As the fusion bar climbed rapidly, Zhou Yuan could feel every fiber of his body shifting.
His muscles swelled and hardened, bones lengthened and strengthened, his organs burned with heat as if unlocking hidden power.
In terms of height and wingspan, he had already been similar to Giannis.
But muscle mass, stamina, explosiveness, speed, agility… he was galaxies away from peak Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Greek Freak was one of the most physically gifted players in NBA history—
A big man's height, a guard's speed, monstrous hands, strides that devoured the court.
Even without a reliable jumper, he had bullied his way to two MVP trophies on sheer physical dominance.
Flawed? Yes.
But when it came to raw talent, Giannis was a walking cheat code.
[Ding! 100%. Congratulations! Host has successfully fused with Peak Giannis Antetokounmpo's body template.]
The moment fusion completed, Zhou Yuan felt his body expand, his frame thickening with power.
Muscles like steel cords. Explosiveness boiling inside him like a volcano ready to erupt.
"God, this feels incredible… so this is what it means to wield absolute talent?" Zhou Yuan exhaled in awe.
[Ding! System grants Random Newbie Reward: Kevin Durant Shooting Package]
"…???" Zhou Yuan froze.
Kevin Durant's shooting package?
Everyone knew KD's jumper was one of the deadliest weapons in NBA history.
A seven-footer with a guard's agility, and a shooting stroke no defender could stop. That unstoppable mid-range and three-pointer was what made Durant rule the league.
"So you're telling me… I've got Giannis's peak body plus Durant's shooting package? Holy sh*t!"
Zhou Yuan couldn't help but curse out loud.
Even if every other skill of his was trash, those two alone were enough to let him dominate the NBA!
Before he could dwell on it further, a calm but slightly trembling voice cut through his thoughts.
It was Phil Jackson.
The Zen Master—arguably the greatest coach of all time.
He had guided Jordan's Bulls to six championships, led Shaq and Kobe to build the Lakers dynasty, and added another title just last year.
Ten rings as a coach, two as a player—twelve in total. In NBA history, only the legendary Red Auerbach had more.
But tonight, Jackson was chasing his thirteenth.
"Zhou Yuan. Get in the game."
The words were calm, but the old fox's voice carried tension. He would never throw a benchwarmer like Zhou Yuan into a Finals Game 7 unless it was the last resort.
Bynum was out injured. Odom had fouled out. Only Pau Gasol remained inside. Jackson needed two big men to crash the boards in case Kobe's final shot missed.
Mbenga? He had been terrible—0 for 4 shooting, only 1 rebound, 3 turnovers.
Compared to him, Zhou Yuan was the lesser risk.
Jackson didn't waste words. "If the shot doesn't go in, fight for that damn rebound. This is your best chance to prove you belong in the league."
When Zhou Yuan peeled off his warm-up jacket, ready to check in, the TNT broadcast booth nearly fell off their chairs.
Charles Barkley's eyes bulged. "Unbelievable! Phil Jackson is sending in that Chinese kid. But then again, the Lakers really have no big men left."
Kenny Smith laughed. "Come on, there's no way he grabs a rebound over Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. Pray Kobe hits the game-winner."
Barkley chuckled darkly. "Exactly. This Chinese player is way too skinny. I've been proven wrong by Yao before, but this kid? No chance. KG and Perk are monsters—they'll eat him alive."
On the other side of the Pacific—
CCTV-5 live broadcast.
Hosts Yu Jia and Coach Zhang Weiping were practically spitting into their microphones with excitement.
Coach Zhang's voice trembled, "The last shot is obviously Kobe's. The others will spread the floor, and the big men must crash the boards. That's the right move."
Yu Jia nearly shouted, "And look—Phil Jackson has just sent Zhou Yuan onto the court! This is history in the making—the first time a Chinese player has ever stepped onto the floor of an NBA Finals Game 7!"
"Exactly. He hasn't played a single minute all season, yet now he's creating history. Let's hope he can record at least one stat tonight, and win a championship ring."
On the court, Kobe gathered his teammates. His eyes burned like a predator ready to strike.
The Black Mamba's will to win was no less than Jordan's.
He was determined to kill the Celtics here and now, to avenge past humiliations, and to seal this clash of titans with victory.
The referee's whistle blew.
Both teams stepped onto the hardwood.
The final battle was about to begin.