Chapter 643: Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance, Intent on Pei Gong

When Le Bu Lang Zhang Si stood before Fan Xi, he assumed a one-on-one stance.

No matter what happens next, this scene has already become the focus of the NBA.

The CCTV commentator on the other side of the ocean said at this moment a classic line: "The current scene is like a rebellious separatist deposed crown prince facing Fan Xi the Great Emperor's encirclement and suppression; he chose to walk out of the city gates alone and have a final gentleman's battle with Fan Xi the Great Emperor."

Regardless of the outcome, from today on, the title Heaven's Chosen Son no longer belongs to James.

After five consecutive years of conquest, Fan Xi is already the undisputed ruler. Since Fan Xi has already ascended the throne, what's the point of deposing the crown prince?

Fan Xi gave James his final dignity.

He let his teammates disperse, and he guarded James at the top of the arc.

James exerted all his strength, making a perfect probe step against Fan Xi; Fan Xi was deceived and slightly shifted his weight back, James quickly stopped, then leaned back and shot; although Fan Xi quickly flew in to contest… swish!

The basketball went in.

Fan Xi smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.

Letting go of the mental shackles of winning and losing, James showed a smile.

He was enjoying the one-on-one with Fan Xi.

He was also enjoying his final moments in Miami.

Returning to halftime, Fan Xi did not attack James's defense with a drive, but instead used a back-down post-up; Fan Xi's back-down post-up against James looked somewhat odd, after all Fan Xi's height and build are inferior to James's. However, Fan Xi's feint was extremely perfect; the subtle shake of his shoulders directly deceived James's center of gravity, his body swayed and he turned, delivering a precise jump shot… swish!

It went in.

At this moment, people saw Jordan's shadow.

But, the combination of Jordan at his physical peak and Jordan at his technical peak.

Fan Xi was indeed accomplishing some impossible tasks.

The one-on-one continued.

James continued to use the stop-and-go jump shot.

Fan Xi turned back, drove to the paint, and finished with a one-handed layup!

They went back and forth.

It was wonderfully exciting.

The crowd screamed continuously, not only for Fan Xi but also for James.

James is now the only player in the league who can infinitely approach Fan Xi on both offense and defense.

Derrick Rose was a bit off in his timing, Kevin Durant lacked a bit in ball-handling isolation, and Durant's defensive competition was average.

Other players like Harden, there is a difference in caliber.

Time quickly passed in the one-on-one between James and Fan Xi.

Even ESPN was saying: "This is the most beautiful scene of this year's finals."

When the whistle blew, Fan Xi reached out his hand to James, but James opened his arms and gave Fan Xi a hug. He said through gritted teeth in Fan Xi's ear: "Jie Ke, if you hadn't emerged out of nowhere, I would already have five consecutive championships."

"No. Even without me, you couldn't get five consecutive championships. And without me, you could never be as strong as you are now."

Fan Xi firmly told James.,

James did not speak.

"Congratulations. You are now the greatest in history. At least in my heart, you already are."

James said.

Then he strode toward the player tunnel, no longer keeping his head down as before; he lost the game, but he also let go of his burden.

From today on, the Heaven's Chosen Son is dead.

He is Le Bu Lang Zhang Si; he wants to start anew, return to Cleveland, and find his own tangled branches and vines.

Cheers echoed in the arena; these cheers belonged to Fan Xi, belonged to the Kuaisuan.

This is the Kuaisuan's third championship in its history, and also Fan Xi's fifth career championship. The twenty thousand people on site shouted in unison: mvp.

Staff quickly brought out championship t-shirts; the players put them on and also wore caps representing the 2015 championship.

The award ceremony was about to begin; the championship trophy had already been placed at the center of the court, and Adam Silver was also preparing to appear.

Everything was ready.

"Five years! Before Jieke Fan appeared, we could hardly believe a player could achieve five consecutive championships in this era, spanning three teams, all as absolute cores, with two of those teams being rebuilding teams."

"I believe Fan Xi's personal five-peat is greater than the Celtics' eight-peat in ancient times; everyone knows back then the Celtics dominated alone, which has nothing to do with modern basketball."

"I also believe Fan Xi's personal five-peat is greater than Jordan's two three-peats; Jordan never lost in the finals, but in his first five years he never reached the finals. Fan Xi, however, has already accomplished this feat."

Kenny Smith said on TV: "If anyone still claims Jordan is greater now, I can only say: this is naked local protectionism. Jordan is a proud person; he should step up himself to explain this. Losing is losing, winning is winning."

Smith firmly stood on Fan Xi's side.

His reasons were fully sufficient.

Actually, the audience in front of the TV could also understand his reasons clearly.

It's just that Jordan has long been the Basketball God; people couldn't adapt to this change for a while.

Moreover, the vested interests surrounding Jordan, the Basketball God, are truly enormous.

If Jordan were no longer the Basketball God, the halo over his head would be removed, and sales of the Jordan brand would plummet.

"I still think Jordan is greater; Jordan's significance to basketball isn't just on the court, he also has off-court significance. Don't forget that when he made his comeback, it shocked the whole world and sent global stocks soaring. Jieke Fan still lacks this cultural significance."

Barkley said: "What's more, Michael still holds many records in the NBA's historical river; they won't be easily overturned."

While the two of them were discussing who is the greatest in history, Adam Silver completed the awarding.

He presented the championship trophy to Fan Xi, and then, amid the unified cheers of the entire arena, he presented the Finals MVP trophy to Fan Xi.

He said to Fan Xi: "Congratulations, Jie Ke, you have achieved an unprecedented accomplishment. You have taken the NBA to unimaginable heights; thank you for your outstanding contributions to the NBA."

Adam Silver could not help but thank Fan Xi; Fan Xi made the NBA's market value surge, and in the Asian region pushed the NBA's brand value to an unimaginable state.

These are things Michael Jordan never accomplished back then.

If Fan Xi announced retirement now, Adam Silver could kneel and beg Fan Xi.

Although Fan Xi retired, the NBA still has abundant talent; the deposed crown prince James could ascend the throne at any time, but… without Fan Xi, the influence would undoubtedly visibly decline.

Fan Xi exchanged a few pleasantries with Adam Silver, then handed the championship trophy to Leonard beside him.

When taking the photo, he also intentionally had Leonard stand in the center.

Often, everyone tacitly understands; Leonard himself knows that this summer it's his turn to go out and make a name for himself.

In fact, before the playoffs began, Kupuchek had already prepared a supermax contract for him and told him he could go to any team he wanted.

Over these four years, Leonard has been carefully nurtured by Fan Xi and the Kuaisuan, smoothly becoming a league superstar; moreover, because he followed Fan Xi left and right, his commercial value is also high. Now it's time for him to go out and stand on his own.

He hasn't yet decided which team to join; he plans to take a trip after winning the championship, then talk with his family.

Actually, he wants to stay in Los Angeles.

His home is in Los Angeles.

But going to the Lakers would have too bad an impact.

Going to the Warriors, the style wouldn't fit.

After thinking it over, the nearest option might just be the Kings.

Or go to Portland.

Currently, the Kuaisuan haven't released this news externally; but believe that once they do, at least 25 of the other 29 league teams will go crazy.

"Although we've already won many championships, we're still very excited." Maikelbang said in an interview.

These four years, Maikelbang's salary has skyrocketed, with teams offering ten-million‑year contracts to poach him, but he declined, instead re‑signing with the Kuaisuan for five years, $40 million.

He is a person of great wisdom.

He knows his nature is kind; going to other teams he might not be able to command the scene, but staying with the Kuaisuan, the money isn't much less, and after tax the difference is even smaller.

So why not always stay by Fan Xi's side?

Fan Xi told him: "I will at least play until 2020."

So Maikelbang signed the five‑year contract.

But Maikelbang also keenly observed the league's situation, telling Fan Xi: "I sense the league will no longer be this kind of competition; it will get faster and increasingly favor outside‑three‑point attacks. The Warriors this year have shown the trend of a superteam; as long as they make key additions, they can quickly become a superteam."

"Our playstyle needs to be corrected."

Maikelbang prepared in advance.

Fan Xi deeply agreed; that's why he likes Maikelbang. Many people joke that Maikelbang is at most 0.8 of a head coach with the Kuaisuan, but he is meticulous, tactics are spot‑on, and he is very smart—essentially a tactics dictionary.

"I feel the NBA isn't hard at all. Compared to playing in Europe, it's much easier; I didn't exert much effort and still got the championship. Aren't they saying the championship is hard to win?"

When Jokic accepted the interview, he spread his palms, looking very Versailles.

But he has the qualifications to be Versailles.

"Moreover, you all keep saying the NBA's competition is intense, but I feel nothing of it. Where is the high intensity?"

Jokic said: "I feel if we keep going like this, we can still win championships; maybe next year I could also win Finals MVP."

He spoke with increasing enthusiasm.

Even more flamboyant than JR Smith.

This left JR Smith standing behind not knowing what to say; JR Smith can't claim he could also win Finals MVP? In this regard, his posing can't match Jokic's.

"I'm still learning; I look forward to extra training in the offseason; next season I'll appear in a stronger form."

Yannis Adetokunbo said this; this year's Finals, this second‑year player averaged 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.4 blocks. Very versatile, and this is despite his limited shot attempts; next season he will surely break out, and after Leonard leaves he will be entrusted with great responsibility.

Finally, the interviewee was Leonard.

Leonard's eyes glistened with tears; this guy isn't good with words. He said: "I love Los Angeles, I love the Kuaisuan, I love Jieke Fan. These past four years have been the happiest, most successful, most fulfilling of my life; here I gained love, friends, success. I won three championships, became an All‑Star, made the best defensive team… these are things I never dared imagine before."

Saying this, he turned away, waving his hand to indicate he would say no more.

Fan Xi walked over and patted his shoulder.

This is a very moving scene.

That night, Kuaisuan fans' joy surged to the heavens; in every corner of Los Angeles, one could see fireworks lighting up the sky.

"Next season, who could stop the Kuaisuan's stride? If LeBron really leaves Miami."

ESPN threw out this topic at the end of its TV broadcast.

It also lingered in the viewers' hearts.

If Fan Xi really wins six straight championships, then… the Jordan fans' last math problem will also be dissolved; by then, even if they stubbornly insist, it will be useless.

About half an hour later.

James appeared at the post‑game press conference venue.

This is his first time in five years accepting media interviews after losing the Finals.

He is just one person.

He prepared to answer everyone's questions.

Whether mockery or ridicule, he is ready.

"We lost without anything to say; we indeed had no way to defeat them. They formed a solid whole, under Jieke Fan's leadership, unstoppable." James sincerely said: "Their roster was built from the ground up, they haven't worn down. This is completely different from our mid‑season star‑studded lineup. This is their advantage."

Afterwards, he firmly said: "I just spoke with the CEO and the owner on the phone; I told all teammates and staff that I am coming to leave. This time I won't do a TV livestream; I should pack my bags and return to my hometown. I want to start anew there."

James revealed the biggest mystery, holding nothing back.

And when reporters asked him how he evaluates the past five years.

"I'll say these are extraordinary five years; I'll say these are successful five years, although we didn't win a championship and I didn't fulfill my own promise."

"But I remember our victory high‑fives, the excitement of consecutively topping the East, the thrill after finally overcoming difficulties to win a game against Fan Xi… there are too many too many images that leave a deep impression on me."

James spoke emotionally.

Then reporters asked him how he evaluates Fan Xi, who made him lose five years in a row.

I have great respect for him. He possesses unprecedented basketball skills and physical talent, and they are combined so beautifully. What impresses me most about him is his willpower; he always believes he can sweep away any difficulty, and in fact he has done so.

I am also very grateful to him; without him, I would not have developed my talent to this extent.

But I have to say, I also dislike him. He has made my past five years full of regret, and he has made me reap one failure after another.

But it's okay. I will continue to launch offensives. When I reach the peak again, I will not give him any chance to win.

James concluded with full confidence, then stood up and left the press conference.

About half an hour later, Fan Xi also entered the media room; he also accepted reporters' interviews, the difference being that he was the victor, the big winner.

On his table sat the championship trophy and the Finals MVP trophy.

He answered questions about the five-peat, and answered questions about the team's style of play.

When the reporter asked whether he felt he had surpassed Jordan,

He said: "I won't answer. What I say doesn't count; justice lies in the hearts of the people."

Fan Xi was sparing with his words.

But when the reporter asked how he evaluated James and the Miami Heat, he spoke at length.

"Miami is a great team; they have achieved extraordinary results over the past five years. I am thrilled to be able to continue competing against them and to keep growing through our rivalry. Without them, I would not be who I am today. They are like the 21st-century 'good kids' corps, or rather a superstar corps. The difference is, I haven't been knocked down by them. I have won five championships."

Fan Xi didn't mention Jordan at all, yet every word he spoke sounded to the reporters like an attack on Jordan.

After all, in the early years of his career, Jordan kept falling at the feet of the Detroit Pistons' 'Bad Boys' squad.

Fan Xi now labels the Miami Heat as the 'good kids' corps—this is like Xiang Zhuang's sword dance, with intent aimed at Pei Gong.

Then Fan Xi evaluated James.

"James is an opponent I greatly respect; he is the NBA's all-time most talented perimeter player, and also the player who, given such talent, possesses technical ability that perfectly matches it. I think he could dominate any era…provided I didn't exist."

"He is a composite of Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Stockton, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp… and he far surpasses any one of them."

Fan Xi placed James in a very high position.

It carried a strong sense of mutual admiration.

But every word he spoke still let everyone sense… the hidden aim at Pei Gong.

Fan Xi said he wouldn't answer, but in fact every word was cutting off Jordan's retreat.

The Miami Heat and Le Bu Lang Zhang Si could never have dreamed that they would be 'killed' five times by Fan Xi, utterly dismantled, yet still be used by Fan Xi as a weapon to slash through the river of time, pointing straight at Mai Ke Er Qiao Dan's throat.

Moreover, they couldn't refute it, and actually felt that Fan Xi made a lot of sense.

You just say, absolutely not!

…