Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Heaven’s Chosen

After the game, many questioned whether Lin Fei’s explosive string of three-pointers toward the end was fueled by the anger from that technical foul. Lin Fei replied forcefully, “I just wanted to show everyone that whatever I’ve lost, I will reclaim it myself!”

As the season neared its end, teams and players took stock of their achievements. Lin Fei’s haul was nothing short of bountiful; in only his second season in the league, he had amassed countless honors. He broke the record for most three-pointers in a single season, set new marks for average three-pointers per game and shooting percentage, and scored sixty points in a game—an achievement in just his second year as a professional. His average of twenty-eight points per game was an eight-point leap, a direct jump from twenty, unprecedented in league history. He also became the highest-scoring substitute player ever, and with the current trajectory, the Sixth Man Award was all but his. He claimed the All-Star Game MVP, and even in the recent regular season MVP rankings, Lin Fei’s extraordinary performance placed him eighth, following titans like LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki—each a superstar in their own right. In fact, Lin Fei’s individual stats and his team’s record might have earned him a higher spot, but doubts lingered about his importance to the Warriors, keeping his ranking modest.

Some have said Lin Fei is a soft player, an outlier in this muscular game of confrontation, but no one can deny his immense heart, that unique aura of a clutch killer. Others claim his style robs basketball of its spectacle and teamwork, but all must admit he seamlessly blends speed and outside shooting, his three-point prowess bordering on the divine.

Behind the chorus of praise for Lin Fei stand a host of superstar names.

Kobe Bryant: “He’s the hardest player to guard I’ve ever seen, perhaps the most potent scorer.” This was the only time Kobe had ever lauded someone so unequivocally in his career.

LeBron James: “I’ve never seen anyone so fast. With him on the court, we all feel like turtles crawling.”

Dwyane Wade: “My nickname, 'Flash,' only he dares to claim.”

Jason Kidd: “He’s the most attacking guard in the league right now. Seeing him made me realize I truly am old.”

Ray Allen: “He can shoot from anywhere, and doesn’t need anyone’s screen. I’m a fan of his!”

There were also words of advice.

Michael Jordan: “He needs to attack the rim more. That’s what a true superstar should do!”

Magic Johnson: “He must learn to control the game. Some do it with passing, some with rebounding, some with scoring, some with versatility. Right now, his scoring is rare in this world, but he needs to master the art of leading a team to victory.”

Allen Iverson: “He’s my dream! He must watch out for injuries! He’s the only one I consider my successor.”

Tracy McGrady: “Watching him makes me wish I were ten years younger and could go head-to-head. He needs a backcourt partner like I was in my prime.”

Shaquille O’Neal: “He needs a true center and a rebounder. If I had partnered with him in my youth, I could have swept the playoffs undefeated for the championship.”

Charles Barkley: “This guy plays like he’s gambling, and his luck never runs out. If he were stronger, I think he’d be unstoppable in the league.”

The Warriors' management announced to the public, “Lin Fei is not for sale!” This statement was a declaration: from now on, this team belonged to Lin Fei.

Facing the Grizzlies, Coach Nelson knew it was time to adjust his tactics. A great coach should constantly adapt strategies to suit his players’ differing traits and states. Lin Fei’s momentum was now so fierce that it couldn’t be contained.

Currently, Lin Fei ranks second in scoring, having relinquished the top spot to Durant during a recent slump. With only a handful of playoff games left, Lin Fei must strive to reclaim the scoring crown.

It’s almost certain Lin Fei will clinch the Sixth Man Award, but he has a real shot at Most Improved Player, and even, given current circumstances, a chance at the most prestigious honor, the regular season MVP—a lifelong dream for many players. Lin Fei is already a contender; should he seize it, his trophy room would gain another weighty distinction.

Many team managers regret not recognizing such a diamond in the rough when they had the chance. Scouts worldwide are now searching for the next Lin Fei. Overnight, Lin Fei became the archetype of a missed treasure; some even muse aloud, “When will I stumble upon a Lin Fei?”

Thanks to Lin Fei, the Warriors’ confidence soared, boldly proclaiming themselves as the champions. Arrogant, perhaps, but last season they didn’t even make the playoffs. Even when things went well this year, their slogan was only that they were contenders. Now, they audaciously declare themselves the champions.

The dream is beautiful, and reality all the more cruel—the Warriors now face immense pressure.

The Warriors currently sit fourth in the West, trailing the Lakers, Spurs, and Mavericks, with the Thunder right behind, tied in record but with inferior division performance, followed by the Grizzlies, Trail Blazers, and Rockets.

The Mavericks lead the Warriors by three games, while the Warriors and Thunder are three games ahead of the Grizzlies. Fewer than twenty games remain! The Warriors’ record stands at thirty-nine wins and twenty-three losses. Given the current situation, a matchup against the Thunder seems likely. Coincidentally, the Warriors and Thunder will meet in the season finale, a game that could determine home-court advantage.

Experts overwhelmingly favor the Thunder in a showdown with the Warriors. The Thunder boast a twin-star lineup and, having survived the crucible of the Western Finals, are more experienced and battle-tested. The Warriors, though also led by young talent, have Lin Fei and Kaines, both still green. With the season’s end approaching and the team’s relentless pace, the lack of major injuries is already a miracle, but now exhaustion threatens.

So nearly all predictions tilt toward the Thunder. Yet some experts reserve judgment. They see Lin Fei’s continual progress—not just his sixty-point outbursts or his occasional single-digit games, but his recent efforts in aiding the team in other ways. He is maturing, and Lin Fei’s maturation, like his rise to stardom, may come overnight.