Chapter 182: The Stadium Silencer — A Long-Awaited 50+
"Timeout! Timeout!"
Doc Rivers shouted twice in frustration, his voice echoing across the court.
The Celtics' lead had evaporated just as quickly as it came. That was the curse of a young team — fearless when ahead, but fragile when pressured.
During the timeout, Rivers gathered his players, his tone sharp but steady.
"Stay composed. Don't let them dictate the pace. We play our game!"
The Celtics returned to the floor calmer, moving the ball patiently instead of rushing shots.
Bang!
Their spacing was perfect, but Rondo's mid-range jumper clanked off the rim.
The miss triggered the Suns' transition machine instantly.
Nash grabbed the rebound and fired a pass up the floor. Chen Yan caught it at full speed, blew past Tony Allen, and soared into the lane.
One dribble. One step. One hand.
"BOOM!"
A thunderous dunk tied the game at 99–99.
The Suns' bench leapt in celebration as Nash and Chen slapped hands on their way back to defense.
---
The Celtics struck back quickly.
Al Jefferson muscled his way under the rim, banking in a hook shot.
101–99.
It was just two points, but for the young Celtics, it was a morale lifter — a reminder that they could still fight.
Boston tried to slow the tempo, grinding the game down to half-court sets. Tony Allen hounded Chen Yan relentlessly, shadowing him every step.
Durant and Rondo hovered nearby, ready to trap him the moment he made a move.
But Chen adjusted. He didn't force shots. Instead, he cut, passed, and created open looks for his teammates, keeping the Suns' offense flowing.
It was a reminder that even superstars can win through teamwork.
---
The Celtics' offense ran through Durant and Jefferson. Both were in rhythm — one from mid-range, the other in the paint.
The score stayed neck-and-neck, every possession drawing louder cheers. Players on both sides hit the floor repeatedly, bodies colliding, the whistle constantly blowing.
This was playoff-level basketball.
With 1:37 left, the score was tied 122–122.
The tension inside TD Garden was electric.
---
Boston had the ball.
The play was simple: isolation for Durant.
He already had 41 points — the hot hand.
Durant stared down Raja Bell, gave a quick crossover, then a smooth hip fake before pulling up from deep.
Bang!
The ball hit the back rim, bounced high — and dropped in.
125–122, Celtics.
Bell could only shake his head. He hadn't played bad defense; Durant's height and release point simply made it impossible to contest.
Durant turned toward Chen Yan, grinning as he shouted, "Come on, brother! Give me something back!"
The challenge was set.
---
Chen didn't respond with words — only focus.
On the Suns' next possession, he took the ball from Diaw and burst into the paint.
The defense collapsed, and with a leap, Chen fired a pinpoint pass to Raja Bell in the corner.
Bell swung it to Diaw, who quickly moved it to Nash at the top.
Wide open. Perfect rhythm.
Swish!
125–125.
The Suns tied it up once again, and Nash pumped his fist as the bench erupted.
---
Boston's turn.
Rondo dribbled up, directing traffic like a conductor. The clock ticked down.
With ten seconds left on the shot clock, Durant ran up for what looked like a handoff.
But Rondo fooled everyone — a quick flick of the wrist, and the ball zipped inside.
Al Jefferson slipped free and laid it in.
127–125, Celtics!
"That pass was filthy!" a commentator yelled. "Rondo's vision is unreal!"
The crowd went crazy. All the pressure shifted back to Phoenix.
---
Nash calmly dribbled across half court, then handed it to Chen Yan.
Everyone cleared out.
It was time.
Chen had 49 points — one away from another milestone night.
He faced Tony Allen, crouched low, shoulders swaying rhythmically.
Bang. Bang.
Each dribble echoed in the silent tension of the arena.
Then, in an instant, Chen exploded toward the free-throw line.
Tony Allen lunged, jabbing at the ball — and actually knocked it loose!
The home crowd roared—
—but before anyone could blink, Chen spun, recovered the ball, and accelerated again.
Seven seconds left on the shot clock.
One step beyond the arc.
Without hesitation, Chen rose and fired.
Tony Allen barely reacted in time.
Swish!
The net snapped crisply, cutting through the silence.
128–127, Suns!
The entire TD Garden froze.
No sound. No cheers. Just stunned silence.
The camera zoomed in on Chen Yan's calm, expressionless face — sweat glistening under the lights, his AeroWing sneakers catching the reflection of the scoreboard.
He'd just dropped 52 points.
A long-awaited, electrifying 50+ performance.
And the crowd?
Completely silenced — by the man they couldn't stop.
The stadium silencer had returned.
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