Chapter 483: The End of an Era, the Rise of a New One

Kenny Smith's words clearly resonated with Cleveland fans, but watching James work so hard yet fail to win a championship left them feeling more reluctant than delighted.

After all, James is a child of Akron. Though he rebelled and left his hometown, angering and saddening everyone, seeing him being "bullied" out there and giving his all yet gaining nothing made their feelings complicated.

After Kenny Smith finished speaking, James sank a three‑pointer.

It seemed to herald his strong comeback, and the entire Meihangzhongxin qiuguan erupted in loud cheers.

But the thing that deflated them occurred quickly in the next possession. Fan Xi, from almost the same angle, executed a Stop‑and‑Go Jump Shot, and James, already lunging forward, had anticipated Fan Xi's release.

However, Fan Xi's release speed was astonishing, and even James, the gifted Heaven's Chosen Son, could not touch the ball.

Swish!

Fan Xi's answer ball nullified James's surge.

Then James drove into the paint again, but this time Little Jordan blocked him up front while Leonard, from behind, used his astonishing wingspan to knock the ball down. The referee did not blow the whistle; the defense was superb, and Leonard and Little Jordan's defensive talents were incredible.

The ball was passed to Fan Xi, who surged into the frontcourt; under Wade's defense, he performed a slick spin move. He shook off Wade as Wade once shook off Kevin Garnett years ago.

Back then, Wade's move past Garnett was called the end of an era.

Now, Fan Xi's move past Wade could also be said to mark the end of an era.

The Super Platinum Generation, though still in their prime, were once again taken down by Fan Xi.

Fan Xi sealed his 50th point of the game with a layup, scoring as easily as reaching into a bag. Many fans had an immediate feeling: Fan Xi plays like Jordan.

That feeling was shared by Jordan himself watching on TV.

Fan Xi exudes a carefree yet disciplined aura.

This is the scene Jordan imagined. He always believed that in this era of lax defense, he could stroll in the courtyard and pick things up at will.

Fan Xi fulfilled his vision; although his mind still refused to acknowledge that Fan Xi could surpass him, he had begun to admit that Fan Xi was the strongest player of this era.

James may surpass Fan Xi in individual skill and is also a very good leader, but he simply cannot beat Fan Xi.

If you can't beat Fan Xi, you must stay beneath him.

That is the cruelty of professional sports.

James then made another wild attempt.

The result was decent; he also grabbed his 51st point.

But Fan Xi finished with 56 points, plus 11 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

James recorded 10 assists, 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks.

Statistically they could be described as a Yu Liang of the moment, and James logged a Finals super triple‑double while Fan Xi only had a near triple‑double.

But it was meaningless.

Fan Xi claimed the victory.

131–122.

It was an astonishingly high figure.

In Finals history, few games have reached a total of 253 points without overtime.

Fan Xi won the Pivotal Game; at the end he raised his hands high, and the Meihangzhongxin qiuguan's somber disappointment served as his backdrop.

He showed the world through his actions what it means to practice what you preach.

He won despite every objective condition being against him, and the tough Miami Heat had to submit again.

When over twenty thousand fans left the arena, they already knew they had no hope left in the series.

If you can't clinch the Pivotal Game at home, and even with James posting a super 50+ triple‑double you still can't guarantee a win, then what chance does Miami have?

"No miracles left."

Kenny Smith coldly announced on TV for the Miami Heat.

Even though Charles Barkley beside him kept shouting, "Anything is possible. Basketball is round," Jieke Fan caught the Heat off guard today; after three days of study, Miami will certainly have a counter‑measure, beyond talent, and the Miami Heat are definitely smarter than the Kuaisuan.

"No!"

Shaq O'Neal called him out; O'Neal said firmly, "No one is more qualified than I am to talk about talent. I think the Kuaisuan's talent is superior, the Heat have superstar talent, but their roster depth and vitality fall far short of the Kuaisuan. The Kuaisuan's talent is not lacking at all. Jieke Fan is historic, Leonard is a superstar level, Butler is also top‑tier, and their three big men have high defensive talent. Lu Biao's playmaking is among the league's best, plus a group of remarkably cohesive teammates."

"Los Angeles Kuaisuan is the league's top talent team, even if they lost Nowitzki."

Shaq O'Neal was very resolute.

In the face of victory, his words were persuasive.

Then he began discussing another issue: whether Jieke Fan is indeed the most dominant NBA player since Jordan and O'Neal.

Meanwhile, Fan Xi was interviewed by the media at the sideline.

He had previously been tossed into the air repeatedly by his teammates.

When he landed, reporters gathered around him.

The first question was how to evaluate the game.

"I don't want to evaluate this game; the result is clear. I don't want feigned humility or deliberate bragging. All I want to say now is: Le Bu Lang Zhang Si is incredibly strong. I must admit, if my touch had been a little off, they would have taken the win. Le Bu Lang Zhang Si may be the greatest basketball player in history."

Fan Xi tipped James with a high hat.

Of course, he said it from the heart.

James truly dominated the game.

If any other NBA team, even the Lakers led by Kobe, tried to stop James's relentless onslaught tonight, they could not; he truly brought technique and talent to the extreme.

But Fan Xi ruled over James.

There was luck, and there was years of honing and forging.

Those experts who dismissed the Kuaisuan's 76 regular‑season wins could never grasp how deeply these victories affect the team.

"I am just being realistic."

Fan Xi added.

Then he began praising his teammates, from Lu Biao to Leonard, from Mili Xiqi to Little Jordan, from Huaiti Seda to Butler… he praised every player.

Finally he concluded by saying: "This hard-won victory is something we each obtained by giving our all. We deserve this victory; of course we will also tip our hats to James and Miami; without them, we would not be this strong."

…