Chapter 67

In the fourth quarter, key players like Zhou Yi naturally did not take the court. Even whether starters like Will Bynum played or not—those on the field were all Pistons’ third-string players. In the end, the Pistons easily won the game 126:89, extending their winning streak to nineteen games. Throughout the match, nine of the Pistons’ fourteen players scored double digits, the most such players in a single game since the start of this season. The Charlotte Bobcats, a team known for their defense, were destined to serve as the backdrop for the Pistons’ miracle run. Greg Monroe scored the highest amount in the game with 24 points and 11 rebounds; Taylor Hansbrough scored 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks; Will Bynum scored 14 points and 6 assists; Zhou Yi played 22 minutes, scoring 13 points and 6 assists; Austin Daye scored 12 points; McGrady played 21 minutes, scoring 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists; James Posey scored 10 points; Charlie Villanueva scored 11 points; and Samuel Dalembert scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. On the Bobcats’ side, only four players scored double digits: Stephen Jackson scored 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists; Gerald Wallace scored 23 points and 10 rebounds; Gerald Henderson scored 13 points; and Tyreus Thomas scored 12 points. After the game, the Pistons returned to the locker room to tidy up before heading back to the hotel. As Zhou Yi passed through the players’ corridor, he suddenly saw a figure he admired. “Michael…” As Zhou Yi murmured those words, Michael Jordan suddenly turned around, glanced at him, winked, and then walked away. Zhou Yi stared at this scene in shock before a smile appeared on his face. “What’s wrong, Zhou?” Will Bynum asked, noticing Zhou Yi stop in his tracks and poking him curiously. “Oh, nothing,” Zhou Yi said with a smile before continuing on. Will Bynum scratched his head and muttered to himself, “What a strange guy.” Back at the hotel, Zhou Yi went straight to his room, while Will Bynum and the others went to enjoy the night view in Charlotte and have some fun. Lying on the soft bed feeling bored, Zhou Yi suddenly thought of something and picked up his phone to dial a number. “Hello, is this Xiang Yun?” Zhou Yi asked on the other end of the line.

“Well, it’s me. What’s up, Zhou Yi?” Xiang Yun was wrapped in a bath towel with wet hair, clearly just out of the shower.
“Oh, I have time tomorrow. I want to move into that house right away. Could you please talk to the landlord?” Zhou Yi said.
“Oh, is that it? No problem. By the way, shall I go with you tomorrow?” Xiang Yun lay on the bed, looking lazy yet charming.
Zhou Yi thought for a moment and replied, “It’s okay. I should be able to find it there.”
“Tch, idiot. Do you know that place as well as I do? Fine, I’ll go with you to move tomorrow. And we still need to buy some household items, right? Guys like you can’t handle these things as well as us girls.” Xiang Yun looked down on Zhou Yi before making a decision on her own.
Hearing Xiang Yun’s words, Zhou Yi rolled his eyes. But then he realized she made a valid point, so he replied, “Alright, then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Tch, do you really need to be so polite with me? I’m going to bed now. I’ll contact you when you get back tomorrow.” Xiang Yun yawned and said to Zhou Yi.
“Oh, okay. Good night!”
“Good night!”
Zhou Yi smiled bitterly, placed his phone by the bed, and lay down with his hands on his head.
The next morning, after having breakfast, the Pistons boarded a private plane and flew back to Detroit. A few hours later, they returned to Detroit. After saying goodbye to his teammates, Zhou Yi took a taxi back to Blake’s house.
As soon as he arrived, Zhou Yi encountered Blake coming down the stairs in a hurry.
“Back already?” Blake greeted him with a smile.
“Yeah, are you going out?” Zhou Yi asked curiously, noticing Blake holding a stack of documents and looking in a rush.
Blake nodded and said, “Yeah, I have to meet a very important client in a while. Xiao Yi, go upstairs first. I’m leaving now.”
“Uncle, wait!” Zhou Yi called out urgently.
“Hmm? What is it? I’m in a hurry. If it’s important, we can talk about it when I get back tonight.” Blake glanced at his watch and said hurriedly.
“Uncle, I’m moving today,” Zhou Yi said quickly.
Upon hearing this, Blake stopped immediately, turned to look at Zhou Yi, and asked, “You’re moving today? So soon?”
“Yeah, the New Year is in a couple of days. I want to move into my new house before that,” Zhou Yi explained.

Blake listened, pondered for a moment, and replied, “Alright, then you can move by yourself without any problem. My matters are urgent, and I can’t help you.”
“It’s fine. I don’t have many things either. Uncle, you’d better go back to your work!” Zhou Yi said with a smile.
“Hmm, okay.” Hearing this, Blake hurriedly headed outside the villa.
Halfway there, Blake stopped again and said to Zhou Yi, “Xiao Yi…”
“What is it, Uncle?” Zhou Yi turned around quickly when he heard Blake calling him.
“Well, come here on New Year’s Day. Carl and Phoebe will be back too,” Blake said with some emotion.
Seeing Blake’s sad expression, Zhou Yi sighed inwardly and said, “Okay, no problem.”
After getting Zhou Yi’s affirmative reply, Blake’s face immediately lit up, and he strode out of the villa.
Zhou Yi stared at Blake’s retreating figure, thinking, “After I leave, and when Carl and Phoebe are not here either, Uncle Blake will be alone at home again.”
“That can’t be. I need to hurry and bring their family together. Right, New Year is a good opportunity.” With this decision made, Zhou Yi’s face regained its brightness.
After rushing to his room, Zhou Yi quickly started packing his things. By the time he finished packing everything, almost an hour had passed.
After checking the time, Zhou Yi quickly called Xiang Yun.
“Hello, Xiang Yun. I’ve packed my luggage,” Zhou Yi said in a hurry.
“Why such haste?” Xiang Yun asked curiously.
“Oh, I have training this afternoon, so I need to finish this quickly,” Zhou Yi explained.
“Oh, okay! I’ll wait for you near the gym. Hurry over!” Xiang Yun said.
“Oh, got it. I’ll be there right away.”
After that, Zhou Yi waited until Xiang Yun hung up before putting his phone in his pocket.
Then, he put his luggage in the trunk of the car. Glancing at the villa where he had lived for about four months, Zhou Yi sighed, then sat in the driver’s seat and started the car.
Due to heavy traffic, it took Zhou Yi nearly an hour to reach the Auburn Hills Palace Gym. When he arrived at the gym entrance, he saw Xiang Yun waiting there.
“Xiang Yun, this way,” Zhou Yi called out to her and waved.

As soon as Xiang Yun saw Zhou Yi, she rushed over and snapped at him, “Weren’t you saying you’d be here soon? I’ve been waiting here for almost an hour.” Seeing Xiang Yun’s fury, Zhou Yi said apologetically, “There was traffic on the road, that’s why I’m late.” Hearing his explanation, Xiang Yun huffed and opened the passenger seat before sitting down. “So, how are you going to compensate me?” she asked, crossing her arms and closing her eyes. Three lines appeared on Zhou Yi’s forehead as he quickly said, “Okay, okay, don’t be angry. I’ll treat you to dinner tonight.” “That’s better,” Xiang Yun replied with a hum. Zhou Yi started the car with a wry smile and drove toward the rented house. When they arrived, the landlady was already waiting there. After moving the luggage into the house, Zhou Yi began to arrange it neatly. “Don’t you have training to go to?” Xiang Yun asked curiously as she watched him work. “Yes, it should start soon!” Zhou Yi replied while continuing his tasks. “Then why don’t you go?” Xiang Yun also started helping him tidy up. Zhou Yi glanced at her and said with a smile, “If I go, who will tidy up the room?” “I’ll help you. Oh, and I’ll also buy some daily necessities for you!” Xiang Yun suddenly said. Zhou Yi shook his head awkwardly and said, “How could I ask you to do that?” “Why not? Go now, don’t miss your training. Don’t worry, I’ll have everything sorted by the time you come back tonight,” Xiang Yun assured him, patting her chest. Zhou Yi looked at her and smiled, “Alright, then I’m counting on you!” “Hehe, no problem,” Xiang Yun said playfully, sticking out her tongue. “I’ll give you a key so you can come in after buying the things. By the way, I’ll give you the money after I get back. Is that okay?” Zhou Yi asked. Xiang Yun patted his shoulder and said cheerfully, “Of course, no problem.” Then she added something very suggestive, “Do we really need to be so meticulous about dividing things between us?” Hearing this, Zhou Yi stood there stunned. “Idiot, in the landlady’s eyes, aren’t we a couple?” Xiang Yun twisted him slightly to remind him.

Reminded by Xiang Yun, Zhou Yi immediately came to his senses. He gave Xiang Yun a sheepish smile before rushing out of the house. As soon as he stepped outside, he saw the landlady standing at the door.
“Mr. Zhou, if you need anything in the future, just call me! Your girlfriend has my number,” the landlady said warmly to Zhou Yi.
“Ah, oh, I see. Thank you, ma’am!” Zhou Yi scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
“Hehe, it’s nothing. Mr. Zhou, it’s really your good fortune to have a girlfriend like Miss Xiang! She’s not only easy-going but also very meticulous in everything she does. To help you find a house, she checked dozens of them! Young man, girls like her are rare these days—you must cherish her and not let someone else take her away,” the landlady said, treating Zhou Yi like a neighbor’s child and chatting gossipily with him.
Hearing the landlady’s words, Zhou Yi nodded with a wry smile, then said to her, “Ma’am, thank you for the reminder. I get it. Well, I have some things to do, so I’ll be going now.”
“Oh, go ahead then! Do your thing!” Realizing she had been too talkative, the landlady quickly said this with a smile.
Dejected, Zhou Yi got into his car and drove toward the gym. On the way, the landlady’s words kept echoing in his mind. Shaking his head, he said gloomily, “What am I even thinking?”
“Sigh, another headache,” he muttered to himself.
Upon arriving at the gym, Zhou Yi headed straight to the locker room, hoping to dive into training to stop thinking about these annoying matters. But contrary to his wishes, throughout the training session, the landlady’s words kept popping into his head, leaving him in poor form. Moreover, during the team scrimmage after training, his performance wasn’t much better. In the end, Zhou Yi was thoroughly beaten by Will Bynum, and his team lost the match. Not only was head coach John Kuster surprised by this result, but so were all the players, including Will Bynum himself. Because in all previous internal scrimmages, no matter how poorly Zhou Yi performed, he wouldn’t have been beaten so badly by Will Bynum, nor would his team have lost by such a large margin. But today…

“Zhou, what’s wrong? You’re not the same as before today.” After the game, head coach John Kuster went aside to talk to Zhou Yi alone.
Zhou Yi lowered his head, feeling ashamed, and said, “Coach, I’m sorry. I guess some personal issues affected my performance today.”
“Are it relationship problems?” John Kuster asked directly.
Hearing John Kuster’s question, Zhou Yi suddenly raised his head and asked curiously, “Huh? How did you know?”
“Hehe, from the way you looked, I could tell it was a relationship issue,” John Kuster said with a smile, patting Zhou Yi’s shoulder.
“Uh…” Zhou Yi nodded, acknowledging that John Kuster’s guess was correct.
“Zhou, let’s have a proper talk,” John Kuster said to him.
Zhou Yi glanced at his head coach, remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
Chapter 233: I’m Sorry
“Let’s go. Today’s training is over. Let’s find a quiet café to talk properly—not as coach and player, but as friends,” John Kuster said, patting Zhou Yi’s shoulder.
“Oh, okay,” Zhou Yi nodded and followed John Kuster.
The two went to a café near the gym. The interior of the café was very nice, giving people a fresh and cozy feeling.
Not long after Zhou Yi sat down, his phone rang. He glanced at it and said to John Kuster, “Coach, sorry, I need to take this call.”
John Kuster waved his hand and said with a smile, “It’s fine.”
Zhou Yi stood up and headed toward the restroom. Once he was in a quiet place, he answered the call.
“Zhou Yi, when will you be back?” Xiang Yun asked on the other end.
“Oh, I’ll be back in a while. If you have anything to do, go ahead,” Zhou Yi replied.
“Oh, I don’t have anything to do. I’ll wait for you at home,” Xiang Yun said.
“Oh, okay. Well, I’ll hang up then.” After waiting for Xiang Yun to end the call, Zhou Yi put his phone in his pocket.
After hanging up, Zhou Yi returned to his seat.
John Kuster took a sip of his coffee and asked with a smile, “Was that your girlfriend?”
“Huh? No, it’s a friend. I think the coach knows her too. She’s our team’s reporter, named Xiang Yun,” Zhou Yi explained quickly.

After listening to Zhou Yi’s explanation, John Kuster thought for a moment before realizing what he meant and said, “You’re referring to Miss Xiang, the Chinese woman just like you?”
“Mm, yes,” Zhou Yi nodded in response.
“Oh, haha. I thought she was your girlfriend!” John Kuster said with an impudent laugh.
Zhou Yi smiled awkwardly before lowering his head to take a sip of coffee.
He was actually very grateful to this old man—for his recognition and support! That’s why he had always respected John Kuster, to the point where he felt a bit nervous sitting with him now.
John Kuster naturally noticed Zhou Yi’s nervousness, so he said with a smile, “Don’t be so stiff or nervous. We’re just chatting as friends.”
“Uh, I understand, coach,” Zhou Yi nodded.
“Actually, there’s not much I need to talk about. I just want to give you some advice as a friend.” Seeing Zhou Yi’s nervousness and thinking he might have other things on his mind, John Kuster got straight to the point.
Zhou Yi responded with “Mm” and then said, “Go ahead. I’ll listen carefully.”
“Haha. I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time. It’s not just because you weren’t in good form during today’s practice.” John Kuster took a sip of coffee and continued, “As you know, I’ve been observing you closely since you joined the team. You’re a very talented player—so talented that you’re among the best in the entire NBA. But your success isn’t solely due to your talent; it’s also because of your dedication and hard work. In short, you’re an outstanding player, one I really like. That’s why, not long after you joined the team, I wanted to develop you as the core of the team. My idea was supported by General Manager Joe Dumars and the team’s owner, Bill Davidson.”
John Kuster paused briefly before continuing, “I can see you gradually maturing on the court, though there’s still a long way to go.”
“I hope you’ll continue to focus on training and playing, without letting external factors affect your performance. Haha, we’re all watching you, hoping you’ll lead this team back to its peak, to recreate the Pistons’ glory days. Believe me, I’ll always be here to support you,” John Kuster added.

Zhou Yi listened carefully to John Kuster’s words. After he finished speaking, Zhou Yi nodded and replied, “Coach, don’t worry. I definitely won’t let everyone down.”
“Hehe, I’m relieved to hear you think that way,” John Kuster said with a smile.
Just as John Kuster was about to say more, his phone suddenly rang. He made an apologetic gesture at Zhou Yi, then turned around to answer the call.
“Ahem, it’s Zhou Yi—my wife is calling me. I have to go!” John Kuster said, looking at Zhou Yi with a slight embarrassment.
“Oh, it’s okay. Go ahead and take care of your things!” Zhou Yi replied with a smile.
“Hmm, you should go back early too. Be here on time for tomorrow’s training! Uh, I mistook you for that guy Will. I’m still very confident in your attitude toward training, hehe…” John Kuster spoke in a rush.
Zhou Yi watched helplessly as John Kuster left the café, then sat there, thinking about his words. After a while, he suddenly slapped the table.
“Damn it! Xiang Yun is still waiting for me at home!”
With that, Zhou Yi rushed out of the café and drove home.
…
“Why are you back so late?” Xiang Yun asked angrily as Zhou Yi entered the house.
“Oh, the head coach wanted to talk to me, so it took some time,” Zhou Yi explained.
“Tch, you always find excuses,” Xiang Yun snapped at him, looking annoyed.
Seeing Xiang Yun’s angry expression, Zhou Yi was at a loss and quickly tried to appease her. “Alright, alright, don’t be angry. Come on, I’ll treat you to dinner.”
“Tch, who cares?” Xiang Yun pouted indifferently.
“Uh, then… what do you want?” Zhou Yi asked helplessly, sitting down on the sofa.
Xiang Yun sat next to him with a smile and asked, “Want to try my cooking?”
“You? Can you even cook?” Zhou Yi asked curiously.
“What? Do you look down on me? Then go ahead!” Xiang Yun tugged at him playfully.
Hearing her words, Zhou Yi smiled and said, “Alright, as an apology to you, Miss Xiang, I’ll cook a delicious dinner for you myself.”

“Huh? Really? You can actually cook?” Xiang Yun asked in surprise. She had only said it casually, not expecting Zhou Yi to actually cook for her.
“Of course! I’ve inherited my mom’s excellent cooking skills,” Zhou Yi said proudly, patting his chest.
Xiang Yun giggled and said, “Well then, to reward this little lady who’s been busy for you all day, you really need to prepare a delicious dinner for me!”
“Sure, but you’ll have to help me out. I might get a little overwhelmed by myself,” Zhou Yi said.
“What? I have to help you just to be rewarded? Alright, fine! I’ll put in the effort so I can taste your so-called delicious food!” Xiang Yun said reluctantly.
And so, the two of them started getting ready for their hearty dinner that night.
…
“To apologize to you and for you working hard for me all day, I propose a toast!” Zhou Yi raised his glass and said to Xiang Yun sitting beside him.
“Okay,” Xiang Yun also raised her glass. After clinking it with Zhou Yi’s, she watched as he downed his drink and then did the same.
“This hearty dinner really took a lot of effort from both of us! Let’s celebrate again for it,” Zhou Yi said to Xiang Yun with a smile.
“Okay,” Xiang Yun raised her glass once more. After clinking it with Zhou Yi’s, she drank it all in one gulp.
“Come on, let’s drink another glass to celebrate your new home!” Xiang Yun suddenly raised her glass and said to Zhou Yi.
Seeing Xiang Yun’s face turning red, Zhou Yi asked worriedly, “Can you still drink? You seem a bit drunk already.”
“You’re the one who’s drunk! Hehe, come on, let’s drink another glass to celebrate your new home!” Xiang Yun repeated.
“Uh, okay!” Zhou Yi said helplessly.
So, the two drank another glass.
“Zhou Yi, what kind of girl do you think I am?” Xiang Yun suddenly asked after taking another drink.
“Huh? Xiang Yun, are you really drunk?” Zhou Yi asked again.
“You’re the one who’s drunk! I’m just asking what kind of girl I am,” Xiang Yun retorted.
After hearing her words, Zhou Yi thought for a moment and then said, “You’re a really good girl!”
“Be more specific. Don’t be so vague—it feels like you’re just going through the motions,” Xiang Yun said angrily.

“Uh, you’re beautiful, smart, understanding, considerate of others, serious about everything you do. Sometimes you’re clever, and other times you act like a child,” Zhou Yi said with a smile.
“Then, do you like girls like that?” Xiang Yun asked nervously.
Hearing this, Zhou Yi froze momentarily, unable to speak.
“Sigh, it’s okay. If you don’t want to answer, just don’t,” Xiang Yun said with a sigh. Then she poured herself another drink and drank it all at once.
“Actually, Xiang Yun, I really like girls like that,” Zhou Yi said after thinking for a moment.
“Ah? Really…”
Before Xiang Yun could finish speaking, Zhou Yi interrupted her.
“But Xiang Yun, although I like girls like that, I already have a girlfriend. So, I’m sorry.”
With those words, he extinguished the faint hopes that had arisen in Xiang Yun’s heart.
Chapter 234: Do You Believe in Love at First Sight?
Hearing Zhou Yi’s words, Xiang Yun wasn’t particularly surprised; she was just a bit sad.
“Zhou Yi, do you believe in love at first sight?” Xiang Yun asked, looking at him affectionately.
Zhou Yi glanced at her, then turned his head to look into the distance and replied, “I do.”
“Then do you believe it? That I felt love at first sight for you?” Xiang Yun pressed further.
A helpless expression appeared on Zhou Yi’s face, but he nodded and said, “I do.”
“I liked you from the first time I saw you. To be honest, I’ve never felt this before. Hehe, when I first met you, I thought you were interesting, a bit silly,” Xiang Yun said with a smile, then drank another drink.
“Xiang Yun, stop drinking. You’ve had too much,” Zhou Yi took her glass away.
Xiang Yun looked at Zhou Yi, sighed after a while, and said, “Do you remember the first time you took me home?”
Zhou Yi thought for a moment, then nodded and replied, “I remember.”
“Hehe, you were really silly that time, extremely silly,” Xiang Yun said with a laugh, then laughed even louder.
“You must have realized it back then, right?” Zhou Yi asked after drinking a drink.
“Mm, to be honest, your acting skills are really poor,” Xiang Yun said disdainfully.
Hearing this, Zhou Yi rolled his eyes and said, “I haven’t received any professional training. Besides, I never lied. So, I was really nervous that time.”

“I know, I could tell. But although you were trying to politely reject me, I believed you already had a girlfriend that day,” Xiang Yun said.
Zhou Yi nodded without saying anything.
“Zhou Yi, do you like me? Even a little?” Xiang Yun asked, biting her lip tightly.
At this moment, Xiang Yun was no longer that mischievous girl, nor that smart and careful one. Now, she was just a devoted girl.
Zhou Yi didn’t dare look at her; it was extremely difficult for him at that moment.
After a long while, Zhou Yi finally nodded and replied, “I like you.”
He really didn’t want to hurt this girl, just as he didn’t want to hurt Xia Tingting. Yet, he also knew that answering like this might hurt Xiang Yun even more.
Xiang Yun smiled, a happy smile.
Then, she asked Zhou Yi again, “Zhou Yi, do you really believe in love at first sight?”
Zhou Yi wasn’t annoyed at all by her asking him this question again. Instead, he nodded again and replied affirmatively, “I believe in it.”
“Hehe, it’s getting late. I should go home,” Xiang Yun suddenly stood up and said to Zhou Yi.
“Can you really go back like this?” Zhou Yi asked worriedly.
“Are you asking if I should stay here tonight or if you want to take me back?” Xiang Yun said with a smile.
“Uh, so do you want to stay here overnight or do you want me to take you back?” Zhou Yi countered.
Xiang Yun smiled, pushed her long hair out of her face, and said, “I have work tomorrow, and all my documents are at home, so I have to go back tonight.”
“Then let me take you back!” Zhou Yi said.
“Mm,” Xiang Yun nodded and then headed outside.
After dropping Xiang Yun off at home, Zhou Yi drove back to his own place. After cleaning up the leftovers, he went to his bedroom to rest.
Tonight, Zhou Yi was doomed to have a restless night.
All night long, Xiang Yun’s words echoed in his mind.
“Do you believe in love at first sight?”
……
“Welcome everyone to turn on your TVs on time to watch the 2010-2011 NBA regular season game brought to you by Chaoting Wutai, featuring the Detroit Pistons hosting the Boston Celtics. I’m Sun Zhengping, and today we’re honored to have Yang Yi as our commentator for this match,” Teacher Sun said with a smile to the viewers at home.
“Hello everyone, I’m Yang Yi…” A middle-aged man wearing glasses appeared on screen.

“Today’s game is the Detroit Pistons’ last match of the year. I’m sure they’ll be eager to win it and extend their winning streak to twenty games,” Teacher Sun added.
“Yes, the Pistons have really captured fans’ attention this season. No one expected them to achieve such outstanding results this year,” Yang Yi said with a smile, adjusting his glasses.
“Alright, the game is about to start. Once again, I’d like to remind everyone that you can send text messages to XXX-XXXXXXXX to choose your favorite team. We’ll be giving away a grand prize in each quarter—a premium NBA jersey from XX brand and Kobe Bryant’s basketball shoes—plus magazines provided by Channel 5. I hope everyone will actively send their messages. A total of four lucky viewers will be selected today…” Teacher Sun explained everything step by step.
“The big screen on site has already shown the rosters of the two teams’ twelve players each. Ben Gordon returned in the last game, and he’s on the active roster again for this match, meaning he’ll still play as a substitute. It seems Ben Gordon has truly recovered from his injury. Hehe, the starting lineups for both teams are out. Home team Pistons: center Ben Wallace, power forward Greg Monroe, small forward Tashawn Prince, shooting guard Tracy McGrady, point guard Zhou Yi; away team Celtics: center Kendrick Perkins, power forward Kevin Garnett, small forward Paul Pierce, shooting guard Ray Allen, point guard Rajon Rondo. Although the Celtics’ starters are all older players, their strength still can’t be underestimated. Well, Kendrick Perkins and Greg Monroe have just done the jump ball, and the game has begun.” It wasn’t until all these words were spoken that the TV switched back to the game footage.
By then, the jump ball had already been completed. Greg Monroe won it against Kendrick Perkins, giving the Pistons the ball and securing their first possession of the game.
Carrying the ball to the front court, facing Rajon Rondo’s defense, Zhou Yi dribbled under his body several times before suddenly using a crossover to get away from Rondo. But just as he was about to lay up, a large hand appeared. A flash of determination appeared in Zhou Yi’s eyes as the ball went to McGrady, who immediately shot and scored.

After Zhou Yi and McGrady high-fived, they quickly retreated to defend.
Rajon Rondo took control of the ball and passed it to Kevin Garnett. Kevin Garnett faced Greg Monroe alone, finished the offensive sequence with a backspin jump shot.
It was Zhou Yi who had the ball again; outside the three-point line, he suddenly threw the ball high toward the basket. Greg Monroe, who was waiting underneath, pushed Kevin Garnett aside, jumped to catch the ball, and scored with a dunk.
“Zhou… Yi!!” Cheers erupted from the entire arena for this young player! The home crowd cheered loudly, with some even waving Zhou Yi’s No. 37 jersey.
“That’s amazing! So cool, a beautiful alley-oop!” On the bench, Will Bynum stood up excitedly, waving a towel in the air.
On the Celtics’ side, Rajon Rondo’s expression turned serious when he saw Zhou Yi delivering two assists in a row right from the start.
Rajon Rondo wasn’t annoyed by Zhou Yi’s strong performance; he liked facing tough opponents, and strong competition only made him more excited.
Paul Pierce received a brilliant pass from Rajon Rondo and shot from outside the three-point line—also a hit.
5:4—both teams had completed their first two offensive attempts.
McGrady moved strategically, using Greg Monroe’s screen to get to a 45-degree angle just outside the three-point line on the left wing. Zhou Yi saw this and didn’t need to say anything—he simply passed the ball. McGrady caught it and immediately took a jump shot. Before the Celtics players could react, the ball was already in the basket.
McGrady responded with a three-point shot, bringing the score to 5:7, with the Pistons leading by 2 points.
This long-range shot sent the nearly 22,000 spectators in the arena into a frenzy for a long time, with chants of “T-MAC” echoing continuously. McGrady just smiled slightly, high-fived Zhou Yi beside him, and quickly retreated.
Kevin Garnett of the Celtics passed the ball, and Rajon Rondo caught it.
Rajon Rondo dribbled slowly toward the front court and passed the ball to Ray Allen as soon as he arrived. McGrady was defending Ray Allen; as Ray Allen drove, McGrady kept retreating, trying to cut off his path.
Suddenly, Ray Allen stopped abruptly and shot at lightning speed—McGrady didn’t even have time to react.

However, Ray Allen’s shot didn’t go in; the basketball spun a few times around the rim before bouncing out, and Greg Monroe grabbed the defensive rebound. On the Pistons’ side, McGrady drove to the basket and scored again. 5:9, with the Pistons leading by 4 points. At first, the two teams were trading blows, with the score difference not being large—only about 5 points. But toward the middle of the first quarter, the Pistons suddenly became incredibly hot, while the Celtics players lost their touch. The Pistons quickly widened the gap with an 8-0 run. By the time 4 minutes and 11 seconds remained in the first quarter, the Pistons were already leading the Celtics 21:10, by 11 points. Seeing this, Celtics head coach Doug Rivers quickly called a timeout. Chapter 235: Facing Rondo Again. “I can’t believe we’re leading them by 11 points now,” Will Bynum said, surprised and delighted as he hugged Zhou Yi. Zhou Yi gave him a glance and laughed, “What, don’t you believe in our strength?” “Yeah, Will. Don’t you believe in our strength either?” Taishan Prince said, tapping Will Bynum playfully. “Uh, that’s not what I meant. I was just thinking that last time we played them, we lost by over a dozen points in the first quarter. I didn’t expect things to turn around like this. Hehe, I’m a bit surprised!” Will Bynum said, scratching his head and laughing. “Hehe, as the saying goes, fortune favors the bold! Things change over time,” McGrady said, laughing after hearing their conversation. “Alright, the timeout is over. Will, you guys go back out!” John Kuester stepped forward and said to Zhou Yi and the others. After the timeout, the Pistons’ Will Bynum replaced Zhou Yi, Ben Gordon replaced McGrady, and Samuel Dalembert replaced Ben Wallace. On the Celtics’ side, Glen Davis replaced Kevin Garnett. With the ball, Will Bynum took charge of the offense. Reaching the top of the key, he passed the ball to Ben Gordon. Ben Gordon drove and passed, and the ball went to Samuel Dalembert inside. Samuel Dalembert tried a hook shot but missed, and Kendrick Perkins grabbed the defensive rebound. LaMarcus Aldridge drove to the Pistons’ basket, feigned a shot before passing to Paul Pierce, who immediately dunked for 2 points.

A switch of offense and defense occurred, as Tyshawn Prince received a perfect pass from Will Bynum and shot from beyond the three-point line. With a swish, the ball went in! Paul Pierce, defending Tyshawn Prince, angrily swung his arm in frustration. The Celtics launched an attack, and Paul Pierce also shot from beyond the three-point line—his shot hit as well, responding to Tyshawn Prince with his own three-pointer. Ben Gordon took advantage of Greg Monroe’s screen to run straight to the corner beyond the three-point line, received a pass from Will Bynum, and scored with a three-point shot. Another three-pointer—the Pistons were on fire from beyond the arc today. The home crowd cheered endlessly for their team, and the players felt the fans’ immense enthusiasm! Ray Allen drove with the ball, reached beyond the three-point line, and attempted a three-pointer as well. But it missed, and Samuel Dalembert secured the defensive rebound. Will Bynum used a pick-and-roll with teammate Tyshawn Prince to break into the opponent’s paint, scored a layup, and also forced a defensive foul on Kendrick Perkins. Doug Rivers replaced Kendrick Perkins with Jermaine O’Neal. Will Bynum took a free throw and made it! “Whoa, whoa…” The crowd roared continuously, showing their full support for their home team. 30:15—the Pistons led by 15 points.