As the preseason wrapped up and the roster cuts were made, the Warriors officially announced their lineup for the 2005-06 season:
Centers: Kwame Brown, Adonal Foyle, Andris Biedrins. Power Forwards: Zack, Troy Murphy, Zarko Cabarkapa. Small Forwards: Mike Dunleavy Jr., Jāwad Williams. Shooting Guards: Jason Richardson, Mickaël Piétrus. Point Guards: Baron Davis, Jarrett Jack, Will Bynum, Aaron Miles.
Before the regular season kicked off, the return of "French Jordan" Mickaël Piétrus, who had unexpectedly gotten injured while playing for the French national team in the EuroBasket this summer, became the best news Zack had received since he began reforming the Warriors' team culture.
Standing 6'6" and weighing over 220 pounds, Piétrus was an athletic marvel, often putting on a show with his soaring dunks after cutting to the basket. However, Piétrus's true bread and butter was his defense, especially his perimeter one-on-one coverage. Plus, as an international player, Piétrus's tactical execution on the court was far superior to that of the Warriors players who were used to "tanking basketball."
Even though Piétrus's ball-handling offense was practically negligible in the NBA, Zack immediately felt the defensive energy this "French Jordan" injected into the team during his first practice back from injury.
Team Dynamics and Zack's Influence
To fill out their roster this year, the Warriors clearly prioritized players from certain "college backgrounds" when signing free agents. For example, Will Bynum and Jāwad Williams, who signed with the Warriors as undrafted free agents. The former was Jack's backcourt partner at Georgia Tech, while the latter was a senior graduate from UNC. Both shared a common trait: they came from the ACC conference.
These were two intentional signings by Warriors General Manager Chris Mullin. He was adding "his people" for Zack. The internal complexities of an NBA team are far beyond most people's imagination. Since most internal issues in NBA teams are resolved internally, ordinary people simply don't know what kind of drama is unfolding behind the scenes before a seemingly ordinary regular season game.
Understanding Mullin's good intentions, Zack promptly invited Bynum and Williams to join his "dinner club" the next day. Having learned from James's direct teachings, Zack knew very well that his violent approach to dominating the Warriors wouldn't last forever. So, after every practice, he would invite different Warriors players to dinner, sharing training insights and game experiences with them. Currently, the core members of this club were only Jack and Brown. Bynum and Williams, his new invitees, were more like "observers." As for the other Warriors players, they were "floating members."
The Messiah's Grand Entrance
On November 2nd, playing at the Oracle Arena, the Warriors, who drafted their "Messiah" over the summer, officially began their 2005-06 NBA regular season journey.
The day before the game, Zack's personal manager, Evans, specifically hired a renowned Bay Area stylist to redesign Zack's look for his rookie season opener.
"Ronnie, I'm here to play basketball, not to shoot a Hollywood movie," Zack said that day, looking at himself in the mirror with a wry smile.
How to describe Zack's updated look, as suggested by Evans? First, the hairstyle. Looking at himself, now looking quite heroic with a "princely" haircut, Zack immediately thought of AC Milan's prince, Kaká, from the same era (as pictured).
Evans explained to Zack, "You used to always look a bit too thuggish, you know. David Stern has been trying to help the NBA change its image in recent years. So, in my opinion, it's really necessary for you to use your new hairstyle to tell Warriors fans that you are the Messiah who can bring them sunshine and warmth."
Zack nodded noncommittally. He indeed knew how much Stern hated the so-called "thug culture" in the league at this time.
Next was Zack's attire. Under Evans's meticulous design, his left arm adorned with an elbow-length sleeve, his right arm wearing a short elbow pad, and his right leg sporting a single-leg compression sleeve, topped off with a pair of standard NBA mid-calf socks – this ensemble would become Zack's new season standard (as pictured).
"I don't get it, why do I only wear the single-leg compression sleeve on my right side?"
"Asymmetry is king, Zack!"
In short, wearing his Warriors #30 jersey with this new gear, Zack had been transformed by Evans into a fashionable NBA star.
"Every NBA player needs their own unique brand, including your celebration after every dunk; I'm designing that for you too. Zack, the NBA is a business league. Your job is to play good basketball, and my job is to make you appear in the public eye looking your absolute best."
It must be said, the new look Evans designed for him truly had its unique merits. On the evening of the 2nd, when Zack appeared on the court, the entire arena erupted in screams for this dashing and imposing Eastern heartthrob.
Normally, Kevin Garnett, who was warming up on the adjacent half-court for the Timberwolves, would definitely greet Zack with some trash talk once the game started: "Are you here to put on a show or to play ball?" But unfortunately, due to Garnett's bad mood tonight and Zack's identity as a player, such a scene was not destined to happen.
Garnett's bad mood was related to the Timberwolves' currently dismal roster. Historically, the next two seasons would be Garnett's darkest period since entering his prime. Even though he put up top-tier "20+12+4" numbers for two consecutive seasons, the Timberwolves only managed 31 and 32 wins, respectively. In the Western Conference at this time, such a record meant Garnett would be starting his fishing trips early every April, sitting at home watching Duncan and Nowitzki, also in the West, put on a show in the playoffs. For Garnett, who would turn 30 next year, this was absolutely intolerable.
A Wolf's Respect
Garnett, at this moment, understood better than anyone that his peak was coming to an end; he wasn't as young as he used to be. As for why Garnett would hold Zack in high regard because of his player identity? Because as a future famous "Yao Ming fanboy" and Anta endorser in the NBA, Garnett at this time was also an NBA player who highly valued the market and his image among fans. If Zack remembered correctly, aside from Yao Ming's rookie season, Garnett had rarely used trash talk against Yao Ming, as Yao Ming had shown the entire NBA the lucrative returns of the market. And even if he occasionally spoke, it was mostly playful banter, not Garnett's characteristic "trash" talk.
On the court, when Garnett, who was usually impartial, proactively approached Zack, he fully demonstrated his flexible moral standards when it came to trash-talking.
"I heard about you a long time ago. Good job, young man."
At this moment, patting Zack's shoulder and offering encouragement, where was the "Wolf King" swagger? This was clearly a kind and amiable veteran. Of course, when Garnett turned his gaze to Kwame Brown, who was clearly older but called himself Zack's "little brother," Garnett instantly changed. His fierce glare at Brown clearly told him: "Didn't you see I was talking to Zack? Who do you think you are?"
Oracle Arena Erupts
At the Oracle Arena, amidst the war drums and cheers of the home crowd, the game quickly moved to the player introductions. As a new opening ceremony feature for the Warriors' home games this year, when the song "Overlord Breaking the Formation Tune," adapted from "Zack King Breaking the Formation Music," began to play, fans throughout the arena joined in chanting Zack's name to the rhythm. Even in the NBA, such a grand welcome for a rookie was quite rare.
On the court, watching Zack make his stunning debut amidst the cheers of the crowd, Jason Richardson, usually fond of clowning around, instantly felt the gap between people. This was the genuine affection of the entire Bay Area fanbase for Zack. But at this moment, only Jack, who had grown close to Zack recently, knew the weight Zack carried on his shoulders. After all, "uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."
As the introductions ended, the stadium lights came on one by one. On the big screen, the starting lineups of both teams were displayed, and in the center of the court, ten players quickly took their positions. For the Timberwolves, Michael Olowokandi, Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak, Trenton Hassell, and Marko Jarić started. For the Warriors, Brown, Zack, Piétrus, Richardson, and Davis took the court.
In the jump ball, Brown outleaped Olowokandi to win the opening possession for the Warriors. From this moment, Zack officially made his NBA career debut.
Zack's Early Dominance
On the court, the original "Beard Man," Baron Davis, quickly dribbled across half-court. Seeing Zack already set for a pick-and-roll, Davis's body instinctively leaned towards Zack's side. However, Garnett's defensive range was truly astonishing. Even though Jarić, unable to get around the screen, was left behind by Davis, the original "Beard Man" couldn't dribble past Garnett's defensive zone next. Before the "Wolf King" departed, peak Garnett's weight consistently stayed in the 118-120 kg range. At this weight, with less knee pressure, Garnett's defensive coverage was absolutely historic. What a pity... the Wolf King is the Wolf King. A husky is a husky.
On the court, seeing the Wolf King lock down Davis, Zack immediately changed from rolling to popping out, pulling up to the arc to receive the ball. Seeing this, Davis didn't dare to delay. While Garnett's attention was still on him, he passed the ball to Zack. At the arc, facing Jarić, who had temporarily switched onto him, Zack executed a powerful dribble-pound before immediately faking a pull-up jumper. At this moment, Jarić, who had never imagined a 6'11" big man performing a dribble-jumper in front of him, innocently lunged forward.
And then, from the sidelines, the hype crew composed of Jack and Bynum immediately started shouting: "Oh my god, look what he's doing! He faked out the opposing guard with a 'Buddha' move!"
Golden State Warriors, wearing jersey number 30, faking out an opposing guard with a "Buddha" move... honestly, it makes perfect sense.
On the court, after shaking off Jarić, Zack drove to near the free-throw line and hit a jump shot. Zack's poetic and aesthetically pleasing offense instantly ignited the entire arena! On TNT, Charles Barkley repeatedly shook his head in awe, exclaiming, "His dribbling... how did it get even better than a few months ago?"
At this moment, under the Peak System's strict scoring system, Zack's dribbling attribute had already reached 81. His speed and agility had reached 80 and 77 respectively. Since the Peak System doesn't specifically detail Zack's attributes, just like his jumping attribute, because speed and agility are also broad concepts, a higher speed attribute doesn't simply mean Zack will just get faster. After all, for basketball, ball-handling speed and instant explosiveness are clearly more important than simply running fast.
Furthermore, because Zack, at 6'11" (with shoes on), possesses a pair of enviable long legs, as long as his explosiveness reaches a certain threshold, the speed he displays on the court will defy measurement by mere ratings. As for Zack's current agility attribute of 77, it means that at 6'11", his flexibility, coordination, and nimbleness are already far beyond the average level for someone his height. This is why Zack receives higher ratings under the system's "combat algorithm." Because basketball has never been just a game of numbers. (Note ①)
Wolves' Struggles and Zack's Impact
On the court, it was the Timberwolves' turn to offense. As a defensive team averaging only around 77 possessions per game, the Timberwolves' offensive initiation was equally concerning. Jarić, at 6'7", was never known for his driving in an NBA full of "running men." But facing the strong and sturdy Baron Davis, he couldn't gain an advantage in terms of physicality. So, as long as Davis could control his urge to steal the ball, Zack didn't even have to worry about a pick-and-roll initiated by Jarić. Because, even if a teammate screens for you, what can you do? Jarić's specialty was a long two-point jumper from inside the three-point line after using a screen. This specialty, even in 2005, was somewhat outdated.
On the court, Hassell, receiving a desperate pass from Jarić, saw the shot clock winding down and the passing lane to Garnett blocked. He bravely took on the responsibility of disarming the "bomb" for the Wolves. However... Hassell's ball-handling offense was, if not negligible, at least as good as air.
Clang!
In the paint, with Brown actively boxing out, Zack successfully grabbed his first NBA career rebound. Then, Zack, not wanting to get bogged down in a half-court set with the Wolves, quickly dribbled across half-court. Since his ball-handling drew the attention of several retreating Timberwolves players, after noticing Brown's quick follow-up, Zack, having already anticipated Brown's path, unhesitatingly found Brown, this "silly, sweet, and simple" player, with a no-look pass. Under the basket, Brown, carefully remembering Zack's pre-game advice to secure the ball before thinking about the next step, calmly controlled the ball and finished with a two-handed dunk. In this moment, Brown only regretted that Zack didn't enter the NBA until his junior year. Otherwise, if he had recognized Zack as his "big brother" earlier, would he have been bullied every day in the NBA?
On the court, after Brown successfully stole his assist "first blood," Jarić, just as he turned back, immediately gifted Zack a steal. Jarić, attempting to connect directly with Garnett, overlooked Zack's equally excellent defensive coverage. Seeing Jarić's pass float slowly, Zack simply fronted him and intercepted the ball. Fortunately, Jarić then made a timely foul to stop the Warriors' fast break. Otherwise, Zack felt he would definitely get a beating from Garnett in the locker room later.
"Now Zack is just one block away from filling out his five major statistical categories," said Barkley on TNT. Barkley was overjoyed with the energy and vitality Zack showed at the start of the game. But the next second, due to Barkley's "curse," Zack made a passing turnover. Beside him, Smith seized the opportunity to mock Barkley, saying, "Turnovers are also a very important statistical category in basketball."
KG vs. Zack: A Shifting of Eras
Back on offense, it was the Wolves' turn. While battling for post position with Zack, Garnett, feeling that Zack was hard to handle, retreated while using a cross-screen with Olowokandi to get Brown in front of him instead. This cross-screen fully demonstrated Garnett's basketball IQ as a superstar power forward. In basketball, if you know there's a tiger on the mountain, why would you still go to that mountain? Knowing how to exploit the opponent's "soft spots" is also a mandatory lesson for all superstars. Compared to Zack, Brown had the physique, but his defensive IQ couldn't be compared to Zack's. After all, Zack's anticipation, court vision, and reactions were even acknowledged by Duncan.
In the low post, leaning on Brown, Garnett easily created space for a turnaround jumper. Swish! After scoring, while verbally assaulting Brown's already fragile psyche, Garnett didn't forget to pound his chest, showcasing his ferocity. Seeing this, Zack directly walked over, putting his arm around Brown's shoulder, and said, "Good defense just now, but you still need to be fiercer." Brown, tears almost welling up in his eyes, nodded.
Next, it was the Warriors' possession. To get even, Zack directly signaled Davis to give him the ball. If it were before, facing such a command, Davis would have responded with "absolutely not." But at this moment, looking at Zack's fiery eyes and remembering how he had just comforted Brown, Davis suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of security in his heart. The original "Beard Man" knew that Zack was about to respond to Garnett. So, while passing the ball to Zack, Davis also directed traffic on the court for Zack: "Everyone, clear out! Don't you see our Messiah is going one-on-one?"
Thump, thump!
The next second, on the court, under the gaze of the live audience, Zack brought out his signature move. Using body and head fakes, Zack kept the ball under extremely low control. After faking a drive to the left, he quickly pulled the ball back to his right side. The Warriors fans present tonight wouldn't be unfamiliar with this scene. Because this was precisely the signature move of former Warriors star "Tim Bug" Tim Hardaway: the Killer Crossover.
In just this one possession, Garnett could already conclude that the sky was Zack's future limit. On the court, after creating offensive space, even Garnett couldn't block Zack's next silky-smooth three-point jumper, akin to Dove chocolate, after being faked out. Jumping straight up, maintaining vertical balance. From the right 45-degree angle, Zack hit his first NBA career three-pointer. When he shot, Zack, who felt good during warm-ups tonight, didn't hesitate for a second.
What is star quality? This is star quality!
And at the same time, after personally witnessing it, Smith, feeling he might have underestimated Zack, seriously pondered for a moment before saying, "Charles, how about we change the bet to whether Zack can score 50 points in a single game before January next year?" Unlike other traditional big men, because Zack's scoring profile meant he was more likely to put up high scores than a typical traditional big man, and with the Warriors now clearly built around him, Smith, always cautious, wanted to add an extra layer of insurance.
But hearing this, Barkley just smiled faintly and said to Smith, "Do you think I'm stupid, Kenny?" Then, Barkley pulled out his phone. "Do you need me to contact Shaq right now and tell him to get his butt washed for the All-Star Weekend?"
Smith: "..."
On the court, facing Zack's immediate Answer.Ball, Garnett would normally try to retaliate. But at this moment, looking at Jarić, who was struggling to even dribble under Davis's aggressive defense, Garnett's ambition was almost completely worn away.
First Block and Half-time Stats
With 7 minutes left in the first quarter, Mike Dunleavy Jr., who came in for Richardson, indirectly assisted Zack in getting his first NBA career block. Because Dunleavy Jr. was soft and easily pushed around, even Hassell, with his terrible ball-handling offense, could feel like Allen Iverson against him. However, as soon as Hassell drove into the paint, he looked back and saw an overwhelming sight.
Slap!
Standing nearby, Garnett, who kept pointing at himself, couldn't understand: was it really that hard to pass the ball to him? Throughout his career, Hassell averaged only 1.8 assists per game. His specialty was tough, sticky defense. As for offense? That was purely by chance.
Tonight, hounded by "French Jordan" Piétrus, Szczerbiak never got many good looks. And once this star forward, whom Garnett once punched in the face during practice, couldn't provide outside firepower for the Timberwolves, then this Wolves team's offensive ability could only be described as beyond salvation. Historically, the biggest problem for this Wolves team was indeed their offense. In terms of defense, in the 2005-06 season, the Timberwolves could limit opponents to an average of 93.6 points, ranking eighth in the league that season. But their average points per game was only 91.7, ranking third-to-last in the league. Although the roster wasn't ideal, a Wolves team with Garnett could maintain their defensive floor, but basketball, ultimately, is a game of who scores more.
In the first quarter, Zack, who filled up the stat sheet, scored a total of 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, and 1 turnover for the Warriors. On the scoreboard, it was 21-31. The visiting Timberwolves, trying to catch up, kept Garnett and Szczerbiak, a historically contentious inside-outside duo, on the court for the second quarter. At this time, it was common practice in the NBA for star players to play 40+ minutes per game. Most teams also only used an 8-man rotation. So, seeing Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey play dirty, Montgomery also put Zack back on the court after he rested for three minutes.
Zack's return quickly improved the Warriors' offense. Because Murphy had three-point range, Zack, who switched to center in the second quarter, would constantly use cross-screens with him to stretch the Wolves' interior defense. Troy Murphy, who had been knocked down by Zack in preseason training camp, had now completely forgotten his deep-seated grudge against Zack. On the court, after several times getting open looks thanks to Zack's screens, Murphy suddenly felt like he was in heaven. Honestly, if getting beaten up meant getting high-quality screens from the team's star player, then Murphy might agree to let Zack beat him up every day.
Tonight, the Warriors were clearly more energetic on offense than the demoralized Timberwolves. In the second quarter, with 5 minutes left, Jack successfully replaced Zack's college junior and delivered an alley-oop pass to Zack. This pass flew perfectly over Garnett's defensive area. In Zack's previous life, there was always a rumor circulating in the NBA that Garnett could touch the top of the backboard. Garnett had debunked this rumor more than once, saying, "No, not once, that's just a legend."
At the Oracle Arena, the incredibly agile Zack, after performing a one-handed "moon embrace" in the air, completed an alley-oop monster dunk that could only be described as a "rumor-buster," all under the shocked gaze of the entire arena. Because at this moment, looking at the height Zack reached, Garnett knew very well that it was a height he had never reached, even at 19 years old. (Note ②)
"Are all these young guys freaks?" In that moment, looking at Zack's youthful and energetic body, with a wingspan and standing reach superior to his own, Garnett, feeling his own increasing age, suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of crisis in his heart. "Can't wait any longer, Kevin! If young players like Zack grow up... where will you have a place in the NBA then?"
The Messiah Delivers: A Triple-Double Debut
Take a good look at this court, why are the fans here cheering? Because the alley-oop dunk Zack just completed fulfilled the Warriors fans' imagination of him. "This is our Messiah!" He can shake off defenders on the perimeter like "Tim Bug" Tim Hardaway. And he can also dominate the sky!
On the court, in the second quarter, Szczerbiak's outside shot bounced off the rim. Immediately after, Zack, grabbing the rebound, chose a clear, straight path and quickly strode towards the Wolves' half-court! Hassell, who had retreated first to the basket, had just turned around when Zack descended upon him like Mount Tai!
Bang!Clank!
In that moment, Hassell, unable to dodge, became Zack's first posterized victim in his NBA career. On the court, after violently slamming the ball into the basket, Zack immediately struck a pose similar to Usain Bolt's future celebration. This dunk even earned him an extra free throw, because Hassell was in the restricted area.
"I've seen many talented players' NBA career debuts, but I've never seen a player who, in just one half, could make me firmly believe that he will change the league's landscape in the future. If there was... that person could only be Michael Jordan!" Kenny Smith said on TNT, swallowing repeatedly, struggling to suppress his heart which felt like it could jump out at any moment.
Beside him, Barkley, extremely displeased, said, "Couldn't that person be Charles Barkley?"
Smith shook his head, "No... unless Charles Barkley has a championship ring."
Barkley: "..."
On TNT, Smith once again delivered a knockout blow to Barkley.
Meanwhile, at the Oracle Arena, at halftime, Warriors fans were a common sight, texting their friends and family, recounting the shock Zack had delivered in this opening game. At halftime, Zack's debut stats had risen to 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
In Houston, Yao Ming, who had just teamed up with Tracy McGrady to defeat the Kings, texted Zack, complaining, "Give me some face! If you keep playing like this... fans will just think I was terrible back then." In San Antonio, Duncan, who had no game tonight, also texted Zack, "From this moment on, I no longer like you, because in just one half... your scoring surpassed mine from back then." Unfortunately, Zack didn't check his phone during halftime, so he had no idea how complicated Yao Ming and Duncan's feelings were at that moment.
The Unspoken Alliance and History Made
After halftime, considering Piétrus was just returning from injury and the Warriors had built a 14-point lead in the first half, Coach Montgomery decisively replaced Piétrus with Mike Dunleavy Jr. As a result, Dunleavy Jr., who had apparently forgotten his previous "nut-shot" grudge against Zack, proactively approached Zack before the start of the third quarter.
"You're only five assists and one rebound away from a triple-double tonight, and I've never seen anyone put up those numbers in their career debut..."
At this moment, looking at Dunleavy Jr., who was wildly hinting, Zack smiled and said, "You want to help me achieve this great feat?"
Dunleavy Jr. nodded, "The Wolves' attention is all on you right now, and off-ball movement is my specialty."
As Dunleavy Jr. said, after adjusting at halftime, the defensive pressure Zack faced in the third quarter clearly intensified. After all, no matter how frustrated Garnett was, now that he had recovered, he didn't want to lose his dignity in front of a rookie.
On the court, after several possessions of battling, Zack observed Dunleavy Jr.'s movement. Utilizing Brown's screen, first faking a cut, then popping out, Dunleavy Jr. successfully got open in the right corner. Seeing this, Zack, who had the ball on the same side of the court, didn't hesitate. Swish!
Then, with 7 minutes and 45 seconds left in the third quarter, Dunleavy Jr. once again created an opportunity through off-ball movement. This time, using Zack's fake post-up to draw the attention of Garnett and Olowokandi, Dunleavy Jr. quietly cut to the basket, leveraging Brown's excellent screening. Seeing this, Zack smoothly threw the ball to the middle. Although Olowokandi immediately turned around, Dunleavy Jr. cleverly avoided Olowokandi's block with a low-hand layup. However, after scoring, Dunleavy Jr. deliberately ignored Zack, who wanted to high-five him in celebration. In the eyes of other Warriors players, Dunleavy Jr.'s action was clearly a way of venting his dissatisfaction about Zack nearly "neutering" him earlier. And to the Timberwolves players on the court, Dunleavy Jr. and Zack clearly didn't get along.
But... was that really the case?
"Don't keep looking at me. Trust my movement. Don't let the Timberwolves find out you're trying to get a triple-double, otherwise... they'll do anything to stop a rookie like you from getting one," Dunleavy Jr. whispered as he casually walked past Zack on the court.
Amazing! Truly amazing! In that instant, Zack realized that everyone on this Warriors team was a talent.
On the court, two minutes later, Zack connected with Dunleavy Jr. again. Although his defense was easily exploited, on offense, Dunleavy Jr.'s off-ball ability was indeed the best on this Warriors team. Plus, during halftime, the entire Wolves team had made a resolution not to let this rookie Zack get too cocky in the game, so, unconsciously, the Wolves' defense, constantly focusing on Zack alone, provided Dunleavy Jr. with an excellent stage to perform.
On the left side of the court, Dunleavy Jr. executed a classic sequence of fake cuts. After failing in his first attempt to cut, Dunleavy Jr. immediately used Richardson's screen to pull to the perimeter. At this point, Szczerbiak, who was guarding him, thought he was going to shoot a three-pointer and lunged forward. However, Dunleavy Jr.'s pull to the perimeter was a feint; his true intention was to continue cutting inside. Because Zack was positioned at the free-throw line on this play, the Wolves' cleared-out paint area offered the most scoring opportunities.
On the court, after receiving Zack's pass, Dunleavy Jr. quickly tipped the ball into the net. And at this moment, as the Oracle Arena's big screen displayed Zack's stats...
On TNT, Smith exclaimed in horror, "Is Zack going to get a triple-double in his career debut?!"
Beside him, Barkley's spirits lifted, "Only two more assists and one and a half quarters left! The Wolves are too late to stop Zack!"
Indeed, it was too late. Because on the Warriors' next offensive possession, the original "Beard Man," noticing Dunleavy Jr. secretly sucking up to Zack, received Zack's pass and immediately pulled up and drained a three-pointer. Davis's daring three-pointer over Jarić instantly turned the entire arena into a sea of joy.
"Just wanted an assist, didn't you? Why make it so hard?" Davis said indignantly, glaring at Dunleavy Jr. as he retreated on defense.
Meanwhile, Montgomery, who knew what had happened to the Warriors a month ago, was completely bewildered. He couldn't figure out when Zack had managed to win over these Warriors players, each with their own distinct personalities.
Did Zack truly "win over" these Warriors players? The answer was clearly no. It was just that through one offensive and defensive possession after another, Zack allowed this group of Warriors players to see something they had never seen before... that something was hope.
In the NBA, a team lacking morale and a team brimming with vitality are two fundamentally different concepts. The former, no matter how good their roster or how outstanding their star players, will struggle to perform at their full potential when facing the latter. Just like Kevin Garnett, who, by the end of the third quarter, had predictably put up 19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal for the Timberwolves. Was Garnett, then in his prime, not strong? Strong, yes, very strong. But was it effective?
In the final moments of the third quarter, Kwame Brown, who had successfully stolen Zack's first career assist earlier tonight, made a long two-point jump shot that even Zack couldn't believe, officially helping Zack achieve a triple-double. The Oracle Arena's big screen simultaneously displayed Zack's stats for the game: 21 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal.
A Historic Night and Future Hopes
A triple-double in his career debut. Since the NBA began keeping full statistical records, Zack had made history tonight! Perhaps at this moment, Zack was still some distance away from completely leading the Warriors out of the mire. But right now, this player, widely recognized as the most outstanding in American college basketball since Tim Duncan, made all Warriors fans believe: "The future is definitely ours!"
In the final quarter, Zack played "lightly" for five minutes before being substituted by Montgomery. This was because before Zack was taken out, the Timberwolves, trailing by 21 points on the court, had already pulled all their starters. Twenty years from now, a 21-point deficit with 7 minutes left might just be seven three-pointers away... but in 2005, the Wolves, knowing this night was already humiliating enough, decided to save face.
In the final quarter, as he was substituted, Garnett, who had put up 25 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal for the Timberwolves, walked directly to the player tunnel without looking back. In that moment, Garnett's mood was beyond words. Did Garnett truly get "beaten" by this rookie Zack in this game? That's impossible. After all, any fan who watched the game knew that being a one-man show was Garnett's most accurate portrayal tonight. But many years from now, how many fans will still remember the details of this game?
At the Oracle Arena, as the fourth quarter clock ran down to zero, the final score was frozen at 79-101. Zack, who finished the game with 26 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers for the Warriors, once again received the adoration of the entire arena. Some fans frantically took photos with their phones, some screamed in excitement, and some even chanted "MVP" for Zack.
Fans are always the most simple-hearted group of people in the world. As long as you can bring them joy, even if yesterday you were the reviled Bruno Fernandes, the next day you might become the beloved "Big B Brother."
Post-Game Interviews and Reactions
After the game, Zack was interviewed by ESPN. When asked about his career debut, Zack calmly said, "You know, I never care about my personal stats (referring to his immediate acceptance of Dunleavy Jr.'s hint). I care more about the team's performance as a whole. Tonight, we played excellent team basketball. In the game, Kwame, Baron, Troy, and Mike all showcased their strengths."
Then, when asked about making history, Zack said, "I didn't think it was very special (referring to him secretly laughing to himself on the bench in the fourth quarter), but I believe I've taken a solid step in the NBA, and I'm very satisfied with my performance tonight."
Finally, when asked about the Warriors' home atmosphere, Zack, finally able to drop the act, smiled and said, "Believe me, playing at the Oracle Arena is definitely the best experience of my life."
After a career debut night that would still bring joy even a decade later, the Warriors were scheduled to host the Jazz next.
Zack's Trolling and Rookie Reactions
That day, returning to his luxurious East Bay mansion, Zack was still buzzing with excitement. The first thing he did was to check on his good friend, Chris Paul. Although Paul probably didn't really want this "concern," on the phone, Zack, like a changed man, boasted to Paul for nearly half an hour: "Chris, you know, that alley-oop dunk I pulled off in front of Kevin Garnett will definitely be on tomorrow's Top 5 Plays. Honestly, Jarrett's pass wasn't good at all; it made me have to jump really hard, but no matter how high the ball was thrown, I could reach it... And those assists I made on the court... I feel like I'm Magic Johnson!"
Half an hour later, Paul's voice turned cold: "Is this what you call 'concern'?"
Hearing this, Zack quickly tried to salvage the conversation: "Oh right, Chris, how was your debut? I heard your opponent was the Hawks?"
At this, Paul immediately hung up. Because the Hawks' starting point guard was named Deron Williams. So, compared to Zack's explosive debut, Paul's career debut could only be described as extremely frustrating. That day, Paul just couldn't understand why the NBA would schedule the Hawks as the Jazz's opening night opponent.
"In Denver, Kobe led the Lakers to a convincing win over the Nuggets with a last-second shot, announcing the powerful return of the 'Black Mamba'." — Los Angeles Times
"Deron Williams scored 17 points and 9 assists in his career debut, but the Hawks lost 96-107 on the road to the Jazz. Andrei Kirilenko incredibly put up 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals in the game." — ESPN News Flash
"LeBron James was instrumental, scoring 31 points for the Cavaliers in their opening night game." — Cleveland Plain Dealer
"How to describe Zack, who got a triple-double in his career debut? Charles Barkley said he could only think of the word 'phenomenon'." — TNT Post-Game Review
"Surveys show that over 90% of Warriors fans think Zack's new look is awesome." — San Francisco Chronicle
Support me by leaving a comment, voting, and visiting my Patreon at belamy20