The First Game of the Second-Round Playoffs Ends
Van Exel was right; Li Chen was also tired. The constant layups were taking a toll on his back.
Li Chen continued to break through, and although Van Exel was already being careful, he still fell into Li Chen's trap.
Van Exel was also sent off.
This time, Nelson couldn't stay calm, but the player had indeed committed a foul, leaving him speechless.
The ejection of two key Mavericks players had a significant impact on the Mavericks, allowing the Clippers to double-team Nowitzki and other key players without any hesitation in the subsequent game.
This made matters worse for the Mavericks Mavericks, who were Clippers in less than three minutes.
Trailing 114-102, the Clippers were down by 12 points.
Finally, Old Nelson realized they had no hope, so he substituted their key players.
The Clippers ultimately won their first game of the second round series 121-111.
In a domestic live streaming room.
"Congratulations to the Clippers, and congratulations to Li Chen on your opening victory," Sun Zhengping sincerely congratulated them.
He then added, "Let's take a look at the scoring statistics of the key players from both sides."
Mavericks.
Michael Finley played 37 minutes, shooting 8-for-17, scoring 20 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, and shooting 3-for-6 from three-point range.
Nash played 32 minutes, shooting 8-for-15, scoring 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists, including 3-for-7 from three-point range and 1-for-1 from the free-throw line.
Today, Van Exel scored 25 points even without being targeted by Li Chen.
Nowitzki played 38 minutes, shooting 10-for-15, scoring 28 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, and making 2 of 3 three-pointers and 6 of 7 free throws.
Clippers.
Corey Maggette played 39 minutes, shooting 9-for-18, scoring 24 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists, including 2-for-4 from three-point range and 4-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Odom played 35 minutes, shooting 8-for-18, scoring 23 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists, including 2-for-4 from three-point range and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Wang Zhizhi played for 31 minutes, scoring 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Li Chen played 43 minutes, shooting 12-for-25, scoring 36 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. He also made 3 of 5 three-pointers and 9 of 10 free throws.
"Chen exceptionally well again today. I hope he can continue his excellent performance in the second game."
In the Clippers' locker room.
"Chen, pack your things and come with me to the post-match press conference."
Alvin Gentry calmly looked at Li Chen, who looked sullen, but a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.
"Coach Alvin, we can't let Hogan slip through our fingers! Lamar is itching to go, Coach, do you think we could let him go?"
Hearing this, Odom was displeased. "Fuck, Chen, if you can't use adjectives, then don't use them."
Li Chen ignored Odom's complaints and looked expectantly at Alvin Gentry.
Alvin Gentry said calmly, "Sure, as long as you're willing to pay the fine."
Upon hearing this, Li Chen's face immediately fell. Although he was certain to become a wealthy man in the future, he had already invested his money and was currently penniless. He had no intention of paying the fine.
On the way, just as Li Chen was still feeling happy about acquiring the "Layup Master" skill, the system notification made his joy vanish instantly.
The system will be undergoing a seven-day update, meaning all skills will be temporarily unavailable.
He was a little flustered when he first heard the news, but he calmed down afterward.
On the other hand, isn't this a perfect opportunity to prove one's abilities?
In fact, Li Chen also wanted to know where he would stand without the system.
At this moment, Li Chen felt a sense of anticipation, looking forward to the next match.
[Note: The system will officially enter hibernation in one minute. During the update, the host's skills will be disabled. We apologize for the inconvenience.]
59...
58...
Li Chen let out a long breath and stopped paying attention to the system's countdown.
During the post-match press conference.
The reporter first asked Alvin Gentry some questions, then looked at Li Chen.
"Mr. Li Chen, what are your thoughts on the performance of the other Clippers players?"
Li Chen raised an eyebrow, inwardly thinking, "Are you trying to sow discord?"
Although he was inwardly complaining, Li Chen replied with a smile, "I think my teammates performed exceptionally well in today's match. They demonstrated outstanding skills and teamwork, making a significant contribution to our victory."
At this point, Li Chen took a slight breath and continued, "Everyone says the Spurs have the best team basketball style in the league, but I think we're just as good. Also, I believe our coach, Mr. Alvin Gentry, is no worse than Mr. Popovich."
Li Chen's lies, which went against his conscience, initially surprised Alvin Gentry, but then he felt a surge of satisfaction.
Upon hearing Li Chen's words, the reporters' eyes lit up. "I really look forward to the Clippers vs. Spurs matchup," one reporter exclaimed.
"Haha! It seems like the Spurs won't have an easy time beating the Lakers right now."
The reporters largely agreed with Li Chen's statement.
"Mr. Li Chen, I just received news that Mavericks coach Nelson complained that the referees' calls were biased towards the Clippers, which is the real reason why the Mavericks lost the game. What do you think of Coach Nelson's statement?"
The reporter stared intently at Li Chen, hoping he would say something surprising.
Li Chen merely scoffed at Nelson's words. Favoring the Clippers? He didn't think so. It was all due to his own skills; what did the referee have to do with it?
With his thoughts racing, Li Chen replied with a smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, I disagree with Mr. Nelson's statement. The league is fair, and the referees are fair as well. They are all officiating the game according to the rules. How can there be any talk of favoring one team?"
Li Chen's dishonest words made the reporters' lips twitch. They all looked at Li Chen with strange eyes, thinking, "You really dare to say that!"
Li Chen never does anything without a purpose, so he must have his own reasons for saying that.
The next day.
The NBA received a phone call from Mavericks owner Cuban.
"Mark, what made you think of calling me?" David Stern asked with a smile.
"David, the referees were really unfair to our Mavericks in the last game, which greatly reduced the fans' desire to watch the game. David, I hope the league will take this seriously."
David Stern certainly understood the implication behind Cuban's words, but...
Shortly after, David Stern assured Cuban that he would make things easier for the Mavericks in the next game without violating basic principles.
After hanging up Mark Cuban's call, David Stern's face showed a bitter expression.
Everyone online knows that Li Chen's team is highly regarded by the league referees. If he's unfair in the next game, wouldn't that be a slap in his own face?
David Stern felt that after receiving Cuban's call, he had a few more gray hairs.
But the league serves the team owners, and he can't ignore Cuban's words. Ugh! This is really tough on me.