When Tracy McGrady voiced his opinion that Su Xi would take the final shot—feeling he was the Cavaliers’ player with the biggest killer instinct—Rivers used his authority as head coach to overrule him.

McGrady had no choice but to stick with guarding James.

Meanwhile, Davis ran over to set a crossing screen for Su Xi, who then easily got to the top of the arc.

Carlos Boozer immediately passed him the ball.

Su Xi caught the ball with no one in front or behind him. He quickly jumped, releasing the shot with his left hand... It sailed in a beautiful arc... SWISH!

It’s in.

This brought Su Xi’s total to 12 points for the night on his 10th shot attempt of the game.

The ball tore through Orlando’s net.

It left the Magic with only 2.7 seconds on the clock.

Su Xi stuck to McGrady like glue. McGrady twisted and turned but couldn’t shake him. Tyronn Lue got the ball, took two frantic steps, and heaved it from half-court... BANG!

The ball clanked off the front of the rim, giving everyone a huge scare. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

A wave of shocked screams erupted from the Water House Center Arena, only to be cut short abruptly.

The Cavaliers had won.

Su Xi had hit the first game-winner of his career.

He finished the game with 12 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block.

Most importantly, he had acquired Tracy McGrady’s Super Coordination Talent.

After the game, Tracy McGrady made a point to walk over and shake Su Xi’s hand. He praised him, "Not a bad performance. If you get the chance, come to Orlando and be my supporting player."

Su Xi just smiled and replied, "We’ll see who’s supporting who in the future, Tracy."

McGrady burst out laughing. He liked Su Xi’s confidence.

Later, during a media interview, he showered Su Xi with praise. "That kid might not be a smooth talker—he says things that can get under your skin. But after facing off against him in this game, I realized he’s not arrogant or conceited. He’s genuine, persistent, and resolute. He has the purest love for basketball, especially on defense. He’s not just committed; he actually enjoys it."

"I like young players like that. I take back what I said about him before. I was just stirring the pot for fun; I didn’t really know him."

"Oh, right. He’s an honest guy. He said Chris Webber has no talent, but he also said I’m the most talented perimeter player he’s ever seen. You can ask him."

McGrady said all that just to set up that final line.

He even gave a smug wink.

After all, he was only 24. Of the four great shooting guards, he was the youngest.

When the same reporter asked Su Xi about it, he answered honestly, "Yes, McGrady is indeed the most talented perimeter player I’ve ever matched up against, but I don’t know whether he or LeBron James is more talented."

"As for who’s the hardest to defend, the most dangerous perimeter player? Kobe? Or Cameron Anthony?" Su Xi tossed out two other familiar names.

The reporter then asked Su Xi how he felt about hitting the game-winner.

"It was alright," Su Xi answered honestly. "It was no different from taking a shot in practice. LeBron and Ricky drew most of the defenders, so I just had to make an open shot."

"You didn’t feel anything special before you took the shot? That was the shot that decided the game," the reporter pressed.

"No. A shot is a shot," Su Xi said earnestly.

At that moment, Larry Bird, who was watching on TV, was deeply impressed. He remarked, "Now that’s what I call flexing. So smooth. The kid is just like me."

As was his habit, Bird was watching the game on TV tonight. He considered it a low-level contest and had no interest in the power struggle between James and Davis. His attention was completely fixed on the showdown between Su Xi and McGrady, and he was especially delighted by Su Xi’s progress throughout the game.

This further solidified his determination to acquire Su Xi.

He started making calls to his friends, especially those who were commentators, basketball pundits, and sports journalists.

He knew he had to lock down a deal for Su Xi before the All-Star break.

The longer he waited, the more Su Xi would reveal just how sharp he was, and the harder he would be to acquire.

...