Chapter 83: Additional Penalty for the Defeated

“Come on, Michael, show me your shot!”

The basketball landed squarely in Wu Rui’s hands. Jeff Green, tasked with defending him, stood firmly before him, arms spread wide in a textbook defensive stance.

Though Wu Rui was his teammate, this was an intra-squad scrimmage—Green certainly didn’t want the team’s rookie scoring over him.

“Jeff, you should get closer.”

Perhaps subconsciously doubting Wu Rui’s shooting, Jeff Green called for a demonstration, but his defensive position was a step back, wary of Wu Rui’s drive rather than his jumper.

That gave Wu Rui the perfect opportunity.

Without hesitation, Wu Rui raised the ball above his head, his form impeccably standard. Before Green could step up, Wu Rui released his shot.

Would it go in?

That was the only question in Wu Rui’s mind. He felt his release was flawless—the strength and the arc were just right.

“Duang!”

Yet, this seemingly perfect shot bounced a bit long, striking the back rim. Fortunately, Vucevic from the starting lineup claimed the rebound, leaping again and gently placing the ball into the hoop.

“Man, you need to be more confident,” Vucevic said as he retreated on defense, patting Wu Rui’s back. “Your motion was too stiff. You didn’t believe the shot would fall.”

“No, Nikola, I actually thought it might go in.”

“Might? Oh, Michael, the reason it only might go in is because you lack confidence.” Vucevic smiled at Wu Rui. “Don’t overthink it when you shoot. Just get that damned ball into the basket!”

Returning to defense, it was clear the starting group’s overall strength far surpassed the bench. Even though Biyombo battled hard against Ibaka, points were tough to come by. With their offense disrupted, the starters seized the chance for a fast break.

Payton and Wu Rui sprinted down the court, two-on-one up front. DJ Augustin didn’t even bother defending, letting his teammates put on a show.

Wu Rui received a behind-the-back pass from a teammate and finished with a two-handed dunk.

Payton slapped Wu Rui’s hand. “Dunks suit you best, Michael.”

Wu Rui simply smiled. Ever since his rebirth, his legs were full of explosive power—dunking was effortless. But as Coach Vogel once said, basketball is more than dribbling or sprinting back and forth; likewise, it’s not just about dunking.

Shooting was the true priority!

Both sides knew each other well, and the game progressed rapidly. Few fouls, no timeouts—the first half went smoothly.

When Coach Vogel blew the whistle, the starters led the bench by twelve points, 57 to 45.

Wu Rui’s stats were the worst among the starters: one for three shooting, two points, and three rebounds.

“Michael, change your jersey.” During halftime, Vogel handed a black training shirt to Wu Rui. “Second half, you’re with Bismack’s team.”

After passing the shirt, Vogel clapped his hands, drawing the players’ attention. “OK, guys, only half a scrimmage left. The losing side this game will face extra punishment.”

“What?” Vogel’s sudden rule caught the trailing team off guard, especially Biyombo, who jumped up from the floor. “Coach Frank, are you kidding?”

“Not at all. If there’s a winner, there must be a penalty.” Vogel gestured to the court. “The losing side must run five extra laps after practice.”

“Michael, your situation is special.” After announcing the punishment, Vogel turned to Wu Rui. “You’re on Bismack’s team now, so give it your best.”

Belonging to Biyombo’s team meant Wu Rui was now twelve points behind, facing five extra laps if they couldn’t catch up.

Wu Rui felt a chill at Vogel’s words. In other words, all his hard work in the first half would ultimately lead to his own punishment!

“Coach Frank, you truly are a great coach.”

Watching Vogel’s retreating figure, Wu Rui could almost imagine the smile at the corner of his mouth.

But the rule was set—the head coach’s word was law. No one dared defy him; Wu Rui and his teammates could only accept it quietly.

“Guys, we still have half a game—let’s not give up now!” As the second half approached, Wu Rui rallied his teammates. “Let’s show them what we’re really made of!”

“Of course, Michael. When you were on the other side, I didn’t even go all out!” Biyombo tossed his towel aside. Though facing punishment, he refused to lose his spirit.

Trailing by twelve, Wu Rui entered the court. Unlike the first half, he no longer had dominant teammates; now, Wu Rui was the team’s best scorer.

In other words, Wu Rui was now the focal point of the bench group!

Everything fell into place. DJ Augustin pushed the ball up and handed it directly to Wu Rui, then cleared space for him to go one-on-one against Aaron Gordon.

“Michael, as long as you don’t drive, shoot all you want.”

After resting for a half, Aaron Gordon was “generous” facing Wu Rui. To him, Wu Rui’s main threat was the drive and dunk; his jumper? Not a concern.

“Man, are you serious?” Wu Rui shrugged, easing the tension in his muscles. “This is my scoring spot.”

A step to the right of the free-throw line—Wu Rui’s daily morning shooting zone!

“Go ahead, show me.”

Even here, Gordon relied on little more than eye contact for defense. He knew Wu Rui too well.

Seeing his teammate now as an opponent in such a posture, Wu Rui didn’t hesitate. Without a word, he leapt and released the shot.

The entire motion was fluid as water. After letting it fly, Wu Rui didn’t even look at the rim—he turned straight back on defense.

Just as Vucevic had said, he felt certain the shot would fall.

“Swish!”

The basketball kissed the net with a crisp sound—Wu Rui, starting small forward for the bench group, scored the first basket of the second half!

47 to 57—the bench trailed by ten.

“Michael, you made it!”

More than closing the gap, Wu Rui’s two points delighted Biyombo, who caught up to Wu Rui and ruffled his hair. “Nice job, young man, your form is textbook!”

“I had to make that shot, Bismack,” Wu Rui replied with a smile. “Lucky I did—and the feeling of scoring with a jumper is fantastic!”

Who would have to run the five extra laps? That remained to be seen.