Dallas.
American Airlines Arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers' away game against the Dallas Mavericks almost ended on the back foot of the Rockets VS Heat game.
Although the Lakers lost O'Neal, the league's No. 1 center, in the new season, their strength shrank significantly, and they also lost two games in a row at the beginning of the new season.
But tonight, facing the powerful Mavericks led by Dirk Nowitzki in the away game, Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, realized his shame and bravely ushered in an explosion.
The whole game exploded with 48 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. He completely defeated his opponent Michael Finley and hit a 2-point buzzer beater to narrowly defeat the Mavericks and refuse to lose the first three games in a row.
Odom also scored 20+10 for the first time since joining the Lakers, and Caron Butler scored 16 points.
In the post-game interview, ESPN’s beauty reporter Erin Andrews came to Kobe’s side:
"Kobe, congratulations on playing another classic game tonight. Can you talk to the fans about the reason for your outburst?"
Kobe faced the microphone, full of domineering, confident and stubborn:
"Many fans are not optimistic about the Lakers in the new season because that guy has left, but I just want to prove with actions that without that guy, the Lakers still have a chance to win the championship!"
"Kobe, what do you think of Lin's 14 three-pointers in tonight's game between the Rockets and the Heat, breaking your single-game three-point record, and also scoring 51 points?"
After hearing what Andrews said, Kobe was stunned, and the cold look on his face disappeared instantly:
"What? Lin hit 14 three-pointers tonight?"
"I knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it to come so quickly. This guy's three-pointer is really crazy!"
…
With Lin Fei's superb performance in the Heat VS Rockets game, a "Linsanity" storm was once again set off across the United States.
The genuine sales of Lin Fei's No. 22 jersey with the Heat have also been steadily increasing.
14 three-pointers in a single game and the youngest 50-pointer. These two labels have made Lin Fei a popular supernova in the NBA.
Coupled with the fact that Lin Fei won the championship in his rookie season and won an Olympic silver medal, his overall popularity has surpassed that of his teammate Wade, even as much as LeBron James.
As the big brother of the world's sports brand, Nike originally signed James with US$90 million in seven years, but last season was unwilling to give Lin Fei a sneaker contract with an annual salary of more than US$8 million, ultimately missing out on this huge potential stock.
But Ding Shizhong, chairman of Anta Group, smiled broadly.
Lin Fei's popularity at home and abroad has soared, coupled with his high-quality idol image, this has allowed Anta's brand value to continue to rise, and sales of genuine clothing and sports shoes have increased steadily in various places.
Some current and retired NBA stars have also publicly discussed Lin Fei's 14 three-pointers in a single game and his feat of becoming the youngest player to score 50 points.
Kobe Bryant: "Lin has always been a rookie that I admire very much. His ceiling will exceed that of Reggie Miller and Ray Allen!"
Reggie Miller: "From ancient times to the present, no player in the NBA has shot three-pointers like Lin. His success cannot be replicated!"
Steve Nash: "The emergence of Lin has changed the iron law in the NBA that the closer you are to the basket, the easier it is to score. The league is likely to enter a new era in the future!"
Hajime Olajuwon: "If the Rockets in the 1990s had players like Lin, the Chicago Bulls would never have won six championships!"
Allen Iverson: "This was a magical game. Lin's 14 three-pointers seemed to herald the reform of the league!"
LeBron James: "I feel sorry for the Cavaliers not getting Lin in the offseason. His team has always been a strong contender for the championship!"
In view of Lin Fei's huge influence among domestic fans, the General Administration of Television of China Channel decided to send a professional interview team to the United States to conduct a high-profile interview with Lin Fei after discussion.
After the game against the Rockets, Lin Fei continued to the away game with the Heat, taking a special plane to the east coast city of Philadelphia, where he faced the Philadelphia 76ers led by Allen Iverson two days later.
Philadelphia has been king for ten years, so why not win a championship in his lifetime?
Lin Fei liked Iverson's style of play very much in his original world. He was his idol in junior high school.
But after winning the MVP in 2001 and leading the team to the finals, the Philadelphia 76ers led by Iverson fell into ups and downs and were never able to break through.
This also fully exposed the disconnect between Iverson's personal style of play and the team's record. AI is considered a charming star, but not a qualified team leader.
With the conflict between Iverson and Larry Brown leading to the departure of the head coach, the Philadelphia 76ers have been unable to find a suitable head coach in the past two seasons, which has also directly affected the team's tacit understanding and record.
The Philadelphia 76ers lineup for the new season is dominated by Allen Iverson, Mark Jackson, Kyle Korver, and rookie Iguodala. The defense is weak, the forwards are rich, and the lineup structure is unreasonable.
The 76ers, who started the regular season with 2 wins and 1 loss, seem to have a good record, but they have not yet encountered a strong team.
Stan Van Gundy's goal for the Heat generals is naturally to win the 76ers and hit a fourth consecutive victory.
On the night when Lin Fei and the Heat players arrived in Philadelphia, NBA officials also officially announced the best players in the East and West for the first week of the new season.
Western aspect.
Players nominated for Player of the Week are:
Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ray Allen of the Seattle SuperSonics, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns.
What surprised the fans was that Nash finally won the Western Conference Player of the Week award by averaging 17.2 points and 12.6 assists per game and leading the team to three consecutive victories.
The Phoenix Suns' start to the new season shocked fans. They won three games in a row and averaged more than 115 points per game, ranking first in the league in offensive efficiency.
Except for Lin Fei, a time traveler, probably no one could have predicted that the Suns' magic this season has just begun, and the first-generation whirlwind of the small ball era is sweeping wildly.
In the Eastern Conference, the players nominated for Best of the Week are:
Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets, Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons, Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics, and Lin Fei of the Miami Heat.
In the end, Lin Fei relied on the Heat's three-game winning streak in the new season, averaging 34 points per game (second in the league). Especially in the third game, Lin Fei blasted 14 three-pointers and became the youngest 51-pointer in the league.
Without any suspense, he was elected as the Player of the Week in the first week of the Eastern Conference in the 04-05 season.
Although Lin Fei has almost no other statistics besides scoring and steals, and his technical bias has always been serious, this does not affect his decisive role on the court.
According to NBA big data, Lin Fei has also become the youngest foreign player to win the Player of the Week award in NBA history.
At the same time, Lin Fei is also the first foreign player in the NBA to score 50+ points (Olajuwon later became an American nationality, not counting!).
According to the incentive mechanism in the contract signed between Lin Fei and the Heat, Lin Fei will also receive a bonus of US$30,000 for being the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
There was not much suspense in the game against the 76ers. Wade and O'Neal returned to normal in this game. In addition, the 76ers' defense was empty and their ability to protect the penalty area was poor.
This gave Wade and O'Neal a lot of room to play. Lin Fei returned as the sixth man. The Heat suppressed Philadelphia for almost the whole game and finally won a solid victory 112:101.
Wade and Iverson exchanged blows in this game. He scored 31 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Iverson scored 36 points.
O'Neal, who was in good health, also easily scored 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Lin Fei played 27 minutes, made 7 of 8 three-pointers, and scored 23 points with free throws.
With the victory over the 76ers, the Heat won their first four consecutive games, ended three consecutive away games, and finally returned to Miami's home court.
Then they played the visiting Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at home. Both teams were weak teams in the Eastern Conference. The Heat easily won, and their winning streak reached 6 games.
Lin Fei hit 6 three-pointers and 9 three-pointers respectively in these two games.
At the beginning of the new season, he scored at least 6 three-pointers in six consecutive regular season games, which also created a new history.
With the start of this wave of 6 consecutive victories, the Miami Heat's record has also directly reached the first place in the Eastern Conference.
The Phoenix Suns, number one in the Western Conference, also have a record of 6 wins and 0 losses.
Next, the Heat will go to Phoenix and face the Phoenix Suns led by Steve Nash.
The Suns' starting five this season are:
Point Guard (PG): Steve Nash,
Shooting Guard (SG): Quentin Richardson,
Small forward (SF): Joe Johnson,
Power Forward (PF): Shawn Marion,
Center (C): Amar'e Stoudemire.
Stoudemire, Marion and Joe in singles are all players averaging about 20+ per game at this time. Coupled with Nash, the organizational brain, and Quentin Richardson, who is active in defense,
D'Antoni's run-and-gun tactics completely transformed the Suns into a phoenix. Their sharp fast breaks and wonderful coordination made their opponents very uncomfortable.
The same is true for the Heat. O'Neal's heavy tonnage has become a hindrance. Stoudemire and Marion can also run, jump and have unlimited energy. Coupled with Nash's sorting, this gave the Suns the upper hand at the beginning.
Precisely because D'Antoni and Nash know Lin Fei very well, in terms of defense, the Suns have also formulated the most effective way to defend Lin Fei.
The core of this method is to strangle the ball player and passing line, and actively switch defenses when encountering pick-and-roll situations.
The physical conditions of Marion and Stoudemire are very suitable for playing small ball, and they are fully capable of unlimited defensive changes on the defensive end. This makes it difficult for Wang Linfei and the inside screen to produce results and opportunities.
Throughout the game, although Wade had 8 assists, he also made 7 turnovers, giving the Suns too many fast break opportunities.
Under the youthful storm of the Suns, which has unlimited defense changes, Lin Fei only took 7 shots tonight, hitting 5 three-pointers and scoring 18 points including free throws.
This is also the first time Lin Fei scored less than 20+ in the new season.
As the first main offensive point, Wade also scored 28 points, but his efficiency was not high.
Under the constant defense and double-teaming of Stoudemire and Marion, O'Neal found it difficult to catch the ball comfortably in the penalty area. He only took 11 shots in the game and scored 17 points including free throws.
The Suns, playing at home, played a hearty game. Under the leadership of Nash with 15 assists, Stoudemire, Marion and Joe Johnson all scored 20+ points.
The substitutes also scored 25 points under the leadership of Barcelona Lightning Barbosa.
In the end, the Suns defeated the Miami Heat 116:102, ending the Heat's 6-game winning streak, and at the same time, they also won the first 7 consecutive games.
Losing this game also gave Heat coach Stan Van Gundy a clearer understanding of some of the problems facing the team.
There is not a qualified point guard in the team, and Wade is often asked to organize. However, Wade is not a first-class point guard after all, and there is a clear gap between his organizational ability and Steve Nash.
Then when facing flexible insiders, the 32-year-old O'Neal will inevitably suffer in a fast-paced game. Lin Fei's catch-and-shoot three-pointers are also difficult to exert their power in the face of unlimited defense changes.
As the game ended, Lin Fei and Nash hugged and communicated with each other. Although the game was lost, it was not a bad thing for the Heat.
"Lin, how is the current offensive system of the Suns? Does it feel like it will be more suitable for your characteristics?"
Nash smiled, still feeling a little regretful about not being able to join forces with Lin Fei in the new season.
Lin Fei smiled and said: "Steve, my greatest energy now has been transferred from three-pointers to defense!"
"Offense wins box office, but defense wins championships!"
Although Lin Fei "only" hit 5 three-pointers tonight, he performed well on the defensive end, contributing a career-high 4 steals in a single game.
Whether he was guarding Quentin Richardson or switching to guard Nash and Joe Johnson, Lin Fei performed very well and worked hard, which was recognized by Stan Van Gundy.
As he continues to win games and gain free attribute points, Lin Fei's comprehensive defensive attribute has now reached 87 points, and his steal attribute has reached 94.
Putting more energy into defense has more or less affected the offensive state, but Lin Fei believes that he will continue to adjust and do better.
After hearing Lin Fei's words, "Offense wins the box office, defense wins the championship," Nash also had a solemn look on his face.
For the current Suns, defense is indeed a big problem, but it was temporarily overshadowed by offense and winning streak during the regular season.
Lin Fei's three-pointer was indispensable for the Timberwolves' championship last season, but Garnett's defensive system is the team's mainstay.
Although the Suns defeated the Heat at home tonight, in Nash's view, the Heat's overall strength is still stronger than the Suns.
"Lin, you are becoming more and more mature now, let's work hard together!"
Lin Fei also smiled confidently: "Steve, in June next year, I hope we can meet again in the finals!"
Nash's eyes flashed. He didn't expect that Lin Fei was really ambitious. As soon as the regular season started, he was already thinking about next year's finals.
"Haha, Lin, you are the one who has won the championship after all, but I have only touched the floor of the Western Conference Finals once!"
"But this season is indeed a good opportunity for the Suns and I, so I hope we can meet in the finals!"
Fans of the home Suns at America West Arena were naturally even more excited when they saw their team win against the powerful Miami Heat at home, looking forward to the team's unlimited prospects this season.
"Last season's record was at the bottom of the Western Conference. This season started with a 7-game winning streak. Steve's ability to lead the team is so strong!"
"It seems we have to say sorry to Steve. As much as we hated him before the season started, we love him now!"
"D'Antoni's offensive tactics are really good. The league is about to enter an era of fast-paced offense and defense!"
"If Lin is here, this Suns team will be perfect, and it will definitely be a championship level!"
"It is recommended to trade Joe Johnson and a first-round pick for Lin. I wonder if the Heat management will agree!"
"Pat Riley is not a fool. Not to mention Joe Johnson, even Stoudemire and Steve probably won't be replaced!"
After losing to the Suns, the Heat quickly adjusted and rebounded. After returning home, they won the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets.
Facing the platinum representatives of the 2003 generation, Wade and Lin Fei cooperated tacitly, allowing James and Anthony to return home in defeat.
The second-year James did not have very good helpers around him in the Cavaliers at this time. Although Big Z was an All-Star, he was easily beaten by O'Neal.
Coupled with Boozer's departure, it will still be difficult for the Cavaliers to reach the playoffs this season.
James questioned the management's inaction and looked forward to getting a strong helper as soon as possible.
After all, he is the number one pick of the 2003 generation, and Lin Fei of the same generation has already won the championship first. We must not watch Wade and Lin Fei compete for the championship again.
During this period, the Nuggets were already a playoff-level team, with both the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the team. Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby supported the inside line, and Anthony's firepower was further upgraded.
But compared with the Heat, these two teams have a big gap in strength.
With a record of 8 wins and 1 loss, Lin Fei and the Heat flew to Minneapolis and will next challenge his old club, the defending champion Timberwolves, away from home.
This game back at the Target Center Arena is also of great significance to Lin Fei, because as the main force of the Timberwolves' championship last season,
Lin Fei will officially receive the first championship ring of his career before the game starts.
As Lin Fei's best friend during his time with the Timberwolves, Szebiak greeted him at the airport early and took Lin Fei, Wade, O'Neal and roughly four others to his villa.
Lin Fei naturally had a different feeling in his heart when he revisited his old place.
Not only did I eat my sister-in-law’s steak that I had longed for, but I also relived the scenery of the docks on the banks of the Mississippi River and the small villa where I had lived for a year during my morning run the next day.
It is already very cold in Minneapolis in mid-to-late November, with an average temperature of about -5 degrees, and the highest temperature at noon is only 4-5 degrees. It is a completely different world from Miami.
After all, Lin Fei had lived here for a year and had grown up in the Imperial City since he was a child. He had long been accustomed to the cold winter. Wade and O'Neal couldn't do it. They caught a cold early the next morning, which affected the state of the game to some extent.
"Lin, when we play against our old club tonight, it's all up to you!"
"Yes, that guy Kevin actually said that the Timberwolves can still win the championship without you, so you have to slap him in the face tonight!"
6:30 p.m., Target Center Arena.
The auditoriums on all sides were packed with people, and the seats were packed.
After winning the championship last season, the Timberwolves' fan base has become broader and the team's value has also been significantly improved.
before the game starts.
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor personally walked onto the court to present Lin Fei with last season's championship ring. The Target Center Arena was filled with cheers and applause from Timberwolves fans.
Lin Fei couldn't help but smile with tears in his eyes. He shook hands and hugged his boss Glen Taylor. At the same time, he took the royal blue luxury championship ring, put it on the ring finger of his left hand, and then raised it high to the fans. Waving.
This arena where I stayed for a whole season is where my NBA dream began. There are so many unforgettable memories for Lin Fei here.
The difference from last season is that at this time, a championship flag has been hung on the roof of the stadium: the 2003-2004 championship Minnesota Timberwolves.
Standing on the edge of the court,
On one side were Lin Fei's old teammates from the Timberwolves: Wolf King, Madman, Alien, Szebiak, Olowokandi, Hassell...
On the other side are Lin Fei's new teammates in the Heat: O'Neal, Wade, Suga, Eddie Jones, Haslem, Tony Allen...
Seeing Lin Fei wearing the first championship ring of his NBA career, the players from both teams also smiled and sincerely applauded Lin Fei.
The Wolf King was full of memories. When he saw Lin Fei, he remembered the passionate time of fighting side by side in the Western Conference Finals and the Finals last season.
O'Neal Wade is full of longing, looking forward to being able to break the embarrassing situation of no championship in team history for the Miami Heat this season like the Timberwolves.
After all, O'Neal already has three championship rings, and Lin Fei now has one, but apart from these two, other Heat players, including Wade, still don't have championship rings.
At this moment, the high-definition four-sided screen on the roof of the stadium also played the top ten personal goals of last season that the Timberwolves officially edited for Lin Fei.
Each wonderful three-pointer, each sharp move, and the figure wearing the Timberwolves No. 22 jersey made countless Timberwolves fans at the scene shed tears.
"Lin, we love you!"
"Lin, come back, Minneapolis will always be your home!"
"Wow, wow, I miss Lin's three-pointers. It would be great if he was still in the Timberwolves now!"
After the applause and cheers dropped a few decibels, Timberwolves boss Glenn Taylor, who was standing next to Lin Fei, also took the initiative to pick up the microphone and smiled at Lin Fei:
"Lin, come back to Target Arena, tell me how you feel at the moment?"
Lin Fei's eyes were still shining, and he said emotionally into the microphone:
"Minneapolis fans, I'm back! I love this championship ring and I love each and every one of you!"
(End of chapter)
