Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 334 The First Active Player
As Chen Fang predicted, the Griffin attack was amplified overnight.

Chen Fang's podcast appearance, sharing his personal experience, has also propelled the issue into a wider discussion.

The statement that Chen Wang considered himself not a good person also caused a great uproar.

Chen Fang was too high-profile, and even if he was wronged, he would inevitably be targeted, let alone by Griffin's heavy blow.

The game between the Clippers and the Denver Nuggets was unusually quiet amidst the wind and rain.

The Nuggets are a playoff-caliber opponent, and the Clippers will face them with their full starting lineup.

Jokic has begun to awaken his talent, handling both playmaking and scoring. If there's one weakness the Clippers have right now, it's that their interior defense is too rigid and lacks tactical variation.

Zubac and Jaren Jr. were unable to provide a strong offensive threat, and Richaun and Harrell were better at offense than defense.

With only four interior players possessing similar characteristics, they are the easiest parts of the Clippers' tactical system to predict and contain.

On the other hand, the Nuggets have two very distinctive interior players: Plumlee is an outstanding rim protector, and Millsap is a two-way player on both offense and defense.

With Murray, Barton, and Harris on the perimeter, the Nuggets this season also possess extremely strong team strength.

But today, the Nuggets encountered Chen Wang, who was eager to vent his frustrations.

In the first quarter, Chen Wang did not act recklessly when facing double teams. Instead, with the help of Jrue Holiday and Thornwell, he got the opportunity by cutting to the basket after a pick-and-roll.

Chen Fang prioritizes shooting within the first second of receiving the ball, disregarding zone and focusing on the more important timing of his shot.

At the top of the key, the free-throw line, one step inside the wing, and the elbow area, Chen Fang took 7 two-point shots and made 5.

The Nuggets' efficient shot selection disrupted their defensive strategy, making double-teaming less effective.

After being double-teamed for so long, Chen Fang and the Clippers have developed a strategy to deal with it, with a lot of passing and open shots, making the Nuggets feel that they are losing more than they gain.

Chen Fang, who scored 10 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound in the first quarter, did not hold back in the second quarter and instead intensified his efforts.

Two open three-pointers forced the Nuggets to raise their defensive level to a dedicated man-to-man defense once again.

Brunson, who came in after being substituted, was very effective against Murray. Although he had not yet developed into the ball-dominant, dominant player he would become in the future Knicks, he was already showing signs of developing his own style.

Facing Murray, he scored on three consecutive one-on-one attacks.

Nuggets head coach Malone is in a dilemma. The Clippers' multiple scoring opportunities have left the team's defense stretched thin, forcing him to bring in more perimeter players to balance the defensive pressure.

However, this resulted in a weakness in the interior defense, which Chen Fang noticed almost immediately.

With his cuts to the basket, his post-up jumpers, and his step-back floaters, Chen Fang demonstrated what a true small forward looks like in front of 20,000 fans in Denver.

The Nuggets' commentator also succumbed to Chen Fang's criticism, praising him: "I don't care what Chen Wang is like in real life, or what his true face is. Based solely on his performance on the court and his leadership qualities, he undoubtedly deserves to be one of the best players in the league this season."

"If I were eligible to vote for MVP, my first vote would definitely go to Chen Wang."

As the fans who were holding up various signs began to quietly put away their placards, Chen Fang showed no sign of stopping.

In the second quarter, Chen Fang scored another 12 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds.

Chen Fang, who scored 14 points and 2 assists in the third quarter, did not choose to sit out in the fourth quarter as usual, but continued to play.

The point difference had reached 17 points, but Chen Fang showed no signs of giving up.

Ultimately, Chen Fang scored 15 points in the final quarter, setting a new scoring record against the Nuggets.

Chen Fang, who scored 53 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, left the Nuggets with a stern face.

In the locker room, a Clippers beat reporter asked, "What made you play all four quarters?"

"The fans' passion!" Chen Fang answered simply, as if it were a riddle, or perhaps the literal meaning.

The Clippers' road trip continues as they travel to Dallas.

Here we have Luka Doncic, the best rookie this season. Compared to Chen Fang last year, Doncic is statistically superior.

This has made Dallas fans want to make comparisons, especially after the bombardment incident.

So when Chen entered the venue, the entire audience not only booed, but also displayed a sky full of banners.

A large number of fans in the front row waved mocking signs such as "Hypocrite," "Backstabber," and "Masked Man" in front of Chen Fang.

The situation is still developing, and the fans' actions are all spontaneous, making it difficult even for Mavericks staff to stop them.

Chen Fang remained expressionless, calmly conversing with his teammates. During the warm-up, he performed the exercises meticulously, ignoring the provocative and mocking chants that kept emanating from the sidelines.

But Chen Fang's ferocity at the start of the match was astonishing.

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle felt a sudden unease. As he watched Chen Wang play like a tiger among sheep, he sensed something was terribly wrong.

The defensive setup was Dwight Powell on the lead, with Wesley Matthews providing help defense.

With one experienced player and the other physically outstanding, this was the best hand Carlisle could play to double-team Chen Wang.

But Chen Fang was truly outrageous today. He completely lacked the offensive habits the coaching staff had assessed. He didn't hold the ball for long periods of time, and he didn't wait for the pick-and-roll to get into position.

Instead, they pull up for a jump shot within a second or two of receiving the ball, actively seek out open cuts after pick-and-rolls, or handoff three-pointers from the top of the key.

Not only on offense, but also on defense, he single-handedly guarded Doncic, suppressing this Eastern European prodigy to the point where he couldn't receive the ball.

Defense is ineffective, and offense is impossible.

The Mavericks fell behind in the first quarter.

Chen Fang scored 16 points in the first quarter, revealing his true colors.

"It must be these damned slogans that caused this." Carlisle realized that the usually mild-mannered King Chen had suddenly become manic and had such a strong desire to attack and defend, and this could only be the reason.

Every time he scored, Chen Fang didn't provoke him, but immediately switched to a defensive stance. He led the defense and closely guarded Doncic throughout the game. At first, Doncic took the initiative to hold the ball and went against Chen Fang, but after Chen Fang cut the ball once and caused an eight-second half-court violation, he had to let Dennis Smith Jr. control the ball.

With such a fierce leader, it was impossible for the underlings to shoot. Whether it was Bruns or Zubac, everyone who took the court had a perfect attitude, spontaneously forming a half-court man-to-man defense. In zone defense, they double-teamed quickly, and in offense, they shot decisively and passed the ball quickly.

Duan Ran, who was in charge of the commentary, said bluntly: "Today's Clippers are at their complete form."

"Perfect offense and defense, maximum strength."

"And Chen Wang was even better than the day before yesterday. He had already racked up 29 points, 5 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks by halftime."

"Since winning the All-Star Game MVP, Chen Fang has been in superb form. He has a good chance of scoring over 40 points today."

After the microphones were muted, Duan Ran and Ke Fan chatted about gossip.

"Chen Wang is probably really angry."

"It's not just anger, it's murderous," Ke Fan corrected.

He was visibly aggressive, attacking as soon as he got the ball, and defensively he left Doncic helpless.

"What happened with Griffin was truly inhuman." Ke Fan was also very unhappy: "Isn't trading the most normal thing to do? Why keep someone like you who consistently underperforms in the playoffs? We've given you so many opportunities, have you ever cherished them?"

"But the Clippers' move of signing first and then trading to free up salary space was too outrageous." Duan Ran was fairly fair, knowing that the Clippers had done something awful.

“Then why don’t you criticize Lawrence or Ballmer? Why are you attacking Chen Wang?” Ke Fan disagreed.

"I guess Griffin thinks it was at the behest of King Chen, but I really don't think it's true."

"Whether it's true or not, the whole city is buzzing with rumors now, and everyone's convinced it's Chen Fang."

"Chen Fang's confession is too problematic. How could he say that? If he had just denied it, I don't think Griffin would have dared to say anything more." Ke Fan felt that Chen Fang's explanation on Beverly's podcast was ill-considered.

Duan Ran said, "Don't be so sure. With Prince Chen's emotional intelligence, how could he make such a mistake?"

"I think it's actually not wrong. Just admit it openly. Don't just think about the fans, you also have to think about all the star players in the league."

"If you try to cover it up, people will look down on you."

"Chen Fang now frankly admits that he has connections in this matter, but not significant ones, and acknowledges that he values ​​honor more than connections."

"He's only been working with Griffin for a year. Seriously, why should he be dragged down by you?" Duan Ran's words quieted Ke Fan down.

After thinking for a moment, Ke Fan nodded in agreement: "Now that you mention it, I understand."

In fact, Duan Ran's analysis also represents the judgment of the media circle. Chen Wang's direct answer actually won the favor of many people. Although it is indeed hard to say from the perspective of friendship, from the perspective of team building, Griffin's fragility is indeed a big problem.

The Clippers' management cleared out Griffin, and regardless of who they brought in, the result is that there is no salary pressure, and they can make many moves in the next few years.

No matter how well Griffin performs, from the Clippers' perspective, there's no point in him staying. Therefore, many people understand that Griffin's departure has little to do with Chen Wang; at most, it's just tacit agreement.

But Chen Wang made it to the playoffs by himself, and it had nothing to do with Griffin. Moreover, it has been the norm for Griffin to falter in the playoffs over the years, so it is reasonable for him to be removed.

From a Chinese perspective, they felt the strongest sense of identification with Chen Fang being wronged, which is why Duan Ran and Ke Fan found these two scenes very satisfying.

"Actually, there's something I know I shouldn't say." Ke Fan suddenly gave a strange look.

Seeing Duan Ran's curiosity, he swallowed and said, "Chen Fang's outburst is a bit like Kobe's case..."

"Shut up right now," Duan Ran interrupted immediately.

"What do you mean? It's completely different from me bothering you with such a brainless thing." Duan Ran was so angry that she laughed.

That year, Kobe was in court for questioning while rushing back to play games, playing more aggressively in each game and scoring higher and higher, becoming the most fearsome number 8.

Regardless of their whispers, in the second half, Chen Fang had no intention of holding back. Neither Dwight Powell nor Matthews could withstand his attacks.

A large number of mid-range shots were converted into points. Chen Fang abandoned the three-point shots with a lower success rate and chose to shoot from closer range, and used his best jump shot to finish the game.

His offensive shift left the Clippers completely bewildered.

“Chen Wang has evolved. His offensive choices seem inefficient, but because of his accuracy, they have become the most efficient choices.” Mazura shook his head. This contradicted his Magic Ball theory, but Chen Fang’s efficiency and the effects it produced were very appealing to him.

"Mid-range shots won't kill you," Rivers said, quoting a line that went viral in the league.

Then he changed the subject: "But what if every pass he makes turns into a three-pointer and a layup? What then?"

Mazura remained silent upon hearing this, then shook her head after a long pause: "A new topic, I need to think about it."

Chen Fang on the court is addressing the new challenge that Rivers and Mazura have been talking about.

Chen Fang's off-ball movement involves drawing defenders, receiving the ball and driving to the basket, using short shots to finish the game. If he is double-teamed, he will pass the ball out. Because his receiving area is concentrated in the middle, his passes have a strong and weak side effect, easily creating wide-open assists.

This differs from James' one-star-four-shooter system because Chen Fang is more offensively oriented, forcing the Mavericks to concentrate their defense in the middle, leaving the wings and corners often wide open.

If Chen Fang can maintain this form, the Clippers coaching staff will have to change tactics overnight and let more shooters play.

It was precisely because of Chen Fang's change in style that Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle had no good countermeasures and watched helplessly as Chen scored another 25 points in the second half.

54 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds!

It can no longer be described as terrifying. The Mavericks were completely overwhelmed by Chen Fang alone. As his opponent, Doncic's 18 points and 4 assists made him tremble like a lackey.

As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the Mavericks' home crowd nearly fell silent, and many of the taunting banners disappeared.

Chen Fang was substituted off with three minutes remaining in the match.

Aside from the DJ's announcements, the entire audience watched silently as this terrifying Chinese man walked off the stage.

"King Chen slaughtered us today," the Mavericks' commentator admitted in a low, dejected voice.

After the game, the reporter asked him again why he was in such good form, having scored 50+ points in two consecutive games.

"The fans are enthusiastic," Chen Fang replied.

When asked if he could score like that in the next game against the Utah Jazz, Chen Fang replied, "It depends on how enthusiastic the Jazz fans are."

The reporters rolled their eyes; even a fool could understand what Chen and Wang were talking about.

Therefore, in the post-match reports, almost every reporter reminded the audience: "If you want to see Chen and Wang's lopsided victory, then please bring your mocking slogans."

"It is foreseeable that Chen Wang is currently in a phase of seeking an outlet for his frustrations."

But some people still disagree, with Jazz fans welcoming Chen Fang with large banners.

"We will smash your hypocritical mask to pieces."

On February 27, the Clippers visited the Utah Jazz. Facing almost criminal defense, Chen Fang once again made 24 of 34 shots, scoring a terrifying 57 points, 12 of which came from free throws.

And King Chen achieved a great success.

That would be to become the first active player to score 50+ points in three consecutive games.

Among active players, Harden holds the record for two consecutive 50+ point games, scoring over 50 points in each of his two games against the Lakers and Clippers in the 2017-18 season.

In the long history of the league's statistical milestones, this achievement is comparable to Jordan's.

在1986~87赛季，乔丹在赛季末面对步行者、雄鹿和老鹰的连续三场比赛中，乔丹分别砍下53分、50分和61分，创造了连续3场50加得分的神迹。

而排在陈放前面的是科比，在06—07赛季分别对阵开拓者、灰熊、森林狼和黄蜂，连续轰下65分、50分、60分和50分。

After the game against the Jazz, not only did the media go crazy, but many historically great players couldn't help but jump out and comment.

Barkley, Thomas, Walton, Miller, and Payton all came out to praise Chen Wang's scoring feast.

Their emergence was not only due to breaking the record, but also because these three games were brought about by Chen Fang's two-point shooting, which accounted for 75% of all his shots.

In today's league where three-pointers are prevalent, how could such a feat of scoring not excite old-school stars?

"It turns out that it's not that two-pointers are no good, but that the league has lost the ability to score two-pointers. Chen Wang did a great job, giving us old guys more facts to talk to the young guys about how to score."

Among the current stars, Harden, DeRozan, and Durant were not involved in the previous scandals, but this time, they all stepped forward.

"In fact, Chen Wang texted me, telling me not to get involved in this, but today, I have to make it clear that the league is a place that values ​​strength, a world of the strong. Please stop complaining like a child." Durant's words immediately cleared up many people's confusion, while also leaving many more surprised and puzzled.

As if still not satisfied, Durant tweeted: "According to someone's weird theory, am I supposed to blame Westbrook? Should Harden blame us?"

"It's been so many days, it's time to shut up. Let's focus on enjoying the declaration of the strong."

Durant's words also represent the thoughts of many current superstars, because Griffin's logic is somewhat of a sweeping generalization.

Furthermore, Chen Fang faced the criticism with dignity and accepted it with composure, which is very manly and earned him the admiration of many players.

Now, Chen Fang's consecutive 50+ point performances have won over not only the players, but also the fans.

The Clippers' next game is also an away game against the Sacramento Kings, and many fans are calling for this on social media.

“If you don’t want to see the king slaughtered, then stop provoking him. Believe me, it’s foolish.”

"This is not a good idea. Provocation and taunting only work on cowardly people, but it is not suitable for a strong person like King Chen."

When interviewed by reporters, Chen Fang, who had just landed in Sacramento, replied, "I'm looking forward to the enthusiasm of the Kings fans."

Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger told reporters very seriously, "I really don't want to see a record of four consecutive 50+ point games happen to me."

In fact, Rivers has already forced Chen Fang to reduce his playing time.

Playing 40+ minutes in three consecutive games, all away games, has put Chen Fang in a huge physical and mental crisis.

The team doctor warned that Chen Fang's inflammation had progressed to the point where he needed to take anti-inflammatory medication, and if he didn't, he would have to rest for at least a week.

Therefore, the possibility of four consecutive 50+ point games is close to zero.

So, when everyone was full of anticipation for Chen Wang's performance, they were disappointed.

Chen Fang played for only 21 minutes, scored 20 points, and then clocked out.

Ironically, the Kings didn't display any provocative signs throughout the game; instead, there were many adoring phrases waving around the arena.

This became a source of amusement for reporters after the match, suggesting that as long as you are kind, Chen Wang will not be cold-hearted.

Soon, this joke became a meme and a label associated with Chen Fang.

The final definition is: Don't mess with Prince Chen!
The Griffin attack incident also came to an end, because even Griffin admitted in an interview that he had gone too far and felt guilty for repeatedly refusing Chen Wang's goodwill in reconciliation.

Back in Los Angeles, the Clippers also had their longest home game of the season.

They will have nine home games in Los Angeles, with their only away game being against the Lakers.

Chen Wang also circled the Lakers on his calendar.

Because the Lakers were the most vocal in the recently concluded drama, although James didn't say anything due to his own questionable actions, rumors suggest that the media involved in the Los Angeles disturbances are closely linked to James.

Just because I don't say anything doesn't mean I don't know!
I'm waiting to settle this score!
Chen Fang's eyes flashed with a fierce light.

(End of this chapter)