First Win in the Western Conference Finals

At the start of the third quarter, the Timberwolves' Trenton Hassell performed exceptionally well from beyond the arc, hitting consecutive three-pointers to help his team maintain their lead.

The Clippers' Maggetti also played exceptionally well, scoring consecutive jump shots with the help of Li Chen's clever passes.

When the third quarter ended, the score was still tied between the two teams.

After the start of the fourth quarter, the Clippers and Timberwolves traded baskets, with the score difference never exceeding five points, making the game extremely close.

With the game entering its final minute, the score remained neck and neck.

Timberwolves' Trenton Hassell received a pass from his teammate on the perimeter, quickly raised his hand and released a shot, sinking another crucial three-pointer!

The Clippers fans in the stands booed loudly.

The Timberwolves led the Clippers 107-104 with just 40 seconds left in the game.

The Clippers are on offense, and Li Chen makes a quick pass to Korver has found an open spot.

After receiving the pass from Li Chen, Korver steadied himself and prepared to shoot.

However, the defenders had him glued to the court, limiting his shooting opportunities.

Seeing the situation was turning against him, Korver quickly passed the ball to his teammate Brand, hoping he could find a better scoring opportunity.

After receiving the ball from Korver, Brand saw Garnett charging towards him. He knew that every shot from now on was crucial for the Clippers, and he wasn't confident he could score against Garnett.

So he immediately made a wise decision and passed the ball to Li Chen, his most reliable scorer.

Li Chen quickly adjusted his position and received Brand's pass before the opposing defender could react.

He raised his right hand, ready to strike, as if time itself had slowed down at that moment.

The basketball felt heavy in his hands, as if it carried the hopes of his teammates, so this shot had to go in.

Li Chen calmly examined the basket, took a deep breath, and then Pull-up Jumper without hesitation, releasing the ball.

At the same time, his beautiful shooting form was perfectly displayed at this moment, and the basketball flew through the air in a powerful arc.

Swish! The basketball hit the rim perfectly.

The score was 107-107, bringing the two teams back to square one.

A thunderous cheer erupted from the Staples Center, as everyone marveled at Li Chen's extraordinary performance.

Next, the Timberwolves went on offense.

Cassell knows that every ball is crucial for the Timberwolves right now, so he's being very cautious with both his passing and ball handling.

At this moment, Li Chen took the initiative, sticking close to Cassell, but keeping his eyes fixed on the ball, observing his movements and intentions.

When Cassell attempted to break through Li Chen's defense, Li Chen cleverly anticipated his move.

He anticipated Cassell's next move and leaned against him to prevent him from advancing.

Then, Li Chen used his quick reflexes and agile body control to try and steal the Cassell.

Li Chen accurately predicted the ball's trajectory and snatched it from Cassell's hands.

His swift movements and accurate judgment demonstrated his ability as the team's defensive anchor.

This steal gave the team a valuable offensive opportunity and also showed the Timberwolves players that his defense was just as good as his offense.

After Li Chen stole the ball from the Timberwolves' Cassell, he quickly took possession of the ball, displaying amazing speed and agility, and the horn for a fast break had been sounded.

Meanwhile, Garnett, who had some disagreements with Li Chen, was a seasoned defensive master. Seeing Li Chen launch a fast break, he immediately turned around and chased back.

Li Chen moved like lightning across the court, dribbling the ball with Magic skill, as if the basketball had come to life under his control.

But Garnett was quick too, and in the blink of an eye, he was walking alongside Li Chen.

Garnett's eyes were filled with fighting spirit. Like a cheetah hunting its prey, he lurked beside Li Chen, waiting for the right moment to deliver a fatal blow.

Suddenly, Li Chen stopped abruptly; he was about to engage Garnett in a one-on-one duel.

At this moment, cheers erupted again in the Staples Center. This was the kind of showdown between the captain and the Wolf King that they most wanted to see.

At that moment, Clippers fans felt like they'd met a kindred spirit. Li Chen was giving them whatever they wanted; how could they not be excited? How could they not like it?

On the other side, Garnett was initially surprised, but then he realized that Li Chen's goal was to break through his defense.

This match is not only about the individuals involved, but also about the future of both teams, because they are the core of their respective teams, and their every move will affect the emotions of their teammates. Therefore, they cannot afford to lose.

Li Chen kept changing his rhythm and direction, and Garnett followed his steps, constantly adjusting his defensive position.

Li Chen's powerful sense of rhythm made it difficult for Garnett to keep up. He was shocked. Now he finally understood why some players could be easily faked out by him. Even he could be caught off guard and fall flat on his face if he wasn't careful.

At that moment, Garnett had a feeling that something terrible was about to happen.

Just as Li Chen was about to break through Garnett's defense, Garnett suddenly made up his mind. He couldn't sit idly by and wait for his death; he had to take the initiative. Suddenly, he made a crazy move: he actually tried to stop Li Chen's attack by attempting a suicidal steal.

But Li Chen was prepared. He cleverly used feints and quick changes of direction, causing Garnett to lose his defensive position in an instant.

Then, Li Chen ruthlessly broke through Garnett's defense.

Then he finished the attack with a powerful two-handed dunk.

The Clippers have taken the lead, 109-107.

In this battle between kings, the captain defeated the Wolf King.

Captain, Captain, Captain...

The Staples Center echoed with the Clippers fans' unrestrained cheers.

Li Chen was thoroughly enjoying himself, surrounded by his teammates.

"Chen, well done!" Elton Brand shouted.

Then...

"Elton, don't touch me like that, take that hand off me," Li Chen roared without any mercy.

Elton Brand awkwardly withdrew his hand that was about to rub Li Chen's head.

"Hey, hey, hey! We're all buddies, don't be so heartless!" Elton Brand muttered in dissatisfaction.

Li Chen: "..."

The other teammates laughed, though there was also a sense of regret.

At this moment, Li Chen became the focus of the entire arena, and he once again won over the Clippers fans with his strength.

Garnett was somewhat frustrated, but this feeling was quickly replaced by determination.

From then on, the Clippers were on a roll. Although the Timberwolves did not collapse as a result, they seemed to be missing something.

So, in the next Timberwolves possession, the Clippers successfully defended the Timberwolves' 24-second shot clock.

The Clippers ultimately won Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals 111-107.

"This game was really exciting, haha! Especially the final one-on-one between Chen and Garnett was a classic," Barkley said, still feeling excited.

"That's right. Although Li Chen's attack didn't seem to have much impact on the Timberwolves, it actually greatly affected the Timberwolves players' mental attributes."

"And that's where Li Chen's wisdom lies, because he understands the importance of mental attributes for a team."

After saying that, Kenny Smith continued, "Let's look at the statistics for both teams in this game."

Timberwolves' Cassell scored 16 points.

Sprewell 23 points.

Kevin Garnett played 45 minutes, shooting 10-for-25, scoring 25 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, and shooting 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.

For the Clippers, Karl Malone had 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

Other players also all scored in double figures.

It's worth mentioning that Wang Zhizhi made four three-pointers in this game.

Li Chen played 48 minutes, shooting 12-for-20, scoring 32 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, including 3-for-4 from three-point range and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

"Haha! Chen, you've racked up two more double-doubles!" Barkley laughed heartily.

"I'm really looking forward to Li Chen's next match, and I hope he can deliver another outstanding performance."

On the field.

As the two teams shook hands in greeting, Garnett said to Li Chen, "The Timberwolves will definitely win the next game."

Li Chen smiled and nodded, then said, "Congratulations in advance!"

Upon hearing this, Garnett was stunned. What was going on? This was completely different from what he had expected!

He had imagined Li Chen's cold smile and silence, and he had imagined Li Chen's sarcastic remarks, but he never expected Li Chen to say this.

So, Garnett, completely bewildered, completed the tribute ceremony for this game.

In the Clippers' locker room.

"Chen, you looked so cool when you passed Garnett! I wanted to kiss your feet back then, that was Wolf King Garnett!" Elton Brand exclaimed.

Li Chen rolled his eyes and said irritably, "I didn't see anything else, I just saw your hateful paw, trying to attack me again."

Elton Brand "..."

"Ahhh! Ahhh!" The teammates burst into laughter.

"Hey, hey, hey! Chen, it's just a little pat on the head, it won't really make you bald, look how excited you are," Elton Brand complained.

Li Chen sneered inwardly. "Won't go bald? You'll find out later. Manu Ginobili's flowing blond hair was rubbed bald by Duncan."

Just then, Li Chen's phone rang. He took out his phone and was slightly stunned. It was Britney calling.

At that moment, Elton Brand grabbed his neck and grinned, "Chen, who called? Was it your celebrity girlfriend Avril? Sigh! We're both basketball players, why are we always stuck in nightclubs!"

"That's right, that's right, it's so unfair!" the teammates chanted in unison.

At the same time, they all wanted to sidle up and hear what Li Chen and his celebrity girlfriend had to say.

But when Elton Brand saw that the caller was Britney, Elton Brand taken aback.

Elton Brand's lips twitched. Elton felt a pang of Brand, for he had discovered Li Chen's big secret.

However, as Li Chen's first good friend, he certainly couldn't let this matter spread within the team, since too many people would have too many opinions.

So Elton Brand stopped his teammates and said irritably, "Hey, hey, hey! Stop stirring things up. Aren't you all sick of seeing them sweet-talking each other?"

Everyone was speechless.

Li Chen glanced at Elton Brand, wondering if the guy was thinking something inappropriate.

So he said, "Elton, it's not what you think."

Elton Brand nodded seriously and said, "I understand."

Li Chen looked at Elton Brand, who had a serious expression, and snapped at him irritably, "What do you know?"

Elton Brand looked completely bewildered. He recognized all the words, but he couldn't understand what the sentence meant when put together.

Li Chen ignored the bewildered Elton Brand and walked out of the locker room.

Just after Li Chen opened the door to the lounge and walked out, his teammates asked Elton Brand what he had just seen.

Elton Brand retorted, "You guys don't know anything."

The teammates were also completely bewildered.

Wang Zhizhi burst out laughing.

A moment later, "Miss Britney, what brings you to call me?"

"What? I'm a huge fan of yours! Can't I meet my idol?" Britney retorted.

Li Chen was slightly taken aback.

Then Britney added, "What? Afraid your girlfriend will misunderstand? If so, then forget it!"

Britney's words startled Li Chen again, then he smiled and said, "If you're upright, you have nothing to fear. What do I have to be afraid of?"

Britney was slightly taken aback, not quite understanding the meaning behind those words, but upon closer examination, she realized they were quite philosophical.

"Oh! Chen, the language of your country is really philosophical," Britney exclaimed.

"Of course," Li Chen said proudly.

Half an hour later, after attending the Clippers' post-game press conference, Li Chen went to a coffee shop in Los Angeles.

A moment later, "Miss Britney, what can I do for you?"

Britney rolled her eyes at Li Chen and said, "Do I have to need something before I can talk to you?"

As she spoke, she took out a newspaper. "Give me your autograph."

When Li Chen saw his own poster, he was slightly stunned and asked in surprise, "This... where did you get this?"

Britney smiled slightly and said, "Of course, I bought it from your fans."

Li Chen's lips twitched. "Hey, hey, hey! Give me the money! I'll let you take pictures however you want."

Britney was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Just kidding." Britney laughed happily, her sweet smile captivating.

Li Chen: "..."

The two chatted for a while, then Li Chen hesitated for a moment before asking, "Miss Britney, do you believe in fate?"

She blinked and teased, "What? You're not trying to say... we're destined for each other, are you?"

"No, no, no! You've misunderstood. I'm actually an Eastern fortune teller."

Britney was just saying it casually; she doesn't have a penchant for stealing other people's boyfriends.

But she became interested when she heard Li Chen's next question, "Chen, what's the difference between your Eastern divination and our Tarot cards?"

"Heh! There's no difference, it's all nonsense anyway," Li Chen thought to himself.

But how could he possibly say his own country's products were bad in front of foreigners?

So he solemnly declared, "Our divination is scientific."

Britney's sweet smile seemed a little stiff, as if she felt like, "I consider you my idol, but you treat me like an idiot."

Li Chen could tell that Britney didn't believe him, so he once again demonstrated his masterful deception skills.

Then...

Sorry, I'm not feeling well; I'm only writing 4000 words a day.