62: The battle for position before the crisis

The hustle and bustle of All-Star Weekend was quickly replaced by the harsh reality of the second half of the regular season.

The Lakers returned to Los Angeles without a single moment to catch their breath.

Inside the team's tactical analysis room, the atmosphere was solemn.

A massive electronic screen displayed the latest Western Conference standings.

Los Angeles Lakers: 28 wins, 29 losses, ranked eighth in the West.

Behind them, the Houston Rockets at 28-30 and the Utah Jazz at 27-30 were like hungry wolves, hot on their heels.

Any single loss could result in them falling out of the playoff picture.

head coach D'Antoni tapped the whiteboard, and everyone's attention focused on him.

"Guys, I don't need to elaborate on the situation."

"The next game is an away game against the Rockets, and it's a game we cannot afford to lose."

"They are our direct competitors. If we win, we can breathe a little easier. If we lose, they'll overtake us."

Kobe sat in his chair, his expression cold and stern, not saying a word.

He knew that the glory of the All-Star Game was just a fleeting cloud; the real test was only beginning now.

"The core of the Rockets is Dwight Howard."

D'Antoni's laser pointer circled Howard's photo on the screen.

"He is the most dominant center in the league, and the pressure on our interior will be immense."

"Pau Gasol, you'll need help with him."

Gasol nodded, his expression serious.

"Beyond that, there's their group of perimeter shooters. James Harden, Chandler Parsons, and..."

D'Antoni's pointer moved to another Chinese-American face.

“Jeremy Lin.”

"I know the media outside is hyping up the 'Linsanity' showdown, wanting to see you go head-to-head with Jeremy Lin."

D'Antoni looked at Lin Feng.

"But I hope you don't let that stuff affect you."

Lin Feng nodded calmly. "Understood."

"The media only cares about gimmicks; they don't understand basketball."

A slightly raspy but wisdom-filled voice spoke up.

It was Steve Nash.

This two-time MVP, though plagued by injuries and no longer in his prime, still possessed a basketball IQ that was a precious asset to this team.

"The key to this game isn't about who is the better 'Lin'."

Nash's gaze swept over the entire team.

"The key lies in two points."

"First, how we deal with Howard."

"Second, how we disrupt their perimeter-centric offensive rhythm."

Everyone fell silent, listening to the veteran's analysis.

"Howard's defensive intimidation is too strong; if we blindly settle for perimeter jump shots, we're playing right into their hands."

"We must attack him."

Nash looked at D'Antoni and volunteered.

"Coach, give the playmaking duties to me."

"I'll use my experience to constantly attack the paint, wear down Howard's stamina, and draw fouls on him."

"Even if I don't make a single shot, I want to make him feel uncomfortable on every defensive possession."

D'Antoni saw the fire burning in Nash's eyes and nodded solemnly.

"Alright, Steve, we'll do as you say."

Kobe spoke up then, his gaze turning to Lin Feng.

"Kid, there's one more thing."

"There's someone on the Rockets you need to pay special attention to."

“Patrick Beverley.”

The image of that defensive specialist who bit into opponents like a mad dog surfaced in Lin Feng's mind.

"He's another Matt Barnes, maybe even more troublesome."

Kobe's voice was deep.

"He'll use every little trick and trash talk to provoke you and make you lose your cool."

"Don't fall for it. Answer him with your basketball."

"I don't want to see you get ejected because of a pointless conflict."

Lin Feng met Kobe's gaze and nodded firmly.

"I understand."

The tactical meeting ended. A seeding battle that would decide the fate of the season was now imminent.

Houston, Toyota Center.

On the night of the game, the arena was packed to capacity.

Countless flashes turned the venue into the focus of the world.

The gimmick of the 'Linsanity' showdown had been hyped to the extreme by the media.

The game began.

The Lakers fielded a 'pseudo-Big Five' lineup of Nash, Kobe, Lin Feng, Gasol, and Howard.

The Rockets started with Jeremy Lin, Harden, Parsons, Asik, and Howard.

At the tip-off, Howard easily beat Gasol, winning the first possession for the Rockets.

Jeremy Lin brought the ball up, and Harden came over for a pick-and-roll.

Jeremy Lin didn't choose to attack himself, instead passing the ball to Harden.

Facing Kobe's defense, Harden used a step-back and launched a three-pointer.

Swish!

He nailed it right at the start!

The atmosphere in the Rockets' home court instantly exploded.

Lakers' possession.

Nash unhurriedly brought the ball across half-court.

He didn't rush to find Kobe or Lin Feng; instead, following the pre-game plan, he began his own performance.

He directed Gasol to facilitate from the high post while he himself used a simple screen, suddenly changed pace, and cut toward the paint.

Rockets center Asik immediately stepped up to help on defense.

Nash didn't force it; with a nimble behind-the-back dribble, he evaded the defender and kicked the ball out to Lin Feng in the corner.

Lin Feng received the ball, and Beverley stuck to him like glue, his hands constantly making small, pesky movements.

Lin Feng ignored him, didn't even look at him, and jumped straight up.

Formless Shot!

His body leaned back slightly in the air, avoiding Beverley's block.

Swish!

A three-pointer in response!

The two sides traded blows, the score fluctuating as the game became exceptionally tight.

Nash's performance didn't look like that of a veteran about to retire at all.

He was like a ghostly dancer, weaving through the Rockets' defensive line.

In the latter half of the first quarter, holding the ball against Jeremy Lin's defense, he used a hesitation move that tricked his opponent into losing balance, then drove straight into the paint.

He was face-to-face with Dwight Howard at the rim.

Nash showed no fear, and as Howard went for the block, he threw the ball toward the hoop with an extremely exaggerated posture.

Beep!

The referee's whistle blew.

Howard, defensive foul!

Although the shot didn't go in, Nash successfully drew the first foul on Howard.

He stepped to the free-throw line and made both shots.

Throughout the entire first half, Nash spared no effort in executing his plan.

Time and again, he attacked the Rockets' restricted area like a tireless dagger.

His drives were no longer as explosive as in his youth, but every change in rhythm and every pass was filled with wisdom.

Driven by him, the Lakers' offense was firing on all cylinders.

The game reached the end of the third quarter.

The score on the board was 88-85, with the Lakers holding a slim 3-point lead.

This was another crucial possession.

Nash held the ball again, standing at the top of the arc.

Sweat had already soaked through his jersey, and his chest was heaving heavily, but those eyes remained bright.

He surveyed the situation on the court and saw a fleeting opportunity.

He saw an opening to attack the rim once more.

With a burst of speed, Nash used a classic crossover to blow past Jeremy Lin's defense.

In front of him was Howard, rotating over to help.

This time, Nash didn't choose to draw a foul; he wanted to put this one in himself!

The two of them collided violently in mid-air!