Chapter Thirty-Four: Just in Time

“Michael was quick to help on defense, but that's exactly what Jimmy Butler wanted!” Jimmy Butler was about to convert an and-one, and the commentator at the scene praised Butler’s offensive decision: “But this is the tuition the Orlando Magic must pay for their rookie’s growing pains.”

“Michael Wu’s rookie journey will never be smooth sailing.”

“Swish!”

As soon as the commentator finished speaking, Butler, standing at the free-throw line, released the ball and successfully completed the and-one!

The Bulls scored right after the timeout, which settled the nerves of their players, who had felt pressured by the Magic’s run. Once Butler found his rhythm, Rondo’s playmaking would only become more potent, and it would also free up Dwyane Wade, the Flash.

When the Bulls’ backcourt trio regained their rhythm, the home fans believed victory would remain in Chicago!

“That was my fault.”

On the other side, Michael Wu, who had committed the foul against Butler, was affected. In that moment, he only thought of rushing to help, completely forgetting to prevent the opponent from drawing the foul.

The team had been riding a strong comeback, and if this play disrupted their momentum, it would leave Wu deeply remorseful.

“Michael, it’s alright. Don’t beat yourself up.”

Just then, Serge Ibaka, preparing to inbound from the baseline, walked past Michael Wu and patted the rookie’s shoulder with a relaxed smile. “It was just an ordinary defensive possession. Don’t forget what you said in the locker room.”

“We’re waiting to see you pull off those unbelievable things.”

As Ibaka finished, the other Magic players cast expectant looks at Wu. The words he spoke during halftime in the locker room had filled them with anticipation for their new teammate.

“Go for it, Michael!” The youngest, Elfrid Payton, joked as he joined the huddle, “We’re trailing anyway, one defensive miscue won’t make a difference.”

“Besides, Jimmy wouldn’t dare take that shot straight up—he’d get swatted by you!” Nikola Vucevic, picking up Payton’s words, called as he ran downcourt.

Seeing that none of his teammates blamed him for the defensive foul, Wu felt a warmth inside. In his previous life, he spent most of his time in hospital wards; apart from family and doctors, his only company was fellow patients, most of whom were distant, weighed down by illness, unlike Wu, who took things in stride.

This made Wu take refuge in television, falling in love with the passionate world of the NBA.

Now, standing on the court, Wu could truly feel his teammates’ trust. He glanced down at his legs, clenched his fists tightly.

“I understand.”

“Then get ready for offense—our turn now!” Hearing Wu’s reply, Payton received the baseline inbound from Ibaka and urged him forward as he dashed up the court.

Truthfully, Payton didn’t think much of Wu giving up an and-one; everyone goes through moments like these.

It didn’t affect him at all. He calmly brought the ball up, surveyed his teammates’ positions, and decisively called for a pick. Ibaka understood, moved to the high post, set the screen for his point guard, then pivoted and simply cut toward the basket.

Payton, quick and efficient, fed the ball inside. Ibaka caught it, soared, and executed a gentle hook, sending the ball into the hoop!

“That was cool!” Ibaka kept up his hot streak from the third quarter, and Wu, now recovered, stepped up to high-five his teammate. “You’ve got to teach me that sometime!”

“No problem, Michael!” Seeing Wu bounce back, Ibaka grinned. “But it’s a tough move—don’t blame me if you can’t master it.”

“Just teach me,” Wu laughed, his trademark talkativeness returning. “If I can’t learn it, it’s my loss!”

“Alright, let’s put that aside for now—they’re coming!”

As Wu and Ibaka joked, the Bulls wasted no time. Rajon Rondo pushed the ball, with Wade and Butler sprinting in opposite directions, while Mirotic used Robin Lopez’s screen to break free beyond the arc. The spacing was wide—exactly the scenario Rondo loves!

As soon as he reached the perimeter, Rondo shifted gears, mixing up his dribble rhythm. The championship-level point guard blew past Payton and drove into the paint!

“This is experience. Rajon Rondo just gave Elfrid Payton a lesson!” Rondo’s slick move drew praise from the commentator. “Just as Jimmy forced Michael into a mistake, this is tuition the Orlando youngsters must pay!”

No sooner had the commentator finished, Rondo burst into the lane, cradling the ball for a three-step layup. But it was clear he wasn’t aiming to score himself—his eyes were on Wade, who had moved into position. He was setting up a drive-and-kick!

“Dwyane Wade has found an opening, and Rajon Rondo won’t let the opportunity slip away!”

Rondo’s intent was obvious, and Wade’s fans in the crowd sat forward, excited for their turn after Butler’s highlight.

Sure enough, Rondo passed—but in the instant the ball left his hands, everyone was stunned!

Rondo’s pass veered away from Wade, bouncing toward Jimmy Butler instead!

It was a classic fake from a master passer, deceiving almost everyone!

“Michael!”

Just as the ball was about to reach Butler, Ibaka, who had been helping toward Wade, suddenly called out. With no warning, his long arms intercepted Rondo’s bounce pass, snatching the ball midair!

“Just in time!”

Relieved, the Magic player who made the steal was Michael Wu. Just as he had chased down Butler last time, he sprinted hard, but this time, he succeeded in defense!

With the ball in hand, Wu didn’t hesitate. Payton, previously beaten by Rondo, was already streaking ahead. Wu launched a long pass, the ball cutting through the court, landing straight in Payton’s hands!