Regular-Season MVP Goes To
The Western Conference rankings are as follows.
1: The Los Angeles Clippers lead the league with a 69-13 record.
2: Timberwolves, 57 wins and 25 losses.
3: Los Angeles Lakers, 55 wins and 27 losses.
4: Kings 54 wins, 28 losses.
5: Dallas Mavericks) 53 wins, 29 losses.
6: Spurs, 53 wins and 29 losses (the Spurs are ranked much lower than their all-time ranking because they were swept by the Clippers in four games).
7: Grizzlies, 48 wins and 34 losses.
8: Rockets, 44 wins and 38 losses.
Eastern Conference Regular Season Standings:
1: Pacers, 60 wins and 22 losses.
2: New Jersey Nets, 46 wins and 35 losses.
3: Pistons, 53 wins and 29 losses.
4: Miami Heat, 41 wins and 41 losses.
5: Pelicans, 41 wins and 41 losses.
6: Bucks, 41 wins and 41 losses.
7: Celtics, 36 wins and 46 losses.
8: Cavaliers, 35 wins and 47 losses.
The Western Conference Playoffs First Round playoff matchups are as follows:
Clippers vs. Rockets.
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies.
Lakers vs. Spurs.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Kings.
The Eastern Conference matchups are as follows:
The Pacers will face the Cavaliers.
The New Jersey Nets will face the Celtics.
Pistons vs. Bucks.
The Miami Heat will face the Pelicans (formerly the Hornets).
It's worth mentioning that the Knicks are tanking, and with a record of 20 wins and 62 losses, they have a chance to replace the Orlando Magic and get the number one draft pick.
May 17th, evening.
Exhausted from a long day, Li Ruping dragged her heavy steps as she opened the door to her rented room.
A moment later, she threw the phone on the sofa and collapsed onto it, her body seemingly swallowed by endless exhaustion, and she completely collapsed.
She stared silently at the ceiling, her eyes revealing resentment and helplessness.
She didn't go abroad to study so she could work as a waitress in the US.
Suddenly, with a burst of strength, she stood up and grabbed the phone on the sofa, gripping it tightly as if she wanted to crush it.
After a short while, she let out a long breath, recalling her meetings with Li Chen.
At this moment, a resolute look appeared in her eyes. She trusted her judgment of people; she believed that Li Chen was not that kind of lecher. Then, she took out Li Chen's phone number from her handbag and resolutely dialed the number.
A moment later, "Hello, Mr. Li, I am..."
But before Li Ruping could say her name, Li Chen smiled and said, "You must be Sister Ping!"
Li Ruping was somewhat surprised; she never expected that Li Chen would still remember her.
This did not make her happy; instead, it made her even more uneasy.
Imagine, someone could name a complete stranger they met over a month ago and claim that Li Chen had no ulterior motives towards her—she would never believe it, not even if you beat her to death.
At this moment, Li Chen seemed to know what Li Ruping was thinking and explained, "Besides my parents, friends, and girlfriend, very few people know my phone book, so the only strangers who call me are you, Sister Ping."
Hearing this, Li Ruping felt a little relieved.
At this moment, Li Chen continued, "Since Sister Ping called today, it proves that you've made up your mind. So, I'll explain the work you need to do next, consider it a test! If you can complete this task, I'll hire you, and then we'll discuss salary and benefits, okay?"
Hearing this, Li Ruping nodded and said, "Okay."
Half an hour later, Li Ruping put down the phone with a look of surprise on her face. She was very surprised by Li Chen's request.
At the same time, Li Chen put down the phone and smiled slightly. He looked at the basketball hoop in the distance and murmured to himself, "Li Ruping, I hope you won't disappoint me."
Just then, his phone rang again.
Li Chen looked up and saw it was Kobe. Li Chen smiled and answered the phone, saying, "Kobe, how's my godson?"
Hearing this, Kobe, who was initially very happy, felt a little disgusted. If it weren't for Li Chen always helping him out of danger, he wouldn't have let Li Chen be his son's godfather.
Years later, whenever Kobe was alone, he would secretly regret his decision that day.
Afterwards, Li Chen went to Kobe's house to see his godson.
The baby is a month old now. He's a chubby little boy and not afraid of strangers. He giggles whenever he sees Li Chen.
This left Kobe's parents, Vanessa, Kobe completely baffled.
Kobe, in particular, could barely maintain his happy smile. He was internally screaming, "Fuck, whose son is this anyway?"
He never imagined that he would have such a rebellious son!
Li Chen teased the Little Kobe a few times, and he laughed even more happily.
This surprised Li Chen, who wondered if the little guy knew he had saved him, so...
Thinking about this, he almost laughed, realizing that his imagination was really wild.
Meanwhile, the veins on Kobe's forehead were throbbing; he was so angry! If this kid didn't look exactly like him when he was a kid...
He roared inwardly, "Son, your father's name is Kobe Bryant! Not Li Chen!"
Kobe, still furious, grabbed Li Chen and pulled him towards the arena.
He played two games against Kobe, winning one and losing one.
Of course, Li Chen didn't bring any special skills. Besides, if he beat the petty Kobe 2-0, Kobe probably wouldn't play with him anymore, and he didn't want to lose his sparring partner.
"Are you confident?" Li Chen suddenly asked.
Kobe coolly replied, "Don't ask me such pointless questions."
Li Chen's lips twitched involuntarily. This guy's act was so good, I'd give him 99 points. I'd take one point less so he wouldn't get arrogant.
And have you really forgotten how we got eliminated by the Spurs last season?
However, he really hoped the Lakers would be defeated by the Spurs; he really wanted to crush the Spurs on the Western Conference Finals floor once again.
Imagine facing Popovich in the Western Conference Finals and Larry Brown in the NBA Finals, completely dominating the coach and his protégé—the thought alone is incredibly satisfying.
But he wouldn't reveal his inner thoughts to Kobe.
The Playoffs began on April 18th.
There are four Playoffs today:
Western Conference:
Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies.
Lakers vs. Spurs.
Eastern Conference:
The New Jersey Nets will face the Celtics.
The Pacers will face off against the Cavaliers.
Meanwhile, the 2003-2004 regular season MVP has also been announced.
Duncan played 69 regular season games for the Spurs, averaging 22.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game.
He was selected to the All-NBA Team for the first time and the All-Defensive Team for the second time.
O'Neal played 67 regular season games for the Lakers, averaging 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, and was once selected to the All-NBA Team.
Garnett played 82 regular season games for the Timberwolves, averaging 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game.
He was selected to the All-NBA Team and the All-Defensive Team.
However, their personal data seemed rather inadequate compared to Li Chen's.
Li Chen led the Clippers to a league-best record of 69 wins and 13 losses.
He played 82 regular season games for the Clippers, averaging 30.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 12.8 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game.
He was selected for All-NBA Team and the All-Defensive Team.
The Clippers' regular season MVP award is well-deserved.
Meanwhile, when Li Chen went to New York to receive the trophy, David Stern smiled and said, "Chen, I never thought that after two months, I would be able to present you with the regular season MVP trophy again."
Li Chen chuckled and joked, "If you'd like, you can also present me with the O'Brien Cup."
David Stern paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "Young man, you have ambition. I believe in you."
"Thank you! I will try my best."
In the evening, eight teams faced off, and in the end, the Lakers lost to the Spurs 78-88.
The Timberwolves defeated the Grizzlies 106-92.
Eastern Conference:
The New Jersey Kings defeated the Celtics 107-83.
The Pacers defeated the Cavaliers 104-88.
James had a good performance with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, but the team still lost the game.
On April 19th, the Clippers and Rockets faced off in Game 1 of their first-round Playoffs.
Meanwhile, domestic fans were somewhat excited because these two teams have three of their compatriots.