Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 410 The Battle for the Imperial City (Part 1)

2020 NBA All-Star Game.

This All-Star Game featured many interesting moments, the most notable being Aaron Gordon's leap over the 2.26-meter-tall Tucker Fall, only to narrowly lose to Derrick Jones Jr. by 9 points.

After the game, Gordon announced that he would never participate in the Slam Dunk Contest again, and fans criticized judge Wade (number 9) so much that it became a trending topic and the most popular meme of the All-Star Weekend.
The All-Star Game is also a sneaker extravaganza. "Sneaker King" PJ Tucker wore the Nike Zoom LeBron 3 "Chicago," one of only three pairs in the world, that night, causing the secondary market price to rise by 300%.

Zion Williamson's debut in AJ34s and LeBron James' LeBron 17 "Monstars" sold out in 5 minutes, becoming the Spring Festival Gala of the sneaker world.

Chen KING debuted his signature sneakers, the Clippers edition, and instantly became the number one selling sneakers globally that day.

Its accompanying mid-to-low-end models, "Riding the Wind" and "Breaking the Waves," were also all put on the market and sold out immediately.

This year's tournament has become the one with the widest range of celebrities and the most basketball legends gathered. All the former superstars you can name have come here.

Jordan and Kobe sat side by side, becoming the most beautiful sight at the scene.

Having escaped death, Kobe naturally missed the nationwide mourning and remembrance, and the All-Star Game would not feature jerseys, the court, or the 24-second shot clock—the ubiquitous "Mamba elements."

As expected, James finally complied with the call on February 7th, the day he chose his teammates.

He picked Kemba Walker, while Giannis Antetokounmpo instantly chose Chen Fang.

And the next choice was no surprise.

James selected his starting four: Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, and James Harden.

The substitutes are: Booker (Damian Lillard withdrew due to injury), Ben Simmons, Nikola Jokic, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Domantas Sabonis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's starting lineup was: Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Chen Fang, and Trae Young.

The substitutes are: Khris Middleton, Bam Adebayo, Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum, Kyle Lowry, Brandon Ingram, and Jimmy Butler.

James's choice won widespread praise. After a long period of preparation, he chose to stand his ground and refused to choose anyone related to Chen Wang, which was truly a show of toughness.

The western region wore blue star-patterned clothing, while the eastern region wore red star-patterned clothing. Commentators Yu Jia and Duan Ran joked that this was more in line with the national conditions.

The camera kept focusing on Chen Fang and James. Chen Fang was putting on ankle braces. He had been trying on these shoes for a few days and felt they were great. They were lightweight and also provided cushioning.

At first, it felt a bit like barefoot, but after getting used to it, the fit was excellent. The anti-rollover midsole last is a highlight of this shoe.

In short, after a year of preparation, Nike's meticulously crafted CK no.1 for Chen Fang has truly reached its peak and is destined to become the most collectible and worthwhile series in the sneaker world. Many sneaker experts have predicted that it will become the next ZK because of this brand promotion.

Both sides are preparing. The new rules for winning have indeed made the players feel a sense of urgency. 157 points seems high, but if they play like they usually do in the All-Star game, they could reach that point at the start of the fourth quarter.

Therefore, many commentators predicted that the first half would be relaxed, but the second half would become extremely suffocating.

"It's highly likely that both sides will use the first half as a warm-up, and then the second half will depend on the score difference. But one thing is certain: the fourth quarter will be 100% playoff-level in intensity," Duan Ran said.

They were very relaxed, and Chen Fang became the absolute focus of the All-Star game. As compatriots, they felt extremely proud.

Frank Vogel is the head coach of the Western Conference. With the Lakers rising to the top of the West, the position naturally went to Vogel. If the Clippers maintain their intensity in January, then it will be Rivers. Chen Fang jokingly asked him about it, but Rivers shook his head: "I'd rather stay at home. This isn't a good job."

In the East, the head coach is Nick Nurse of the Raptors. Despite losing Leonard, the Raptors are still the second-best team in the East. Nurse's coaching ability has been widely recognized, and he deserves this position.

Nass was genuinely moved; looking at Chen Fang, who had become his teammate, he still found it a bit difficult to jump around.

He doesn't give any instructions, and many things can only be done in the second half. Most of the time, he will sit there quietly, just like the fans, appreciating and waiting for the exciting moments to come.

Chen Fang joked with Tatum again: "No way, Jason, look at Trae Young, he's already a starter."

Tatum rolled his eyes: "You have the nerve to say that? You're the one who knocked me out of my place."

"Oh, oh, oh." Chen Fang and Trae Young looked at each other and smiled. Then, Chen Fang put his other arm around Tatum.

"Good brother, we're back together again!"

“Yes, I cared. It took me four whole years!” Trae Young exclaimed.

Tatum, however, remained frustrated: "What's all this about? I have to watch you guys from the sidelines."

"Haha, be patient, there will be a time for a combination."

Seeing the three of them embracing, Yu Jia also remarked, "This year, eight players were selected for the All-Star team for the first time, which means the league has entered a new era. As for Chen Wang, Tatum, Trae Young, Mitchell, and Luka, they are the future of the league. Four years have passed, and the former late-season team has become the backbone of the league. What they need to do now is to complete the transition between the old and the new and become the new face of the league."

"That's the true meaning of the All-Star game: to defeat the old king and ascend to the throne as the new king under the spotlight."

Meanwhile, in the audience, Kobe and Jordan, sitting in the front row, were also whispering to each other.

"Maybe today, maybe next year, but this day will come eventually," Kobe said.

Jordan chewed his gum, seemingly unconcerned: "There's nothing to feel sentimental about or expect."

"I hope these little guys can put on a performance that will excite me."

Kobe didn't say anything, but he once stood here and challenged Jordan. Looking back, he couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions. It's been more than 20 years since then.

They are still here, but the stage has changed several times over.

After staring at the three people opposite him for a long time, Kobe silently leaned back in his chair.

The referee brought the basketball onto the court, and the entire stadium perked up. The long-awaited showdown between Chen Wang and James was finally about to begin.

Chen Fang looked relaxed, while James appeared serious.

Doncic was the most excited. He knew he wasn't the main character today. He glanced at the two of them and remained silent.

The younger generation is envious of Chen Fang, but even more so, they admire him.

Before the game, in the locker room, James solemnly expressed that this game was very important to him. This was the first time James had been so straightforward, and he had to give face to everyone.

"That's why I try to choose teammates who have a relationship with Chen Wang."

"I need the team's help!" James scanned the entire court, and at that moment, the aura he exuded caused everyone in the locker room to subconsciously lower their heads.

"This is my war with him, and there can only be one winner."

"King Chen is strong, but I will not fall today. If I don't give it up, no one can take it from me!"

It has to be said that James chose a very opportune time, and his request was both reasonable and difficult to refuse.

Most of these 11 people have some grudges against Chen Fang. Mitchell was eliminated by Chen Fang twice in the playoffs, so as a fellow student, he naturally has feelings about it.

Let's not even mention Paul; he's the boss, and Simmons was also humiliated by Chen Wang. Among the starters, besides Harden, only Davis is truly neutral.

Harden noticed everyone was glancing at him, so he shrugged, glanced at Westbrook, and then at Jokic.

"It has nothing to do with me, but I will remain true to the game and do my best in the competition."

Harden spoke out, and those who had some connection with Chen Fang also expressed similar sentiments.

James was very satisfied. He was afraid that Harden would disagree, so he was already very happy to see Harden's attitude.

"Brothers, this is also the dignity of our West, and it needs to be defended." James's words were somewhat of a digression, and everyone chuckled, but no one responded.

As the DJ called out each player's name, adding their honors before their name, Chen Fang sat at the very back, confirming that he was the star of the show.

"The player with the most votes in the All-Star voting, the 18-19 NBA Finals MVP, from the Los Angeles Clippers... Chen Wang! Chen Fang...!"

When the DJ called out the long note, Chen Fang smiled, shook his head, and got up from the bench. The whole stadium started clapping. Kobe, who hadn't done much before, also started clapping, and Jordan clapped a few times before stopping.

Chen Fang, who was always afraid of comparison, realized for the first time that his honors were pitifully few, unlike others who had a long list.

He walked onto the court and high-fived everyone except James.

The two exchanged a glance, Chen Fang chuckled, and turned back to his own half of the field.

James remained expressionless, his serious demeanor tinged with coldness.

This scene was captured in a close-up by the camera, and was seen not only by the audience at the scene, but also by hundreds of millions of fans watching online.

"The air even feels a bit burnt!" Yu Jia remarked.

“Yes, yes,” Duan Ran echoed.

Back on the court, the Western Conference atmosphere was slightly somber, while the Eastern Conference players were relaxed and even a little smiling. The starting lineups for both sides remained unchanged: Luka at point guard, Harden at shooting guard, Leonard at small forward, James at power forward, and Davis anchoring the paint.

On the eastern side, there has been no change either.

Giannis Antetokounmpo as power forward, Joel Embiid as center, Pascal Siakam as small forward, Chen Fang as shooting guard, and Trae Young as point guard.

The strengths and weaknesses of both sides are obvious: the East boasts a luxurious interior, while the West has a wildly aggressive perimeter.

With the addition of Prince Chen, who would dare to act recklessly?

Chen Wang is skilled at taking on several opponents at once. Once he sets his mind to killing, the alliance should ask themselves, who can suppress him?
Last year, I thought Leonard was a good candidate, but Chen Wang has proven that this is not absolute. Chen Wang, who has gained weight to 207 pounds, is all muscle and can no longer be suppressed by anyone in terms of physical confrontation.

These thoughts flashed through many people's minds, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the moment when the referee tossed the basketball up.

James went to the scorer's table, threw magnesium powder, and completed his opening ceremony.

Chen Fang glanced at it a few times. Some people had advised him to do the same, saying it would enhance the impression of the Chen Wang brand, but Chen Fang shook his head and refused.

Jordan sticking out his tongue, Kobe Bryant's Black Mamba move, and LeBron James's magnesium powder-sprinkling gesture are all their signature moves, and Chen Fang naturally has his own.

It's just not the right time yet; when the time is right, he will naturally make his move.

The camera pans overhead, showing the referee dribbling the basketball twice. Davis and Embiid jump together, but Davis gets to the ball faster, sending it flying towards the western backcourt. There, James stands alone in the paint, catches the ball, and starts pushing it forward.

This is also a clear signal that the West is dominated by James.

James crossed half-court, Leonard spread out and made a fake screen, James went around and drove to the basket, and before the double team could double-team him, he threw the ball to Leonard on the left wing.

With a wide-open shot, Leonard caught the ball and immediately took a shot. The ball was straight and fast, hitting the back of the rim and going in.

"Wow, Leonard's three-pointer! The Western Conference All-Stars score first!"

The first All-Star Game was bound to be fast-paced. Chen Fang got the inbound pass from the baseline, dribbled it across half-court, passed it to Trae Young, and then moved to the right wing.

Giannis Antetokounmpo came out to set a screen for him, but it was a fake screen. Chen Fang returned to the top of the arc, received the pass back, and with a flick of his wrist, lobbed the ball directly to the basket.

The Emperor received the ball, turned around, and rose up to end the offensive possession with a powerful dunk.

"Beautiful pass! James and Chen Wang each get their first assist!" Yu Jia shouted.

That's the status of a superstar; even if they're not the ones scoring, the spotlight still falls on them.

The pace was fast, and James had already dribbled the ball across half-court. This time, he was the main attacker. After Davis set a screen for him, he drove in with the ball wrapped around him. Under this intensity, it was a piece of cake.

With the middle wide open, James finished with a powerful dunk.

"Wow, LeBron looks really motivated today," the ESPN commentator exclaimed.

Five seconds later, he shouted again: "Haha, Chen Wang's gliding dunk, well, this is definitely not a coincidence."

“Chen Wang and James are going head-to-head, and any move by either side will be met with an immediate response.”

Now everyone can see that Chen Fang is relentlessly provoking and irritating James. The camera pans to Kobe and Jordan, who both have strange smiles on their faces, expressions of delight.

Both sides played very loose defenses. Leonard hit his second three-pointer, and since the East only had Chen Fang and Trae Young, the task of hitting three-pointers was almost entirely assigned to them.

Trae Young attempted a long-range shot, but missed. Luka grabbed the rebound and used his signature slow three-step to find a defender, eventually passing to Davis who was cutting in.

Unfortunately, Davis's dunk attempt was blocked by Giannis Antetokounmpo, drawing gasps from the crowd.

But James had the ball open first, and he passed it out to Harden, who received it on the outside and attempted a three-pointer for the first time.

It wasn't heavy either. This time, the East won the rebound. Giannis started his standard ball-handling drive, which was naturally hard for the West to resist. Davis was still behind, and Leonard made a gesture and then moved away.

"8 to 6, the score went up very quickly, only two minutes into the game."

"Both sides treated the first quarter as a warm-up, with a wide distribution of possession and everyone getting offensive opportunities," Yu Jia commented.

"Yes, James and Chen Wang are doing the same thing: connecting the ball and taking shots whenever they have the opportunity."

"They're all gathering their strength, ha!"

Anyone with eyes can see that Chen Fang is doing one thing: whatever statistics James gets, Chen Fang has to catch up with him.

James continued to exert himself, his expression extremely serious, which surprised those who knew him.

With 7 minutes and 37 seconds left in the first quarter, James first helped defend and stole the ball from Siakam, then drove the length of the court to score.

He then chased down and blocked Embiid's dunk attempt, drawing gasps from the crowd.

"All-out LeBron! Incredible! LeBron is so serious and giving it his all today!" the commentators exclaimed.

"Play good defense, get the transition going, OMG, today is really a do-or-die game for LeBron James. I've never seen LeBron James so serious."

Chen Fang naturally sensed this as well, and he became excited instead. What he feared most was James's habitual avoidance. It seemed that the recent public opinion had pushed him to the brink.

In the final minute of the first quarter, James double-teamed Giannis Antetokounmpo, forcing the latter to pass the ball to Chen Fang for support.

James pounced on the ball without hesitation, instantly energizing the entire arena.

The first real showdown between Chen Fang and James is here.

Chen Fang caught the ball with one hand, leaned against James, and used a probing step to counterattack. He then swiftly withdrew his left foot and released the ball, feinting his shoulder to mislead James into changing direction to the left.

James reacted quickly, reaching out to interfere while simultaneously shifting his hips and lowering his center of gravity to reset his defensive posture. Almost as soon as Chen Fang dribbled the ball for the second time, James perfectly blocked Chen Fang's offensive path.

Chen Fang hadn't expected James to be so strong at full strength, but he reacted even faster. He shifted his weight from his front foot to his back foot, using that momentum to land sideways with his back foot. In the blink of an eye, his forward direction changed from vertical to horizontal.

The two were instantly separated by a body length. James reacted quickly and reached out to touch Chen Fang, intending to interfere.

He missed his target, and Chen Fang forced a turn to pull the ball back to his starting position.

Before his body had fully turned around, Chen Fang took a jump shot, held the ball up in mid-air, and decisively shot the moment he saw the basket.

"Chen Wang breaks through, James leans in, cough, Chen Wang turns, jumps, and shoots a three-pointer."

"Oh my god, the ball went in! Unbelievable! What kind of core strength is that? This is an outrageous goal! How could that even go in?" The commentators reached their first climax, exclaiming in surprise.

Chen Fang, who had just landed, shook his head at James and walked away.

Surprisingly, James wasn't angry; he just clapped his hands in annoyance.

This thrilling match ignited the passion of the United Center arena, and the fans are now excited. This is the scene they've been waiting for for almost a month, and now it's finally here.

In the next possession, James unusually held the ball against Chen Fang and suddenly pulled up for a three-pointer, catching Chen Fang off guard and leaving him no choice but to watch.

"Haha! James shot Chen Wang over the head, this is too dramatic." The commentator's surprise represented the unexpectedness of the whole audience, and many fans stood up and cheered.

The bench looked surprised; James was a completely different person today, almost like a stranger.

Chen Fang put his hands on his hips and composed himself. The better James performed, the happier he became.

So you're going to put up a stubborn resistance!

A desperate counterattack, huh!

A desperate battle, is it?
Alright, today the timing, location, and people are all perfect. Let me see where your limits are, LeBron James!

Can you persevere to the end this time?
With a wide grin, Chen Fang clapped his hands and strode forward with the others.

Witnessing this scene, Yu Jiaxin was moved and said loudly, "I think this will definitely be an All-Star game that will be remembered in history."

"Let's not think about anything, just enjoy it quietly!"

"Three more sections!"

"let us wait and see!"

(End of this chapter)