Chapter 180: The Perfect Trident — Assisting from Afar
Halftime score: 65–60.
But instead of talking about Chen Yan's 33-point first half, the fans were buzzing about something else — Durant's shoe block.
It was the kind of bizarre, once-in-a-lifetime moment that would follow KD for years.
In the Suns' locker room, D'Antoni gathered his players.
"Guys, play our rhythm. Play our basketball!" he barked, pacing back and forth.
He didn't bother with new plays. The offense was flowing beautifully — the only reason the lead wasn't bigger was Boston's hot shooting.
Across the hallway, Doc Rivers clapped his hands and shouted his usual dose of inspiration.
"Great first half! Keep that energy up! This is our court — take it back!"
The Celtics were young and full of adrenaline. His words lit a fire instantly.
Everyone threw their hands into the huddle and roared in unison:
"Family!"
The second half was about to explode.
Third Quarter.
Boston opened with Rondo, Tony Allen, Durant, Al Jefferson, and Humphries.
Rivers had finally benched Perkins — the big man's slow feet had been killing their transition defense.
Phoenix countered with Nash, Chen Yan, Grant Hill, Diaw, and Stoudemire.
A full offensive lineup. D'Antoni's message was clear: finish this game in the third.
The Celtics struck first. Rondo used a screen to pull up from mid-range.
Clang!
Too cold after the long break.
Phoenix immediately flipped the switch.
Nash pushed the pace, scanning the court like a chess master. Chen Yan sprinted off-ball, drawing two defenders as Nash faked a drive.
Then, with that signature motion — soft wrist, smooth arc —
Swish.
Nash drilled it from the top of the key.
Chen Yan slapped his hands together and grinned. Even without touching the ball, his off-ball movement had carved open the defense.
Boston tried to respond in kind.
Durant caught the ball on the wing and exploded down the middle.
But Stoudemire wasn't having it.
BAM!
He met Durant at the rim and sent the shot flying.
"Not in my house!" Amar'e yelled as the ball ricocheted away.
The crowd gasped. Even the Celtics bench couldn't help but stare.
The Suns took off again.
Nash led the fast break, threading a no-look pass to Chen Yan streaking down the middle.
Chen rose for the layup — and when the defense collapsed, he dished it behind his back to Stoudemire.
BOOM!
A two-handed slam shook the backboard.
Amar'e landed roaring, chest heaving, pure adrenaline.
Barkley's voice cracked over the commentary. "Oh my god! The Suns' counterattack just dissected Boston's defense!"
Kenny Smith added, "Look at the chemistry — this is what happens when the Trident finally clicks. One inside, one outside, one connecting the play — that's perfection!"
Barkley nodded. "Man, 1 + 1 + 1 doesn't equal three here — it equals fireworks!"
Boston ball.
Durant tried to isolate again, but Raja Bell stuck to him like glue, forcing him to give up the rock.
Rondo received the pass, spun, and faded away against Nash.
It looked clean — until something unbelievable happened.
A hand appeared from behind Nash.
Smack!
The ball flew backward.
Blocked.
By Nash?
Not exactly. Chen Yan had slipped behind him and timed it perfectly, giving his veteran teammate the most unexpected block assist of his career.
The arena fell silent for half a second.
Then the Suns bench erupted.
Chen scooped up the loose ball, sprinted coast-to-coast, and finished with a lightning layup.
The whistle blew. Timeout, Boston.
A 7–0 run.
Rondo looked up at the replay on the big screen, watching the slow-motion shot of Nash's "block."
He blinked, then groaned.
"Man… you two tag-teaming me like that? Seriously?"
The crowd laughed, and even Nash was shaking his head with a grin.
The Suns' trio — Nash, Chen Yan, and Stoudemire — had officially formed the most perfect trident in the league.
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