Chapter 659: Destiny's Seventh Season

After a few practice sessions, Fan Xi had already figured out his teammates' playing styles.

Bo Er Jin Ji Si, height 221 cm, wingspan 229 cm. He is an excellent help defender; his defensive threat is huge, and standing in the paint he can disrupt opponents. Moreover, his offensive level is decent, with perimeter shooting ability and the capacity to drive himself. He also possesses some playmaking ability.

Xiao Sa Bo Ni Si, although he claims to have inherited 70 % of his father's skill, in fact he and his father are on different paths. His father is the "World Roof," a back‑to‑the‑basket master. This guy, however, is a superb post‑offensive player; his three‑point shooting is average, mid‑range is very good, and he is even more accurate in the paint. Most importantly, his playmaking is extremely strong; he is confident in distributing from the high post. His rebounding hustle is also commendable.

De Zhang Tai Mu Lei, height 193 cm, wingspan 208 cm, contributes on both ends, and his organizing ability is excellent; he is a trustworthy commander.

Add veteran teammate Du Lante.

Fan Xi suddenly had an idea: "Let's try the Princeton tactic."

The Princeton tactic is simple: everyone can shoot, everyone can pass.

Bilupusi doesn't quite get this thing, he also has to learn and perform on the spot.

But that's fine.

With Fan Xi anchoring the defense, what's there to fear? The playoffs are definitely within reach.

Besides, isn't there Ji De?

Oh!

Ji De is a Los Angeles native; how could he not understand the Princeton tactic?

Ji De actually doesn't understand it much, but he is a master organizer; as they say, mastering one method leads to mastering all.

The preseason is coming quickly.

The Knicks' first game displayed a dazzling offense, even though everyone was cooperating for the first time. Yet, with Fan Xi's powerful impact and playmaking, and Du Lante's strong shooting foundation, they performed well.

The young players, go all out.

Bo Er Jin Ji Si dribbles across half‑court, no problem.

A 221‑cm point guard has potential!

Xiao Sa Bo Ni Si sliding along the baseline works too, a tribute to his dad the "World Roof."

De Zhang Tai Mu Lei, on the other hand, is more restrained; he is a very self‑controlled person. His physical condition is average, but he is extremely good at "playing the victim," the legendary balance skill; he can always find a gap to slip through and can score the ball even in collisions with opponents.

This clever victim‑playing style gives him many miraculous scores.

Honestly, the preseason was originally intended to practice the new tactic.

But in fewer than three games, they already elevated the Princeton tactic to a new level.

Ke Li Si Wei Bo admitted on TV: "This is more dazzling than we ever were, it's like liquid mercury. This is literally the ultimate form of Princeton."

Other commentators also praised it uniquely, analyzing from a tactical perspective, making Bilupusi and Jia Sen Ji De—those two thick‑skinned guys—so flattered they turned red.

Because they truly don't understand Princeton; they are all learning and performing on the spot.

Can't handle this damn lineup any longer.

What was the Kings' Princeton lineup back then? Their shooter was Si Tuo Jia Ke Wei Qi, who were the Knicks? Du Lante!! That's two levels stronger, not an exaggeration?

Who was their point guard? Mai Ke Bi Bi! Who are the Knicks? The historic GOAT, Fan Xi! Five levels stronger, not an exaggeration?

Who was their shooting guard? Ke Li Si Di, the triple‑threat passer‑cut‑shooter, and the victim‑playing master Mu Lei not stronger than him?

Who was their center? Bu La De Mi Le, does Miller's mobility surpass Xiao Sa Bo Ni Si's?

Power forward Ke Li Si Wei Bo is still incomparable for now. But Bo Er Jin Ji Si is 221; have you ever seen a 221‑cm player with his agility? He can dribble, combine crossover and jump steps to slash into the paint, extend his 229‑cm long arms to jam the ball into the rim… as if thrusting it through a pair of underwear.

You still can't block him!

"A De Er Man's tactical talent pales compared to Bilupusi's. Bilupusi proved his defensive gift with the Kuaisuan, and now with the Knicks he puts on a spectacular show‑time. The last coach as great as him was Pa Te Lai Li."

The media's praise made Bilupusi a bit embarrassed.

In a midnight dream, he began to doubt himself: Do I really have talent? Is my talent just because I flip through the tactic manuals fast enough?

People, once living in adulation, tend to become airy.

When airy, trouble comes easily.

But Bilupusi need not worry; his players will hold him tightly, keeping him grounded.

After winning seven preseason games, the regular season began.

The regular season opener featured the Knicks against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Just say whether Adam Xiao Hua is bad; this first game is already this exciting.

The Cavaliers, now without James, have become a target in many ways; they must give the fans an answer. This group of youngsters overturned the Kings' reign and must produce results better than the Kings'.

Irving and the Wigginses are under huge pressure.

They have been training hard all summer; under pressure, people usually end up either decadent or rising.

They chose to rise.

So they played very well in the first quarter.

But in the second quarter the Knicks surged, first Fan Xi's sudden outside shots netted seven consecutive points to steady the team, then Du Lante bombarded from beyond the three‑point line.

With the support of the two veterans, the interior—Bo Er Jin Ji Si and Xiao Sa Bo Ni Si—gained a backbone. They began to frequently showcase their skills.

Talented players improve fastest when backed by veterans.

Bo Shen started calling out Bo Gu Te on the wing.

Xiao Sa also displayed his playmaking, making Kevin Love uncomfortable.

When Xiao Sa Bo Ni Si was still young, his father the "World Roof" was interviewed by NBA reporters and asked which of his sons could play in the NBA. Old Sa Bo Ni Si replied, "The third son, he's smart and stubborn."

Xiao Sa Bo Ni Si is exactly that stubborn player; he constantly shifts Love's defense, using passes to make Kevin Love look both ways, then continuously creates interior slash attacks.

Must say, Kevin Love has regressed. His defensive level has dropped sharply.

In the second half, the Knicks showed an all‑out firing stance.

Full bloom.

The Cavaliers' youngsters held on for one quarter, but collapsed by the fourth.

This damn is the ultimate Princeton.

After the final game, the Knicks scored 151 points.

Four players scored 20+; the only starter without 20 points was Murray, who was too shy to pad his stats and instead focused on assists, earning a triple‑double.

So, is it absurd or not? A 193‑cm guard got a triple‑double.

Oh, Fan Xi also got a triple‑double; he's also 193 cm.

But isn't it only natural for Fan Xi to get a triple‑double?

After this game, the experts who had worried about the Knicks' record this season all fell silent, and the Knicks' ranking shot up straight from fifth in the league to second.

Only behind the Golden State Warriors.

Surpassing strong teams like the Bulls.

The Bulls might be unwilling to accept it, but they have no choice but to accept.

Because in front of Fan Xi they have nothing to boast about.

The Knicks' offensive storm kept blazing through the league, and their season surged forward all the way.

Before Christmas, they had won 21 games and lost only 5.

They currently rank second in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have lost only two games so far.

And even more terrifying is that the Warriors have not lost a single game since the season began.

After James and Curry joined forces, the strength they displayed was unprecedented.

They each brought out the most terrifying version of themselves.

Many even say that last season's Fan Xi plus Durant couldn't stop James and Curry.

In fact, that's true.

In a game at the end of November, the Knicks lost to the Warriors by 11 points.

Fan Xi and Durant gave it their all, but their ability was indeed just a little short.

This made people start to worry whether Fan Xi could win his seventh career championship this season.

Even the notoriously harsh New York media issued warm calls at this time, urging fans not to put too much pressure on the Knicks. After all, even if they don't win the championship, we can still have Fan Xi.

Once that was said, Knicks fans felt no anxiety at all.

Having a safety net means staying calm.

The Christmas showdown, the league again scheduled a Warriors‑Knicks matchup.

This time the Knicks went to Oakland to face the Warriors.

In this game Durant played wildly, scoring 41 points. Fan Xi also put up a super stat line of 35 points, 14 assists, 13 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

But even though they were both that fierce,

the Warriors still won.

James had 19 points, 18 assists, 17 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks.

Curry scored 47 points with 5 assists and 3 rebounds.

Thompson had 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

The Warriors' Three Giants were fierce.

158‑150.

They won by 8 points.

This loss plunged Fan Xi into anxiety for the first time in a long while.

But the Warriors' strength truly exceeded his imagination.

James and Curry are basically two extremes, yet they click perfectly. Adding Thompson and Green, plus Pachulia,

this lineup is tough to handle!

Now those basketball experts are being conservative, saying: the Knicks aren't without a chance; if their young players all develop, beating the Warriors becomes a slim possibility.

"Jie Ke, this time I finally get to sweep you in the regular season."

After the game, Curry didn't forget to gloat toward his old classmate.

"This year's Finals, I will definitely beat you." Curry told Fan Xi seriously.

He could no longer stand being constantly crushed by Fan Xi.

By contrast, James now seems to have shed all pretense; he doesn't utter a single trash talk or boastful remark.

Winning feels just like not winning.

This is the silence that comes only after enduring countless beatings—silence is golden indeed.

James used to be such a flamboyant, personality‑filled person.

Too bad.

Since James exists, why does Fan Xi exist?

But this time James finally saw the dawn of a counterattack; after hitting rock bottom and being exiled by his hometown, he finally found his lost scepter—can he ascend the throne again?

Many supporters are silently praying.

For American basketball, this will also be a major reversal victory.

…

After the Christmas showdown, the Knicks slowed their pace. Although they still ran Princeton, they emphasized strengthening defensive training; the weight gains of Porzingis and Sabonis became increasingly obvious, and the strength and nutrition coaches almost daily gave them new meal plans and training regimens.

The effect of adding muscle was very clear, and it didn't impair their agility or touch.

This is what made Fan Xi and Knicks fans happiest.

After entering 2017, the Knicks' record surpassed that of the Chicago Bulls, while the Warriors on the other side remained firmly in first place in the league.

Although they likely can't break the Kuaisuan's 80‑win record from last season, they have a good chance of becoming the team with the second‑most wins in a single season in NBA history.

This is somewhat terrifying for Qiao Dan.

Many of his records have been frequently broken in these past few seasons; originally people thought the 72-win record was unbreakable.

But in these past few seasons, it seems that not getting more than 72 wins means you aren't even qualified to compete for the championship, and you have to eat at the kids' table.

This is also why more and more people say that the competitiveness of today's NBA is far stronger than in Qiao Dan's era.

This does not refer to physical confrontation, but to competition among strong teams.

Many people even say that back then, Qiao Dan's two three-peats didn't encounter any noteworthy resistance.

Nothing like the current situation.

James and Ku Li, Fan Xi and Du Lan Te.

If this were placed in the 1990s, it wouldn't be easy to say who is the NBA's top exterior duo.

Time quickly flew from January to the end of April.

The playoffs then arrived just like that.

Fan Xi feels that each year's season is pretty much the same; he's already accustomed to this rhythm, after all he's already a seventh-year NBA player. Qiao Dan also started winning championships in his seventh year.

Will Fan Xi win his seventh championship this season?

This has become the fans' most pressing question.

Or rather, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si will finally achieve his wish in his thirteenth season.

The Eastern Conference regular season final rankings are: Knicks, Bulls, Knights, Wizards, Raptors, Hawks, Bucks, Hornets.

The Western Conference regular season final rankings are: Warriors, Kuaisuan, Thunder, Spurs, Mavericks, Trail Blazers, Jazz, Rockets.

The Warriors ultimately won 78 games, losing only four: one to the Thunder, one to the Kuaisuan, one to the Hornets, and one to the Jazz.

Losing to the Thunder was because Wei Si Bu Lu Ke and Lun Na De exploded. Losing to the Kuaisuan was due to being dominated inside… Maikelbang, after Fan Xi left, turned the Kuaisuan into an iron-blooded defensive lineup, pressing the Greek little monster to step up, and with Ke Bi's help became a two-way superstar.

Losing to the Hornets was because Ji Mi went off, scoring 69 points, the highest single-season score. Losing to the Jazz might be because the Warriors were tired.

But no matter what, the Knicks' first-round opponent now is the Xia Luo Te Hornets.

Qiao Dan's team.

The team now led by Fan Xi's little brother.

This somewhat carries a taste of fate.

Fan Xi's first playoff opponent in his seventh season is Qiao Dan's team.

How interesting.

Moreover, the Hornets' franchise star is still Fan Xi's little brother.

Even before the game is played, the hype is already maxed out.

…