Chapter 13: Want to Get to Know Each Other?
On the sidelines, Zhao Dong's agent, Wells, was kicking back next to Ernie Grunfeld, shooting the breeze about the game.
"I already talked to Jeff. He's cool with Zhao Dong getting the green light—15 shots a game, same as what Larry Johnson gets," Grunfeld said.
"Appreciate that, Ernie," Wells grinned, looking relieved.
Grunfeld peeped over at Larry Johnson sitting on the bench and kept his voice low. "Larry's coming back in three games. If Zhao Dong really wants that starting spot locked down, he better show up big in these next few games."
"I already talked to him. Let's see if he delivers," Wells replied.
Just then, the starting lineups got announced.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Derek Coleman, Scott Williams, Clarence Witherspoon, Jerry Stackhouse, Allen Iverson
New York Knicks:
Patrick Ewing, Zhao Dong, Charles Oakley, Allan Houston, Charlie Ward
As Zhao Dong strolled onto the court, his eyes locked onto his matchup—Allen Iverson, the No. 1 pick of the "Golden Generation." The dude had that cocky, fearless energy, like he had something to prove every damn possession. Zhao Dong didn't back down, meeting his gaze head-on.
Iverson had already caught wind of the hype. Some unknown Chinese dude landed a No. 1 contract after just a few games? That didn't sit right with him.
"Want to get to know each other?" Zhao Dong said, breaking the tension.
Iverson just raised an eyebrow, gave a slight shrug, and stayed silent, his body language screaming indifference.
Zhao Dong just smirked, brushing it off.
Game time. Zhao Dong was officially stepping onto Madison Square Garden's hardwood as a starter for the first time. Yeah, he'd been on the floor before—like when Shaq yammed on him—but this was different. This time, he was in the lineup.
The crowd? Kinda weird. No boos, no real cheers either. That was lowkey a W in New York. If they weren't booing, that meant he'd earned at least some respect. Still, nobody was rocking with that No. 1 contract decision just yet, so the energy was neutral at best.
Then came Spike Lee. Of course, dude had something to say.
"Hey, rookie! If you think you deserve that No. 1 contract, show us what you got. Otherwise, you're just a fucking joke!" he barked from courtside.
Zhao Dong flicked a glance his way. "Mr. Lee, maybe if you actually opened your eyes, you'd see my game." His tone was calm, but the confidence was loud.
Spike Lee muttered under his breath, "Arrogant little shit. Let's see if your game matches that mouth or if you're just the biggest joke of the season."
Tip-off.
Ewing won the jump, Knicks ball.
Defensively, Van Gundy put Zhao Dong on Scott Williams, a solid role player but nothing crazy—6 points, 6 rebounds per game. Dude wasn't a threat.
Scott Williams stood at 6'10", 229 pounds—a decent frame, but when he stood next to Zhao Dong? Nah. Zhao Dong had size, wingspan, and strength on him. Easy mismatch.
First possession, Knicks.
Ewing got the rock and pulled up from mid-range—bucket. Smooth.
Philly wasn't fazed, though. Iverson pushed the pace immediately, zooming past half-court before the Knicks could even set up their defense. Charlie Ward tried to stay in front, but Iverson's first step was just too damn quick.
Zhao Dong saw it coming, rotated over to help. Iverson hit a quick stop—Zhao Dong bit on it, jumped early, and BOOM—Iverson got him. Zhao Dong went flying past him, and AIlen calmly dropped the bucket.
"Snapped!"
Zhao Dong, completely off balance, accidentally smacked Iverson in the head on the way down. Iverson crashed to the floor.
The crowd erupted.
"Whoa! Tough-ass defense!" the live announcer shouted, hyped by the physicality.
Ref didn't hesitate—whistle. Foul on Zhao Dong.
"Relax, kid. Take it easy," Oakley called out from across the court.
Iverson picked himself up, shot Zhao Dong a cold glare, and walked to the free-throw line.
The commentators got into it.
"Man, this kid Zhao Dong plays tough as hell on defense," one of them said.
"Yeah, but AIlen's got that killer first step. If Zhao Dong doesn't time it right, he's gonna keep getting caught in these situations," the other added.
Iverson hit the first free throw.
Missed the second.
Rebound, Zhao Dong.
The Knicks pushed in transition.
Zhao Dong posted up on the right wing, bullying Scott Williams down low. Got deep position, called for it. Ward looked off Ewing and fed Zhao Dong inside.
Zhao Dong planted, drop-stepped, then took off.
BOOM. One-handed slam.
The rim was still shaking. MSG woke up.
Zhao Dong wasn't just out there—he was making a statement.
1-4, Knicks up.
"Slow his pace down!" Van Gundy yelled from the sideline as Iverson pushed up the court again.
Alan Houston and Charlie Ward tried to check him, but Iverson was a blur. Quick cut, left Ward in the dust, and shot straight into the paint.
Ewing and Zhao Dong were already waiting down low.
Iverson muttered, "I'll take him."
Zhao Dong locked in.
Iverson switched gears, faked left, and exploded into the air, looking for the contact—trying to draw another foul.
Zhao Dong wasn't buying it.
He timed it perfectly, rose up, and met Iverson at the peak—
SWAT.
The ball got sent back with authority.
The crowd ERUPTED.
Message received.
"Not today, AIlen."
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