Chapter 594

When Butler and Leonard were rolling together on the rug in front of the sofa, Leonard's mother happened to walk in. This 47-year-old mother thought she had already experienced too much in life, and nothing would surprise her.

But at this moment, she still opened her mouth, her loud breathing straining to keep herself from making a sound.

Jie Ke

Her heart was still pounding violently, and she called her own brother—that is, Leonard's uncle, his de facto guardian.

Her brother let out a long sigh, then said: "I'm beginning to understand why Jack traded Jimmy Butler."

Bei Fu Li

This misunderstanding will soon be cleared up.

But for the Rockets, the problem they face is hard to resolve.

After the second half began, Beverley was entrusted with a heavy task; this defensive menace carried out all‑around shadow‑style defense on Fan Xi, just as the 2001 Finals Lakers assigned Tyronn Lue to guard Iverson.

He subjected Fan Xi to unprecedented defensive interference, like a twenty‑four‑hour live‑in nanny. This "close" means physical closeness.

At the start of the third quarter, it did have some effect. Fan Xi's ball‑handling rhythm was disturbed to a degree, but when Fan Xi passed the basketball to Joe Johnson and he himself began moving quickly off the ball, the interference dropped sharply.

Fan Xi differs from Iverson; Iverson's off‑ball ability is merely average, while Fan Xi's off‑ball ability is historically top‑tier, with some commentators even calling it historically one‑of‑a‑kind.

Because Fan Xi not only excels at running, but also at shooting from open spots, and most importantly, he excels at off‑ball playmaking.

When all these advantageous factors gather in one person, defense becomes a futile effort.

Beverley was like the string of a broken kite; once his defense stopped working, the Knicks again swept up a violent gale.

At this point, the Knicks did the same thing, with Josh Smith shadow‑guarding Harden the entire time.

Harden couldn't withstand this test, and his shooting percentage dropped.

Smith's height and wingspan made him feel strained, and on top of that his own touch was turning cold.

Thus, the balance of the game began to tilt from the latter half of the third quarter.

After entering the fourth quarter, the Rockets put up a symbolic resistance.

Western

The Knicks defeated the Rockets 128–113, winning without shedding blood.

The gap between the two teams is far greater than what the score difference shows.

Throughout the process the Rockets got a few home‑court calls, but it was all to no avail; they were not opponents of the same level.

This is why Heat fans feel indignant, and even Bulls fans say that if they had made the Finals, the Rockets would have been nothing more than fish on the chopping block.

Eastern powerhouses didn't take the Rockets seriously.

Xiu Si Dun

They had painstakingly worked to reach the Finals, yet they received no respect.

Now, their only remaining chance is Chris Paul.

This year, the Rockets' biggest contributor to reaching the Finals is Paul. Although this "credit" is somewhat tarnished, without him the Rockets might have fallen in the second round.

Originally, before the series began, people still thought the Rockets might profit as the fisherman, taking advantage of the Knicks' disarray and the severe physical exhaustion from their battle with the Heat to swoop in and capture the Finals.

But the Western Conference Finals saw the Thunder, led by Durant, engage the Rockets in genuine fire, which is exactly the situation of the snipe and the clam grappling.

Paul was suspended, Durant suffered a concussion.

The one who truly reaped the fisherman's benefit turned out to be the Knicks.

"An away 2‑0 lead exceeds my expectations. I want to thank my teammates; they performed superbly, each with excellent touch and sharp defense. Plus the coaching staff's superb command art."

Before leaving the arena, Fan Xi was caught by a TNT sideline reporter, and he humbly said, "I tip my hat to them."

When asked about the championship, he also humbly said, "There is a Chinese saying: 'He who has traveled a hundred miles is only halfway there.' Although we have now entered the Finals and won two games, we have still achieved only half of our goal."

James (from glossary)

The reporter's third question was only half asked: How do you view Chris Paul saying you cannot…?

Fan Xi performed very humbly in the finals, consistent with the earlier remarks of Lari Brown and Joe Johnson.

This was in stark contrast to his demeanor when facing the Bulls and the Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In Chicago, he spoke boldly. In Miami, he was also full of imposing presence.

But when he arrived in Houston, he was very calm and humble.

Why?

Could it be because this place was once where Yao Ming played?

"No, there's no need for that. The Rockets are too weak. When dealing with the weak, one should pay more attention to their emotions." Kenny Smith was like a roundworm in Fan Xi's stomach.

Of course, such words would only make Rockets fans feel even worse.

Losing the game was already unpleasant enough, but Jie Ke's post-game "courteous humility" was still being interpreted as not taking them seriously, not regarding them as opponents. This… how are they supposed to live?

At the post-game press conference, Lari Brown praised Dwight Howard for grabbing 22 rebounds tonight and also praised James Harden for his 30+ triple-double, extolling the two as unparalleled, as if they were the league's premier interior-exterior duo.

Then he also said, he had begun preparing the subsequent tactics from halftime, because Paul was coming back.

This legendary coach, who had achieved fame and success, even displayed a hint of panic at this moment.

However, everyone knew he had no fear of the Rockets at all.

Sitting beside him was Steve Nash. Nash said: "I'm old now, I can only do some simple work. I'm glad I can still bring some positive help to the Knicks."

The Knicks' atmosphere was amazing.

On the contrary, the Rockets' side spoke with conviction.

"No one can easily conquer us; we will never give up charging forward, and I believe we will have the last laugh."

These were James Harden's words.

Interestingly, tonight his ex-fiancée's current boyfriend tt Tang Pu Sen said in an interview: "The Rockets lost because they lacked me; if they had me, they could win. It's like Khloe getting me—she could go to heaven every night."

Khloe this time cared more about Harden's feelings; he didn't, as he had done with Lamar Odom and Griffin before, say that he was only some number of inches worn on the outside, everything inside brand new.

But she likewise had an implicit expression, she said: "tt was right, he fulfilled all my fantasies about men. He gave me a feeling I had never experienced before."

Undoubtedly, this was the second biggest harm to Harden tonight.

This is probably why Harden was so sharp at the press conference.

D'Antoni was also firm, emphasizing that the difficulties the Rockets currently face are temporary, obstacles on the road ahead.

He has full confidence that the Rockets can turn defeat into victory.

Such words can comfort die-hard Rockets fans and give them hope.

But Rockets fans whose will isn't firm enough can no longer be fooled, because they don't believe the Rockets have any chance of a turnaround.

Fan Xi is too strong; Fan Xi is that kind of all-around, silently powerful strength, and every ordinary Rockets fan who watched the game feels only one thing: despair!

It's not a fight of the same level.

Unless Paul returns and they unleash an unprecedented offensive, creating an unprecedented miracle.

Otherwise, it's hard to take victory from Madison Square Garden.

…

New York is celebrating, the Knicks' private jet hasn't returned to New York City yet. The media is already wildly praising them, eagerly placing the title of "the most valuable championship in history" on the Knicks' heads.

The Knicks' sweeping victory over the Rockets has delighted them to the extreme; everyone clearly knows: the championship is coming soon.

No one worries that the trophy will disappear.

The gap between the two teams is greater than the 2007 Spurs–Cavaliers gap. That year, Duncan swept James and told him: the future belongs to you.

Now everyone also thinks Fan Xi will sweep Harden, Paul, and Howard. But Fan Xi will certainly not say: the future belongs to them.

Because Fan Xi is the future.

This is only Fan Xi's fourth season, and he is about to crown his fourth championship.

In New York media reports, they are already vaguely defining Fan Xi as the basketball god.

Of course, they still have some reluctance. Because according to James Dolan's description, as long as Fan Xi helps the Knicks win the championship, he will leave New York and return to Los Angeles.

Looking across the entire East, aside from fans of Miami, Chicago, and Brooklyn, who wouldn't want Fan Xi to stay in New York for two more years?

Especially Knicks fans.

The Knicks were greeted grandly at the airport; their mayor personally went to pick them up, and James Dolan held a solemn welcome ceremony.

James Dolan has recently been full of spring vigor, sweeping away his past cursed image. He has become a uniquely perceptive city hero, because he has made New York the basketball center again.

"We came to greet you here because we all know there are no away games this season. You don't need to endure travel fatigue anymore." James Dolan and the coaching staff and players embraced one by one.

Fan Xi thinks Dolan is a bit "losing integrity."

Americans like this style of doing things—making a fuss before anything is accomplished, first building momentum, then speaking.

But Fan Xi is Chinese; Chinese people mostly act low-key and restrained, possessing great ability but speaking at most seven-tenths of it. Before something succeeds, they will never show off.

This is a cultural difference between them.

Fan Xi respects James Dolan's expression.

But New York's grandiose action undoubtedly angered Houston.

Especially after James Dolan repeated those words to the media, Houstonians felt they had suffered utter humiliation.

They'd rather fight for pride than for bread.

Even if they lose the series, they want to bring the game back to Houston.

This season, the league changed the Finals format. Previously the schedule was 2-3-2, which was thought to benefit teams with worse regular-season records. Starting this season, the schedule was changed to 2-2-1-1-1.

In other words, James Dolan's remarks amount to firing the starting gun, openly telling the world: we will sweep the Rockets.

This is somewhat arrogant.

James Dolan's this "expression" has worn down the low-key humility of L. A. Brown, Joe Johnson, Fan Xi, and Nash.

But that's fine.

Anyway, that's what the Knicks think.

Say it, then say it.

Who made him the boss?

…

There are three days between the two Finals games.

The Knicks took a day and a half off to adjust their condition.

Fan Xi spent that day accompanying his son Troy; Troy is now a little chatterbox. When he saw his father, he personally recited the poem "Quiet Night Thought" for him.

This surprised Fan Xi.

Before this, they communicated in English. But now Troy is starting to learn Chinese, and he is picking it up quickly. Jennifer specially hired a Chinese tutor for him.

This made Fan Xi delighted; he held Troy and spun around several times.

Then Fan Xi started talking basketball with him, still hoping to spark his love for the game. For example, he is about to win the championship right now…

However, this still failed.

Troy's interest in basketball is nearly zero, and Fan Xi wonders what Jennifer did for his prenatal education. This guy can kick a ball around the backyard lawn for an afternoon, but he doesn't want to talk about basketball.

He seems to know he can't surpass his father on the basketball court, so he must forge another path.

This made Fan Xi feel some frustration, especially when he received a message from Kobe, who shared a video of Jackson pulling off a slick crossover dribble.

Fan Xi gritted his teeth and replied: "Great."

Kobe then replied: "Jackson watched the Finals and said he likes your rhythm. When you come to Los Angeles, I want you to share…"

"Okay."

Fan Xi replied.

He also wondered, if Jackson absorbs the essence of me and Kobe, how high he could grow in the future.

Of course, many things cannot be planned. After all, Jackson inherits half his genes from Vanessa; if his physical talent doesn't meet NBA standards, even with superb technique he might not become an NBA top star.

While Troy napped, Fan Xi greeted his mother with his body, and Jennifer was very happy.

Then, Fan Xi watched some basketball news.

At this time, Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan had already started trash-talking with the Houston folks.

Houston criticized Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan as arrogant and foolish, saying he respects neither opponents nor basketball.

The Houston Times published a long article specifically to criticize Du Lan.

Du Lan is not a pushover, he also in terms of color, he firmly declared: "We have never considered the Houston Rockets as opponents. If they think I'm wrong, they can seek justice at Madison Square Garden. But before that, shut your mouths."

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan is quite dominant.

His dominance made Knicks fans very happy.

Of course, while happy, there are also some worries, worrying that if the Knicks happen to lose, wouldn't they be slapped in the face?

However, Du Lan already had a backup plan.

He said in his call to Fan Xi: "If we really lose a game, I will say I forgot the league rules, I thought we would play three games at Madison Square Garden."

"So, Jie Ke, you must at least guarantee winning the championship within five games!"

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan begged Fan Xi.

Fan Xi found it funny; this guy puts on the biggest act outside, but privately he had already planned an escape route, and in front of Fan Xi he lowered himself extremely.

This is probably typical American thinking.

Fan Xi said, he won't drag the game to the fifth game.

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan put his heart back into his stomach. Fan Xi's words are truth, they are the first law of basketball.

So, Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan became even more unscrupulous.

Fan Xi switched channels, he saw Chris Paul. Paul was being interviewed at Houston Airport, his two-game suspension had ended, he will appear in the third game.

Now, everyone thinks he is the biggest variable. Everyone thinks he is the only one who could change the course of the series.

He is highly expected.

He himself is also very aware of this.

So, he solemnly told reporters: "I will absolutely not let the series end at Madison Square Garden; I guarantee it with my career reputation, I will definitely bring the game back to Toyota Center."

Paul dropped harsh words.

Fan Xi felt a jolt, he decided to remind teammates at tomorrow morning's training to be careful to avoid injury risks during the game.

After watching this news, ESPN entered the basketball chatroom program; some retired players and basketball experts began discussing this kind of data analysis, various tactical analyses. They spoke with great confidence, as if they had completely figured out both sides.

Fan Xi listened for a while, feeling it wasn't very interesting. They are all somewhat plausible viewpoints, plus many correct but meaningless statements. For example, "If the Knicks score more than the Rockets during game time, then the Rockets definitely cannot win."

The NBA is a huge ecosystem; it's not just players, fans, team owners, coaching staff, and behind-the-scenes workers. It also supports many media outlets, many people who make a living from media. Even top commentators and analysts earn more than ordinary NBA players.

Many people rely on this to make a living; they must create some hype, some exaggerated stuff.

Fan Xi is accustomed to it.

Now, the voices of mindless attacks, criticisms, and blame against him are becoming fewer and fewer.

Because Fan Xi has already reached the pinnacle, he is the undisputed number one active player. Many media, even if they don't like Fan Xi, dare not deliberately target him.

In this era of booming internet development, the influence of some traditional media is not as strong as before.

If Iverson were in modern times, perhaps he would become an even greater cultural phenomenon.

Of course, he could also be driven to autism by internet public opinion.

The internet amplifies the effect of public opinion.

…

JR Smith decided to return in the third game, he wore a pure black mask. It was Hamilton who personally brought him to pick it out.

Hamilton is the NBA's most famous mask wearer; he spent most of his career wearing a mask. Sometimes, Joe Johnson would ask him some stupid questions: "If you also wear this in bed, would it work better?" m

Hamilton also seriously answered: "From a psychological perspective, definitely. Because it helps my condition on the court be better; in another battlefield, it's also definitely so."

"But I still won't do that. I worry it will become a symbol; anyone wearing it could knock on the door of my master bedroom..."

Hamilton is very sincere.

This sincerity is relatively common in the US; they can openly discuss this issue. Joe Johnson also gave a thumbs up, saying Hamilton's concern is wise.

After JR Smith put on the black mask, he also felt his vision became more focused. He told Fan Xi: "Jie Ke, I think I will become more precise, like Richardson. Maybe tonight I will become the NBA's hottest shooter."

"I will definitely create the biggest point differential in the finals; I will send this shame to the shameless Chris Paul. He actually dares to swear on his dirty career reputation, simply disgusting." JR Smith hates Paul intensely.

Fan Xi, although he doesn't know why he hates Paul so much.

But his inner thought is the same. Paul hurt his little brother; this grudge must be avenged. Moreover, the Clippers failed to make the Western Conference finals, failed to make the finals; as a team owner, this is actual loss of interests.

He has pent-up anger, he must vent it on Paul.

Only Paul can bear his wrath.

Moreover, he had previously given Paul a preseason historical massacre, a regular-season historical massacre. He should also give him a finals historical massacre.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be perfect.

…