The Battle Against the Timberwolves

At the start of the third quarter, the Clippers controlled the pace of the game.

They displayed formidable offensive firepower, constantly causing problems for the Kings.

Li Chen demonstrated his organizational skills, constantly distributing the ball to his teammates.

Even if his teammates miss the shot, there's no need to worry, because Karl Malone demonstrated his strong inside ability under the basket, constantly using his physical advantages to grab offensive rebounds and put the ball in the hoop.

The Kings struggled defensively and were unable to effectively contain the Clippers' offense.

In addition, with the help of Li Chen [the Assist Master], Korver demonstrated accurate Shooting Ability from beyond the three-point line, hitting several key three-pointers in a row, increasing the Clippers' lead.

The Kings players struggled, trying to find opportunities on offense.

Kings' Bibby repeatedly broke through the Clippers' defense in an attempt to score for his team.

However, although Li Chen's defense seemed casual, even somewhat lax, what drove Bibby crazy was that his poor shooting touch kept causing him to miss scoring opportunities.

But in the latter half of the third quarter, an unexpected incident occurred.

During a defensive play, Clippers' Karl Malone and Kings' Divac made intense physical contact, and Divac fell to the ground and couldn't get up.

Unexpectedly, the referee ruled that Carl Karl Malone's attack was excessive and penalized him with an offensive foul.

Malone argued with the referee, believing that Divac had flopped, but the referee ignored him and showed no intention of changing the decision.

Coach Alvin Gentry had to substitute Karl Malone, who had already fouled out, and bring Wang Zhizhi into the game.

Although Wang Zhizhi is quite strong, he cannot be compared to Karl Malone, and the Clippers' original huge advantage in the paint has now vanished.

Without their strong interior advantage Clippers' roster became vulnerable in an instant.

Seeing this opportunity, the Kings quickly launched a counterattack.

Without Karl Malone's dominance, the Clippers were at a very passive level, allowing the Kings to find a breakthrough in their offense.

However, the core of this Clippers is not Karl Malone, but Li Chen, who almost single-handedly led the team to the finals last season.

Li Chen stepped forward at this crucial moment.

Time ticked by, and the third quarter was about to end.

But misfortune never comes singly; Korver twisted his ankle during a challenge with Stojakovic.

Korver knew the Clippers couldn't afford to lose any more players, and he couldn't leave the court; he desperately wanted to continue playing.

However, after being persuaded by Alvin Gentry and Li Chen, he reluctantly sat down in the rest area with Karl Malone.

Meanwhile, Alvin Gentry was replaced by Kenyon Doolin.

At the end of the third quarter, the Clippers trailed the Kings again by 3 points, 77-80.

Shortly after, as the fourth quarter began, the game became increasingly close, with the Clippers keeping the score tight throughout the quarter, and the Kings failing to pull away.

Although Karl Malone and Korver were substituted.

But as I said before, the Clippers' core will always be Li Chen, a player known for his scoring and Passing Ability.

Li Chen understood that the Clippers' current crisis was also a time to prove their worth.

With only four minutes left in the game, his gaze was determined as he dribbled the ball up the court.

Facing the Kings' defense, he forcefully broke through the defenders, like a sharp sword tearing through the opponent's defense.

His movements were fluid and natural, and every pause or breakthrough was full of rhythm. The ball seemed to come alive under his control.

Li Chen drew the attention of all the defenders, and suddenly chose the most suitable passing route.

His pass was like a precise missile, piercing through all the defense and landing in Brand's hands. Brand instantly sprang into action and sent the ball into the basket.

This brilliant play instantly ignited the discontent of the Kings fans. Yes, they were extremely jealous and resentful that Li Chen wasn't a player on their Kings.

With the game entering its final two minutes, the score was fluctuating, and the atmosphere on the field became increasingly tense.

Li Chen received the ball again. He looked up at the score: 99-100, the Clippers were down by one point. His eyes were filled with determination and resolve.

At that moment, he abandoned team basketball; he wanted victory, and there could be no room for error.

He took a deep breath, then started, changed direction to break through, pulled up for a layup, and finally put the ball into the basket.

Their series of moves were fluid and seamless, leaving the Kings completely helpless.

The Clippers led 101-100 by one point, and the entire arena erupted in deafening boos.

With nine seconds remaining in the game, Alvin Gentry substituted Kenyon Doolin out and brought Karl Malone back into the game.

The Kings on offense.

Bibby the ball to Stojakovic.

Stojakovic's shot was disrupted by Wang Zhizhi, and he missed.

The moment the Kings missed their shot, Karl Malone quickly grabbed the rebound, showcasing his exceptional rebounding ability.

This basketball legend, who once battled against Jordan and is about to retire, won an offensive opportunity for the Clippers with his strong physique and keen rebounding awareness.

Immediately after Karl Malone grabbed the rebound, Li Chen launched a fast break.

He moved like lightning, quickly crossing half the court and rushing towards the opponent's basket.

His speed and agility were on full display during this fast break, showcasing his incredible athletic talent.

He sped across the center circle and charged toward the basket.

The instant he crossed the free-throw line, Li Chen slammed his right foot into the ground, launching his entire body into the air.

At the moment of takeoff, he raises the ball overhead and stretches his body out in the air like a soaring Larry Bird.

At that moment, he was like a giant axe splitting the heavens and earth, smashing the basketball into the hoop with one hand with the force of cleaving everything in its path.

The basketball hoop began to tremble incessantly, as if it might collapse at any moment.

103 to 100.

At that moment, the entire arena was stunned. To be honest, they were impressed by Li Chen's tomahawk dunk, but as Kings fans, they couldn't possibly cheer for Li Chen. So, the two Golden 1 arenas once again erupted in a chorus of boos.

With Karl Malone joining the Clippers, they were even more formidable. Although the Kings tried their best to reverse their decline, Li Chen's unreasonable Pull-up Jumper extinguished their last hope.

In the end, the Clippers defeated the Kings 119-110, ending their Playoffs this season and becoming the first Clippers to advance to the conference finals.

"Haha! Just as Barkley predicted, the Clippers won."

"Yes, although the game was a bit bumpy, the Clippers overcame the difficulties and won the final victory. That's what makes a truly strong team. Neither off-court nor on-court factors can defeat them."

"Next, they need to wait for the result of the Timberwolves vs. Spurs."

In this game, Kings' Stojakovic scored 22 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and made 4 of 8 three-pointers.

Doug Christie scored 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three-point range and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Bibby 16 points on 5-of-18 shooting and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.

Kings' star Chris Webber also scored 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting and 3-of-6 from the free-throw line, but was effectively shut down by the help defense of Malone and Li Chen.

"The Kings' shooting percentage was the key reason for their loss in this game, and Li Chen played an absolutely crucial role in that."

"Haha! The Kings are hilarious today. My idol just raised his hand, such a perfunctory defense, but the Kings players still couldn't make the shot."

Seeing Barkley's gloating expression, Kenny Smith guessed, "Perhaps this is Li Chen's intimidating power!" Yes, that was the only far-fetched explanation he had.

After a short pause, Kenny Smith continued, "Next, let's look at the Clippers' stats."

"Let's start by looking at our old friend Karl Malone."

In this game, he played 30 minutes, shooting 10-for-15, scoring 26 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and making 6 of 8 free throws.

"Wow, those stats are truly enviable! He probably only had stats like this in his prime!" Barkley exclaimed in admiration.

"Yes! Li Chen is quite the character," Kenny Smith remarked.

He then added, "Let's look at the stats of the other Clippers players."

Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Wang Zhizhi, and others all scored in double figures.

"Hey, hey, hey! Kenny, can you at least tell me my idol's stats first?" Barkley complained.

Kenny laughed and said, "Hahaha! Okay!"

"Li Chen played 48 minutes, shooting 15-for-25, scoring 38 points and dishing out 11 assists, including 5-for-7 from three-point range and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line."

"Oh my God, another 30+ point game."

"Kenny, I bet Chen will average 30+ points per game in this season's Playoffs."

Then, Barkley urged again, "Kenny, how about we make a bet?"

"Oh, my old friend Charles, didn't I tell you? I've quit gambling." Kenny Smith winked at Barkley and grinned mischievously.

Barkley "..."

In the Clippers' locker room.

Li Chen breathed a sigh of relief when he heard team doctor William say that Korver's injury would recover in just one week.

Fortunately, Korver will not miss the Western Conference Finals. Although the Clippers will not lose the Western Conference Finals without Korver, he will suffer in the process.

Just then, Li Chen's phone rang, and he saw that it was Avril.

Seeing this, Li Chen smiled slightly, then walked out of the lounge and into the corridor. He answered the phone with a smile and said, "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Aha!" Avril yawned. "I'll watch your basketball game at home and cheer you on! By the way, darling, congratulations on making it to the Western Conference Finals again."

"Thank you!" Then, laughing and joking, "I guess you fell asleep halfway through!"

Hearing this, Avril blushed, then seemed to realize something, and loudly retorted, "Hey, hey, hey! Don't slander me, I was watching the game very seriously, okay?"

Li Chen didn't argue with her and quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, I misunderstood our Avril."

"Hmph! You're smart to know what's good for you," Avril said smugly.

When James saw the Clippers miraculously defeat the Kings despite being in a very unfavorable situation, he was genuinely surprised.

Is this what a superstar is like? To be able to single-handedly turn the tide in crucial moments and carry the entire team forward on their shoulders—that ability is truly incredible.

James felt a sense of longing; when would he be able to reach Li Chen's level?

On the other side, the game between the Spurs and the Timberwolves was a fierce and evenly matched Heat.

In the summer of 2003, the Timberwolves acquired "Madman" Sprewell and "Alien" Cassell in a trade.

Both of them can be considered veterans. Cassell was 34 years old when he joined the Timberwolves, while Sprewell was 33.

However, both players are still very capable and have played in the NBA Finals. Cassell is already a winner with two championship rings and is very experienced. Together with Garnett, fans have nicknamed this combination "The Three-headed Monster".

Besides these three big names, the Timberwolves also have a reliable outside scorer like Szczerbiak. This 1999 Spanish rookie averaged 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in his third year in the league and was selected to the All-Star team.

It can be said that the Timberwolves were at their peak, and they were a Timberwolves that had a chance to compete for the championship.

That's why they were evenly matched with the Spurs, who had Duncan at his peak.

In the first game, the Timberwolves established an early lead and ultimately won by 8 points.

The second game was a victory for the Spurs, who turned the tide in the second half and ultimately responded to the Timberwolves with a 7-point lead.

The Timberwolves won the third game, maintaining a lead for most of the game and ultimately winning by 9 points.

The Spurs won Game 4, staging a comeback in the final moments to secure a 3-point victory.

The Timberwolves won Game 5, maintaining a lead for most of the game and ultimately winning by 7 points.

The Spurs won Game 6, pulling off a game-winning shot in overtime to secure a one-point victory.

The scores of the six matches are as follows.

Game 1: Timberwolves 98 to Spurs 90.

Game 2: Spurs 102 to Timberwolves 95.

Game 3: Timberwolves 96 - Spurs 87.

Game 4: Spurs 98 - Timberwolves 95.

Game 5: Timberwolves 102 - Spurs 95.

Game 6: Spurs 100 - Timberwolves 99 (overtime)

In the first six games, the Timberwolves and the Spurs each won three, bringing the series to a crucial Game 7.

This game is crucial for both teams; whoever wins will advance to the next round and face the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals.

The decisive Game 7 was full of suspense and tension from the very beginning.

Both teams played to their full potential, and the score remained close throughout.

With the Timberwolves leading by two points in the final moments of the game, the Spurs had the ball for the final possession.

At a crucial moment, Duncan of the Spurs scored in the paint, tying the game and sending it into the first overtime.

In the first overtime, the two teams remained evenly matched.

The score went back and forth, with neither side able to take the lead.

However, the Spurs failed to score on several consecutive possessions, allowing the Timberwolves to extend their lead to 3 points.

In the final moments of the first overtime, the Spurs were on the brink of elimination when the young Ginobili stepped up at the crucial moment, sinking a miraculous three-pointer to force a second overtime.

In the second overtime, the Spurs displayed exceptional team basketball.

They displayed an indomitable spirit and excellent teamwork throughout the match, maintaining their lead throughout.

However, the Timberwolves fought back and took the lead in the latter part of overtime.

Ultimately, in the final moments of the second overtime, Duncan of the Spurs made a 2+1 play to seal the victory.

The Timberwolves had only 0.8 seconds left, and Timberwolves players and coaches were extremely disappointed.

But Garnett didn't give up. He resolutely took the final shot and ultimately sealed the victory for the Spurs.

The moment he hit the game-winning shot against the Spurs, sweat mixed with tears streamed down Garnett's face.

He finally broke the curse of being eliminated in the first round of the Playoffs and made it to the Western Conference Finals. Kevin Garnett is no worse than anyone else.

He released all the pent-up grievances he had accumulated over the years. He covered his face, his shoulders heaving, and he cried uncontrollably, just like a child.

On the other side, Duncan stared blankly at the score of 119-118. They had lost again.

At this moment Popovich patted Duncan on the shoulder and said, "Tim, you are the strongest. Next year, when Parker and Ginobili mature, our Spurs will definitely be able to stand at the top of the league again." Popovich kept giving Duncan motivational speeches.

Really? Duncan expressed skepticism about Popovich's words.

A day later, the Eastern Conference Finals rosters were announced: the Pacers and the Pistons.

It's worth mentioning that the New Jersey Nets battled the Clippers for seven games in order to face the Pistons again, but ultimately lost to the experienced Larry Brown.

Meanwhile, Li Chen was somewhat surprised when he learned that the Spurs had been eliminated by the Timberwolves.

In his mind, the Spurs, with Duncan at his peak, should be able to defeat the Timberwolves.

But then he thought, the Timberwolves also have a prime Wolf King Garnett! A prime Garnett was a two-way player, not inferior to Duncan. With that thought, Li Chen felt relieved.

Then he remembered that he had some past grievances with Garnett, who always played very hard against the Clippers.

Li Chen was speechless. He realized Garnett had some character flaws. It was Garnett's own fault for failing to show off back then; what did it have to do with him? Just because I embarrassed him?

Although he didn't know Garnett's character, he could tell from this that the guy was just like Kobe— petty and narrow-minded. No, not as petty as Kobe, anyway, he didn't like Garnett now.

The Western Conference Finals kicked off on May 22.

Timberwolves starting lineup:

Cassell (Point Guard)

Sprewell (Shooting Guard)

Trenton Hassell (Small Forward)

Szczerbiak (Power Forward)

Kevin Garnett (Center)

Clippers starting lineup:

Li Chen (Point Guard)

Korver (Shooting Guard)

Corey Maggette (Small Forward)

Elton Brand (Power Forward)

Karl Malone (center)

The match begins with a jump ball between the two teams.

Meanwhile, Li Chen's random S-rank Skill in this match is a new skill: [Offense and Defense Combined].

[Offense and Defense Combined: When attacking, increase shooting percentage by 15% against players who are physically stronger than you (strength defined by height and weight); when defending, decrease shooting percentage by 15% against players who are physically stronger than you.]

Li Chen's eyes lit up when he saw this skill. This skill was simply amazing for small players to fight big players, a god-tier skill specifically for attacking the inside!

Li Chen then smoothly equipped the following skills: [Unrestrained], [Assist Master], [Pull-up Jumper], [Miracle Shot], and [Iron Wall and Bronze Barrier].

Li Chen chuckled mischievously to himself. "Garnett, with your accuracy reduced by over 20%, how can you possibly be a two-way player?"

A moment later, Garnett won the jump ball, and the Timberwolves went on offense.

It has to be admitted that Karl Malone is really getting old.

Timberwolves point guard Sam Cassell dribbles the ball up the court.

Meanwhile, Sprewell was roaming around him, while Trenton Hassell was waiting for his chance on the perimeter.

Cassell passed the ball to Szczerbiak, who received it inside and began his attack.

Szczerbiak, with his exceptional skill and power, successfully broke through the Clippers' defense and dunked the ball into the basket! The Timberwolves took a 2-0 lead.

The Clippers then launched their attack.

Li Chen orchestrated the attack, passing the ball to shooting guard Korver.

Korver took a shot from the outside, but missed.

Wolf King Garnett grabbed the rebound and passed the ball to Cassell.

The Timberwolves continued their offense, Cassell cleverly passed the ball to Szczerbiak, who received it again inside and leaped high.

Swish! Szczerbiak's mid-range shot sank smoothly! The Timberwolves took a 4-0 lead.

The Clippers began their counterattack, and Li Chen passed the ball to Brand.

Brand received the ball inside and began his attack.

Brand, with his excellent skills and strength, successfully broke through the Timberwolves' defense and was about to dunk the ball!

But at that moment, Garnett provided timely help defense, delivering a huge block to Elton Brand, sending the ball flying out of bounds.

Clippers fans were a little disappointed that they didn't see Brand dunk.

Korver took the inbound pass, Li Chen quickly made a successful run, shaking off Cassell's entanglement.

The moment Li Chen successfully made his run back, Wolf King Garnett, immediately came out to cover for Li Chen.

A slight smile appeared on Li Chen's lips; he had indeed come out to help defend. He ignored Wolf King Garnett's defense and launched a Pull-up Jumper right over Garnett.

Li Chen's skillful and accurate Pull-up Jumper has surpassed Tracy McGrady's. Li Chen's Pull-up Jumper is too consistent, which is something Tracy McGrady cannot match.

Clad in a pristine white jersey, he leaped gracefully high into the air, displaying the heroic spirit of Zhao Zilong in the basketball world, inspiring admiration among domestic fans.

Swish! The basketball swished perfectly into the Nets.

At the same time, the referee blew his whistle, indicating that Garnett had committed a foul, and Li Chen completed a 3+1 play.

At that moment, a deafening roar of cheers erupted in the Staples Center.

At the same time, Garnett also gave Li Chen a deep look, and he couldn't help but admire the Asian man who had caused him trouble last season.

Li Chen stood calmly in front of the free throw line, staring at the basket.

A moment later, he steadily shot the basketball, and the ball passed through the Nets without any suspense, causing the entire arena to erupt in a deafening roar.

With the score tied at 4-4, Li Chen 4 points on one offensive possession, demonstrating to the Timberwolves players his determination to win this game.

At that moment, Li Chen became the most dazzling star on the court.

The first quarter went straight into action, with the players from both teams engaging in fierce competition.

After the first quarter, the two teams were tied at 30-30.

At the start of the second quarter, Karl Malone unleashed his full potential, engaging in a physical battle with Garnett under the basket.

During this time, Garnett was shocked to discover that Karl Malone was too powerful, giving him a feeling of seeing the peak Karl Malone of yesteryear.

Thus, thanks to Li Chen's incredible performance for Malone, the Clippers led the Timberwolves 59-54 by five points at halftime.