In the Western Conference semifinals, the Kings eliminated the Spurs 4–1.
The Los Angeles Lakers were no less formidable, sweeping the Dallas Mavericks 4–0.
They kept Doncic from even setting foot on the Western Conference Finals court.
Over the course of the series, King Arthur's game had grown more and more mature, and he had become stronger and stronger.
He averaged 39 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists—a near Triple-double.
After the first two rounds, King Arthur was averaging 37.8 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.
Although his average points were a little lower than Wang Yi's, he had far more rebounds and assists.
So many people thought King Arthur was the strongest player in the league right now.
For a time, King Arthur was lavished with praise by the American media, especially the Los Angeles media.
Daily Mail: He is the strongest player in the league right now.
Time Magazine: He is America's rising star, the face of America today.
Los Angeles Times: In the battle between the King and King Arthur, King Arthur is ultimately the greater one.
Although Wang Yi had actually played better over the course of these two rounds, Americans' support for their homegrown players and their rejection of outsiders—especially Asian players—still made them reluctant to acknowledge Wang Yi's greatness.
Three days after their game against the Spurs, the entire Kings team flew to Los Angeles.
Posters of King Arthur were everywhere in Los Angeles, along with all kinds of slogans.
"There is only one king in this world: King Arthur."
"This is the year King Arthur becomes the ruler of the league!"
"Every king can only bow before King Arthur."
The Kings' bus emerged from the airport and headed down the clean streets of Los Angeles.
Looking at the tall palm trees lining the