Chapter 042: The Moment of Victory

"With 2 minutes and 5 seconds left in the game, Jiangning trails by just three points. In the last 2 minutes and 45 seconds, Jiangning has launched an astonishing 22-3 offensive run—more precisely, Lin Feng himself has single-handedly scored 22-3 against Beicheng. During this span, Lin Feng made seven three-pointers and even converted a four-point play! Confronted with such a performance, I truly don’t know what to say. Coach Liu, what are your thoughts?" CCTV commentator Duan Wei was so excited that his words stumbled.

"My feelings right now are much like yours, perhaps even more intense," Liu Nan replied, his voice full of hope. "Putting aside the result of this game for a moment, I’m actually more excited for the Summer Olympics. If the national team can include Lin Feng, perhaps we can finally break through the group stage, make it to the round of sixteen, and maybe even go further."

"That’s right. Ever since Dayao retired, our national team hasn’t advanced past the group stage at the Olympics. If Lin Feng, this phenomenal sharpshooter, joins the squad, maybe we really can break through," Duan Wei agreed.

On the court.

Wang Chunsheng called another timeout. With so many pauses already, Beicheng had only one timeout left, which was certainly unfavorable for the remainder of the game. Yet, given Lin Feng’s ferocious scoring spree, Wang had no other choice.

During this timeout, Wang Chunsheng switched up Beicheng’s defensive tactics against Lin Feng once more.

The game resumed.

Beicheng initiated their offense, but perhaps due to the shrinking lead, their players appeared tense and hesitant. Center Chen Xi committed a basic traveling error.

Jiangning regained possession. Harris dribbled across half court, while Beicheng tightly guarded Lin Feng, trying everything to prevent him from touching the ball. Yet, after a series of screens and picks, the ball ultimately found its way to Lin Feng.

Before Lin Feng could even attempt a shot, Beicheng’s number 7 grabbed him directly, committing an intentional foul.

"Beicheng is actually using a foul tactic against Lin Feng?!" Duan Wei exclaimed. "This kind of intentional fouling, known as the ‘hack-a-player’ strategy, is typically used against poor free-throw shooters and generally employed by teams that are trailing. But now Beicheng is using it on Lin Feng—and they’re the ones leading! Incredible!"

"Wang Chunsheng really has no other options. If Lin Feng shoots, it’s likely a three-pointer. If he goes to the free-throw line, at most it’s two points. If he misses one, it’s only one point—far better than letting him shoot from beyond the arc," Liu Nan analyzed.

"That makes sense, but it also shows that Wang Chunsheng has absolutely no answer for Lin Feng’s three-point shooting, so he’s forced to resort to this tactic. The risk is extremely high—basically gifting points. If Beicheng fails to score on their own possessions, the lead will shrink even further."

"Exactly. Wang Chunsheng has no solution for Lin Feng’s three-pointers, so he can only gamble on his own team’s offense."

"A single player forcing the opposing coach to use such a tactic—Lin Feng is truly in a league of his own," Duan Wei sighed.

On the court.

Lin Feng stepped up to the free-throw line.

The stadium erupted with loud boos and jeers.

Beicheng’s fans hated Lin Feng to the core. If not for him, the game might already have been decided, and the home crowd would be savoring their championship glory. There was no chance they’d be friendly toward Lin Feng.

Yet Lin Feng silenced the crowd once again, making both free throws.

The score: 110-108!

Jiangning now trailed by just a single point.

Beicheng’s offense.

Randall drove inside after a screen and scored with a layup.

111-108!

The lead stretched back to three points.

And now, only 1 minute and 38 seconds remained.

"Say what you will, Wang Chunsheng’s tactic did work—time burned off, and the margin is still intact," Duan Wei commented after Randall’s layup.

"Randall played that ball with confidence—shows his individual skill," Liu Nan replied.

"Jiangning attacks—Randall’s out of position, the ball goes straight to Lin Feng. He’s so fast! Randall tried to foul but missed, Lin Feng crosses half court—let’s see what he does—my god! He’s shooting again..."

Just two steps past half court, Lin Feng leapt and launched another three-pointer. Seeing this, Duan Wei couldn’t help but blurt out a curse.

"Sorry, that was out of line..." Duan Wei quickly apologized, but Lin Feng’s deep three-pointer swished through the net.

"My god! It went in again!" Duan Wei exclaimed, unable to restrain himself.

Now even Duan Wei was speechless, unsure how to explain what he was witnessing.

"Haha, anyone would be at a loss for words seeing such a miraculous performance. I’m sure everyone watching at home feels the same—I almost shouted myself! It’s not our fault, Lin Feng’s performance is simply otherworldly!" Liu Nan, ever the seasoned commentator, quickly smoothed things over for Duan Wei.

"My sincerest apologies to everyone watching—I hope you can forgive my excitement," Duan Wei composed himself and said, "As a professional commentator, I’ve covered over a thousand games, including hundreds of matches from the American league. But what Lin Feng has done tonight—I’ve never seen anything like it, not even in the NBA Finals! Honestly, I’m now eagerly awaiting Lin Feng’s showdown with the American stars at the Olympics!"

"Me too! But for now, let’s focus on this game. Lin Feng’s latest three-pointer tied the score, and it’s his eighth three of the night!" Liu Nan said.

"Beicheng is in real danger now. They’ve led all game, but with less than a minute left, the score is tied. No matter who wins, this will be one of the most classic games in CBA Finals history. Coach Liu, who do you think has the edge?"

"Personally, I think Jiangning. Maybe Lin Feng will deliver a game-winner," Liu Nan replied.

...

On the court.

After sinking the game-tying three-pointer, Lin Feng finally celebrated—first pounding his chest, then displaying his jersey number to the camera.

At that moment, the striking number 11 jersey was broadcast into thousands of homes.

Heat Bar.

Lin Feng’s three-pointer brought the bar to a boil—nearly a hundred people cheered so loudly it seemed they might lift the roof.

Zhou Shouqiang stood atop the stage, raising a bottle of beer high and shouting, "Keep the drinks coming!"

"Thanks, Brother Zhou!"

"Boss Zhou is awesome!"

"Lin Feng is a beast!"

The bar erupted in cheers. Earlier, Zhou Shouqiang had promised that for every three-pointer Lin Feng made, he’d buy everyone in the bar a beer. Now, with Lin Feng having hit eight three-pointers, Zhou had already given out hundreds of bottles.

Free beer and a dramatic comeback on the screen—the fans here were in paradise.

Among them, Lin Changdong was the happiest of all. He was already tipsy.

"Did you see that? Did you see that? The one who led Jiangning to tie the game is my son! Haha, I taught him basketball myself, every step of the way!"

"Old Lin, I’ve never admitted you’re better than me at anything, but when it comes to raising a son, I have to concede—you’ve got a great boy!" Zhou Shouqiang waved his beer bottle. "By the way, what’s the deal between Lin Feng and that Qin... something Lin? She’s quite a bit older than him. Old Lin, I think you should have Lin Feng break up with her, and let my daughter marry him instead! What do you say?"

"Deal! I’ve been worrying about this myself. Once that boy brings home the championship, I’ll have him break up with Qin Ruolin!" Lin Changdong, drunk, agreed immediately.

"It’s settled then!" Zhou Shouqiang clinked bottles with Lin Changdong, and together they downed the rest of their beers.

...

Back on the court.

Only 59 seconds remained.

Beicheng launched their attack. Randall controlled the ball, and with five seconds left on the shot clock, he took a mid-range jumper—it missed.

But Beicheng grabbed the rebound, earning another 24 seconds to attack.

Now, there were only 30 seconds left in the game.

The situation was dire for Jiangning.

Randall continued to dribble, and as the 24-second shot clock neared its end, he set a screen with Chen Xi and jumped from the free-throw line for another mid-range shot.

The ball bounced off the back rim, then dropped into the net.

Score!

113-111!

Only 7 seconds left.

With Randall’s basket, Beicheng led by two.

The home crowd erupted again, everyone rising to their feet. If they could survive the final seven seconds, the championship would be theirs!

Shen Ziqiang called a timeout to set up the final play.

"Only seven seconds left. Coach Liu, do you think Jiangning will go for a two-pointer or a three? If they score two, we go to overtime. If it’s a three, it’s a game-winner!"

"If not for Lin Feng, Coach Shen would surely draw up a two-point play. But now, I think the odds favor a three. So far, Lin Feng has made eight out of nine from beyond the arc. If he gets the ball, there’s a great chance for a game-winning shot!"

"Indeed! Let’s wait and see—will we witness another miracle like Game Five?"

...