NBA: The Dynasty Crasher

Chapter 2: The First Hat

Amid the commentators' sarcastic remarks, the Knicks launched their offense.

Ewing fought hard to establish his position inside but found himself muscled out of the paint by O'Neal. Forced to the left wing, he called for the ball in the low post, pivoted, and launched a contested turnaround jumper.

Ewing was one of the few elite centers who could reliably hit mid-range shots, but O'Neal wasn't just some run-of-the-mill defender. His sheer size, insane wingspan, and explosive athleticism created a defensive wall that was almost impossible to break.

Meanwhile, the Lakers ran a double-tower lineup. O'Neal, with his 300-plus pounds of dominance, was paired with Elden Campbell, a leaner 6'11" big man at just 216 pounds.

Zhao Dong wasn't a weightroom freak—his max bench press capped at 150 kilograms—but his sturdy frame and raw mass more than made up for it. Campbell was nothing but a twig in his way. Zhao secured deep position under the basket with ease.

Ewing's shot clanked off the rim. The rebound fell straight into Zhao's hands.

Boom!

Zhao Dong exploded upward, slamming the ball through the hoop with a vicious two-handed dunk. And yes, he did it right over Shaquille O'Neal.

"Yeah!" Zhao roared, adrenaline coursing through him as Madison Square Garden erupted in cheers.

"Hoho! Knicks player No. 46 just put Shaq on a fucking poster!" the commentator bellowed, his excitement reverberating through the arena.

"Who the hell is this guy?!" the other commentator muttered, cutting his mic and yelling at his assistant. "Get me his name! NOW!"

O'Neal glanced up at the rim, his expression tightening as it wobbled from the impact. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his irritation barely contained, and jogged back to the frontcourt.

On the sidelines, Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy gave a small nod. It was a solid offensive play, but his focus was on defense. Zhao Dong's ability to protect the rim would determine whether he stayed on the court.

The Lakers wasted no time setting up their next attack. Kobe Bryant handled the ball beyond the three-point line on the right wing. O'Neal fought off Ewing in the low post, signaling for the ball with his massive frame.

Campbell floated out to the perimeter, leaving Zhao Dong stationed near the paint, splitting his attention between Shaq and Kobe.

The ball zipped to O'Neal, who spun toward the basket like a freight train. Ewing did his best, shoving back, but Shaq's 30-kilogram weight advantage sent him stumbling backward.

Zhao Dong read the play perfectly. The second Shaq turned, Zhao darted into position, planting himself between the big man and the rim.

"Here!" Kobe shouted, darting into the paint to receive the pass.

O'Neal, recognizing the double-team, dished it out to Kobe in a clean motion.

Kobe caught the ball, his movements smooth as silk. Zhao Dong pivoted sharply, his sneakers squealing against the hardwood as he lunged toward the Lakers' rising star.

Smack!

Zhao Dong's hand met the ball, swatting it clean out of bounds before it could even reach the rim.

"Holy shit!" the commentator screamed. "Zhao Dong just blocked Kobe Bryant! A rookie fucking stopped Kobe!"

The crowd went berserk. Even the commentators couldn't contain their excitement.

"Oh my God! This kid has no fear," Bill Walton laughed on the TNT broadcast. "He's locking down the paint like it's his personal fortress!"

Charles Oakley, the Knicks' veteran enforcer, ran over to Zhao Dong with a grin. "Damn, kid, you're bringing the heat! What's your name?"

"Zhao Dong," he replied confidently, his chest heaving from the adrenaline. "Back home, they called me the Wolf King. Here, I'm just a rookie."

"Wolf King, huh?" Oakley chuckled. "Alright, Zhao, keep that fire burning."

Kobe, standing nearby, wasn't amused. His jaw clenched, his glare drilling into Zhao Dong. Getting blocked by a rookie was not on his agenda tonight.

Zhao met Kobe's stare, a spark of defiance in his eyes. He knew this wasn't just a game. Kobe was destined to become one of his greatest rivals.

The game continued, tension mounting with every possession.

By the end of the third quarter, the Knicks trailed 88–83. Zhao Dong had chipped in with rebounds and a few key defensive plays, but his impact wasn't yet reflected on the stat sheet.

Then came the fourth quarter.

The Lakers attacked again. O'Neal bulldozed his way past Ewing, backing him down like he was nothing.

Campbell drifted to the perimeter, pulling Zhao Dong out of the paint.

The ball found its way to O'Neal again. Zhao Dong reacted instantly, sprinting toward the basket for the double-team.

Shaq, seeing the pressure, lobbed the ball to Campbell, who was wide open for a mid-range jumper.

Screech!

Zhao Dong slammed on the brakes, his knees screaming as he pivoted back toward Campbell. Pushing through the pain, he lunged forward.

Campbell's shot was too flat. Zhao Dong swatted it clean out of the air, sending the ball bouncing into his own hands.

"Let's go!" the crowd roared as Zhao Dong charged down the court.

With no passing options, Zhao took it coast-to-coast. Campbell trailed far behind, but Jerome Kersey managed to get back on defense, forcing Zhao to stop at the left-wing three-point line.

O'Neal, as fast as he was massive, hustled back to the paint, ready to shut Zhao down.

Bang... bang...

Zhao dribbled, eyes scanning the court. Then, in a flash, he exploded past Kersey, driving straight into the paint.

O'Neal planted himself in front of the rim, waiting like a brick wall.

Zhao Dong didn't hesitate.

He rose with every ounce of strength he had, meeting O'Neal head-on.

Boom!

The arena went silent for half a second as the rim rattled violently. Zhao Dong had done it. He dunked on Shaquille O'Neal.

"Holy shit! Zhao Dong just posterized Shaq!" the commentator yelled. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're witnessing the birth of a star!"

The roar of the crowd was deafening. Zhao Dong landed, chest heaving, eyes burning with intensity. This was his moment. His career had just begun, and he was already making history.

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