Chapter Summaries

Wang Yi turned a Clippers fast break into a Kings transition, then fooled Zubac with a behind-the-back pass that let Holmes dunk. His dazzling playmaking left Luke Walton wondering whether Wang Yi’s passing ability depended on whether he chose to use it.

• Wang Yi passed out of a double-team to Barnes, who made a three-pointer.
• Wang Yi baited Leonard into an alley-oop pass, tipped the ball away from George, recovered it, and raced downcourt.
• Wang Yi faked a pass to Hield and slipped the ball behind Zubac to Holmes, who dunked.
• Replay revealed how Wang Yi had made the deceptive pass, impressing even the Clippers fans.
• Luke Walton compared Wang Yi’s inconsistent passing to Kobe Bryant’s ability to focus on scoring or create assists.

Wang Yi dazzled the Kings with long-range passing and kept their offense flowing as the Clippers struggled to contain him. With the Kings leading by eight late in the first quarter, Wang Yi repeatedly tipped the ball away from the Clippers’ twin towers before securing the rebound himself.

• Wang Yi sent Holmes a full-court bounce pass with backward spin, setting him up for a dunk.
• David watched Wang Yi’s assist from the hospital and angrily blamed him for ignoring the online backlash over the signed jersey scandal.
• Pan Guoguo warned David that provoking Wang Yi might only make him play more aggressively, and David wondered why the Kings had not turned against him.
• Tyronn Lue rested Paul George while Leonard played with reserves, but the Kings increased their pressure and Wang Yi shut down Reggie Jackson.
• After the Clippers missed a three, Wang Yi tipped the rebound over Ibaka and Harten three times before jumping again to claim it.

Wang Yi dominated the boards and piled up impressive first-quarter stats as the Kings faced the Clippers. The Clippers’ offense kept the game close in the second quarter, and Wang Yi decided he needed to widen the lead before halftime.

• Wang Yi repeatedly out-rebounded the Clippers’ big men, finishing the first quarter with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 steals.
• Brother Xiang told the Rainforest Army chat that she would confess her love to Wang Yi on livestream if he scored a quintuple-double.
• Tyronn Lue recognized Wang Yi as unstoppable and chose an offense-heavy Clippers lineup to exploit the Kings’ weak team defense.
• The Clippers and Kings traded baskets through pick-and-rolls, keeping the margin around 10 points.
• Wang Yi checked the clock with six minutes left in the second quarter and decided to push the lead to 20 before halftime.

Wang Yi blocked Leonard’s jumper, then chased down a loose pass and turned it into a dunk over three Clippers defenders. The Kings’ lead remained a focus as Wang Yi took charge on defense and left Leonard and the others stunned.

• Wang Yi told Barnes to switch off Leonard and guarded him one-on-one.
• Wang Yi touched Leonard’s pull-up shot with his fingertip, sending it short for an airball.
• Holmes’s hurried pass bounced toward the sideline, and Wang Yi chased it down and stopped just before stepping out of bounds.
• Wang Yi waited for Leonard, Paul George, and Reggie Jackson to fly past him, then dunked with both hands.
• Wang Yi told the three Clippers, “Nice flight. Don’t do it again.”

Wang Yi shut down Leonard and led a scoring barrage as the Kings built a twenty-three-point halftime lead over the Clippers. He finished the half with 35 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 8 blocks, and 8 steals, putting a five-by-five within reach.

• Wang Yi saved the ball without stepping out, scored, and extended the Kings' lead to thirteen points.
• Wang Yi disrupted Leonard's drive with a subtle foul, forcing him to pass, and the Clippers ended their possession with a missed George shot.
• Hield passed the ball back to Wang Yi just before crossing midcourt, and Wang Yi made a backcourt three to push the lead to sixteen.
• Wang Yi dominated on both ends while the Kings kept scoring against the Clippers.
• The Kings led 69–46 at halftime, with Wang Yi recording 35 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 8 blocks, and 8 steals.

Wang Yi used a three-point experience card to restore the Kings’ lead and stayed in the game to chase a five-by-five. With 30 seconds left, Reggie Jackson slipped and lost the ball, giving Wang Yi the steal he needed.

• Wang Yi received a high-level three-point experience card after the Kings led the Clippers by 23 points at halftime.
• Leonard and George cut the Kings’ lead to seven, so Wang Yi used the card and scored 30 points in ten minutes as the lead grew to 32.
• Wang Yi prepared to leave the game, but Mitchell, his teammates, and Walton urged him to stay for one more steal and a five-by-five.
• Wang Yi continued rebounding, assisting, and defending, but could not get a steal as the game wound down.
• Reggie Jackson slipped while using Zubac’s screen, and the loose ball rolled to Wang Yi, who picked it up for the needed steal.

Wang Yi completed the first five-double in NBA history after Reggie Jackson’s turnover gave him his tenth steal, and the achievement sparked celebrations across China. The Kings celebrated the win but remained focused on their 3–2 playoff series as they prepared for Game 6 in Sacramento.

• Reggie Jackson lost the ball with seconds remaining, giving Wang Yi his tenth steal and a final line of 66 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, 11 blocks, and 10 steals.
• The Clippers broadcast displayed Wang Yi’s historic five-double, stunning the Staples Center crowd and prompting Chinese fans to celebrate across social media.
• Wang Yi’s achievement became a national sensation, inspiring people across China to talk about him and imitate his playing style.
• The Clippers left the court dejected, while the Kings celebrated their teammate’s record-breaking performance in the locker room.
• Wang Yi reminded the Kings that the series was not over and urged them to keep working toward sending the Clippers home.

After Wang Yi recorded the NBA’s first quintuple-double, his fame and the scrutiny around him grew. At a press conference, he answered criticism from Stephen A. Smith, Pippen, and Pierce by calling them “a bunch of dumbasses.”

• Wang Yi showed growing leadership among his Kings teammates before entering the Cryo Chamber.
• News outlets worldwide praised Wang Yi’s quintuple-double, while critics accused him of padding his stats.
• Stephen A. Smith, Pippen, and Pierce publicly attacked Wang Yi over his pursuit of the final steal.
• At a press conference, Wang Yi said the critics profited from attacking players and called them “a bunch of dumbasses.”

After the Lakers cut their series deficit to 2–3, Wang Yi unleashed his anger at reporters and critics, declaring that he would no longer restrain himself to protect his public image. He left the press conference to a song about stubbornly being himself.

• A reporter warned Wang Yi that his insults could provoke public backlash, and Wang Yi called his critics idiots and said he would not hear their replies during the Playoffs.
• Wang Yi taunted Pierce, Pippen, and Stephen A. Smith, and Pierce watched the broadcast in Boston before raging and throwing his remote at the TV.
• Asked whether the Lakers could advance despite having only a 7.7% chance, Wang Yi dismissed the odds and insisted their goal remained the Western Conference Finals.
• Wang Yi snapped back at a veteran reporter who warned him against arrogance, surprising Luke Walton and ending the press conference by walking out.
• Wang Yi put on headphones and listened to a Chinese song about standing firm and refusing to surrender.

After Wang Yi’s press conference, Nicole accepted that he should be free to speak his mind, and he reassured her that he was happy. Meanwhile, Brother Xiang staged a mock confession to Wang Yi during his livestream, ending with an enthusiastic message of support.

• Nicole called Wang Yi and apologized for trying to shape his public image, telling him she wanted him to be himself.
• Wang Yi told Nicole she was the best woman in the world, while his teammates on the bus teased them for their affectionate phone call.
• Brother Xiang began his livestream and announced he would confess his feelings to Brother Yi.
• Brother Xiang dramatically pointed to his watch, revealing that his supposed confession was a joke.
• Brother Xiang praised Wang Yi on behalf of his fans and ended by telling him to ganbatte.

The Kings rallied from a 3–2 deficit to defeat the Clippers in Game Seven and advance to the Western Conference Finals. Danny delivered the decisive late threes, then asked Wang Yi to spare him from interviews and the press conference.

• Nicole showed Wang Yi Brother Xiang's confession video, and they joked about the woman in it.
• Wang Yi made 17 three-pointers as the Kings beat the Clippers 130–112 in Game Six, tying the series at three games apiece.
• The Clippers led by five with two minutes left in Game Seven despite Wang Yi's triple-double and strong defensive numbers.
• Danny entered after Barnes fouled out, made four of five threes, and hit the go-ahead shot with seven seconds remaining.
• The Kings beat the Clippers 123–120 to win the series 4–3 and advance, and Danny asked Wang Yi to keep him out of interviews and the press conference.

After the Kings reached the Western Conference Finals, Wang Yi helped Danny handle the press conference and learned more about his social anxiety. A hearing scheduled at the same time as Game 1 against the Warriors threatened to keep Wang Yi from tip-off, so he promised his teammates he would lead them to victory if they held on through the first quarter.

• Wang Yi answered reporters' difficult questions and gave Danny support during the press conference.
• Wang Yi's performance against the Clippers earned the Kings' organization respect, while fans kept their expectations modest ahead of the Warriors series.
• The NBA investigation tested Wang Yi's urine samples five times and found no evidence that he had taken performance-enhancing drugs.
• Nicole told Wang Yi that his second hearing was scheduled for 3 p.m. on the day of Game 1 against the Warriors, and efforts to change the hearing or game time failed.
• Wang Yi told his teammates to hold on through the first quarter and promised to lead them to victory.

At Wang Yi’s second hearing, prosecutor David and Pan Guoguo repeated their account, while lawyer William challenged Luo Xiang’s version and pointed to video of the assault. Luo Xiang countered with circumstantial evidence that Wang Yi had been tricked into signing the Clippers jersey, leaving the audience to consider whether anyone would willingly display a rival team’s jersey during the playoffs.

• The second hearing began on May 17, with Wang Yi, Luo Xiang, David, Pan Guoguo, William, and the investigating officers present.
• Pan Guoguo and David repeated their account, and the officers gave an account that largely matched theirs.
• Wang Yi confirmed that Luo Xiang would represent him, then Luo Xiang argued that Wang Yi had been deceived into signing the Clippers jersey.
• William challenged Luo Xiang to prove his account and cited video showing Wang Yi striking David, prompting the audience to doubt Wang Yi’s defense.
• Luo Xiang displayed images of Wang Yi smiling while holding the Clippers jersey and asked whether someone would show off a rival team’s jersey during the playoffs.

Luo Xiang challenged Black and White Impermanence’s speculation about Wang Yi’s conduct, then argued that David had tricked Wang Yi into signing a Clippers jersey to undermine him. He presented evidence linking the photo’s first upload to David’s phone, leaving David exposed and the prosecution lawyer worried.

• Black and White Impermanence argued that Wang Yi’s past behavior made the alleged jersey stunt believable, but Luo Xiang countered that Wang Yi’s competitiveness made it unlikely.
• Luo Xiang used questions about South America, the moon landing, and paternity tests to argue that reasoning could be part of understanding a case.
• Luo Xiang claimed David had tricked Wang Yi into signing the jersey and posted the photo to damage his performance and help the Clippers.
• Luo Xiang showed an image tracing the photo’s originating IP address to David’s phone, prompting the hearing room to turn toward David.
• David regretted posting the photo, while Black and White Impermanence realized it had become evidence against their case.

Luo Xiang used evidence linking David to the leaked photo to undermine the prosecution, then accused lawyer William and the Los Angeles Police Department of misconduct involving an unauthorized visit to Wang Yi in custody. The hearing ended with serious suspicions of collusion hanging over William and the police.

• Luo Xiang argued that the photo had been sent from David's phone and said he would file charges against David and Pan Guoguo if the investigation confirmed David sent it.
• After the prosecution had nothing more to say, Luo Xiang announced that he wanted to bring charges against William and the Los Angeles Police Department.
• Luo Xiang showed footage of Justin Miller questioning Wang Yi in custody despite lacking police credentials or authorization.
• Luo Xiang said Justin Miller had no record as an officer and alleged that William may have sent him to gather information in violation of detention rules.
• Luo Xiang suggested William and the police might have been involved in bribery, while stressing that the police should investigate his suspicions.

Lawyer Luo exposed the prosecution’s misconduct and forced the Los Angeles Police Department to promise a public investigation during the livestreamed hearing. He then presented Pan Guoguo’s social media posts and evidence that she had denigrated China to win favor and obtain a green card, leaving her horrified.

• Deputy Chief Scott promised that the Los Angeles Police Department would investigate the allegations and disclose its findings.
• The host asked the prosecution and Lawyer Luo whether they had anything further to say, and Black and White Impermanence had no response.
• Lawyer Luo projected Pan Guoguo’s social media posts praising America while insulting China.
• Lawyer Luo explained that Pan Guoguo had disparaged her home country to gain Americans’ favor and secure a green card, and said he had evidence.
• Pan Guoguo became horrified and went limp in her chair as the audience looked at her with disdain.

After Luo Xiang concluded the hearing, he explained the case’s prospects and schedule to Wang Yi, who worried about conflicts with the Western Conference Finals. Watching Curry receive his third Regular Season MVP, Wang Yi turned his disappointment into resolve to fight the Warriors.

• Luo Xiang finished presenting his case, and the moderator ended the hearing as the gallery reflected on his legal threats.
• Nicole thanked Luo Xiang, who estimated he had a 99 percent chance of winning at trial and expected at least three more hearings.
• Wang Yi said he needed the hearings scheduled around his games, and Luo Xiang explained they could request suitable dates.
• Nicole arranged a private jet and a car so Wang Yi could reach San Francisco quickly for the Kings-Warriors game.
• Curry received his third Regular Season MVP trophy at Chase Center Arena, and Wang Yi resolved to fight the Warriors to the bitter end.

Pan Guoguo was abandoned by David after the hearing and blamed Wang Yi for ruining her future, while the Kings prepared to face the Warriors without him. Barnes reminded the intimidated team that Wang Yi’s goal was the Finals as they awaited his arrival in the second quarter.

• David rejected Pan Guoguo after the hearing, then drove away to protect his own reputation.
• Pan Guoguo blamed Wang Yi and the lawyer for her situation and posted an angry tweet about them.
• At Chase Center Arena, the Kings prepared to face the full-strength Warriors with Mitchell starting for the absent Wang Yi.
• Walton urged the Kings to survive the first quarter, defend aggressively, and avoid falling more than ten points behind before Wang Yi arrived.
• The Warriors’ roaring home crowd unnerved the Kings’ young players, and Barnes reminded them that Wang Yi’s goal was the Finals.

Barnes rallied the Kings to make reaching the Finals their goal, and the team opened its Western Conference Finals game against the Warriors with an aggressive full-court press. The Kings forced a turnover and scored on a five-on-zero break, while Warriors coach Kerr remained composed.

• Barnes urged the Kings to fight the Warriors and keep Wang Yi's Never Give Up, Never Abandon spirit, inspiring the team to chant together.
• Walton encouraged the players to bring Wang Yi to the Finals as the game began.
• The Kings won the jump ball, and Hield scored a floater after Green blocked his initial attempt.
• Barnes and Hield double-teamed Curry in the backcourt, while the Kings pressed the Warriors across the court.
• Mitchell and Bagley pressured Green, whose errant pass was intercepted by Holmes; all five Kings sprinted downcourt and Mitchell scored on a five-on-zero break.
• Reggie Miller and Wade called the Kings crazy for opening with a full-court press, while Kerr stayed calm on the Warriors' bench.

The Kings stunned the Warriors by pressing full court from the opening tip while Wang Yi traveled to the arena. The Warriors cut the Kings’ early lead, but Wang Yi’s arrival was delayed when traffic halted his car near the arena.

• The Kings pressed full court through their first five possessions, forcing three Warriors turnovers and building a 12–3 run before Steve Kerr called timeout.
• The NBA broadcast Wang Yi getting off his plane with Nicole as the Kings continued pressing after the timeout and the Warriors began reducing the deficit.
• Curry, Thompson, and Wiggins helped the Warriors cut the Kings’ lead to three with three minutes left in the first quarter.
• Wang Yi left the airport in a league-arranged SUV, but the car was caught in a traffic jam on an overpass five minutes from the arena.