I really can't handle the ball

Chapter 179 The Christmas War Begins

On May 12, at the American Airlines Center Arena.

Tonight, the Mavericks will host the visiting Nets.

Although today is Christmas Eve, the arena is still full of people before the game starts.

Many of them failed to buy tickets for the game, but they did not leave, watched the game on the big screen outside the arena, and cheered for the team they supported.

Not long after, the roar of the DJ sounded in the arena, enthusiastically introducing every player of the Mavericks to the fans.

Amid the cheers and shouts of the fans at the scene, the Mavericks players ran from the player channel to the court one after another.

When it was the turn of the visiting team, the Nets, the fans at the scene were not so enthusiastic. It would be the greatest kindness not to boo the sky.

After the simple entrance ceremony, players from both sides went on the court one after another to warm up.

Li Xuan took off his training clothes, looked around on the way to the court, and saw many domestic sports media reporters in the reporter area, smiling.

It seems that domestic attention to this Christmas war is very high.

When he looked at the Nets' warm-up half, he spotted Jason Kidd, the core player of the Nets.

本赛季基德场均能得到15.5分9.6助攻6.5篮板以及1.5抢断的全面数据，投篮命中率只有38%，效率并不高。

And in the assist list, he is second only to Nash, ranking second.

On the other side, Kidd happened to look towards the Mavericks, and inadvertently exchanged glances with Li Xuan.

"Funny little guy."

Kidd immediately looked away, just in time to see Nash smiling at him, and cursed inwardly.

"Damn guy! Don't get carried away. If that little guy is on his team, I'll definitely rank first in assists. What's there to be proud of!"

After this episode, the two sides continued their warm-up activities.

At the same time, the sports channel obtained the right to broadcast the game, bringing this wonderful Christmas game to domestic fans.

"Friends from the audience, good morning! This is the sports channel, and we are broadcasting for you the 03-04 NBA regular season match between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Jersey Nets."

"This game will be explained by me and Director Xu."

In the sports channel studio, Director Zhang finished the narration sonorously, and began to warm up for the game with Director Xu who was sitting on the side.

"Today's Christmas game is very interesting. Both teams are in the top ranks. Such a strong matchup must be very exciting. I really look forward to the process of this game."

"That's right, it's Xiao Li's first Christmas match, and I don't know how he will perform. I'm really looking forward to it."

"There should be an outstanding performance. After all, Li Xuan has been in a very good state recently and scored high scores one after another. This game should be no exception."

"The warm-up is over, let's watch the upcoming game together." After Director Zhang finished speaking, the TV screen quickly switched to the playing field.

At this time, the list of starting players from both sides was displayed on the big screen at the scene.

Mavericks starting lineup: Nash, Lagabel, Finley, Li Xuan, Nowitzki.

Nets starting lineup: Jason Kidd, Corey Kidders, Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin, Jason Collins.

Not long after, the referee blew his whistle to signal the starting players of both sides to come to the middle circle to prepare for a jump ball.

Li Xuan stood up from the bench and walked towards the court when a system prompt sounded in his mind.

"Ding! The host's environment has been detected, and a temporary mission is now released: Dominate the Christmas War!"

"Mission brief introduction: The Christmas War is such an important stage, how can others take the lead, the host should be the most beautiful boy in the audience."

"Goal 1: Get the highest score in the game; complete the task to get a reward: A-level attribute breakthrough card +1."

"Target 2: Grab the highest rebound in the game; complete the task to get a reward: rebound attribute improvement card +1."

"Goal 3: Get the highest steal in the game; complete the task to get a reward: Steal attribute improvement card +1."

"Target 4: Obtain the highest block in the game; complete the task to get a reward: block attribute improvement card +1."

After the system's prompt voice ended, Li Xuan froze for a moment.

"Now not only against opponents, but even teammates have become their competitors. It seems that temporary tasks have become more and more difficult."

Li Xuan put aside the wild thoughts in his mind, and quickly came to the center circle to stand.

While waiting for the start of the game, Li Xuan looked around and found that the buddy he was facing was a little excited, and then recalled the information of this buddy in his mind.

Kenyon Martin, the No. 2000 pick in 206, is 106 cm tall and weighs [-] kg. He is known as "Little Garnett".

This season, he averaged 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, possessing All-Star level strength.

"It's much easier for a player of the same type as me." Li Xuan smiled, and his confidence in completing the task increased greatly.

Not long after, the referee blew his whistle and threw the basketball into the air.

Amidst the cheers of the fans in the audience, the Christmas battle kicked off.

In the jump ball session, Nowitzki overwhelmed Collins, touched the basketball first, and allocated it to Nash, giving the Mavericks the opportunity to get the first attack.

After Nash received the ball, he quickly dribbled forward. Looking at Li Xuan who was rushing forward, he wanted to pass the ball, but seeing Kidd staring at him in front of him, he didn't risk passing the ball.

After losing the fast break opportunity, the Mavericks fell into positional offense.

Li Xuan quickly ran out to do a good job in the pick-and-roll.

With the help of a screen, Nash quickly broke through and entered the three-point line.

Kidd wanted to squeeze through the cover, but Li Xuan was blocked tightly.

"This rookie's physical fitness is good! And the pick-and-roll quality is very high. If Kenyon is replaced by this little guy, I will definitely be able to take off!"

On the other side, Nash encountered Martin's defense change near the free throw line. Instead of choosing to play big with small, he passed the ball out.

After finishing the pick-and-roll, Li Xuan immediately cut from the middle to the basket.

Kidd wanted to stop him, but was squeezed by Li Xuan with a slight bump. After all, the weight difference between the two was more than 20 kilograms, and the disadvantage was very great.

After Li Xuan received the pass, he took a step, came to the penalty area, jumped with one foot, soared into the air, stretched his body, and made a posture of a battle axe.

Seeing this situation, Collins near the penalty area didn't come up to use it as a background board, but hid far away, not wanting to send a foul in vain.

Bang!
Li Xuan dunked the ball into the basket vigorously with one hand, opening the scoring for the Mavericks.

2: 0!

The auditorium burst into warm applause and deafening cheers and shouts, and the warm atmosphere reached its peak.

"A good shot! Li Xuan's dunk is so domineering, the opponents didn't dare to come up to help defend when they saw it. It's really refreshing to see it!" Director Xu said excitedly.

"That's right, the first goal in the opening game was so explosive, this game will definitely be very exciting, we will wait and see!" After Director Zhang finished speaking, he focused on watching the game.

(End of this chapter)