Champion Creed
Chapter 704 - 704 243 You are only worthy to make eye contact with me at this height requesting monthly tickets!

704: 243: You are only worthy to make eye contact with me at this height (requesting monthly tickets!) 704: 243: You are only worthy to make eye contact with me at this height (requesting monthly tickets!) Allan Houston and Alonzo Mourning’s excellent performance on the offensive end ensured that the Heat remained in the game.

You have to admit, this Miami Heat team is really strong.

Even though Sprewell and Jamal Mashburn were completely outplayed, the Heat still had players who could step up.

Allan Houston’s shooting today was just too good, initially sticking to his sweet spot of mid to long range.

But as the game progressed, he also increased his three-point attempts, and his shooting percentage was very high.

Pippen wasn’t just idly standing by; his active defense disrupted most of Allan Houston’s shots.

However, under Allan Houston’s hot hand, Pippen’s interference seemed somewhat pale and powerless.

Mourning’s close-rim bank shots were also very accurate today, it was as if Duncan had taken over his body.

The last shred of dignity for Sprewell was solely supported by Houston and Mourning’s efforts.

Because of their effort, Spree harbored illusions: I haven’t lost yet!

Not having lost, this was a poorly performing basketball player’s last lifeline.

No matter how he performed on the court, as long as the team won, he could bask in their glory.

Just like no one cares about Joel Embiid’s performance in the Olympic final where he went 0 for 1 and scored only 2 points, because Stephen Curry’s three-pointers made the United States team the champion.

Even if you’re just a clown making show effects, no one will question your gold medal.

So as long as the Heat won, there was still some hope to save Spree’s miserable night.

After the fourth quarter began, Allan Houston continued to pad his stats.

PJ Brown’s well-timed off-ball screens allowed Allan Houston to shake off Pippen time and time again for open shots.

Pippen tried hard every time to squeeze Allan Houston’s shooting space, but most of his efforts were futile.

Sprewell outright gave up on offense, pouring his heart into defense.

In fact, his defensive prowess during his time with the Heat had greatly improved.

Ever since Riley took over the Heat, he had created a “defense wins games” team culture.

In the Heat’s atmosphere and system, there was no one who didn’t work hard on defense.

Sprewell was no exception, his defense was even comparable to that of his prime.

Especially his one-on-one tenacity was impressive.

However, because of the infamous choking incident, Sprewell was never favored with any defensive honors again.

Which coach would vote for someone who almost killed a colleague?

So in a way, Sprewell’s defense during this period was underrated.

Sprewell’s serious one-on-one defense made it very difficult for Pierce to score in the fourth quarter, and the offense turned completely into a showdown between Roger, Allan Houston, and Alonzo Mourning.

Last season’s Eastern Conference Finals were similar, Roger had to take a lot of shots, relying on individual firepower to support the team’s offense.

The difference is, this season Roger’s offensive environment was much better.

The Heat couldn’t afford to leave Marion, Pierce, or relax their vigilance against Pippen.

Roger was no longer trapped in the intense double-team like last season.

Now, it all depended on whether Roger, Allan Houston, or Alonzo Mourning would make consecutive mistakes.

In the end, neither side made mistakes.

They maintained a high shooting percentage, and even if they occasionally missed, they would immediately regain firepower in the next round.

Roger easily reached the “50% shooting, 40 points” mark, and Jamal Mashburn’s “Roger Killer” nickname would henceforth be completely removed.

But the game was not yet won, with 1 minute 13 seconds left before the end of the game, Allan Houston narrowed the gap to 3 points with a long-distance three-pointer.

After scoring, Allan Houston simply waved his fist, but Sprewell, who hadn’t even touched the ball in this attack, jumped up and shouted at Roger, “You won’t beat me so easily!”

At that moment, Sprewell was a true team player.

A teammate’s score is like my own score, we are all one!

But Sprewell was disappointed, as Roger still ignored him.

Even at this critical moment, Roger’s face remained calm.

He felt like a clown, frantically trying to catch Roger’s attention, but Roger simply wouldn’t give him a second glance.

The Hawks called a timeout.

Lenny Wilkens wanted to make sure to hold the advantage firmly in their hands.

Of course, this pause also gave Pat Riley a chance to set up his defense.

The upcoming defense was crucial, as long as they could contain Roger, the Heat still hoped to win.

For this purpose, Pat Riley made a bold defensive arrangement.

As play resumed, all of Miami’s fans were unable to sit down.

They hoped that the team could handle Roger tonight, as Roger was a thorn in the heart of all Heat fans, symbolizing the team’s helplessness over the past few years.

Last season, Heat fans saw their wish to defeat Roger fulfilled.

But that was far from enough.

Because everyone knows, last season’s Hawks was an incomplete team, and you could even say that they were undergoing a soft rebuild.

When the team’s second highest scorer was suddenly a freshman, what else could it be if not a soft rebuild?