Chapter Forty-Three: The Underestimated Heart

Lin Fei has come off the bench in consecutive games, scoring 30, 39, and 35 points respectively. The most astonishing part is that he accomplished these feats in under 35 minutes each game. Looking across the entire league, no one else can match this scoring efficiency. With these performances, Lin Fei is on the verge of being crowned the league’s new fan favorite. Many are reminded of Allen Iverson when they watch him—limited in height but blessed with lightning speed, devastating crossovers, and exceptional scoring ability. Since Iverson’s departure, fans have been searching for a “successor” to fill that void of admiration, much as they did after Michael Jordan’s retirement, when a wave of would-be heirs like Grant Hill, Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady emerged, each boasting a “superstar moment.”

Some fans are reminded of McGrady in his prime, with his smooth shooting touch, graceful style, and legendary three-minute, 28-point outburst, an achievement as great as his 13 points in 35 seconds. Others think of a young Jordan or Kobe, seeing in Lin Fei the same relentless work ethic, indomitable spirit, and fierce competitiveness. Now, in every fan’s heart, there is a place for Lin Fei.

The fans conducted a survey: What is your favorite way to see Lin Fei score? A third said they love watching his rapid drives to the basket. Another third are mesmerized by his long-range three-pointers. The remaining third hope to witness Lin Fei throw down thunderous dunks like the greats. Fans always want their idols to be perfect, and naturally, many hope Lin Fei will add explosive dunks to his repertoire.

Lin Fei, an avid internet user, was well aware of his fans’ expectations. He thought to himself that, while he might still be far from being the league’s top player, he was determined to become a true superstar.

In the next game, Lin Fei would face the Cavaliers—a team that had spiraled into mediocrity since losing “The King,” LeBron James, and now played dismal basketball.

In this matchup, Lin Fei’s opponent was a physically imposing point guard, Davis, formerly of the Warriors and a key figure in their legendary eighth-seed playoff upset. Though a point guard, Davis played a physical, back-to-the-basket style. Yet, age and injuries had slowed him, and he was no longer as quick as he once was.

Lin Fei saw this as a golden opportunity to showcase his abilities.

Before the game, Coach Nelson advised him, “You still need to learn to defend. Try to steal the ball. With your speed, you have the best chance to time those steals perfectly.” The words struck Lin Fei like a revelation. Though he’d doubted his physical attributes, this insecurity need not affect his defense. He realized he could and should develop his ability to steal the ball. After all, some of the league’s greatest point guards—Stockton, Iverson, and even current stars like Paul—were all skilled at stealing.

During the game, Lin Fei and Davis were polar opposites. Davis, with his physicality, could bully his way to the basket, even rendering the help defense from Cairns ineffective. But on offense, Lin Fei sliced through Davis’s defense as if passing through thin air. The most thrilling moment came at the start of the second half. Davis attempted a risky jump pass, a cardinal sin for a guard, but his confidence led him to try it anyway. Lin Fei read it perfectly, tipping the ball before it left Davis’s hands. The ball changed course, and Lin Fei darted after it. Davis needed an extra moment to turn around, but Lin Fei was already gone. Sensing defenders closing in as he approached the arc, Lin Fei accelerated—he couldn’t let anyone catch him. With his build, even a slight bump could risk injury, so he pushed the pace early. Four steps from the basket, he gathered the ball, preparing for a signature move. To his amazement, he hung in the air longer than ever before. From takeoff to the rim, his body kept rising. At the peak, he twisted his wrist, meeting the rim’s height, and slammed the ball down with fury. The arena erupted. His teammates leapt to their feet—Lin Fei had scored many baskets before, but never with such majesty. The force of his drive sent him sprawling to the floor, but he sprang up, pounding his chest as if to say, “Did you see that, my fans?”

But that was only the beginning. Lin Fei seemed addicted to stealing. This game, he tallied five steals, all of which he converted into points—every one a solo steal, dribble, and dunk. For a point guard, it was a dunking spectacle. Few in the league could match his speed and leaping ability at the position—perhaps only Derrick Rose of Chicago or Russell Westbrook of the Thunder, both standard-bearers for the new generation of point guards. For Lin Fei to be mentioned alongside them was no small feat.

Coach Nelson saw even more potential in Lin Fei after this game. This kid wasn’t just an offensive prodigy; his defensive instincts were promising. His lack of confidence in his physicality sometimes made him hesitant when overpowered, but with time, his defensive potential could be limitless. Five steals, all converted into points—no one else in the league could boast such a stat line.

That game, Lin Fei went off for another 30 points, shining brighter than anyone. His scoring average soared—astonishingly, he now led the league. The second-highest, Durant, had “only” 28 points per game. No one expected this sophomore to unleash such explosive energy. Even Nelson, who anticipated his protégé’s breakout season, hadn’t foreseen this near-mythical level.

If this continues, Lin Fei is destined to become the league’s top player. Yet, seasoned fans know that relying too much on jump shots is risky; no one can stay hot forever, and a team needs a steady scorer to win. One day, a cold streak could cost him his scoring prowess. Will Lin Fei fall victim to this? Despite leading the league in scoring, many experts remain skeptical for several reasons: he relies too heavily on shooting, his scoring is largely thanks to Nelson’s system, he thrives more in isolation play—which works for now but isn’t sustainable—and, ultimately, he’s only a second-year player; nobody can maintain peak performance forever.

There are other prolific scorers in the league—Durant, already a two-time scoring champion, along with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Derrick Rose, all strong candidates for the title.

Yet, everyone knows Lin Fei possesses a fiercely competitive heart—a heart that cannot be denied. As someone once said, “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.” Now, no one should underestimate the heart of a scorer.