yao Ming nor Zack liked to bring personal friendships between players onto the court. Just as Chris Paul, to guard the Jazz's paint, would fearlessly appear in front of Zack, and Zack would not give him any face, directly slamming the ball into the basket right in front of him.
In Zack's eyes, the NBA was too small. Because only one team could reach the end each year. So... the NBA was destined to only need one Messiah.
At the Oracle Arena, as "Overlord Breaking the Formation Tune" began to play, amidst the thunderous drumbeats, Zack, striding onto the court with his head held high, almost instantly felt the killing intent emanating from the opposite half-court. This was Yao Ming.
The next second, Zack decisively responded to Yao Ming. While pointing his finger at Yao Ming, Zack slightly curled his fingertip, and then, at the moment the lights re-illuminated and the entire arena fell silent, he said:
"Come get some!"
Support me by leaving a comment, voting, and visiting my Patreon at belamy20