"Yo, Kevin, how you gonna handle that Chinese dude from the Knicks?" Marbury grinned in the visitor's locker room.
"Man, we're just gonna beat him down, what else?" Garnett replied, eyes narrowing.
"How about we mess with him a bit?" Marbury suggested, a mischievous smirk spreading across his face.
"I like the sound of that," Garnett agreed, both bursting into laughter.
Just then, reporters entered for interviews.
"Kevin, what's your take on facing Zhao Dong tonight?" a reporter inquired.
"Expectations? None. I'm gonna dominate him. He's just an undrafted rookie," Garnett stated confidently.
"But he's posted back-to-back 20+10 games," another reporter noted.
"Two games? Please. Check my rookie stats. 20+10 is nothing special," Garnett retorted dismissively.
"Any message for him?" a different reporter asked.
"Michael's our idol. I grew up watching him. I won't let anyone disrespect him. Zhao said he'd drop 53 on Michael. That's a joke. Weak players talk big to get attention. We're gonna shut him up," Garnett declared, shaking his head.
Turning to Marbury, a reporter asked, "Stephon, what's your plan against Zhao tonight?"
"My game is all about driving to the hoop. Zhao's just another obstacle. I'm not concerned," Marbury said arrogantly.
"But Iverson had trouble against him," the reporter pointed out.
"Allen didn't struggle; Zhao's defense is just dirty," Marbury replied indignantly.
"So, how will you handle him?" the reporter pressed.
"Just watch. Tonight's gonna be entertaining," Marbury said, sharing a sly glance with Garnett.
The starting lineups took the court. NBC's national broadcast featured Marv Albert and Doug Collins.
"The Timberwolves picked Kevin Garnett last year—a versatile two-way player," Marv noted.
"The Knicks signed undrafted rookie Zhao Dong this season, also showcasing two-way skills," Doug added.
"We'll see if they match up tonight. Who's got the edge?" Marv pondered.
"Given the lineups, Garnett's at power forward, matching up with Zhao," Doug observed.
"Zhao's faced this year's top draft picks and excelled, delivering consecutive 20+10 performances," Marv commented.
"He's been the Knicks' most efficient player recently," Doug analyzed.
"But Garnett's bulked up to 115 kg, matching Zhao's weight. His defense is stronger than Camby's, and he's more athletic, defending out to the three-point line. Zhao might struggle offensively and defensively tonight," Doug predicted.
"So, Garnett could dominate both ends? Interesting," Marv mused.
"With Larry Johnson returning soon, Zhao faces direct competition. He'll need to step up tonight," Doug stated.
"Let's hope for a high-quality matchup," Marv concluded.
"Don't forget the Timberwolves' first-rounder, Stephon Marbury. He's got game," Doug added.
On the sidelines, CCTV reporters Zhang Heli and Sun Zhenping observed.
"Zhao's been impressive. We should broadcast more of his games, especially on weekends," Zhang suggested.
"Fans have been calling for more coverage. The network's considering it," Sun replied with a smile.
The game tipped off with Garnett outjumping Ewing, giving the Timberwolves first possession.
Zhao and Garnett immediately clashed, muscles colliding as they battled for position.
Zhao Dong's got that low center of gravity, making it tough for Garnett to back him down. KG tried a couple of spins, but Zhao wasn't budging. With the shot clock ticking, Garnett had to shift to the left low post, battling for position, but the ball swung to the right wing, landing in Tom Gugliotta's hands.
Gugliotta, the 6th overall pick from '92 and a future All-Star, was at his peak this season, leading the Timberwolves in scoring. He didn't have a three-point shot but was lethal from mid to long-range. He faced up, gave a couple of shoulder fakes, then pulled up for the jumper.
"Bam!"
Oakley wasn't having it, swatting the shot away.
"Oh, what a block! Oakley showing he's not to be trifled with. You try to shoot over him; you better come correct," the commentator exclaimed.
The Wolves reset, feeding Garnett again. He faked high, spun baseline, trying to get past Zhao Dong. But Zhao anticipated, stepping back to cut him off. Garnett bulldozed into the paint, cocked the ball in his right hand, aiming for a power dunk, but without the necessary momentum.
"Smack!"
Zhao Dong elevated, rejecting the attempt. The ball ricocheted off Garnett's head, sailing out of bounds.
"Yes, sir! Another block by Zhao Dong, leading to a turnover. Garnett's feeling the pressure now," the commentator roared.
Garnett shot Zhao a fierce look, teeth clenched, before hustling back on defense. Zhao braced for a possible confrontation but saw KG retreating, living up to his intense reputation.
On the Knicks' possession, Ewing got the rock on the right block. Garnett, always active, tried to pin Zhao Dong behind him. Ewing spun for a jumper but couldn't connect, the ball clanking off the rim.
Garnett leaped for the rebound, but Zhao Dong, coming from the left, had other plans. Instead of grabbing it, Zhao tipped it, a savvy move.
Both landed and sprang up again simultaneously. Garnett clutched the ball with both hands, but Zhao tipped it once more. This time, he directed it toward himself.
As they landed, Zhao boxed Garnett out, then leaped a third time, finally securing the offensive board. He landed a step left of the hoop, immediately going back up for the dunk. Garnett challenged, but Zhao, showing patience, pulled the ball back, then exploded upward, slamming it home with authority.
Garnett, taken aback, thought, "This Chinese cat's got game!"
"Oh, that's beautiful! Zhao Dong snags the offensive rebound and throws it down," the commentator shouted.
In the NBC booth, Doug Collins chuckled, "Zhao Dong showcased some crafty footwork under the basket."
Marv Albert added, "Technically, he's still refining his skills, but Garnett, being just a sophomore, got schooled there, much like Iverson can shake Zhao Dong."
Collins nodded, "No doubt, Marv. If it were me, I'd have swatted that shot."
Albert agreed, recognizing Collins' credentials as a former player and coach.
"But credit to Zhao Dong for his hustle and smart play in securing that offensive rebound," Albert concluded.
"Absolutely, Marv. That was a tough board to grab," Collins added with a grin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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