Chapter 21: Diamonds And Rust
The ongoing hype surrounding Xu Ling and Kevin Durant has earned Texas Tech University and University of Texas’s spotlight game national broadcast treatment.
At halftime, the score was tied at 46-42, with Texas Tech University temporarily leading by 4 points. Xu Ling and Kevin Durant lived up to expectations, delivering an extremely exciting halftime showdown together.
However, in the eyes of all spectators, Xu Ling’s performance was clearly superior.
The stats showed Xu Ling shooting 8-of-11 in the half for an efficient 20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals; while Kevin Durant went 9-of-15 for 22 points and 5 rebounds.
Despite Kevin Durant’s higher scoring, that seemed to be his only area of “advantage.” In contrast, Xu Ling not only played extremely smart but also fully demonstrated his versatility combining on-ball and off-ball play, especially his outstanding performance on defense.
Although Kevin Durant’s scoring and efficiency looked good, a large portion came in mismatch situations. Facing Xu Ling’s tight defense, Durant was inconsistent. Conversely, Xu Ling repeatedly scored over Durant, undoubtedly exposing Durant’s defensive shortcomings.
However, even if Kevin Durant’s performance was slightly inferior to Xu Ling’s, it wouldn’t have any negative impact on him. His issues like poor physicality, insufficient core strength, and massive room for improvement on defense were well-known facts.
Xu Ling merely amplified these “old problems,” but that wouldn’t shake the scouts’ evaluation of Kevin Durant.
Xu Ling, on the other hand, could actually exploit these weaknesses.
Exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses isn’t basic game operation? No, that’s when both sides are evenly matched with equal talent.
For someone like Kevin Durant, even if you know his weaknesses, it’s usually hard to limit him.
But Xu Ling did it.
When early pressure defense wasn’t effective, he changed his defensive approach, putting Durant at a disadvantage in the matchup.
To correct this, University of Texas unprecedentedly designed numerous screens and pick-and-roll cuts for Kevin Durant, using heavy rotations to slow Xu Ling’s defense.
In the end, both delivered wonderful halftime performances, but Xu Ling’s earned greater praise.
As ESPN commentator Dan Shulman said: “Generational talents like Greg Oden and Kevin Durant usually emerge only once every five years. What’s most special this year is that two top geniuses appeared in the same draft class. Since the millennium, KD could be the number 1 draft pick in any draft except 2003. Seeing a player like him compete in college is a blessing—so when we see KD suppressed by Eli on the court, it’s truly unbelievable, but baby, that’s college basketball; you never know who will suddenly burst out and knock you down hard!”
“Yes!” Dick Vitale excitedly agreed, “These two are the hottest rising stars in the Big 12 league, both receiving massive attention and hype, and tonight, their performances all surpassed the hype, especially Eli! If I were Chad Ford, I’d put Eli in the top ten of mock draft predictions right after the game! After this half, you absolutely can’t convince me there are eight college players better than Eli in the world!”
Without a doubt, Xu Ling was the big winner of the first half.
Right in front of United Spirit Arena, NBA legend pioneer “LOGO” Jerry West and his assistant Laura Grantham were seated there.
Grantham couldn’t help but sigh: “TTU’s No. 1 stole all the spotlight!”
West didn’t speak.
“But aren’t we here to watch Kevin Durant?” Grantham asked. “Jerry, what do you think?”
What do I think?
The 69-year-old LOGO Man originally didn’t want to watch this game.
Yes, he knew Durant was a once-in-a-decade genius and believed Oden would be the next big name, but such judgments didn’t require him, hailed as the NBA’s greatest team builder, to make; their talents were that obvious.
He had no need to scout them in person, honestly; what the Grizzlies needed most was to hire a wizard for spiritual medium sessions for the team to pray for luck in the draft lottery months away.
But why did I still come here?
West stared fixedly at the sideline, where TTU’s No. 1 was being interviewed. He was considered the most arrogant player in the NCAA because he aimed to be the modern Jordan. But he never responded to the crowd’s cheers. So was he an arrogant superstar who shirked public responsibility?
West didn’t know; they were dozens of meters apart, too far to judge a player’s character, but he sensed a familiar aura in him.
He started by successfully defending Durant, then led the game with offense, and finally used defense to make Durant invisible for a stretch; if not for the Longhorns’ coaching staff finding a counter, the halftime matchup might have ended in that No. 1’s complete victory.
West noticed No. 1 switched multiple defensive styles against Durant. Though still immature, with rough details and some ineffective, how many young players delved into the essence of the game like him?
Every defensive failure, West saw No. 1 stand blankly, lost in thought and reflection, then improve in the next possession.
West had seen many players with rising offensive curves—basketball is about outscoring—but how many could adjust on the fly to make their defense curve rise?
As for his offense, it went without saying.
Facing Durant without backing down offensively meant he had top-five national offensive firepower.
And unlike some scoring kings reliant on college physicality and team systems, No. 1’s offense looked fully translatable to the NBA.
“Well, my take…” West said, “TTU’s No. 1 might be better than Rudy.”
Grantham was startled.
Eli better than Rudy? Such an assessment from Jerry West?
“Jerry, are you serious?”
Grantham hoped West would recall what they gave up for Rudy Gay—they traded Shane Battier, West’s favorite Grizzlies player!
West had no fondness or ill will toward Xu Ling; he just evaluated every young player systematically.
Tonight, he gave TTU’s No. 1 a rough assessment, and that was the result.
“Yes, he’s already a better player than Rudy.” And West’s unspoken thought was—I don’t think Rudy will ever play like him.
Analyzing if a player is mediocre takes exhaustive work: massive stats and game samples, ruling out possibilities, concluding: okay, he’s a bust, stop wasting time.
But evaluating a good player? Or a great one?
West decided on Kobe after 15 minutes of tryout; tonight after a half, he knew no need to watch more.
Durant was a true genius, but TTU’s No. 1 was like a glowing gem attracting the LOGO Man.
He resisted the attraction, but some impulse kept him watching.
In the distance, Celtics GM Danny Ainge had left, clearly having seen what he wanted.
Why am I still here?
West’s inner voice went unheard as the second half was about to begin.
Coach Rick Barnes clearly dropped some harsh words in the locker room. At the start of the second half, the Longhorns’ posture fundamentally changed.
They no longer simply pushed the ball over halfcourt to find Durant but executed disciplined tactical play.
Core point guard D.J. Augustin became the offensive initiator. Using his small, agile frame and speed, he frequently ran pick-and-roll with bigs. On the first possession, Augustin used the screen to drive into the paint, drawing Xu Ling’s instinctive help defense attention—in that instant, Augustin flicked his wrist for a bounce pass precisely to rolling center Darian James, who easily laid it in.
This was a clear signal: the Longhorns no longer let Durant’s isolation dominate the offense.
Next possession, they repeated. Augustin drove, TTU’s defense collapsed again; this time, the ball went to corner shooter Justin Mason, who drained a three without hesitation.
Less than a minute into the second half, the Longhorns overtook the lead with team offense!
These two successful possessions were like cold water on United Spirit Arena’s hot atmosphere. TTU’s defense hesitated; they couldn’t double and help on Durant and Augustin recklessly like the first half, as the Longhorns’ other threats proved they could punish open shots. This precisely gave Durant precious strategic space—he no longer faced max pressure every time, and could use off-ball movement, teammates’ gravity for mismatches or catch-and-shoot chances. He got breathing room and more freedom.
Coach Bob Knight roared on the sideline, furious at defensive communication lapses. But he didn’t panic, immediately countering.
He didn’t have Xu Ling chase Augustin or close out shooters, knowing locking the opponent’s ace was key; everything they did was to free Durant from Xu Ling’s death grip.
So Knight gave Xu Ling a clear order: “Keep biting Durant, don’t let go even if it kills you!”
Moreover, Texas Tech didn’t have Xu Ling respond immediately with isolation; instead, they used him as the tactical hub and off-ball threat.
Knight directed Xu Ling to receive at the free-throw line elbow. Durant tensed for isolation. But Xu Ling jab-stepped, then passed to Martin Zeno curling off double screens from the baseline. Zeno shot; Durant’s attention on Xu Ling made his switch a beat slow.
Swish!
TTU quickly regained the lead!
Next possession, Longhorns drove-and-kicked again, but not every drive works; this time they turned it over.
Back to Texas Tech offense, Xu Ling faked weakside movement, then backdoor cut to the basket. Meanwhile, point guard Dora’s pass sailed over defenders to the cutting Xu Ling. Durant trailed by half a step, watching Xu Ling eurostep layup through contact.
This set the second-half tone: Longhorns tried team play to free Durant, Red Raiders stuck to Xu Ling-centric system, pressuring Durant on both ends.
Five minutes into the half, the score seesawed like beasts trying to tear each other’s throats, alternating ties and leads without a knockout.
Longhorns offense clock winding down, after rushed passes, the ball inevitably returned to top-of-key Durant.
Xu Ling shadowed him like glue, arms wide, stance low, denying drive or shot space.
Forced, Durant used insane talent: extreme fadeaway, nearly off-balance, rising into Xu Ling’s face-long arms for high-arc fadeaway jumper!
Bang… swish!
The ball rimmed out front then lucked in.
Longhorns led again.
Post-make, Durant landed hard, staggering before steadying. This lucky bucket didn’t bring joy but ignited pent-up humiliation and rage. Early restrictions, opponent’s rising activity vs. his stagnation, near-lockdown embarrassment—all crashed his reason.
Durant roared trash talk at just-landed Xu Ling: “See that?! You can’t guard me, bitch! Keep clinging like a mad dog no matter how hard you try!”
Xu Ling said nothing, just gave him an expressionless look; he’d seen that emotional breakdown.
Unfortunately, in unhealthy films—the Italian stallion Rocco, industry emperor, once pushed an opponent to the limit, making her scream for mercy, then slapped her: “That’s not the safe word!”
That’s Durant now.
A generational genius with eyes above his head—if not for Oden above, destined NBA number 1 draft pick. How could such a humble-seeming guy accept a recent riser suppressing him?
This humiliation could twist anyone’s psyche.
Xu Ling raised for the ball from the right wing.
Ball in hand, teammates cleared one side.
“Spread out! Let him iso!” Knight roared from the sideline.
Xu Ling in triple threat vs. Durant, who tensed.
Xu Ling exploded right with super-quick hesitation dribble, first step lightning, gaining half-body then bumping Durant, powering to the rim! Durant long-armed interference, but Xu Ling rose steady through contact, mini-euro to avoid block, right-hand finger roll good.
After the make, Xu Ling jogged by Durant, voice low but cutting: “Keep going, I’m waiting for your next lucky shot.”
Reason-burned Durant demanded ball, pull-up from three-point line.
“Bang!”
“Is that all you got?”
Xu Ling asked.
“Shut up!” Durant bellowed.
Xu Ling received again same spot.
This time Durant guarded tighter, fearing drive. Xu Ling rapid crossover dribbles changing rhythm, sudden shot fake—Durant wary of drive, lifted slightly.
In that instant, Xu Ling pulled up smooth, jump-shot fluid, no hesitation.
Swish!
Xu Ling eyed Durant’s twisted face, coolly: “Now who looks like the frantic, powerless mad dog?”
Durant didn’t demand more, but after rounds of iso, teammates lost early second-half tactical feel; halfcourt misses too. Texas Tech pushed fast break, three-man weave: Martin Zeno to Xu Ling to Julius Jackson, captain drained pull-up three. Lead stretched to 6, no longer tight.
Red Raiders clutched 6-point lead; Longhorns post-timeout ramped defense, both teams’ shooting plummeted.
Intensity surpassed regular regular season game, like March Madness final seconds: every contact wrestling clash, muscle thuds and jersey rips constant. Paint positioning pure brawl, elbows, shoulders, chests weapons for space.
Gap held at 6; couldn’t expand or shrink. Final minutes, shots like 1,000-pound weights: bricks, turnovers, airballs.
Game nearing last 80 seconds; Texas Tech steady meant victory.
Longhorns offense, passes but no clean looks. Clock under 5 seconds, ball to top-key D.J. Augustin vs. TTU defender, time nearly gone!
Clutch moment, Augustin pump-faked drive for sliver space, no hesitation, rose from step behind three-point line! Body faded, hurling with all might!
Swish!!!
80-77!
“DJ! Augustin! He hit it! God! Longhorns alive! Down by 3!”
Pressure flipped to leading Texas Tech.
45 seconds left.
Knight called timeout, set conservative offense to burn clock for best shot.
Restart, TTU frontcourt inbound.
Ball safely to Xu Ling, steady dribble slowing pace, scanning teammates’ movement.
He milked clock to ~10 seconds before attacking.
Suddenly, Xu Ling quick start, handoff with Julius Jackson at top.
Xu Ling flared to wing post-handoff, pulling defense for Jackson iso.
But Jackson vs. tight D no shot; dribble hesitant, Longhorns rotations quick, denying drive/shot.
Clock ticking, Jackson lobbed back to baseline-moving Xu Ling.
Risky pass—Xu Ling in motion, Durant anticipated passing lane, lunged!
In a flash, ball grazed Xu Ling’s fingertips, sailed out of bounds!
“Beep—!” Ref whistled, pointed to TTU frontcourt baseline.
Fatal turnover! Possession changed!
United Spirit Arena erupted in gasps and sighs; Longhorns saw lifeline!
Julius Jackson hands-on-head, distraught; Xu Ling stone-faced. Damn key mistake—mainly lack of chemistry with Jackson, not knowing each other’s comfort zones.
But game not over.
25 seconds left.
Longhorns ball, chance to tie.
University of Texas called final timeout for crucial possession.
TTU still up 3.
Knight on tactical board detailed, then: “They’ll likely rely on Kevin Durant to solve it, Eli—tonight’s on you! Guard this, we win!”
Xu Ling: “Coach, you’re really good at pressuring me at bad times.”
“Shut up!” Knight roared. “Go!!!”
Clock like inverted hourglass devouring Longhorns’ hope. Patient set play, but TTU steel D thwarted; time drained, despair spread on Longhorns bench.
Clock near zero, chaos: D.J. Augustin corralled loose ball amid pileup, last-second desperation to tightly guarded Durant.
Durant stumbled to receive step behind three. Instant receipt, Xu Ling ghosted on, zero shot space.
Crowd rose as one.
No time.
Durant crossover change of direction—Xu Ling slid lightning-fast, position sealed; Durant instinctive step-back, Xu Ling mirrored, long arms blinded view.
Tactics failed; only talent instinct left.
6 seconds: super talent cornered chose wildest—lean on Xu Ling, drift back, extreme fadeaway near-parallel to floor, core strength and touch hurled high toward basket!
Arc absurdly high, like piercing arena roof.
Xu Ling’s block maxed, fingertips grazed bottom. But irrelevant to D—pure fate.
“God bless America!!!” Someone screamed sideline.
Knight clenched jaw sideline, hearing own heartbeat.
80-80!
Durant, massive disadvantage, nailed game-tying buzzer-beater!
Landed hard post-make, no stagger—instead strode forward facing Xu Ling, suppressed all night, pent-up frustration/humiliation exploded into broken roar: “See that?! You can’t guard me! Never!!”
Longhorns bench went wild, players stormed court celebrating hell-escape.
4.8 seconds left.
Texas Tech final possession.
Knight instinctively headed for scorer’s table for timeout, sideline play.
But mid-step, he saw Xu Ling.
Xu Ling ignored roaring Durant, no frustration/urgency, ignored Knight—instead bolted baseline, “snatched” ball from ref, did something stunning everyone incl. Knight.
No inbound to teammate—instead clutched one-handed at baseline, eyed clock, signaled Knight: no timeout!
Then shoved to baseline teammate Daryl Dora, strode inbound.
4.8 seconds.
Arena roar irrelevant. No roar, no panic—like practice, caught Dora’s pass, “strolling” advance dribble.
“What’s he doing?!?!” Longhorns head coach Rick Barnes panicked. “Squeeze! Delay him!!!”
Nearest Longhorns woke, lunged to stop.
But Xu Ling’s push unchanged. Light behind-the-back dribble + rhythm shift slipped eel-like through double team, fluid, no second wasted.
Two seconds gone, casually crossed halfcourt logo.
Kevin Durant, fresh off game-tyer, sprinted back, long arms wall at three-point line.
Last second.
Xu Ling no slow, no drive. Two full steps（ ~8-9 meters） behind three-point line, as practiced million times, sudden euro-step? No—abrupt stop, gather, rise!
Choice absurdly far, insanely far, crazily far—Jerry West’s pupils shrank.
Durant’s max block palm futile. Xu Ling’s height/speed not post-marathon fatigue.
Ball left fingertips as buzzer pierced air.
Ball arced extreme high rainbow carrying all hope, flight eternal as century.
“My God!!! Eli Xu—he shot! Cosmic three from at least nine meters!!” Dan Shulman’s roar cracked. “Time expired—ball still flying! Flying—!!!”
Swish!!!!!!!!!!!
Crisper, deadlier net than Durant’s—exploded!
“He did it!!! In! God witness, history! Red Raiders buzzer-beater! Eli Xu answered Kevin Durant’s tie with unbelievable logo three! Beat Longhorns and Durant! Unbelievable!!”
Arena dead silent instant, then TTU bench eruption and crowd gasps swallowed all.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━
“From today, Eli Xu is an unignorable name in basketball!”
—《Associated Press》, reporter Jim Litke（Jim Litke）, January 16, 2007
“Texas is lucky with once-in-decade genius Kevin Durant, but this night belongs to Texas Tech’s Eli Xu.”
—《ESPN》, reporter Andy Katz（Andy Katz）, January 16, 2007
“If Eli Xu isn’t in your lottery predictions, you’re making a professional mistake.”
—《Sports Illustrated》, reporter Grant Wahl（Grant Wahl）, January 16, 2007
“Bob Knight’s last genius streaked like meteor; Eli Xu’s LOGO Shot buzzer-beater rocked college basketball.”
—《Fox Sports》, reporter Jeff Goodman（Jeff Goodman）, January 16, 2007
“When Kevin Durant cornered Texas Tech, TTU’s Chinese gunman pulled trigger.”
—《CBS Sports》, commentator Greg Anthony（Greg Anthony）, January 16, 2007
CBS Sports excerpt: “Eli Xu didn’t make Durant ‘lose the game’; he forced this genius to be perfect or get countered. Durant played number 1 draft pick level, but Eli waited for slip, then finished. Game needs brains and touch—he had both.”
Post-game notes
When Xu Ling extricated from teammates’ wild celebration, like fool to coach, no immediate praise.
Knight gritted: “Next time you stop my timeout for stupid pig buzzer-beater, I’ll kill you!”
Xu Ling nodded.
“But damn, you hit a helluva shot!” Knight grinned. “Good job.”
Though I have debt-owing history, trust: with stockpile, I’ll extra on climaxes. Enough chat—hand over votes, don’t make me beg on knees.
