Chapter 471: You'd Better Have Some Real Skill

The Staples Center has become a sea of aqua; Kuaisuan fans wear matching home jerseys, forming an ocean, intent on dousing the Miami Heat tonight.

TNT's cameras were circling in front of Fan Xi and Le Bu Lang Zhang Si before the game began.

This is a showdown between the league's strongest today, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si and Fan Xi, the kings of the Western and Eastern conferences; this is James's fourth time topping the Eastern Conference in his career, giving him one more division title than Fan Xi, though he has three fewer championships than Fan Xi.

Charles Barkley saw the same expression on their faces and said, "They are so composed, exuding the same aura. It shows their determination to win this battle. I'm delighted to witness such a top‑level showdown; Le Bu Lang Zhang Si and Jieke Fan are this era's Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. They will each dominate the league, just as Shaq O'Neal and Tim Duncan stole most of the championships in the early 21st century."

Barkley often criticizes James, yet deep down he actually prefers James; he wants James to be the guardian of American basketball and does not want Fan Xi to steal all the spotlight.

By contrast, his partner Kenny Smith is a die‑hard fan of Fan Xi; he has adored Fan Xi since his debut and enjoys the nurturing system. Therefore, he doesn't care about Fan Xi's nationality and constantly boasts about Fan Xi: "Le Bu Lang Zhang Si should win at least one championship before we start talking about Bird and Magic Johnson. Otherwise, I think such remarks are just pandering."

Kenny Smith's words seemed to hit a sore spot for Barkley; he said, "Are championships really that important? Clearly the whole world knows Le Bu Lang Zhang Si is the better player."

"But he lost to Jie Ke twice in the Finals and once in the Olympics. Since Fan Xi entered the basketball world, he has only won a division title," Kenny Smith began by stating facts and figures.

That made Barkley very upset.

Should facts be shouted about everywhere?

"Le Bu Lang Zhang Si will win the championship this year," Barkley said with great certainty: "Le Bu Lang Zhang Si is definitely the champion!"

Amid Barkley's confident words, the game began.

Kuaisuan's starting lineup is: Lubeo, Fan Xi, Leonard, Nowitzki, Little Jordan.

Heat's starting lineup is: Mario Qianmos, Dwayne Wade, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, Ke Li Si Bo Shen, Kenyan Martin.

Heat's roster is extremely strong; they logged 67 regular‑season wins, a Miami franchise record. If it weren't for Kuaisuan's astonishingly spectacular record, the media would surely be raving about Heat's historic win percentage.

"Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, from your face I can see you've clearly set many traps. You're becoming more composed," Fan Xi said to James as they greeted each other.

"You can dig during the game. Jie Ke, you should know what I'll do to defeat you." James said beside Fan Xi: "The whole world knows how much I despise you, how eager I am to crush you. You stole my stuff."

James lowered his voice, but could not hide his hysteria.

James wishes there were no Fan Xi in the world; Fan Xi's sudden emergence shattered his whole plan, causing him to lose two championship trophies, an Olympic gold medal, and countless high‑profile endorsements. He is now even questioned about his status as Heaven's Chosen Son.

Because, it seems, Fan Xi looks more like the Heaven's Chosen Son.

If Jieke Fan's skin were black, or if he were a native‑born American, perhaps the basketball media would have already elevated him to the heavens. Yet even so, domestic U. S. basketball media can't hold back.

After all, 76 regular‑season wins is beyond what humans can achieve. Kuaisuan made massive roster changes in the off‑season, almost becoming a rebuilding team.

Even with such fierce jealousy toward Fan Xi, James never thought of surpassing Fan Xi's record.

However, his belief in taking this year's championship has reached its peak.

Fan Xi smiled lightly. He calmly told Le Bu Lang Zhang Si: "I understand your frustration, but I must correct your wording. It's not stealing, it's snatching—an outright, open‑handed snatch!"

"If you have the strength, you can snatch it back."

Fan Xi spread his palm, wearing a 'welcome to battle' grin.

At some point, Fan Xi began to exude an aura advantage before the Heaven's Chosen Son, a sign of kingly presence.

Across the ocean, the Central Television host summed up their pre‑game exchange in a few words: "Eastern wind overwhelms Western wind!"

Since Fan Xi's Olympic defeat of the Dream Team led by James, Chinese basketball fans have strutted proudly, perched atop the food chain. Across Asia they claim dominion, and worldwide they wield authority.

The Dream Team's superstars are, in fervent fans' eyes, merely blessed with a bit more physical talent. Any Chinese person with Fan Xi's physique and IQ could make them surrender in minutes.

That confidence comes from Fan Xi.

They carry this confidence into every aspect of their lives and work, forging strong self‑assurance. One day that self‑assurance will help the nation return to its rightful place.

That is the broader significance Fan Xi brings.

The whistle sounded quickly.

The game began.

Little Jordan and Martin tipped the ball.

Martin was once a gifted jumper; his partnership with Jason Kidd once reached the Finals. He represented the forward style of the soaring‑beast school, and later players like Stoud Mayr and Blake Griffin are his disciples.

However, Martin's offense isn't as strong as his successors; his strengths lie in defense and a bit of playmaking.

After joining Heat, he injected energy into the paint, pairing with Ke Li Si Bo Shen in a one‑on‑one offense‑defense scheme, and occasionally stepping out for mid‑range jumpers. He can be considered James‑Wade's capable partner.

Snap!

Little Jordan easily defeated Martin.

This is the passing of the torch from old to new generations.

Lubeo brought the ball up the frontcourt; he is the embodiment of steadiness.

Qianmos seemed to look down on the Spanish guard, but soon Lubeo used a big stride to break through his proud defense.

As Lubeo entered the free‑throw line, Miami was caught off guard.

They didn't expect Kuaisuan's opening move to be Lubeo.

After entering the free‑throw line, Lubeo surged into the paint, then leapt, executing a layup.

Martin hurried to rotate and cover.

But as he jumped and spread his arms, Lubeo tossed the ball behind his head.

Fan Xi sprinted forward like a comet, leapt violently, grabbed the ball and slammed it into the rim… Boom!

Fan Xi completed this relay‑style dunk.

Extremely effortlessly.

The opening tip of the finals was that flamboyant.

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si stood on the wing, a bit stunned, watching Wei De still in the corner.

Wei De also felt caught off guard.

Fan Xi had been roaming outside the left three‑point line.

When Lubeo began his drive, Fan Xi suddenly ran to the top of the arc; Wei De tried to follow but found Nowitzki setting a screen for him.

Wei De didn't want to leave Nowitzki, who is a three‑point shooter.

Thus, he quickly switched defense with Ke Li Si Bo Shen.

Just as he worried that Bo Shi was being taken away.

Fan Xi suddenly accelerated, cutting into the paint without the ball.

In the paint, Lu Biao's behind‑the‑head pass after a layup completed a perfect assist.

They formed a true aerial connection.

Staples Center marveled at this genius‑like offense; Lu Biao, Fan Xi, and Nowitzki executed high‑IQ basketball to the fullest.

In front of the TV, Kobe Bryant laughed proudly and said to the child in his arms, "Jie Ke Sun, did you see? Your godfather will soon pour all this knowledge into your mind; you'll be smarter than him."

On TV, Kenni screamed, shouting, "Miami is always powerless against Jieke Fan's genius moves; they stockpile strength each year and keep improving. Yet they can't change anything—this is Jie Ke's punishment… Their quest for the championship is like a bunch of monkeys tumbling, trying to scoop the moon out of a well."

These words made Miami fans uncomfortable; many even picked up the phone to complain.

Of course, Ba Ke Li sitting beside Kenni felt even worse; he realized he couldn't physically stop Kenni's mouth because Er Yohan Johnson sat between them. Er Yohan Johnson always praised Jieke Fan's creativity and his handsome looks… That damned old man, despite masking it well, is actually a die‑hard Swift fan… He steadfastly defended Jieke Fan and Swift whenever anyone teased the nightstand goddess… All of this Ba Ke Li observed.

He firmly believed his judgment.

Just as now, he told Kenni, "You'll regret this, because Le Bu Lang Zhang Si is about to act."

Ba Ke Li's words just finished.

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, in a one‑on‑one at the three‑point line against Leonard, used an unsightly but solid step‑back to jump‑shoot and made the three.

His footwork was a bit crab‑like.

But his move was learned from a Jordan highlight reel.

So Leonard stared at James in amazement. He could hardly believe his eyes: someone could imitate Jordan even more clumsily than I do?

Leonard thought his own moves were already ugly enough, but Le Bu Lang Zhang Si was like a frog perched on a lotus leaf, already there.

Excuse me! Excuse me!

"Le Bu Lang Zhang Si's three‑point percentage this regular season was 36.7%, soaring to 38.5% in the playoffs; he averages 3.9 threes per game, already an excellent three‑point shooter. He improves a step each year, and no one can deny his outstanding technical progress. I believe this progress will translate into better results. No one is more deserving of the championship than Le Bu Lang Zhang Si."

Ba Ke Li kept saying, "Jieke Fan is just constantly dating."

His remark sparked opposition from Kobe in front of the TV; he agreed that Le Bu Lang Zhang Si had improved rapidly this year, but disagreed that Fan Xi was just constantly dating. He maintained that Fan Xi was the hardest‑working player in the NBA, period, otherwise he wouldn't have progressed so swiftly. Moreover, Kobe thought Fan Xi never dated at all—he was merely a super‑handsome guy coveted by Hollywood actresses.

Swish!

Nowitzki made a jump shot.

He used the Golden Rooster Stand to punish Ke Li Si Bo Shen; Ke Li Si Bo Shen was called the Dragon King in Duolunduo, but in Miami his self‑initiated offense was pitiful, even though he earned the highest salary among the Three Giants.

Turning back, James and Martin executed a 'subtle' combo; after a screen‑and‑roll with Martin, they surged into the paint, with Little Jordan shielding the ball into the hoop… pure power warriors.

Little Jordan couldn't help rubbing his own ribs.

Kuaisuan fans, and Chinese fans across the ocean, couldn't help marveling at the scene; a monster like Le Bu Lang Zhang Si—if not Jieke Fan, who could defeat him?

You need a body, and now there's technique too, and even the spirit is so abundant.

Kobe had long asserted that Le Bu Lang Zhang Si had become the league's super hexagonal warrior; he judged that James had reached an invincible, unstoppable level, and in pure court ability, he was certainly stronger than Fan Xi.

However, there's something indefinable about Fan Xi; he always makes the team run more efficiently… Even though James is also good at this and has high basketball IQ.

Yet Fan Xi's level of skill is boundless.

Thus, whenever Kobe thought of this, he felt regret. He regretted not being in the '90s to compete with Jordan for the top guard, and also regretted not entering the league ten years later to clash with historic elite wing players like James and Fan Xi.

He is like the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms sandwiched between them.

Whoosh!

When Kobe held his son and sighed, the game on the court continued, very high‑end and very efficient.

Both sides went back and forth, with attack efficiency extremely high.

They both deployed tactics completely different from the West and East finals.

These tactics left Lakers fans and Bulls fans in front of the TV in despair: they had hidden strength all along.

What made them even more desperate was that, even though both teams played so high‑end and strong, they were still probing.

Ba Ke Li couldn't help remarking, "How many tactical clauses has Miami hidden? Or how many strategies have they prepared for Los Angeles Kuaisuan?"

Kenni Smith added, "Los Angeles Kuaisuan is like a woman's wardrobe; you never know if the next piece is lace trim or a thong… but either way it gets you excited, adrenaline soaring."

Beep!

At the fifth minute of the game, the first commercial break arrived.

Before leaving the court, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si said to Fan Xi, "Are you ready? The real game is coming."

Fan Xi replied, "Hope you won't disappoint me this time."

"You'd better have at least a little real skill."

…