Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 358 The Dragon is Strong, I am Stronger

Good afternoon, everyone.

"Welcome to today's sports news."

"Today is June 5th, and the highly anticipated Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals has just ended."

"In this game, there were many accidents and the game was full of ups and downs. In the end, the Clippers won the seventh game 124-103 and advanced to the Finals."

"This is the first time the Los Angeles Clippers have advanced to the NBA Finals. Now, our reporter Hu Jia will bring you a detailed report."

"Hello, fellow fans, I'm Hu Jia."

"I'm here at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to bring you coverage of the Clippers vs. Warriors Game 7."

"In the fifth minute of the first quarter, Durant fell to the ground injured during a non-contact drive, which became a key turning point in the game."

"The Warriors' offensive capabilities declined after losing Durant, but even more unfortunately at the beginning of the third quarter, Klay Thompson landed unsteadily after a fast break dunk, resulting in a left knee injury, and he had to leave the game for treatment."

"Having lost two of the team's key scoring pillars, Curry was left to carry the team alone. The Clippers, with everyone contributing, eliminated the Warriors by a large margin at home, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history."

………….

News reports can never cover everything. Many details of this match were only pieced together into a clearer truth years later through interviews with those involved and participants.

Three years later, Durant, who was already with the Nets, revealed details of the Game 19 against the Clippers on June 4, 6, in an interview.

"Before the match, Chen Wang came over to greet me. He started by saying the same thing: take it easy and be careful with your right calf injury."

“I didn’t care because it wasn’t the first time he had said that. He had worried about it in the sixth game as well. I just thought he was using psychological tactics.”

"I must admit that my neglect led to my Achilles tendon rupture."

The host then asked, "When you were lying on the ground, Chen Wang was the first to rush over. What did he say?"

Durant recalled: "I don't remember it very well because so many people asked me questions at the time, but I remember Chen Wang's eyes. He was very anxious. To be honest, from that moment on, we were brothers, and I truly acknowledged him."

The host then asked the next question: "In fact, during your time with the Warriors, you were diagnosed with calf strains four times. In fact, one of them was a misdiagnosis, and that one was during the 2019 playoffs."

"Yes, in the game against the Rockets, in the third quarter, after I shot, I felt a bit of pain in my right calf when I landed."

The host pointed to the television behind him, which was playing footage from that time. KD turned his head to look and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, now it seems that it wasn't a muscle strain, but an Achilles tendon strain."

"I only rested for two games and felt that my calves were fine, so I applied to return to competition."

"The Warriors' team doctor examined the patients and determined that there was no problem."

"So I played the next seven games despite my injured leg."

KD seemed helpless: "Chen Wang reminded me that any injury should be diagnosed through multiple examinations. He has his own independent medical team, and the serious ankle sprain he suffered was actually treated by his team."

"To be honest, it's not that I don't trust the team's medical services, but sometimes their goals are also influenced by pressure from management."

Following the interview, Durant criticized the Warriors' management for concealing his calf injury from him in 19 in order to maintain their dynasty, which led to the news of his Achilles tendon rupture.

Durant's injury remains a major mystery. Many fans and media outlets believe that because he clearly stated he would not renew his contract and wanted to leave the team, the management did not care about his injury and speculated that they would exploit him as much as possible while he was still usable.

As for Clay, it's even more bizarre.

He was injured after landing from a layup, and left the court for two minutes before returning and even hitting a three-pointer. He was not suspended from the game until the end of the third quarter.

Klay Thompson only responded to the question after joining the Mavericks.

"I told my father that I didn't hear any explosion when I landed, so I should be fine."

"In fact, I have torn ligaments."

"I had already scored 25 points, then I made a three-pointer and two free throws, making it 30 points. That was my last effort for the team."

Why did you insist on it back then?

"I don't know, I just didn't want to lose. But looking back, it was pointless."

Klay smiled wryly: "Chen Wang was supposed to play, but when he saw KD was injured, he stayed on the bench. Actually, we were in danger at that time."

"The Clippers maintained their lead, and Chen Wang never played. I only had one thought at the time: I must at least force Chen Wang to play."

"When I went back on the field, Chen Wang stopped me and said, 'Go back. You can't play anymore. Don't ruin your future.'"

"I didn't listen at the time; I just thought he was worried that I would explode."

"Looking back now, it was stupid."

"Your body is your own, but the team belongs to everyone. Even if you fight to the very end, you may not get respect."

Klay's words also express that he still cares deeply about the Warriors' decision to choose Green instead of respecting him and forcing him to leave for the Mavericks.

The Warriors gave Green a four-year, $4 million contract, but only gave him a two-year, $4800 million contract, which made Klay Thompson, who has always considered himself the Warriors' second-in-command, feel resentful.

Throughout the entire 23-24 season, the Warriors did not take the initiative to negotiate contracts, and Klay's desire for a retirement contract was merely his own wishful thinking from beginning to end.

Later, Klay Thompson chose the Mavericks over a 3-year, $5000 million contract with the Mavericks and a 4-year, $8000 million contract with the Lakers, which drew criticism and ridicule from many people.

However, since Texas has no state tax, while California has a state tax of 13.3%, the actual amount received is about the same.

Compared to the Lakers, whose James and Davis duo failed to make the playoffs, Klay Thompson's choice of the Mavericks, who had just reached the Western Conference Finals last season, seems more reasonable.

The recollections of the two parties involved gradually pieced together a truth for fans and the media.

Both men mentioned Chen Wang's advice to dissuade them, which aroused great curiosity among the audience.

The Warriors' Game 7 loss of two key players directly ended their dynasty, and they never recovered. Afterwards, Chen Wang earned the nickname "gravedigger." Media and fans believed that since Chen Wang came to the league in 2017, he had been working against the Warriors, and in 2019, he completely dug a hole and buried the Warriors dynasty.

Of the Warriors' five superstars, Andre Iguodala left the team immediately after the 2019 season.

Durant was on a stretcher to go to the Nets, unwilling to stay in Golden State for even a second longer.

Klay never recovered from that setback and became a role player.

Green is widely considered the dirtiest player in the league.

Curry, a groundbreaking superstar, was reduced to a lone wolf by Chen Wang, lingering outside the playoffs for several years and nearly becoming depressed.

Ask the alliance: Who can do this?

Only I, King Chen!

But no one hates Chen Wang, including Curry and Green, who all show him enough respect at this moment.

Once the facts are clear, Chen Fang showed the utmost care and help to both KD and Klay.

In particular, after Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon, he underwent Achilles tendon repair surgery by Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York on the same day. It is said that this was suggested by Chen Wang, and Martin O'Malley had performed surgery on Durant for a "Jones fracture" in 15, so there is a foundation of trust between the two parties.

Interestingly, Martin O'Malley is the Nets' team doctor.

At the time, Martin O'Malley gave a 100% affirmative answer when asked whether Durant could return to his original competitive level after surgery.

He also made this promise to the Nets' management.

Compared to Kobe's open Achilles tendon surgery, Martin O'Malley used a minimally invasive approach, which has a recovery period of up to a year and a half, compared to Kobe's 8-10 month recovery period. This reflects the modern rehabilitation philosophy that "slow is fast".

This is the kind of suffering Kobe, who is even more stubborn than a donkey, brought upon himself.

In terms of athleticism, playing style, and physical attributes, Durant's Achilles tendon recovery is far superior to Kobe's, which is the fundamental reason for Martin's confidence.

In fact, when Chen Wang used this incident to mock Kobe, he received a very unexpected response.

Kobe: "Yes, obviously my choice at the time wasn't the best."

"At that time, I firmly believed that technique was far more important than physical strength. That was my belief. And at that time, this Achilles tendon technique was still cutting-edge, with many uncertainties."

"I just felt that if I could move freely, then I could score."

"An athlete who relies on being physically better than others throughout their entire career will not achieve much."

"Furthermore, I will not rely on my physical condition. I can change my playing style and tactics, but what remains unchanged is my confidence in my own skills."

On June 6th, Chen Fang saw off Master Zhao. Before leaving, Chen Fang asked about the Little Yang Pill with a greedy look on his face, but was glared at by the old man for a long time.

"In the beginning, each batch of pills yielded 12. Guess how many are left now?"

Chen Fang, of course, had no idea and shook his head: "Could it be that there's only one left?"

"No more, no less, still 12."

This answer surprised Chen Fang. "Initially, it was a plan left by the founder for his disciples and grand-disciples; now it is a legacy."

"Wrapped in jade inside and made of golden nanmu wood in the box outside, this is a heirloom passed down through my lineage for four hundred years."

"So it wasn't food after all?" Chen Fang was dejected.

The old man laughed: "Of course not. Who would be willing to part with it? There are records. Every holder has had a major illness or disaster, but none of them have ever thought of using it."

"Does it really have that miraculous effect?" Chen Fang asked curiously.

"I don't know!" The old man shook his head.

"Nobody has tried it, nobody knows."

"Master, what did you bring along this time?"

"I'm giving you this as a token of my affection. This is something I need to explain: if anything happens to me, this thing will be yours."

"When that day comes, you can continue to pass it on."

Seeing that Chen Fang still didn't quite understand, the old man was disappointed, but he didn't say anything more. Many things and words are beyond the comprehension of those who are not old enough to understand their true meaning.

After seeing the old man off, Chen Fang returned to the base. He didn't play in the seventh game, simply because he saw Durant was injured and felt confident.

But he wasn't happy after the match.

The power of fate filled him with inexplicable fear.

From the beginning, Chen Fang was somewhat worried, but he felt it wouldn't happen, since Durant was fine and so was Klay.

But now, it has already happened.

The Warriors are completely finished.

After composing himself, Chen Fang threw himself into preparing for the finals.

The Raptors will eventually have to face it.

This team's all-around ability is self-evident; at least in the coaching staff's eyes, it is the most difficult team to play against.

Whether the Warriors could beat the Raptors if they were injury-free is a question that is difficult to answer without any real evidence.

However, given the Clippers' roster, there are reasons why they might not be able to beat the Raptors.

The Clippers have lost both games this season, offering little resistance whatsoever.

The problem lies in three points.

First, Leonard's unparalleled one-on-one defensive ability makes him the perfect candidate to suppress Chen Fang.

Without his ability to score explosively, Chen Fang's contribution to the team will be significantly less when facing the Raptors.

Second, Siakam's help defense ability is also top-tier in the league.

Whether it's Chen Fang, Dillon, or anyone else, when they penetrate the Raptors' paint, they face even greater challenges from double-teams and rim protection. Siakam's strength lies in his balanced offense and defense, especially his defense, which was key to the Raptors' advancement to the Finals.

Third, a formidable inside presence.

Marc Gasol joined the Raptors before the February trade window closed, greatly strengthening the Raptors' interior defense.

Whether it's rim protection, post-up play, or playmaking, Marc Gasol is far superior to his father, Marc Gasol; the only weakness he lacks is his shooting.

But the Raptors don't need Marc Gasol's shots; the team has enough firepower.

He and Siakam combined to dominate the Bucks' interior defense, making Brook Lopez look like a little kid.

With these three factors combined with bench depth, the Raptors are stronger than the Clippers.

With VanVleet, Ibaka, Powell, and Anunoby joining the starting five, these nine players form the core rotation for the Raptors' playoff run.

In contrast, the Clippers' rotation appears thin and inexperienced.

Lou Williams, Beverley, Harrell, and Rose didn't provide enough energy for the team.

Brunson, DiVincenzo, Bridges, and Thornwell, lacking playoff experience and inconsistent performance, are difficult to rely on consistently in the Finals.

The only team that can hold their own is the Clippers' starting lineup, but compared to the Raptors' Leonard, Lowry, Siakam, Danny Green, and Gasol.

It can only be said that they each have their own merits.

Inside the training base, the team is conducting its first tactical practice before the finals.

Chen Fang's left ankle is now returning to normal, and he doesn't feel pain when he exerts force, but it will definitely affect his playing time.

The first game of the finals is on June 7th, which doesn't give Chen Fang enough time.

This is also a huge hidden danger; Chen Fang may have to play the entire series with an unhealed left leg.

Taking all factors into account, the "big trial" tactic became the Clippers' only lifeline.

This is what we're practicing now.

After so much discussion and experimentation, Mazura has put this tactic into practice, and now it will be further adjusted through matches.

This tactic is actually quite simple.

Chen Fang is positioned as a pivot in the high post area between the free-throw line and the three-point line at the top of the key, similar to Green's tactical role in the Warriors' half-court offense.

However, Chen Fang is more dangerous than Green, and the offensive options will depend on the situation.

If the Raptors use Leonard to defend Leonard one-on-one, and the remaining four players are positioned in an inverted trapezoid, then we'll see how effective Chen Fang is at one-on-one against Leonard.

Only in this way can the Raptors' wing defenders be forced to double-team and help defend, allowing Chen Fang to pass the ball and make an assist.

At the same time, by having interior players move up to set screens and pick-and-rolls, allowing Chen to shoot from the top of the key, the Raptors are forced to stretch their defensive formation and rely on passing from the wings and corners to score.

In Chen Fang's tactics, supporting the card dealing and independent attacks each account for half.

The specific results will depend not only on Chen Fang's competitive form, but also on the scoring ability of other players.

Dillon, Holiday, Bridges, Lou Williams, Richon, 3J, Zubac – every time they score, the Raptors have to change their defensive strategy.

The Clippers also have problems defensively.

Lowry's scoring ability has actually been diminished by DeRozan. This season, his scoring efficiency is extremely high, with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. He is an extremely terrifying outside scorer and the most reliable second scoring option alongside Leonard.

Danny Green's three-pointers will always be a sword of Damocles hanging over the Clippers' heads. You can't ignore him; he will always draw the Clippers' defensive resources.

Pascal Siakam has been transformed in this playoff season, delivering a performance that has surprised the league, averaging 19.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

This is the kind of stretch four power forward any championship contender dreams of. It's safe to say that after this season, regardless of whether the Raptors win the championship, Siakam's value will skyrocket.

Based on Chen Wang's previous life experience, Siakam was the biggest contributor to the Raptors' championship and the most unpredictable X-factor for the team.

Mazura frowned, but Chen Fang comforted her, saying, "Don't put so much pressure on yourself."

"Thank you, I'm used to this kind of self-pressure."

"The Raptors are the toughest team for us, even tougher than the Warriors. Don't be fooled by how strong the Warriors are; their offense and defense aren't as balanced as the Raptors'."

"I've been thinking about how Kerr would face the Raptors if the Warriors made it to the Finals," Mazura suddenly said.

Chen Fang was taken aback when he heard this, and he patted Mazura on the shoulder.

"No matter what he thinks, he can't win."

"Just like they countered us, the Raptors also countered the Warriors, that's a fact."

“Then…” Mazura started to speak, but Chen Fang stopped her with a gesture.

"In the end, basketball is all about willpower."

"Neither the Raptors nor the Clippers have won their first championship, so in terms of the desire for victory, there's no difference between us."

"But the most important thing in life is to have confidence."

"Confidence will be the key to our victory!"

With his head held high, Chen Fang said firmly, "Having come this far, there's no way I'll give up now."

The Raptors are strong, but I'm even stronger!
You'll see!
(End of this chapter)