"Zhao Dong, you gotta hit the gym ASAP. If Patrick and Oakley go down, I need you clocking over 40 minutes a game," Coach Van Gundy squatted beside him, emphasizing the urgency.
"No sweat, Coach. Just hook me up with a training plan," Zhao Dong replied, catching his breath.
"You'll get it, along with the Knicks' top trainer," Van Gundy assured.
Zhao Dong had been dropping 20+ points and snagging 10+ boards for three straight games. His offense was versatile, and he hustled hard on defense, battling for every rebound. This two-way play had Van Gundy impressed, solidifying Zhao Dong's starting spot even when Larry Johnson returned.
At that moment, Zhang Heli and Sun Zhenping approached for an interview. Zhao Dong stood up to meet them.
"Zhao Dong, aren't you exhausted? Watching you is tiring! You play like it's the playoffs, giving 110% every possession!" Zhang Heli exclaimed.
Wiping his sweat, Zhao Dong grinned, "I'm new to the league. I gotta go all out to level up my game fast."
"Seriously? You plan to drop 50+ points on Jordan in two seasons?" Sun Zhenping inquired.
"Absolutely. When I say something, I back it up. I set that goal to push myself. Pressure fuels my drive," Zhao Dong responded confidently.
"Well said," Zhang Heli gave a thumbs up.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Rockets had just lost at home to the Lakers.
Barkley was cornered by reporters post-game.
"Charles, news just broke that the Knicks' Zhao Dong has a message for you," one reporter mentioned.
"Oh? What's he saying?" Barkley sensed trouble.
"He said..." The reporter mimicked Zhao Dong, "You're my role model, but I'll surpass you because I crave victory and aim to outshine Michael Jordan. You lack that drive. You don't even have the guts to aim for 50+ points against Jordan. That's why you haven't beaten him or won a championship."
"What? That punk! He's crossed the line!" The 'no championship' jab hit a nerve, and Barkley fumed.
The reporter continued, "I checked the schedule. On January 14, you face the Knicks at home, and the Bulls play them on the 21st. What's your plan against Zhao Dong and Michael?"
"I'll teach him a lesson, make him regret ever challenging me," Barkley retorted angrily.
"Zhao Dong's got a fiery temper. He intimidated Kevin Garnett tonight. Aren't you worried he might come after you?" the reporter teased.
"Me? Afraid of him? I had Laimbeer crying uncle. This rookie doesn't scare me," Barkley boasted, shaking his fists.
Later, in his room, Zhao Dong accessed his training program, allocating skill points to his shooting technique.
The first two points boosted his shooting to level 90, marking his first elite skill.
After a moment of self-praise, he attempted to add another point. The system alerted: "Note: Once physical attributes and skills reach elite status, every two points are required for an upgrade. At super-elite status, every three points are needed."
"Seriously?" Zhao Dong was taken aback.
"System, how did my jumping reach level 95?" he questioned.
"Kobe's jumping talent overlay requires adherence to upgrade rules," the system explained.
Zhao Dong realized that without this rule, he'd have maxed out at level 100.
"So, after completing shooting training, will I jump three levels? Will it be an immediate upgrade or three skill points?" he probed.
"Immediate three-level upgrade," the system confirmed.
"Sweet."
That equated to six skill points. By prioritizing shooting, he effectively gained three extra points. He noted this strategy for future upgrades.
With one skill point remaining, he upgraded his low-post moves from level 82 to 83.
While eager to challenge Jordan, he acknowledged that their first regular-season matchup in January might not be the ideal time.
For now, enhancing his low-post game would boost his offensive threat and help complete more system tasks.
The next day, the 17th, the team had no scheduled practice. Zhao Dong completed an 800-shot session in the morning, visited Alice in the afternoon, and dedicated two hours to ball-handling drills in the evening.
On the 18th, the team departed for a three-game road trip: back-to-back matchups against the Magic and Hornets, followed by a game against the 76ers.
After arriving at the hotel around noon, a media session was arranged.
"Zhao Dong, Barkley said he'll make you regret challenging him in your first regular-season game. Any thoughts?" a reporter asked.
"Say what?"
Zhao Dong sprang from his seat, "Tell that fat pig that even teaming up with Olajuwon won't get him a ring!"
Laughter erupted in the room.
"Zhao Dong, Michael Jordan told a colleague that you have potential as a comedian and hopes you'll consider it," another reporter chimed in.
"Then tell that old gambler he could go pro in Vegas," Zhao Dong shot back, referencing Jordan's notorious gambling habits.
That afternoon, the team hit the gym for practice, and Zhao Dong continued his 800-shot routine.
While he was deep in training, both Barkley and Jordan were seething.
"I'm not riding coattails. Hakeem and I are both vets. That's not coattail riding! Zhao Dong, this isn't over!" Barkley raged. In this era, superstars prided themselves on leading teams solo; Zhao Dong's comment struck at his legacy.
"Zhao Dong, you little punk! I won't let this slide, no way!" Jordan fumed during an interview, storming off when his gambling past was mentioned.
On the evening of the 19th, the Knicks faced the Magic on the road.
In their first nine games, the Knicks boasted an 8-1 record, ranking second in the East, just behind the undefeated Bulls. With the next three road games against underperforming teams, the Knicks were optimistic about extending their streak. Team morale was high, and fans were dreaming of a championship run.
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