Chapter 582: This Is Too Crazy

Fan Xi's voice is resonant and powerful.

He is the only person since Jordan retired who has the right to say that without being attacked.

In fact, if Fan Xi were an American, he would now be the media's frantic focus. But his skin is yellow, his pupils are black.

Fan Xi looks at the camera; his eyes are as deep as a dark pool.

He says, "This is just the beginning."

Every word from Fan Xi makes the basketball world listen seriously, whether you agree with him or oppose him.

The reporter finally asked Fan Xi about his last defensive play, and the TNT reporter asked him, "Do you think tonight's victory involved any luck, after all, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si made that shot, only it was past the release time…"

"Le Bu Lang Zhang Si is a truly great player; without me, he would dominate the league. Perhaps he already has two championships and an Olympic gold medal. But it's like his mistimed game‑winner tonight; he didn't appear in an era that belongs to him."

Fan Xi spreads his palm: "This is his misfortune."

Saying that, Fan Xi waves to the camera and leaves the frame.

He is not someone who likes to speak at length in front of the camera, and he is not keen on promoting himself on TV.

However, among his teammates there are those who are enthusiastic.

JR Smith.

JR Smith may not have played much tonight, but his ability to shape public opinion off the court is the strongest.

"You ask how strong we are: we eliminated the Nets in the first round, the Bulls in the second, and now the Heat, which you call unstoppable, lost two home games under our attack."

Smith retorts to the reporter asking him, saying, "We are now considering whether to sweep them."

The remark blew up wildly.

But none of the reporters present dared to retort.

It's not because JR Smith is that remarkable, but because Fan Xi stands behind him.

Offending JR Smith is something you need not worry about, but if Jieke Fan gets upset, the regret would be severe.

The Chicago reporter who offended Fan Xi is now regarded as Illinois's basketball public enemy. People think that if that person hadn't confronted Fan Xi, the Bulls might still have had a chance.

There is an off‑beat consensus in the basketball world: an enraged Jieke Fan equals a god!

JR Smith continues to brag, saying Wei De is not as impressive as imagined, that James is okay but not a match for Jieke Fan, and that Spoelstra's coaching still needs improvement...

He talks like a commentator chatting freely.

His chatter makes those who dislike him dislike him even more.

Yet Knicks fans need someone who releases such sarcasm to the outside world.

…

The Heat announced an hour after the game that Wei De's knee injury ends his season.

It is a difficult decision.

Wei De expressed a decision to play closed and join the next game, but James strongly stopped it.

James believes Wei De need not act impulsively now; he stresses he will shoulder the game.

The Heat actually hopes Wei De returns to the court, in case a comeback is still possible.

However, James is resolute. He thinks Wei De should not risk a lifelong wheelchair need for a game.

He himself took all responsibility.

At the post‑game press conference he said, "Wei De has already done his utmost; he is the city's hero. I messed everything up; all responsibility lies with me."

James also said, "From now on I will continue to lead the team forward, I will contribute everything I have."

James's entire press conference consisted of only those two sentences.

Spoelstra, standing aside, talked a lot about tactics; he was very poised and gave Fan Xi high praise. Moreover, he did not obsess over the referee's nullifying James's final shot, saying he respects that decision.

When asked about the upcoming Knicks away game, he said the team will make changes.

They are steady and show no emotional inclination.

Knicks attendees at the post‑game press conference, Larry Brown and Kevin Garnett, were very excited.

Larry Brown says that after all these years, returning to the Eastern Finals feels great; he loves the feeling, and he thinks the best player of the game was Ben Wallace. He also nostalgically recalled the old Pistons system. In the end he added, "If Allen Iverson were also on this team, I would be overjoyed beyond measure. It's like a showcase of my entire career."

Larry Brown also revealed that after this season ends, he will completely leave coaching and enjoy the rest of his life.

Kevin Garnett is also pleased; he says he thanks the Nets for that trade, and he also says he previously thought his career was in countdown, but now it shows him a second spring.

He also publicly predicts, "As long as we reach the finals, whether the Western Thunder or Rockets win, we will claim the championship trophy."

This remark adds tension to the Western playoffs, which are already blazing.

At this moment the Thunder and Rockets' score is: 。

The Thunder secured their second away victory in Houston.

They gained home‑court advantage.

In this game, Westbrook and Kevin Durant both performed. Inside, Perkins and Ibaka contained Howard, and Houston's Three Giants showed little power.

Some commentators think it's only a matter of time before Durant reaches the finals.

The eldest brother and second brother are still stronger than the third brother.

However, the Rockets' loss is not because of the third brother.

It lies with Paul.

Paul's knack for fighting hard battles unseen shone in the second game; he seems born without such fate. Westbrook battered him mercilessly.

Although in all external rankings Paul's standing is higher than Westbrook's, his play is also more reasonable than Westbrook's.

Yet Westbrook dares to fight and is tougher in crucial battles.

On the night the Knicks flew back to the Steel City the next day, the Thunder hosted the Houston Rockets in Oklahoma.

They will play the third and fourth games here.

Before the game, media estimates give the Thunder a very high chance of winning.

Under the current circumstances, everyone believes Kevin Durant will have a showdown with Fan Xi in the finals.

However, when Fan Xi and his group got off the plane, the staff told them the live game news.

Westbrook was injured, and the Rockets took the victory.

The Thunder were seething with anger, almost erupting into a physical clash.

Because Westbrook was brought down by Paul with a possibly harmless 'step-on' move, Westbrook sprained his ankle and also suffered a certain degree of ligament tear in his knee. He will not be able to return before the finals at least.

Fan Xi watched that video, he frowned, and although he couldn't judge whether it was an on-court accident or intentional.

But he clearly knew the Thunder were in trouble.

Moreover, given Paul's past image, he felt Paul would not be as innocent as he appeared.

If the Rockets ultimately win the Western championship, without a doubt, that championship is discounted.

However, for Fan Xi and the Knicks, this is good news. Compared to the Thunder, the Rockets are easier to handle. Although they have a super three‑giant lineup, the so‑called super three‑giant is not stable, and D'Antoni is not a head coach who can blend superstars well.

Chris Paul is also someone who, in crucial moments, is unwilling to pass ball possession to teammates.

So, Fan Xi, besides feeling regret for the Thunder, feels more fortunate for the Knicks.

On the team bus leaving the airport, New York media asked Fan Xi: "Now the media says if the Knicks win the championship this season, then the Knicks will become the highest‑gold‑content championship in history. What do you think?"

"I'm not interested in the gold content, but if Boss James Dolan is willing to make my championship ring out of pure gold, I'll thank him!"

Fan Xi said with a smile: "I like gold."

This little humor made the reporters laugh loudly, and then the reporter asked Fan Xi: "What does Wade's injury mean for the Knicks?"

"It means the Heat will be even more terrifying! Nobody should underestimate LeBron's strength; LeBron has upgraded, he had an epiphany in the final moments of the last game, and now he is the league's best player combining physical talent, technical level, and fighting will."

Fan Xi said.

"And you?" the reporter pressed.

"I I am another dimension." Fan Xi said.

This is a sincere act of showing off.

But the Knicks fans really like it.

The news that Fan Xi led the Knicks to two straight away victories spread to New York City, and the whole city entered a state of jubilation. Everyone was proud of this season's great achievement, and society at all levels began to enter a basketball frenzy.

Knicks news appeared on all major channels, even talk‑show programs used basketball as an opening. And when the New York mayor gives a speech, he will suddenly mention the Knicks… without a doubt, Fan Xi and his team are becoming the talk of the town and a source of pride for the whole city.

Fan Xi's cable TV channel, even adult channels, are selling tickets for the Knicks and Heat's third and fourth games.

This is not the Knicks' official ticket channel, but rather those who snatched the tickets are reselling them.

The Knicks' record is making those who bought tickets early suffer… On one hand, they want to go to the arena to witness the team's return to the top of the East. On the other hand, the rich are giving too much.

The tickets originally priced in US dollars can now be scalped for US dollars, a tenfold profit. And for the fourth game, they can even be sold for US dollars, because many say: the fourth game also has an added Easter egg… the Eastern championship award ceremony, if you are a die‑hard Knicks fan, you have no reason to refuse the team's strong resurgence after sinking for so many years.

Front‑row VIP tickets have already been scalped to astronomical prices; a single ticket selling for several hundred thousand US dollars is possible.

Because… there are simply too many people in New York who are not short of money.

This is the city with the most billionaires.

After sinking for so many years, the Knicks have finally returned to their rightful place under Fan Xi's leadership.

The basketball Mecca has become a true Mecca, and people from all directions are rushing over to make a pilgrimage!

James Dolan has recently been the person enjoying the smoothest sailing; he is now being lifted by New York media to the position of a business god. In the past, people said he was a wastrel, even a chained dog placed in the Knicks boss's office would be stronger than him.

But, as he overcame opposition last summer and obtained Fan Xi's one‑year usage rights at a staggering cost, the Knicks have now miraculously made their way all the way to the Eastern finals.

He has been praised to the utmost extent, and everyone lauds his foresight. Many even forcedly argue that, looking from today's perspective, even if James Dolan had started slacking off at a young age, his slacking was precisely to unintentionally obtain Jieke Fan, leading people to think he only makes foolish trades. Now it seems he succeeded; his earlier image made it very convenient for the Russian boss to view him as a fool, but in fact he is very shrewd.

Americans are not smart; such a mistake‑riddled statement also gets praised, with many automatically white‑washing James Dolan and giving him a halo.

James Dolan greatly enjoys this feeling.

"If we win the championship, our championship ring will not only be made of pure gold but also inlaid with diamonds. I will also make a custom MV exclusive edition for Jieke, if he wins the Finals MVP."

James Dolan said in the interview.

"I have never doubted Jieke; everyone who doubts Jieke is foolish."

"Although a sweep is a cruel thing, if it really happens, I will be happy, because it is us sweeping others."

"Our grudge with the Miami Heat runs deep. I think this year's playoffs will end with a perfect period."

"Actually I don't have any particularly high accomplishment; I just have a bit of business talent."

"…"

James Dolan accepted the interview, and the whole thing is filled with famous quotes.

Fan Xi, lying in bed watching James Dolan's interview, had Jenna lying in his arms.

Jenna came to New York to attend a business event; of course, her more important task was to sneak into the high‑end residence in Manhattan to be beside her lover.

"Jieke, if you win the championship this year, will you give me the championship ring?" Jenna lowered her head, looking at Fan Xi with a face full of expectation.

Fan Xi supported Jenna, speaking emotionally: "Why not?"

Jenna was very happy, her face full of excitement, extremely thrilled.

Fan Xi likes her athletic ability.

Jenna is a talent‑type; she has an angel‑like face and has inherited the Kardashian family's superior body genes.

Although she does not have such an exaggerated dimension.

On the day before the game started, Fan Xi was happy all night.

…

Tonight, the seats here are filled with spectators.

The TNT commentator for this game, Earl Johnson, said: "Tonight, Madison Square Garden is filled with millionaires, ten‑millionaires, and billionaires from around the world; if you don't have enough money, you can't even buy a courtside ticket. Now its value has exceeded US dollars, this is too crazy!!"

…