Chapter 487: Chapter 147: Unconcealable Brilliance

This rookie is quite bold!

In the game, it’s a completely different story.

Olajuwon heard someone telling him to move aside. Though a bit displeased, he quickly adopted a mindset of watching the show.

Since that’s the case, Olajuwon really backed off.

Others also showed expressions of eager anticipation.

Upon hearing this, the corner of Jordan’s mouth lifted in a rather grimacing smile.

Olajuwon wasn’t angry, but Jordan was!

Just a mere rookie, even though he thinks highly of him, at this moment, Jordan’s desire to teach Zhang Hao a lesson was uncontrollable!

Get him!

Zhang Hao, being slightly taller, noticed Jordan’s gradually grimacing expression, and his heart skipped a beat - "Wait, I tried to act cool, just wanted to throw in a rap..."

The fans were surprised that Jordan actively called out Zhang Hao, but they cheered loudly. Whenever Jordan challenges someone, fans will cheer!

No sudden force, Jordan turned his head slightly and said, "Here I come."

Although he couldn’t hear it, Zhang Hao understood the shape of his mouth and focused intently on defense... only to be bumped half a step back by Jordan!

Jordan’s post play is different from other perimeter players’, as he often uses his body like a center to press inside, creating more space to shoot.

Jordan wanted to push further in, but Zhang Hao had already developed the habit; the first collision caught him off guard, but the second, he instinctively raised his elbow to brace against Jordan!

As Jordan pushed backwards, his foot suddenly stepped forward, realizing he felt like he bumped into an iron rod!

The referee hesitated for a moment and didn’t blow the whistle, since Jordan was still in control of the ball, expertly spinning to face the basket.

Others also noticed Zhang Hao’s defensive moves were a bit excessive!

Facing the basket, Jordan backed into Zhang Hao again, this time Zhang Hao immediately responded, lifting his arm to prepare to subtly brace when Jordan hits; the referee didn’t call it last time, so he continued.

Jordan’s bump came as expected... Zhang Hao felt less oppressive force, Jordan used Zhang Hao’s push to powerfully flip, leaping high!

"No way!"

Zhang Hao hurriedly went to block, but despite being almost 33 years old, Jordan’s jump remained top-notch in the league, and for assurance, he even added a fadeaway...

Zhang Hao couldn’t even manage to interfere, as Jordan’s turn was like reclining in a lounge chair, nailing the fadeaway mid-range shot!

The fans instantly screamed!

Beautiful! Even Zhang Hao had to admit Jordan’s fadeaway was stunning, like a piece of art in the basketball technique world, an extreme core strength allowing stability in such a shot.

Elegantly extended limbs, a near-perfect aesthetically pleasing shooting form.

The key is precision!

Indeed, it’s unguardable. Zhang Hao wasn’t surprised; since he couldn’t defend it, next time he wouldn’t defend, leaving the headache for the Magician.

However, the fans began clamoring!

Fans love excitement, with Jordan schooling a rookie, especially a rookie who happens to be an All-Star vote leader, they quickly began to clamor.

Although Zhang Hao was cheered upon entering, fans don’t mind seeing this All-Star vote leader rookie get taught a lesson.

Like last season’s Grant Hill, many people thought he was just more exposed, more popular. In the actual game, Grant Hill could occasionally play well against All-Stars, but he certainly didn’t have the consistency of true All-Stars.

Aside from the Lakers fans, most in the crowd sees Zhang Hao similar to last season’s Grant Hill. His talent is undoubtedly recognized; no one doubts his gift anymore, but few truly regard his skill as genuine All-Star level.

Zhang Hao sensed how fans viewed him—it was alright.

Changing fans’ perceptions requires time to settle in, and every player goes through this in their career, not just him.

He needs to continue playing well, strive to perform better in the future, as recognition is earned through performance.

But...

As Zhang Hao rushed to the frontcourt, Jordan stuck him closely, while the Magician directed him to the baseline!

Olajuwon went to the other side of the three-second area, Barkley was at the weak side mid-range, Drexler was by the left sideline...

"No way..."

Zhang Hao’s expression was no longer calm. After Jordan scored one ball, his expression hadn’t changed. But now, he gazed angrily at the Magician, silently signaling: Don’t set me up!

The Magician responded with a look: I don’t understand your signal.

"X...X...X..."

The fans’ clamor grew stronger, Zhang Hao was aware this wasn’t because he reached a high status in fans’ minds to rival Jordan. Even if it were Anfernee Hardaway, Grant Hill, or even Jason Kidd who didn’t engage in offense, the fans would clamor in such a situation.

Let’s go then!

Zhang Hao steeled his resolve, sprinting to the left baseline, leaning against Jordan to call for the ball!

He was ready, once Jordan fronted, he could turn and use his iron elbow to clear the path... Dang it, a chunk of weight under the basket!

Luckily, Jordan didn’t front him; he was ready to defend hard.

Leaning on Jordan, Zhang Hao successfully received the ball, testing a bump; Jordan’s control over details was much stronger than Zhang Hao’s. As Zhang Hao exerted force, Jordan instinctively bumped back seamlessly, unlike Zhang Hao’s blatant elbow lift earlier.

Can’t move him!

Jordan’s strength outpowered him, and he’s heavier!

Directly turned... suppressed that notion, Zhang Hao didn’t bet on probability but instead sidestepped, tightening his left arm, using his bulging deltoid to crash into Jordan!