Chapter Seventy-Nine: Miracle on the Field

The stadium was boiling over with excitement, packed beyond imagination. Originally built to seat sixteen thousand, it now held a crowd so dense that not even a drop of water could seep through. Outside, a swarm of ticket scalpers had sprung up—many of them inspired by Lin Fei’s influence, a cultural import from his homeland where such "black market dealers" thrived.

The media had whipped up a frenzy, and the league had carved out a special space for this matchup. Basketball legends had come to cheer, including "The Admiral," the player who once scored seventy-three points in his final game, snatching the scoring title from Shaquille O’Neal. Today, he was eager to see if the miracle he created years ago might be reborn on this court. Though a big man himself, he made no effort to hide his admiration for the young player.

"I’ve always favored those with a military bearing, but watching this young man play is intoxicating. His shooting is as precise as my marksmanship—just astounding!" It seemed Lin Fei had gained another heavyweight fan. "Of course, I also appreciate Durant—he’s an incredibly gifted young man!"

A reporter asked Durant, "You’ve been the scoring champion for several seasons. Do you have confidence this time as well?"

Durant’s face broke into a shy smile. "Honestly, I never focus much on my own scoring. What matters to me is the team’s victory. Now Rose has led the Bulls to the best record in the league, while the Thunder hasn’t reached our ideal yet. If our team record is poor, scoring more points by myself doesn’t really mean anything." Clearly, as many had said, Durant had moved past his hunger for scoring, now yearning for victory above all.

Another reporter asked Westbrook if he had faith in Durant retaining the scoring title. Westbrook replied, "I’ve always believed Durant is the best player on our team. This time, I’ll be matched up against Lin Fei. I’ll do my best to defend him and give Durant more opportunities to score. I’m sure the scoring champion will be his, and I believe our home court advantage will carry us." Westbrook spoke with confidence, seeming to have completely forgotten the difficulties he faced last time against Lin Fei.

A reporter turned to Lin Fei, asking for his thoughts on this annual battle. Lin Fei beamed, "Our first pursuit is victory. I’m already very satisfied with my own performance this season. If we win, we’ll have home court advantage in the playoffs. Against a playoff team like the Thunder, we must seize every bit of advantage—sometimes the smallest edge determines the whole outcome. As for scoring, I’m not very confident. Durant has been the league’s scoring champion for several seasons; his strength is obvious to all. I just have good shooting touch from time to time! There’s still much I need to learn from him." Lin Fei truly was a humble young man. Good shooting touch? How many players could maintain that for nearly an entire season?

When the starting lineups were announced, the names Durant and Lin Fei echoed through the entire stadium.

Durant approached Lin Fei for an embrace, a gesture of goodwill. Both were amiable players, but Durant’s gesture was especially gracious—he’d been in the league for years, while this talented newcomer was achieving remarkable things. It was only natural to show encouragement and friendliness. Westbrook followed, embracing Lin Fei as well—who knows what Westbrook was thinking, perhaps it was simply a case of heroes admiring heroes. Both were nominal point guards but truly played as scoring guards; now, facing each other again, it was uncertain who was the league’s premier offensive point guard.

Tonight, Lin Fei was enjoying treatment reserved for the league’s absolute elite.

"Trust me, buddy, I absolutely won’t let Durant score easily!" Cairns said to Lin Fei a minute before tip-off.

The game began. Thunder had possession. Westbrook brought the ball up, passed to Durant. Durant feinted, Cairns’ steps trembled slightly, but Durant followed with a subtle change of direction, breaking through. Cairns hurried after him, facing Durant’s side as he rose high. The crowd gasped—Durant’s leaping ability was astonishing! Cairns reached up to block, but could only reach Durant’s elbow! Truly, in today’s league, few can pull off a jump shot right over a defender, but Durant perfected the move. This had once been McGrady’s signature, and now Durant wielded it with ease.

The ball went in—smooth, efficient, from Durant’s release to the basket.

"Our scoring champion opens with powerful offense," the commentator declared.

Now it was the Warriors’ turn to attack. Their first possession brought real pressure—against such formidable Thunder players, who could guarantee victory? Lin Fei controlled the ball.

"Oh! He’s changed!" the commentator cried out. Why such surprise at Lin Fei’s ball handling? "He’s changed. Starting with the last twenty games, after Lin Fei entered the starting lineup, he began to transform. Who would’ve thought twenty games could make such a difference! Previously, his dribbling was wild and solitary, charging alone across the court. But now, though his dribbling remains fast, he’s mindful of his teammates’ positions. Every move allows him to pass easily to a teammate. Before, teammates had to adjust their runs to his route, but no longer. Lin Fei now dribbles according to his teammates’ positions—it’s incredible! Truly incredible!"

Who could possess such keen insight? Many listeners were stunned.

Bill Walton! The famous NBA commentator. His understanding and observational skills were outstanding among his peers.

"At this moment, I believe Lin Fei is more likely to lead the Warriors to victory. I’m amazed by Nelson—Lin Fei is his masterpiece. It’s unbelievable. In just twenty games, he transformed an attack-minded guard who couldn’t pass into one with a point guard’s vision. Incredible!" (His commentary could sometimes lack logic, but in the NBA, he was among the most popular.)

Lin Fei dribbled swiftly, cut inside the three-point line, and as Walton described, he could pass to any of three teammates—all in position to attack!

Lin Fei passed to Cairns on the opposite side of the three-point line. Cairns didn’t hesitate—he shot. Three points, nothing but net.

"My God! Nelson, that old fox, has made the Warriors’ offense so simple! This season, the Warriors, Nelson, and Lin Fei are all miracles in the league!"