Chapter 96: Expectation

Looking at the young man before us today, countless fans recall the fiery spirit of the number 3 from over a decade ago—Allen Iverson. His quickness defied defenders so completely that it even caused them to break bones; his leaping ability often left big men watching in awe as he received passes in mid-air. He once bested O'Neal to claim the scoring title after Jordan's retirement. Leading the 76ers out of the early-nineties slump, he became a constant playoff presence and propelled the team to the Finals in 2000–01, only to fall to the Lakers. Yet fans still vividly remember the moment he erupted for 48 points in the first game of the Finals.

Comparing Lin Fei to Iverson has long been a favorite topic among supporters. Both share the same small stature and inability to defend; both possess speeds capable of shattering opponents' bones and elite scoring ability, both operating as scoring point guards driven by an almost manic desire to control the court. Yet differences exist. Lin Fei's selection at the end of the second round barely registered with coaches, whereas Iverson entered the league as the undisputed core, the player granted unlimited shooting privileges. He shattered rookie scoring records, forging countless myths in his first season. Lin Fei, though capable of a remarkable 28-point outburst in three minutes during his rookie year, remained comparatively ordinary overall. In his second season, Iverson's maturity made him the unquestioned centerpiece, the entire team's tactics revolving around him. Lin Fei, by contrast, existed largely within the established framework, rarely shaping it, and for a time the organization even attempted to suppress the outside-line superstar scorer.

Even Iverson himself, watching Lin Fei play, recognized the young man's unique style.

Yet one must acknowledge the distinctions. Iverson seems to crave the thrill of driving more, often relying on burst of speed to penetrate the lane and finish near the rim. Lin Fei's drives are likewise unstoppable, but after breaking through he more frequently scores through his shooting. In other words, Lin Fei relies on both drive and shot, an approach that can prove unstable at times.

Moreover, despite his extraordinary achievements, Iverson never claimed the scoring title in his second season, nor did he match that level of dominance in the playoffs. Equally important, the two players operate within entirely different tactical systems. The 76ers of Iverson's era, beyond the star himself, featured defensive anchors such as Dikembe Mutombo; team defense turned the franchise into a defensive powerhouse. Today's Warriors, however, are offense-first, with nearly every player contributing to the attack and offensive responsibility rarely resting solely on Lin Fei. Consequently, Lin Fei's scoring appears more rarefied and precious.

There is also a subject few wish to discuss openly: Iverson's relentless style eventually ravaged his body with injuries, and whether Lin Fei will suffer the same fate is a question that haunts the league. Among players defined by speed and athleticism, few have become true superstars. Lin Fei's playing style, like Iverson's, is so singular that one wonders whether he will repeat the same tragic arc.

The Warriors–Thunder playoff series has reached a decisive seventh game, and the victor will face the championship-caliber Mavericks, who enter rested and ready.

No one anticipated the Thunder's sudden collapse in the postseason, nor the Warriors' surprising strength. It seems the old adage holds true: one must never underestimate a heart burning with championship ambition. The Warriors' early-season slogan of "championship contenders" was no empty boast.

Perhaps many have finally accepted the possibility. The Warriors have given fans hope, given them a glimpse of tomorrow. This is their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade, and they have taken the series to this point—an enormous achievement. Before this, the core roster had rarely tasted postseason experience, yet they pushed the Thunder to the brink with sheer stubborn spirit.

Given the Warriors' two-game winning streak, more observers now believe they have the best chance to advance to the second round. And with Lin Fei on the roster, who can predict when this young man's scoring ability will reach its peak? Whenever he is on the court, the Thunder seems to hold no hope of victory.

I do not know what ESPN's analysis of Lin Fei's dribbling speed and shooting range revealed, but it is clear that his unstoppable style offers valuable lessons for the Thunder's defensive approach. Everyone knows that attempting to guard Lin Fei with a single player is essentially a recipe for disaster.

The Thunder's coach should be grateful, for what he sees now of Lin Fei is still only an unbeatable three-point threat. If he could apply defensive lessons learned against Lin Fei, he would likely switch to a double-team, one player in front and one behind. After all, Lin Fei's passing skills have not yet reached the level of his shooting, so there is little to fear there. That makes this matchup against the Warriors almost the Thunder's sole opportunity. Once time passes and Lin Fei's skills mature, his passing becomes more precise, and the Thunder will have almost no chance of surviving under his hand—even with the league's most enviable duo of stars.

As Scott Brooks observed, only after truly facing Lin Fei as an opponent will you discover how formidable he truly is.

Yet many still feel the Thunder fell short. Terry of the Mavericks is one such voice. This player who styles himself the Jet declares that if he were guarding Lin Fei, he would not allow the small forward to score so easily. He is not a player like Durant or Westbrook. The remark carries layers of provocation: first, it celebrates the Warriors' advancement to the second round; second, it asserts that even if the Warriors reach the second round, the Warriors will be the ones swept.

Those who make such statements may harbor grievances they dare not voice, for in the league for many years there has not been a team that runs as fast as the wind and sand like the Warriors, nor has there been a player who blends speed and shooting with such perfect harmony and such a wide shooting range.

The Thunder? The Warriors? They both know the score. What remains is to wait and see.