NBA: Built to Dominate

Alex Mo Drops a Bombshell

Wait…

What?

What did Alex Mo just say?

Coach Del Harris stared at him, completely stunned.

Did he hear that correctly?

This entire conversation had started because Harris wanted Alex to focus more on playing inside instead of taking so many perimeter shots.

As a center, that would be a more traditional role.

Instead…

Alex just asked to play small forward.

A 6'11" (2.11m) small forward?!

This was unheard of.

Sure, Alex's skill set resembled a forward more than a typical big man, but that didn't change the fact that NBA small forwards are usually around 6'7" (2.01m).

At most, a 6'9" (2.06m) forward could play both small forward and power forward.

But 6'11"?!

Harris took a deep breath.

"You're serious?" he asked cautiously.

"I'm not some old-school coach who refuses to accept change," Harris continued. "I know your skill set is unique, and I'm open to adjustments."

"But for now, our official roster lists you as a power forward and center."

"If you want to change positions, let's start with power forward first."

That was a reasonable compromise.

While a 7-foot small forward seemed absurd, a stretch power forward wasn't completely unheard of.

"Fine," Alex said with a shrug. "But if I have the chance, I'd still rather play small forward."

"It'll take time to change the official listing," Harris said. "Let's wait a little while."

November 8 – The Lakers Face the Bucks

After a two-day break, the Lakers flew to Milwaukee for their next game at the Bradley Center.

The Bucks had a strong team this year:

Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, Vin Baker (All-Star power forward), Sharif Abdur-Rahim (highly touted rookie from Cal, considered a draft steal)

So far, Milwaukee had won all three games, just like the Lakers.

Two undefeated teams were about to clash—someone's winning streak was about to end.

"This is a showdown between two unbeaten teams," the ESPN commentator hyped.

"No matter what, one team is going to suffer their first loss tonight!"

Then, he glanced at the starting lineups and was shocked.

"Wait a minute… the Lakers have moved Alex Mo to power forward!"

The Lineup Change

Coach Harris wasn't kidding.

The Lakers' new starting five:

PG: Allen Iverson SG: Byron Scott SF: Cedric Ceballos PF: Alex Mo C: Elden Campbell

Alex was officially the starting power forward.

Campbell moved from power forward to center, while Alex shifted from center to power forward.

Bucks Players React

Meanwhile, during warmups, Glenn Robinson noticed the lineup change.

"Yo, Vin," he said, nudging Vin Baker.

"Looks like that kid switched to power forward."

Vin raised an eyebrow.

"Wait… you think he's coming for me?"

Before Baker could answer, Andrew Lang, the Bucks' center, laughed.

"Guys, it's obvious," Lang said confidently.

"He switched positions because he's afraid of me."

Lang, a 7-footer with a strong, muscular frame, was known for his elite rebounding and physical defense.

Scoring wasn't his specialty, but bullying people in the paint?

That was his game.

Lang flexed his arms for emphasis.

"If that kid wanted a real man's battle inside, he wouldn't have run to power forward."

"I don't care why he switched," Baker grinned.

"All that matters is that I get to shut him down myself."

Every veteran in the NBA wanted to be the first to humble Alex Mo—Baker included.

But would he get his chance?

Tip-Off: Alex Mo Wastes No Time

As the jump ball went up, Elden Campbell out-jumped Andrew Lang and tipped the ball to Iverson.

Instinctively, Iverson looked up the court.

His natural reaction was to throw his signature quarterback-style long pass…

But then he remembered—Alex wasn't the center anymore.

Campbell had won the tip.

That meant no fast-break dunk.

Or so Iverson thought.

"PASS IT, ALLEN!"

Alex's voice boomed from down the court.

Iverson looked up.

There he was.

Alex had already sprinted past every Bucks player and was wide open in the frontcourt.

What the hell?!

"He's still running fast breaks like a center!" the commentator exclaimed.

Iverson launched the long pass.

Alex caught it in stride, took one bounce, and threw down a two-handed slam.

The Bradley Center fell silent.

Bucks' First Possession – Vin Baker Wants Revenge

The Bucks quickly set up their offense.

Vin Baker called for the ball.

He wanted to go right at Alex.

Robinson fed him the ball, and Baker squared up.

At 6'11" (2.11m), Baker was one of the best face-up scorers in the league.

He sized up Alex, then attacked.

But he made a crucial mistake.

He underestimated Alex's athleticism.

Baker tried to drive, but Alex didn't budge.

Then, Baker tried a fadeaway jumper.

Alex soared into the air… and SWATTED it!

"BLOCKED! ALEX MO REJECTS VIN BAKER!"

The ball flew into Iverson's hands.

Fast break.

Iverson took off, weaving past defenders before flipping a pass back to Alex…

Who caught it, spun 360° in mid-air, and slammed it home!

4-0.

Lakers lead.

Bucks' Response

On the next possession, Robinson hit a tough jumper to make it 4-2.

Then, the Lakers came right back.

Alex and Iverson ran their signature pick-and-roll.

Iverson kicked it back to Alex at the three-point line.

Vin Baker stepped up.

"Clear out!" Baker shoved his teammate away.

"I'm guarding him myself."

Baker wanted this challenge.

One-on-one.

Alex smiled.

"Oh, you wanna go mano a mano?"

He immediately made his move.

A lightning-quick crossover.

Then a behind-the-back dribble.

Baker stumbled.

Alex blew past him and attacked the paint.

Andrew Lang was waiting.

The Bucks' big man had been dying for this moment.

A head-on collision in mid-air between two giants.

Lang leaped, ready to block the dunk.

BOOM.

Alex Mo crushed him.

He posterized Lang so hard that the entire arena went silent.

And-1.

The referee blew the whistle.

The basket counted.

The Bucks Realized the Truth

Vin Baker and Andrew Lang had wanted a physical battle inside.

But instead, they got humiliated.

They had no answer for Alex Mo.

And the worst part?

The game had just started.