Who will be the role players now that everyone's been reborn?

On the court, it was the Suns' turn to attack.

The ball quickly advanced to the frontcourt, and Marion set a screen. The two wing guards, Raja Bell and Jim Jackson, quickly moved to the baseline. Chen Dong first ran to the corners, and then, depending on the situation, either rolled to the basket or pulled out to the wing three-point line.

This inverted V-shaped offensive formation made things very difficult for the Mavericks, who had two big men in the paint.

Although the Suns are known for their methodical play, with players moving to facilitate quicker and easier passes from Nash and avoiding aimless off-ball movement, their pick-and-roll from the two corners and the top of the key creates a 90-degree angled offensive geometry. Chen Dong, positioned at a 45-degree angle to the corners, can receive the ball for a mid-range jumper, drive to the basket, or bounce to the wing three-point line to test the Mavericks' defense with a three-pointer.

At this moment, if Mavericks center Dampier doesn't step out to defend, there will definitely be a defensive lapse.

In the era of small ball, traditional centers can no longer play, not only because they can't shoot, but also because their position is blurred and they still can't find anyone to defend.

Nash drove in, only to find that the Mavericks' defensive strategy was to cut off his passing lanes. He decisively drove to the free-throw line, rose high from the ground, and, facing Dampier's help defense and block, gracefully pulled up for a jump shot that pierced the heart of the defense.

Swish!!!

10 to 16!!

That's Nash's offensive instinct.

Whether passing, breaking through, or shooting, everything is within his rhythm of the game. He is the commander on the court who sees everything and connects the entire team's offensive system.

He will punish the opponent's defense with points whenever he feels it is necessary to take action.

Boos from the Mavericks fans in the stands fell like snowflakes.

On the court, Nash tossed his flowing long hair, then focused on the game, unaffected by anything else.

Seeing this, Avery Jensen, watching from the sidelines, remained remarkably calm.

The question is, these offensive tactics are things the Mavericks have already used before.

Old Nelson, that mad scientist, had long ago thoroughly analyzed Nash's offense.

The reason the Mavericks' offense was so easily dominated by the Suns wasn't because the Mavericks were weak, but because the Mavericks' twin-tower lineup was simply not designed for the Suns.

From beginning to end, the Mavericks only had eyes for the Spurs; the Suns were just a passerby in the long regular season.

Meanwhile, in the eyes of the Suns, they probably only care about the so-called 7 seconds or less of offense!

Turning back, the Mavericks went on offense.

Nowitzki called for the ball in the low post, and Chen Dong went around to defend him. He tried to stop him once or twice, and eventually Nowitzki received the ball. The moment he received the ball, Nowitzki pushed back to create space, then turned and broke through, ignoring Chen Dong's block, and drove high to the basket, easily scoring the layup.

Swish-!

After effortlessly sinking two points, Nowitzki thought of another Chinese player who was competing with him. Nowitzki was captivated by Chen Dong's low-post footwork, something he hadn't been able to master despite his practice. Remembering the traditions of veteran players helping rookies in NBA history, he couldn't help but blurt out that legendary lucky phrase to Chen Dong, "Rookie, welcome to the NBA!!!"

Chen Dong did not respond, and his words were not even audible. He only left Nowitzki with his back turned, as if Chen Dong was really just going to come back. In fact, Chen Dong had already swung his legs and created sparks, charging forward like Forrest Gump, without stopping.

At this moment, Marion, who received a long pass from Nash, was entangled by Josh Howard. The two ugly sons raced against each other in speed. As expected, Josh Howard successfully forced Marion, who was advancing with the ball, to stop. However, before Josh Howard could even rejoice, he saw Marion turn his back and pass the ball to Chen Dong, who was rushing back at high speed.

Receiving the ball, changing direction, widening the distance between himself and Terry, and driving to a step beyond the three-point line, Chen Dong unleashed a powerful three-pointer, which landed precisely.

Swish! ! !

"It's Chen Dong again!"

His three-pointers just won't stop.

"It's like he's carrying a microwave on his back when he plays; his shooting touch is so hot it's practically burning."

Chen Dong blew on his burning right hand, glanced at Nowitzki who had just crossed the halfway line, and said with a bright smile, "I don't like a close-quarters welcome in the penalty area; I prefer a welcoming gaze from near the center circle!"

Nowitzki's performance in 2011 was indeed amazing, but before that, Nowitzki's name had no deterrent effect on Chen Dong. This was the path he had come from, so he was not afraid!

13 to 18!!

With Chen Dong's entry into the game, the lead was gradually eroded. The Mavericks players remained calm, as the Suns were playing the same old tricks they had already learned. They were looking for a different approach and naturally developed their own rhythm.

On the court, Nowitzki continued to reach for the ball in the low post. The moment he received the ball, he drew Jim Jackson's help defense, then pushed the ball with both hands, sending it flying to Josh Howard's hands. Nowitzki raised the ball, aimed, and drew Jim Jackson's defense out to pounce.

Jim Jackson shoved the ball into the penalty area with both hands, stopped in his tracks, stared wide-eyed as Nowitzki received the ball, turned, and "trained" Chen Dong before continuing to score.

13 to 20!!

One-on-one defense against Nowitzki is impossible; the direction is wrong, and no matter how hard Chen Dong tries, it will be in vain.

He really is just an outside player!

Off the court, Kenny Smith remarked, "The Suns' defense has completely given up."

It's not the clever people who rack their brains that's scary, it's the fools who suddenly have a brilliant idea.

By pairing Chen Dong with Dirk Nowitzki, is Coach D'Antoni deliberately making things difficult for them?

After a pause, Kenny Smith continued, "Moreover, this Mavericks team, a 2.0 version of Nowitzki, has a similar feel to the Spurs."

They're playing the Suns like the Spurs are playing!

That said, the support system surrounding Nowitzki is no longer about creating space with "four shooters," allowing Nowitzki to use more aggressive offensive firepower to defeat his opponents.

Currently, Nowitzki has Dampier as a defensive anchor behind him, which can compensate for his weakness in low-post rim protection. Doug Chriss handles the wing defense, which is the setup for the paint. When Nowitzki is "pointed out" to the perimeter, Terry can provide the playmaking, three-pointers, and drives that Nash can support, as well as assisting with steals, which Nash can't defend. Meanwhile, Josh Howard on the weak side can provide mobile defensive talent to assist with blocks and steals. As the team's defensive spearhead, he can do everything.

On offense, Nowitzki shouldn't be pressured too much. With the support of a defensive system, Nowitzki's offensive firepower is stronger than Duncan's. He has a stronger one-on-one ability and better playmaking ability. He can also play conventional inside-outside tactics. If Josh Howard is brought in as a partner, Nowitzki can play more freely. On the other side, Terry can also use his breakthroughs and jump shots to destroy the opponent's defense, just like Parker.

With Cuban's financial power, they can quickly try and fail; if they can't get it right, they can "change the fruit plate." Nowitzki's Mavericks will always have their moment to shine!

As for run-and-gun offense, it's only suitable for the regular season. They haven't been the king of run-and-gun offense for a long time!

In the next possession, Nash and Marion's pick-and-roll was thwarted. Stoudemire's pick-and-roll skills were underestimated because of his rough and aggressive playing style; when he needed to be more refined, he could be too.

Marion is more defensively oriented, and the Mavericks had Josh Howard guarding Marion. The Suns' pick-and-roll tactics with their tall and fast combination failed, and Nash instead got stuck in a double-team.

Just when the Mavericks thought they could suppress the Suns' offense, Chen Dong's support arrived late but in time. Nash passed the ball to Chen Dong with his back to the basket. The moment he received the ball, Nowitzki rushed over. Chen Dong faked a three-pointer, but instead used a crossover dribble to get past Nowitzki completely. Without stopping, Chen Dong casually passed the ball to Marion, who cut to the basket and slammed the ball in with a one-handed dunk!

Clang!

It's often said that if you had to choose between Joe James and Richardson, the All-Star three-point champion would be a better fit to partner with Nash.

In fact, Richardson had a poor performance in last season's playoffs. When Nash, the only ball-handler, was targeted and double-teamed, only Joe Jenson could reconnect the Suns' broken offensive system.

At this moment, they are a perfect match. Chen Dong can fill the gaps in Joe James's ball-handling and playmaking and three-point shooting.

"Well done!" D'Antoni couldn't help but applaud Chen Dong. If he were to give Chen Dong's debut a score right now, he would give him a 9 without hesitation. The remaining 1 point was for his defense; he really couldn't stop Nowitzki!