Play Game 7 Again
May 18th, afternoon.
Li Chen received a call from Kobe and put the phone to his ear.
"Don't lose." With those words, Kobe hung up the phone.
Li Chen's lips curled up, and he murmured to himself, "This is also what I wanted to say to you."
8 PM.
In the TNT broadcast room.
"This is really an exciting game, Kenny. Do you think the Clippers can win today?"
"Well..." Kenny Smith shook his head. "It's hard to say. However, the Clippers' strength lies entirely in 'Chen.' If the Mavericks can shut down that, I can confidently say that the Dallas Mavericks will win this game."
"Kenny, but you have to understand, the Mavericks don't have any outstanding defensive players, that's unrealistic," Barkley reminded him.
"Yes, so Coach Nelson will likely continue to compete offensively with the Clippers in this game."
"Although I feel a little unbalanced seeing the younger generation perform so well in their first season, and even hope that the Clippers will be eliminated, now that it's time, I also hope that they can continue," Barkley said with some hesitation.
Kenny Smith joked, "Charles, you're just jealous! Hahaha!"
Barkley glared at him and said disapprovingly, "Pah! Kenny, don't talk nonsense."
Kenny Smith stopped teasing Barkley and said, "Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both teams today."
The Mavericks' starting lineup is:
Nash (Point Guard)
Galarbel (Shooting Guard)
Finley (Small Forward)
Nowitzki (Power Forward)
LaFrentz (center forward)
"As expected, Nelson promoted Galarbel performed well in the last game, to the starting lineup."
Next, let's take a look at the Clippers' starting lineup:
Andre Miller (Point Guard)
Li Chen (Shooting Guard)
Corey Maggette (Small Forward)
Elton Brand (Power Forward)
Michael Olowokandi (Center)
"The Clippers' roster is finally complete, and placing Odom and Wang Zhizhi at the transition point of the second quarter is a good choice."
Shortly after, the players from both teams entered the court, starting with the Clippers.
The Clippers players' names were called out one by one by the DJ at the arena.
When Li Chen was called out, he picked up the magnesium powder again. Seeing this, Elton Brand and his teammates were speechless, wondering why this guy had suddenly developed this hobby.
Then, the Dallas Mavericks players entered the arena amidst cheers from over ten thousand fans.
A moment later, both teams began warming up.
"Chen, how come you're not nervous at all? This is a Game 7!"
Elton Brand genuinely admired Li Chen; he truly had no idea how strong the mindset of this Eastern man he had only known for a few months was.
At this moment, Li Chen turned to Elton Brand and said, "Elton, don't think about those things. They're useless. Just treat it like a regular season game."
Elton Brand looked bitter; he really couldn't do it!
"You talk a good game, but we're human. This is our first time entering the second round of the Playoffs. How could we not be nervous? Do you think we're some inhuman being?"
Odom's words made Li Chen's veins throb. Li Chen gritted his teeth and said, "Lamar, don't you dare run away, I promise I won't kill you."
As he spoke, Li Chen walked towards Odom took off running.
This made the Clippers players all laugh.
"Haha! Looks like the Clippers are really confident about this game, they're even in the mood to joke around," Barkley joked.
Kenny nodded. "It looks like today's game is going to be very intense."
A moment later, Odom and Li Chen whispered to each other, "Chen, how was my acting? Also, will this really work? I don't think it's reliable at all."
"You acted well. If you don't play basketball, you could consider going to Hollywood."
Li Chen's words made Odom's eyes light up. "Chen, can I really do it?"
The thought of Hollywood stars made him tremble with excitement. He even started thinking about which actress he wanted to marry.
However...
"Huh? You really believed that?" Li Chen asked in surprise.
Li Chen's words snapped Odom out of his reverie, and he roared in fury, "Fuck you, you bastard, you lied to me again!"
Half an hour later, G7 officially began.
The random S-rank Skill for this match is [Clutch Shot].
The skills Li Chen selected for this game were [Passing Master], [Miracle Shot], [Divine Shooter], [Flopping], and [Open Three-Pointer].
Li Chen is ready to take over the game.
Michael Olowokandi failed to win the jump ball.
The Mavericks attacked first.
Nash passed the ball to Nowitzki.
Nowitzki Golden Rooster Independence -shaped fund took the lead.
Leading 2-0.
For the Clippers, Li Chen played off-ball, received a pass from Andre Miller, and hit an Open Three-Pointer.
The Clippers lead the Mavericks 2-3.
The two teams then traded baskets, with the Dallas Mavericks ultimately winning the first quarter 23-19.
In the TNT broadcast room.
"From the start of the first quarter, Li Chen gave off a different vibe today."
"Oh? Kenny, what do you mean?" Barkley asked, feigning ignorance.
Kenny Smith explained, "In the first quarter, Li Chen changed his usual style, not passing the ball to his teammates but shooting himself. This was him telling his teammates, and also telling the Mavericks, that he wanted to win this game. His frantic shooting was also an expression of his determination."
"Kenny, I think Chen's actions are unwise. He's only provoking the Mavericks players, which isn't good news for the Clippers."
Kenny Smith nodded, agreeing with Barkley's assessment.
Just then, Kenny Smith had a sudden inspiration and said, "Perhaps this is what this Eastern Kid needs."
"Kenny, what do you mean?" Barkley asked, puzzled.
"He wanted to push himself and the Clippers to the brink, and then..."
"This... how is this possible?" Barkley couldn't believe there could be such a crazy person; this was simply the behavior of a madman.
"I'm just guessing."
In the second quarter, Elton Brand and Corey Maggette rested for the Clippers, while Odom and Wang Zhizhi entered the game.
For the Mavericks, Nelson replaced LaFrentz and Van Exel took his place.
At the start of the second quarter, the Clippers' offensive efficiency remained low, while the Mavericks' offense flowed very smoothly.
Clearly, they understood what Li Chen was trying to say.
But the Mavericks won't give up.
At halftime, the Mavericks led the Clippers 51-43 by 8 points.
During halftime.
Alvin Gentry, who had been silent, suddenly said, "In the second half, Chen, you need to play a little more freely."
Li Chen was slightly taken aback, then thought for a moment and said, "Coach, I'd like to play more off-ball in the third quarter."
The other players were stunned.
Alvin Gentry was also stunned, but when he thought about Li Chen's Open Three-Pointer from back then, he felt relieved.
So he nodded.
Li Chen made this choice to maximize his Open Three-Pointer skills.
The Clippers started the third quarter with their first offensive possession.
Li Chen made a successful cut and received a pass from Andre Miller, then drained an Open Three-Pointer.
51 to 46.
In the transition, Nash passed the ball to Finley, Finley pulled up and made a jump shot.
53 to 46.
Next, Li Chen shot Van Exel in the face.
53 to 49.
The score remained close throughout the game, showcasing the intensity of a decisive Game 7.
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