One is [Jordan's Post-Up Ability], and the other is [Kobe's Post-Up Ability]. How could they possibly be the same?
And yet.
They were almost identical.
Because Kobe, known for his ability to learn, had studied the skills of many great players during his development, including Jordan's post-up game and fadeaway jumper.
Moreover, Kobe had refined Jordan's post-up and fadeaway to an extremely high level, nearly matching it.
That was why Van Gundy had that impression when he saw it.
Even Kobe himself felt the same.
Throughout the latter half of the second quarter, whenever Blake Su faced a double team, he relied on post-ups. Sometimes he used a pass fake to draw the defense away before attacking, and other times he simply passed out immediately.
Just as Jordan had said, when Blake Su held the ball with his back to the basket, even against double teams, his court vision was much better than when he attacked off the dribble and got trapped.
As a result, Blake Su's individual offense opened up under [Jordan's Post-Up Ability]. At the same time, with his scoring threat and ability to pass out of double teams, his teammates found their offense flowing more smoothly.
By halftime.
Lakers (58): (66) Suns.
The Suns held an 8-point lead going into the break.
In the stands, a Lakers fan was cursing in frustration.
"What is this? If a center posts up in the low post, fine.
But Blake Su?
A center posting up on the perimeter. The ones taller than him aren't as quick, and the ones quicker than him aren't as tall. And on top of that, he can shoot like that.
How are you supposed to play against that?
Is this guy really a rookie? Is he even a center? This guy is just ridiculous, completely insane!"
Blake Su's dominance had pushed the fan to the edge, ranting nonstop.
At the commentary table, Van Gundy shook his head in amazement.
"A center using post-up moves on the perimeter, and with Blake Su's athleticism, it becomes even more dangerous.
After the post-up, whether it's a jumper or a drive, the threat level is extremely high.
And this is without a true fadeaway. He's mostly relying on his height and wingspan for turnaround jumpers. If he adds a fadeaway, he'll be even harder to stop."
"Exactly," Mike Breen nodded.
"The Lakers clearly didn't expect Blake Su to have this kind of offensive weapon. They've been caught off guard and are now down eight.
Also, like you said, Blake Su's post-up looks very similar to Kobe's. I almost feel like he's copying Kobe's offense."
"Haha!"
"Honestly, that might not be far off!"
Van Gundy knew Mike Breen was joking, but he still played along.
However, there was someone else who had the same thought.
Kobe.
He also felt that Blake Su's offense looked very similar to his own. In the latter half of the second quarter, several times after Kobe scored from the post, Blake Su responded with nearly identical moves.
Whether it was the footwork, the fakes, the control of balance, or the timing of the shot, everything felt strikingly similar to Kobe's own rhythm.
"This kid... learned it on the spot and is already using it like this?"
Kobe was genuinely shocked.
At the same time.
In Jordan's home.
At halftime, Jordan sat with his eyes wide open, nearly popping out. After watching Blake Su execute post-up after post-up, he was so stunned he could barely speak.
To the fans and commentators, Blake Su's polished post-up game looked like the result of hard training.
To Kobe, it looked like imitation.
But Jordan knew the truth.
He knew Blake Su's post-up ability came from his own teaching. What shocked him was something else entirely.
He had only explained it verbally for half an hour, with a bit of simple demonstration, no real game practice at all.
Yet Blake Su had fully grasped it, jumping straight from beginner level to nearly mastering it.
That terrifying level of talent was what truly left Jordan speechless.
"Blake Su..."
Leaning back on the sofa, Jordan's eyes trembled with shock.
"He's still just a rookie. This physical talent, this learning ability. This is a once-in-a-century genius."
After the shock, Jordan smiled meaningfully.
"No matter what, Blake Su's post-up is already this strong, and his overall ability has improved again.
I played a part in that.
If I remember correctly, he only signed a one-year contract with the Suns. Looks like I should spend more time with him.
Next season, if possible, if I can bring him to my Bobcats, then we might really have a chance to compete for a championship."
Thinking of this, Jordan's smile grew wider.
...
Back on the court.
Blake Su's impressive post-up play had drawn different reactions from everyone, but the game continued.
Soon, halftime ended.
The second half began.
Switching sides, the Lakers, trailing by eight, started the third quarter with the ball. It went to Kobe, who drove and kicked it to Pau Gasol on the left block.
"Swish!"
A soft hook off the glass went in.
The Suns took possession.
"Swish!"
Steve Nash drove into the lane, then suddenly stopped and stepped back for a mid-range jumper, which dropped cleanly.
Fisher quickly inbounded. Kobe grabbed the ball and sprinted upcourt, looking to go coast to coast, but Blake Su stepped in and cut him off.
"Thump, thump, thump!"
At the left high post, Blake Su and Kobe faced each other directly.
The arena instantly erupted.
One was the "best player in the league," the other a "super rookie." The two hottest players in the league were now matched up again.
The fans were beyond excited.
Kobe began backing Blake Su down, pounding the dribble as he worked into the paint. He took a step to the right wing, accelerated, then suddenly stopped and faked a shot. As Blake Su recovered, Kobe spun and created separation.
He rose for the shot.
Blake Su's balance had shifted, but he did not fully commit on the first jump. Instead, he adjusted and went up again to contest.
"Clang!"
The ball hit the rim, bounced, and then dropped through.
Blake Su had contested it, but Kobe still made the shot.
On the next possession.
Blake Su took the ball at the left high post, matched up against Kobe. Kobe pressed up tightly, while Blake Su leaned into him, setting up in a post-up stance.
"Blake Su, be honest. Were you just copying my moves?"
Kobe asked directly.
"Copying you?"
Blake Su paused for a split second, then smiled faintly.
"No. You're the one copying me."