Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 353 That Man (Part 2)

"The eternal theme of basketball is to restrain the core player."

"The most crucial task for both sides is to figure out how to contain Chen Wang, Curry, and Durant."

"The Clippers are under more pressure, as both Curry and Durant are among the best scorers in the league today."

"In the first half, Beverley, Dillon, and Holiday didn't have much success."

"Of course, Iguodala on the Warriors' side also didn't have a good way to control Chen Wang."

"Chen Wang's post-up game hasn't even started yet, Curry's three-pointer hasn't even begun, and Durant's Grim Reaper scythe hasn't even been swung."

"These things will all be revealed in the second half. What awaits us is a second half that is even more exciting than the first half."

"Okay, let's take a short break and then go on a commercial break."

As the host spoke, many people took the opportunity to relieve themselves; the first half was so exciting that almost no one wanted to leave the television.

However, many people also took the opportunity to start discussions, and those who invited friends to watch the game together had particularly heated debates.

"I've been watching basketball for almost 20 years, and I've never seen anyone perform well when double-teamed. Ultimately, this is the norm in the playoffs. Without good teammates, you can't go far."

"Yes, take the Lakers in 2000 for example. Before Shaq came to the Lakers, he had no chance with the Magic. But after he came to the Lakers, with Kobe drawing attention on the perimeter, he didn't have to worry about being double-teamed."

"Shaq's stats with the Lakers are better than when he was the leader of the Magic, which speaks volumes."

"So, is Kobe stronger or Shaq stronger? I don't agree with this argument."

"Then you tell me?"

"I'm telling you, Shaq needs an elite-level perimeter player. Even without Kobe, he can lead a team to a championship. His move to the Heat and helping Wade win his first championship is proof of that."

"That's great. Why didn't the Heat win three consecutive championships and establish a new dynasty?"

"In the end, Kobe is still better than Wade. Regardless of whether the team belongs to Shaq or Kobe, their OK combination is historic."

"Without Kobe, Shaq wouldn't have achieved such a high historical status and numerous accolades, and without Shaq, Kobe wouldn't have had five rings. They complement each other; it's not a matter of one being better than the other, or the Lakers' three-peat dynasty wouldn't have been possible without either of them."

"Okay, okay, you have a point. Let's not get off topic. We're talking about the Clippers vs. Warriors game now."

"I'm only saying all this to set the stage for the fast-paced battle between the Warriors and the Courageous. It's all part of the setup, understand?"

"Without Klay, does Curry have a championship? No. Without Green, does he have one? No. Without Durant, can he win one? No."

"Ultimately, the Warriors wouldn't be as strong if any one of these four players were missing. Durant's arrival has enhanced the Warriors' offensive firepower and also masked their defensive weaknesses."

"Now, when it comes to the Clippers, if they're missing Dillon, they have Thornwell; if they're missing Jrue Holiday, they have Dillon; if they're missing Zubac, they have Richon; and if they're missing 3J, they have Harrell."

"Apart from Chen Wang, anyone on the Clippers can be replaced."

"The Clippers are now 8-8 in the playoffs, and they're locked in a tight battle with the Warriors. So, is it even necessary to discuss who's better among Curry, Durant, and Chen?"

"Chen Wang single-handedly took on four giants and managed to do this well, which is already incredibly impressive."

As long as one stands on an objective and rational standpoint, the issue will only become clearer through debate, and one statement immediately gained the approval of the majority.

"We seem to be discussing what to do if the Warriors continue to double-team in the second half?"

"It's very simple. If the rest of the Clippers can hold their own, they will lose. Back then, Jordan was double-teamed every game and was repeatedly defeated before the Eastern Conference Finals. Later, he traded for help and solidified the triangle offense, which led to his dominance."

"This is only Chen Wang's second year. I think it's reasonable for him to lose to the Warriors even if he doesn't make it to the finals."

"But we want to watch the finals! We want to see a Chinese player win the championship!" A group of people wailed. The host, the most knowledgeable veteran in the group, spoke, and most of what he said proved true, so everyone panicked.

"The Clippers have a lot of role players, but none of them seem to have been proven to be able to perform in big games, so they are very unstable. I also hope the Clippers can win."

"Now we can only watch Chen Wang; we need to see if he can unleash his full potential in the third energy-saving event."

"Stop talking, the third quarter has started!"

At Staples Center, the once-silent stands began to stir again as the third quarter approached.

Perhaps feeling inexplicable pressure, Clippers fans began chanting home-court slogans.

It takes everything!

Give it your all and encourage the players to go all out to fight for victory.

Then they started shouting, "WE ARE LA!"

We are Los Angeles, inspiring our players, and now you are fighting for the honor of the city of Los Angeles.

Finally, the fans started chanting repeatedly: "Go clips go."

Guided by the DJ, 20,000 fans rhythmically filled the Staples Center with cheers, the decibel level rising sharply to the critical point of 90 decibels.

Even so, the players on the field paid no heed and were completely focused on the game.

Chen Wang held the ball a few meters away from the top of the arc and kept waving his hands to direct his teammates to run. In the first three minutes, his shooting touch dropped, and he missed all three shots, which also wiped out his lead, making it 81-78.

The Clippers are down by three points.

This attack must go in, otherwise the Warriors will widen the gap and it will be difficult to catch up.

Jaren came up to set a screen, but Iguodala quickly stepped up to block the screen and break through. Chen Fang dribbled the ball and drove inside, with Iguodala following with his shoulder level, constantly squeezing and interfering with the screen.

Chen Fang's dribbling trajectory began to deviate. He positioned himself on the three-point line, dribbled back sideways, and formed a face-to-face matchup with Iguodala.

That's what happened in two seconds. Clay started moving this way, creating a pincer movement.

Chen Fang didn't take it to heart. He used a series of crossovers to first immobilize Iguodala, then made a left turn to force him to move laterally. Almost simultaneously, as he read Iguodala's footwork, Chen Fang caught the ball and rose up.

"Again!"

Despite Iguodala's extreme vigilance, his body instincts kicked in, and his weight was on his feet. Before he could even raise his hands, he found that he could only reach Chen Wang's chest.

"Don't go in!" That was all I could pray for.

I turned to look at the result, but was disappointed.

The net appeared like waves, then fell and swayed.

"A three-pointer! Chen Wang's signature pull-up three-pointer!"

"They've tied the score! My God, Iguodala was completely unchallenged. Chen Wang's shot was incredibly decisive."

"The further it went, the stronger Chen Wang's killing intent became."

The commentators were cheering, but Chen Fang had already retreated to his half of the field with a blank expression.

The fans cheered, but soon shouted "Defense!" with rhythmic clapping accompanying the calls for defense.

The entire stadium was in an uproar under intense pressure.

But the Warriors' championship experience always helps them ignore these factors. Curry and Klay made a handoff, Klay spread out, and Jrue Holiday was a little slow, so Curry made a short pass to him.

Klay caught the ball and shot; the ball arced extremely high and fell into the basket.

Countless fans were holding their heads in their hands; this goal was so frustrating. If it hadn't gone in, Chen and Wang would have been able to take the lead in the next round.

But now, all we can do is keep trying to catch up.

"The score is back and forth, and now it's a very close contest. Every goal is crucial." The commentator's breathing became heavy as he stared at the number 21 figure on the field with the ball.

Iguodala was on full defensive end; he had to stop this attack so his teammates could continue to widen the gap.

He could feel the breathing, the panting, the friction of the sneakers against the floor, and even the other person's heartbeat.

Iguodala kept trying to pry the ball away with his hands, while Chen Wang steadily controlled the ball and moved diagonally towards the front.

Clay suddenly rushed out, abandoning Jrue Holiday, and tried to double-team Iguodala at the mid-court line to force Chen Fang to pass the ball.

But Chen Fang keenly sensed it, and when he saw Clay's movement, he made a decision instantly.

Backstab, pause, up-and-down inside step, using the rhythm difference to briefly get rid of Iguodala and create space.

Accelerate, run, Chen Fang quickly crosses the center line, and Jrue Holiday is waiting in front to set a screen for him.

The Warriors' overall defense became more dynamic, with their interior players retreating and their perimeter players searching for defenders, attempting to quickly establish a second line of defense.

Once Chen Fang accelerates, he doesn't stop so easily. He nimbly bypasses Zhu Holiday and moves towards the sideline, but suddenly pushes the ball to change direction and rushes towards the middle.

Caught off guard, Green and Durant immediately moved towards the middle, but came to an abrupt halt after taking only one step.

Because they saw Chen Fang jump, it was a gliding aerial walk, a super long distance jump from half a meter behind the free throw line.

"Fuck..."

Before he could even utter a curse, Chen Fang had already lifted the basketball with his left hand and gently flicked it.

The ball goes in, the player lands, turns around, spreads his arms, and runs out like an airplane.

"Oh, what did I just see?"

"How far can it fly?"

"Green and KD watched Chen Wang soar into the clouds; what a beautiful goal!"

The commentators became excited and stood up, cheering.

"The Clippers have caught up again and are now just one point behind."

Curry wanted to initiate a fast break, so he sprinted forward, but Dillon gritted his teeth and chased after him, stopping the fast break with a foul.

The ball was inbounded from the baseline, and Durant received it and immediately drove to the basket, dribbling laterally twice before suddenly pulling up for a jump shot.

Chen Fang had already slid with all his might, but there was still no interference, and he didn't even have a chance to raise his hand.

I turned around and saw that the ball had already gone through the net.

"KD's pull-up jumper widened the score to 3 points again."

Chen Fang stood with his hands on his hips, panting, while KD coldly taunted him with the Frost Archer hand gesture.

Chen Fang chuckled and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Give me the ball!" Chen Fang shouted to Jrue Holiday, who had the ball.

After receiving the ball and moving forward, Iguodala closed in again, but Chen Fang accelerated past him with a crossover dribble.

After crossing the midcourt line, Jaren set a high screen for him, and the person guarding Chen Fang became Durant, who switched onto the defense.

He dribbles sideways, slowly moves laterally, then suddenly lowers his body, feigning acceleration.

Durant immediately used his hands and feet, but Chen Fang pulled him back laterally, causing him to lose his balance. Before he could adjust, he saw Chen Fang dragging his feet to create distance.

He stumbled to follow, but Chen Fang had already taken a step forward and fired.

As soon as they landed, KD arrived, so Chen Fang put his arm around him, and the two watched the result together.

"You know what? The league isn't lonely because of me." Chen Fang said to KD as he watched the ball go into the basket.

Durant could only manage a forced smile, taking it as tacit agreement.

"Chen Wang's three-pointer, despite missing the first three attempts, shows that Chen Wang is Chen Wang, he completely outmaneuvered KD."

"What's the point of that last arm-around-the-shoulder gesture? Is it considered a provocation? Haha!"

Seeing Chen Wang grab Durant was quite absurd, so the commentators all laughed.

The game continued, and in the third quarter, it became a battle between Chen Fang and the Warriors' Big Three. No matter who scored, Chen Fang had to catch up.

Iguodala, Durant, Klay, and Green all tried, but to no avail.

After the third quarter ended, the commentators were in a frenzy as they looked at the scoreboard.

"96:98."

"Chen Wang scored 21 points in a single quarter, that's terrifying!"

"He single-handedly withstood the Warriors' attack, which is the ultimate expression of individual heroism."

"36 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds—Chen Wang's stats in just three quarters are already so impressive. Is tonight another night of his masterpiece?"

"The great number 21, the greatest scorer in Clippers history, with unparalleled leadership qualities, the Clippers are still leading against the Warriors."

"Now, the suspense will have to wait until the fourth quarter!"

Chen gasped for breath and said to Rivers, "I need a few minutes to rest."

“Of course, tell me when you’re ready.” Rivers said solemnly. The Warriors were too strong today. Klay, Curry, and Durant were all performing well, and the three of them accounted for 80% of the Warriors’ total points.

If Chen Wang hadn't held on in the third quarter, they would definitely have been behind.

Frankly, everything is clear now. When the Warriors play to their full potential, no team can match them, not even the Clippers.

The fourth quarter began quickly, with Lou Williams entering the game. He's the only one now capable of scoring in quick succession.

However, he missed his first three shots, which gave the Warriors an opportunity.

The Warriors' starters barely played today; Curry played 32 minutes, Durant 28 minutes, and Klay 30 minutes.

Kerr's goal is very clear: he's determined to steal an away game today and erase the Clippers' home-court advantage.

In 3 minutes, the Warriors unleashed a fierce attack, taking the lead. 107-101.

A 6-point gap!
Chen Fang stood up; there was no way he could leave it to him.

His return to the stage was met with cheers from the entire audience. Now, Chen Fang is undoubtedly the hope, the savior.

He sets a screen off the ball, then cuts down to the elbow area, backing down Iguodala.

Almost at the same time, the ball was passed over.

He caught the ball, flipped over, jumped up, and shot.

Iguodala could barely jump because just a second before, Chen Fang had given him a powerful physical confrontation.

"Hit!"

"King Chen is starting to show his true skills!" David yelled like a pig being slaughtered. He was so excited that when he saw Chen Fang backing down, he knew the final battle was coming.

He continued to shout emotionally, "There are still 8 minutes left. The final battle has begun ahead of schedule. Come on, Warriors, let me show you what the league's number one post-up king is all about."

Curry and Klay passed hands, Curry took a step back, and before Jrue Holiday could react, they quickly launched their attack.

This was also his signature shot; the basketball seemed to fly through the air for a long time before finally falling into the basket.

"Hey!"

The entire stadium groaned, and fans held their heads in despair.

"110 to 103."

"Curry stepped up; that's what a leader of the Warriors is all about."

But before the Warriors' commentators could celebrate for more than five seconds, they saw Chen Fang dribble the ball across half-court, and while moving at high speed, he suddenly made a sudden stop, shaking off Iguodala who was guarding him, and then, ignoring the fact that he was still several meters away from the three-point line, he directly volleyed the ball.

Countless fans couldn't help but stand up, crane their necks, and stare wide-eyed at the basketball soaring through the air.

The moment the basketball slammed through the hoop, a deafening roar of cheers erupted as countless fans jumped and hugged each other.

"Chen Wang's three-pointer, my God, the rhythm suddenly became suffocating."

"Only 4 points away!"

The Warriors seemed to be enraged; to be precise, Curry was furious.

He would never allow anyone to provoke him within his firing range.

Curry then had the ball again, sprinted at full speed, leaving Jrue Holiday far behind, and came to the frontcourt. With Green's high screen, he simply pulled the ball back and dragged it laterally before launching a powerful shot.

The moment he made the shot, gasps erupted from the crowd, and Clippers fans screamed in fear.

When the ball bounced high off the rim, they cheered in relief, having escaped unscathed.

"I was terrified, really, for a split second I closed my eyes," David sincerely told the fans watching the live stream.

"But this is also an opportunity for the Clippers to take the lead, Chen Wang is here!"

On the big TV screen, Chen Fang dribbled aggressively across half-court. This time, Iguodala had help, and Klay Thompson abandoned Dillon and charged over.

We cannot allow Prince Chen to continue throwing money; we must stop him.

At this moment, Chen Fang felt his blood boiling, but his mind was surprisingly calm.

So quiet that there was only one thought.

That's it, throw it!

With a quick turn, he executed a crossover dribble and spin, perfectly deceiving Iguodala. Then, before Clay could block him, he forcefully changed direction and overtook him, squeezing past Clay on his left.

The ball rolled in his palm, and a golden figure appeared in front of him. Chen Fang didn't even recognize it. He took a deep breath and rushed forward.

Green did not expect that Chen Fang would not dodge, but instead pounce on him.

Feeling inexplicably flustered, she had barely calmed down when Chen Fang walked right up to her.

Follow up, raise your right hand, and use your left hand to try and steal the ball to interfere.

Chen Fang held off Green, took a step forward with both feet, and as the last step landed on the ground, he leaned back and fired a shot.

Green instinctively tried to block the shot, but missed.

"Toot toot!" The whistle blared sharply, and Chen Fang plopped down on the floor, gliding a few meters away.

He lay down on the floor, panting heavily.

"2+1, Chen Wang, you're showing the flair of a superstar!"

Teammates reached out their arms, and Chen Fang, not knowing whose arms they were, was pulled up as soon as he raised his hand.

Standing at the free-throw line, the MVP chants were already being heard for the third time.

"I must express my highest respect to this 21-year-old."

"On the Western Conference Finals stage, he demonstrated what a leader is. It was as if he was born with it. Facing the Warriors, he was fearless. In just this one game, I saw the true colors of a superstar."

Chen Fang calmly slotted the ball in, and amidst cheers from the crowd, he slowly retreated to defend. He didn't say anything provocative, but his cold eyes said it all.

Kerr shouted from the sidelines, "Curry's shot just now was reckless."

"This play is very important for the Warriors."

The Warriors began passing the ball around the perimeter frequently, patiently waiting. When there were five seconds left on the shot clock, Durant got an open shot.

He pulled up for a shot, maintaining his shooting form as he watched. When he saw the ball hit the rim, Durant clapped his hands in frustration.

"Durant misses a three-pointer, this is the Clippers' chance!" Ke Fan screamed.

With only four minutes left, every goal is crucial.

Protecting the rebound, Chen Fang let Holiday dribble the ball and move forward, with Iguodala guarding him the entire time.

When Iguodala saw Chen Fang heading towards the inside, he immediately shouted, "He's going to back down!"

Clay rushed over, and then a strange sight appeared.

The Warriors double-teamed Chen Fang when he was off the ball, preventing him from getting the ball.

This was a golden opportunity, so Jrue Holiday easily took the shot from the top of the key.

"The ball went in! The Clippers have taken the lead."

The crowd cheered, but Kerr helplessly shrugged. Who could he complain to? Nobody!

Nobody is wrong!

The Warriors had possession of the ball. Klay Thompson faked a handoff, then suddenly turned and shot facing the basket.

The ball swished through the rim, and Klay stuck out his tongue and made a three-pointer gesture with both hands.

The entire arena was filled with groans and screams. The fans' emotions were completely stirred up by the dynamics of the game. Not only them, but even the Clippers' bench coach was holding his head in his hands.

Buddha, a top-tier marksman who can never be ignored.

113: 112.

The Warriors are leading by one point again.

The time was down to the last three minutes.

Chen Fang once again entered the paint without the ball, and Green waved to the others, saying, "I'll handle this, you guys find someone."

We have to take the gamble!

That's the charm of Draymond Green. If Curry is the spiritual leader, then Green is the Warriors' linguistic leader.

Chen Fang and Green went toe-to-toe, and in the end, Chen Fang was pushed out of the elbow area, almost to the three-point line.

But that was Chen Fang's plan.

First, set a screen for Jrue Holiday, who has the ball, then receive the ball and step back to isolate against Green.

He even gave the Warriors a chance to switch on defense, and Chen Fang pulled up for a jump shot.

The moment he jumped, all 20,000 fans in the stadium gasped, and a second later, the gasps turned into a sea of ​​cheers.

The white lights were trembling, the DJ was yelling, and the fans joined in chanting, "Chen Wang! Chen Wang! Chen Wang!"

Chen gasped for breath, grinned and shook his head, then looked down at his right hand with an expression full of disbelief.

"A goal that is priceless."

"Chen Fang's three-pointer has put us back in the lead!"

“It’s too tough, too strong, this is King Chen! I’m about to cry.” David choked up.

On the Western Conference Finals stage, in the final moments, seeing such a tough leader on the team is truly moving and exciting.

Not only David, but many Clippers fans were in a similar situation; they clenched their fists, shouted loudly, and tears were already welling up in their eyes.

Western Conference Finals, Clippers fans have been waiting for this for 49 years!
Since 1970, the Clippers have never set foot on the Western Conference Finals stage.

There are too many Clippers fans who will never see this moment in their lifetime.

Now, the chosen one has arrived.

Despite the Warriors' composure, even Kerr instinctively closed his eyes when Curry missed his shot.

The moment he opened his eyes, he saw the white number 21 jumping up.

A terrifying white ghost!

"Ahhhhhh~! Chen Wang scores another goal! My God, he's really descended to earth."

Everyone went crazy. When they saw Chen Fang hit the target again, no one could stay quiet anymore.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer nearly fainted. For a moment, he almost passed out. After regaining his senses, he hugged Lawrence next to him.

"He is the savior. Choosing him was the most important decision of my life, even more important than going to Microsoft and working with Gates!"

"50 points!"

"This is Chen Wang's first 50-point game in the playoffs!"

"It comes so fiercely, so magically, it will destroy the invincible warrior, and at Staples Center, it will force the warrior to his knees."

This play didn't really extinguish the Warriors' desire for victory, but when Durant's jump shot was blocked by Chen Fang, and then he finished with a fast break dunk, the entire arena really erupted.

113: 120.

"The Warriors experienced a dark three minutes; they went from leading to trailing in those three minutes."

Kerr called a timeout, and Rivers took the opportunity to bring in Beverley and Bridges.

With five outside shooters, the intention is clear: to block all outside shots.

So, in the last two minutes, the Warriors launched a frantic counterattack, but every shot they took was disrupted by the Clippers' endless switching defense.

The result was that the Clippers scored on two fast breaks.

"The tide has turned, the suspense is over!"

"113 to 124."

"There are 53 seconds left in the game. It doesn't matter who comes!"

Kerr called the final timeout, which meant he had given up on the game.

After substituting the starting five, Kerr comforted them.

There was a reason why the Warriors suddenly lost their rhythm. Today, the Warriors overworked their starters, and Curry played for 44 minutes, so he was exhausted.

This is the consequence of losing the gamble; the Clippers withstood their sustained high-pressure scoring.

As a result, the drawbacks backfired on them.

As the final buzzer sounded, the fans could finally celebrate in peace.

"It's been 49 years, a full 49 years, and the Clippers have won their first Western Conference Finals victory. Congratulations to them, they won it."

"Congratulations, King Chen! He single-handedly held off the Warriors' Big Three today."

“52分14助攻11篮板3封盖2抢断，无与伦比的西决表现。”

"Let us express our highest respect to King Chen."

When Chen Wang was interviewed on the spot and asked by reporters about his thoughts on the victory, he thought for a long time, which puzzled the reporters.

"It was a hard-fought victory. The warriors gave it their all and dispelled all my hopes."

"This will be the most difficult series. What we need to do now is to play each game well."

"But I believe that I will be the one to win in the end!"

(End of this chapter)