Daba finally got a chance to play during the substitution time, but no one passed him the ball. How could he showcase his abilities if he couldn't even touch the ball?
Daba could only rely on grabbing rebounds under the basket to get second-chance opportunities. However, playing in such a manner was incredibly frustrating.
Consequently, in the three games that had already concluded, Daba's statistics were dismal.
In the first game, he played 5 minutes and recorded 0 points and 3 rebounds.
In the second game, he played 6 minutes and scored 2 points and 4 rebounds.
In the third game, he played 4 minutes and scored 1 point and 2 rebounds.
Compared to Yao Ming, who was thriving with the Spurs, Daba's current situation with the Nuggets was terrible.
However, when hosting He Xi Meng and Yao Ming for barbecue, Daba didn't complain. He simply stated that he was still adapting to the NBA's pace and hadn't integrated into the Nuggets' collective yet, but he was working hard.
Regarding the future, Daba said with a smile, "If I can't stay, I'll go back! It's not like I'll starve!"
Among the three great Chinese centers, He Xi Meng and Da Zhi had a relatively deep personal connection with Da Yao. He only had a casual relationship with Daba.
One reason was Daba's older age and seniority. He Xi Meng had an unpleasant experience when he first joined the national team.
Now, the three reunited in a foreign land, sitting at the same table to eat steak. He Xi Meng gained a deeper understanding of this quiet, somewhat temperamental senior.
Daba was not a bad person, just very straightforward. He could be easily misled by people with ulterior motives, but once he recognized someone, he was the kind of loyal friend who would go through fire and water for them!
A meal of Denver's finest steak at a Western restaurant erased the past unpleasantness between He Xi Meng and Daba.
Furthermore, considering Daba's current predicament, He Xi Meng felt he was at least 50% responsible.
Therefore, He Xi Meng decided to help Daba within his capabilities.
The next day, before the Spurs' game against the Nuggets officially began, He Xi Meng proactively approached the Nuggets' bench and sought out Nick Van Exel.
"Hey, Nick, a word?"
Van Exel was surprised that He Xi Meng would approach him first. Their relationship wasn't at that level.
"Sure, let's talk! This is my home court, I'm not afraid you'll set a trap for me!"
Van Exel, holding a basketball, walked to the sideline with He Xi Meng, looking vigilant.
"I want to make a bet with you!"
"What kind of bet?"
"The outcome of the game, the score, the number of assists... anything you think is bet-worthy, I'll bet with you! I know you've always resented me. What do you say, consider it?"
Van Exel stared at He Xi Meng with ill intent. "You took my starting spot with the Lakers, of course, I'm not convinced by you!"
"But you're here for him, aren't you?" Van Exel gestured towards Daba.
"Yes! If I win, you have to promise me to play Daba in 10 games, ensuring he gets at least 15 minutes per game and at least 3 shot attempts per game..."
"I'm not the coach, betting with me on this is useless..."
"Don't give me that! You and I both know that as the team leader, you can handle this. Or perhaps, you have no confidence you can beat me?"
He Xi Meng employed a slight provocation, and Van Exel, knowing it was a ploy, couldn't help but fall for it.
"I have no confidence? I'll lose to you? I'm just worried you don't have a chip that can tempt me..."
"One million dollars! If I lose, I'll give you one million dollars."
"You're offering one million dollars to buy playing time for that guy?"
"Yes! The guy you're talking about is my friend! I'm spending money to buy you giving him a chance!"
"I didn't realize it! Xi Meng, you're such a rational person, yet you have such a crazy side..."
"So, do you dare to bet?"
"Alright! Just for your words, 'my friend,' I'll give you this chance! However, I won't bet on the game's outcome. We'll bet on points and assists!
If my score exceeds yours, one million!
If my assists exceed yours, another million!
And you must surpass me in both points and assists, and the game must not be lost for you to win!
Do you dare?"
"You're adding money? Then the stakes must be raised! Twenty games, at least 18 minutes per game, and at least 5 shot attempts per game!"
"Deal!"
He Xi Meng and Van Exel bumped fists and shook hands, sealing the bet.
To outsiders, they looked like two old friends catching up.
However, Duncan knew their relationship. Seeing their unusual behavior, he immediately approached them, asking, "What conspiracy are you two plotting?"
"No conspiracy! Just a small bet!"
"Gambling? That's a vice! The old man hates it when we gamble, you'd better be careful..."
"We're betting on who gets more points and assists in this game! Whoever has more wins!"
Upon hearing the terms of the bet, Duncan's mind raced. "This bet, I think it's a good one!"
Because this way, He Xi Meng would definitely go all out in this game! He Xi Meng generally didn't slack off on organizing and assisting. But when it came to scoring, He Xi Meng usually slacked off whenever he could, much like Duncan...
Once He Xi Meng exerted himself, it meant Duncan's scoring pressure for this game could be greatly reduced!
"This is a great bet! Must support it!"
"There's a little something extra!"
"What's the extra? Can I raise the stakes?"
"No! Gambling is a vice, and the old man hates it when we gamble. You can't participate..."
"Huh? That sounds familiar?"
...
The Nuggets' starting lineup this season was center Dan Schayle, power forward Chris Carr, small forward James Posey, shooting guard Ty Corbin, and point guard Nick Van Exel.
To be frank, their inside game was extremely weak, and their outside game was mediocre.
At least, without the Spurs offering any "help," the Nuggets' probability of defeating the Spurs was less than thirty percent. This was precisely why Van Exel adamantly refused to bet on the game's outcome with He Xi Meng. A situation where individual effort could barely turn the tide of defeat was something only a fool would agree to bet on!
Van Exel was only occasionally erratic, not foolish.
Even with the Spurs' roster depth, Van Exel didn't have a high chance of winning against He Xi Meng in terms of either scoring or assists alone.
In terms of scoring, He Xi Meng could rely on the inside dominance of the twin towers to control the boards and shoot wildly from the perimeter.
In terms of assists, He Xi Meng could also rely on the scoring ability of the twin towers in the low post and feed them the ball constantly.
Therefore, Van Exel set a rather harsh condition for He Xi Meng: he had to surpass him in both scoring and assists for the bet to be considered won.
In other words, He Xi Meng had to excel in scoring, assists, and the game's outcome simultaneously, while Van Exel only needed to give his all in one aspect...