Training Maniac

However, Li Chen took the opportunity while Strickland was stunned to break free, then caught Elton Brand's pass and scored again.

Strickland wasn't slow, and it would take him a long time to shake him off, so Li Chen had to use a little trick.

The score was now tied at 88.

Flip Saunders was furious, cursing the scoundrel in his heart for losing focus at a crucial moment, so unreliable.

But now he had to consider what the Timberwolves would do next after the score was tied.

As time went by, the score went from 88 all to 92-90.

Seeing this, Flip Saunders gritted his teeth. There was no other way; he had to let Garnett defend that Eastern Kid now.

When Flip Saunders had the Wolf King Garnett defend a short-term NBA player, everyone, whether it was Barkley, Kenny Smith, or the fans, was stunned.

Li Chen himself was also taken aback. He hadn't expected Garnett, an All-Star First Team and Best Defender, to guard him.

However, Li Chen was a fearless young calf, so he ran. Who was he afraid of?

But then, Li Chen finally understood the strength of an NBA All-Defensive First Team player.

No matter how he ran, he couldn't shake off the entanglement of the Wolf King Garnett.

Although Li Chen couldn't score, he also greatly exhausted Garnett's stamina.

Garnett was also complaining bitterly at this time because he found that this Eastern Kid was just running around randomly, with no pattern at all, forcing him to defend with all his concentration.

Garnett was already the team's main scorer, and his stamina was already depleted.

Now, defending Li Chen, the "Runner," his offense was immediately silenced.

Thus, the game finally ended with the Clippers winning 99-96.

In this game, Li Chen played a total of 12 minutes, shooting 6 of 8 from the field for 18 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds. With this performance, he could at least secure a minimum-wage contract.

At the same time, Li Chen was named the best player for the Clippers in this game. His three consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter played a crucial role.

Li Chen's calm and collected three-pointer from near the half-court showcased his killer instinct and became one of the top five plays of the day.

It was this shot that forced the Timberwolves to call a timeout. Then, a series of targeted plays not only failed to achieve the desired effect for the Timberwolves but also left their offense, other than Garnett, struggling.

Li Chen was not disappointed about not getting the game's MVP, as Garnett was an All-Star and had performed commendably in this game.

Now, his mind was filled with training. He wished the system could give him a training space right now.

In the locker room.

"Chen, you played incredibly well today. You should have no problem staying with the team. Shouldn't you treat us to a drink?"

Elton Brand walked up to Li Chen and patted him on the shoulder, winking and saying.

"Yeah! Chen has to treat us tonight." The other teammates joined in the teasing.

Li Chen glanced at everyone, then nodded and said, "Okay, you guys go. Put it on my tab, and I'll reimburse you tomorrow."

As he spoke, he stood up and walked towards the lounge door.

This scene left everyone confused. "Hey, hey, hey! Aren't you in too much of a hurry? You played so well today, the coach should take you to the post-game press conference." Elton Brand called out loudly.

Li Chen waved his hand and said, "Tell Coach Alvin Gentry I'm going back to train."

With that, he opened the door and rushed out impatiently.

Seeing this, everyone was speechless. Seriously, aren't you f***ing tired? And is training every day fun?

Everyone didn't understand Li Chen's actions.

Since Li Chen wasn't going, they didn't feel like going to the nightclub to party.

Actually, Li Chen wasn't a training fanatic, or at least that's what he thought.

The reason he was in such a hurry to train was that he didn't want to forget the rhythm of the S-rank Skill: Open Three-Pointer.

He wanted that rhythm to form muscle memory, so he had to practice shooting three-pointers non-stop.

On the way, Li Chen bought some food and headed towards the Paravilla Sports Training Hall while eating.

In the lounge of the Staples Center, everyone looked at each other.

Just then, Alvin Gentry pushed open the lounge door and shouted, "Chen, come with me to the post-game press conference."

"Coach, Chen left. He went to train," Elton Brand said helplessly.

Alvin Gentry was stunned for a moment, then shook his head helplessly and said, "Elton Brand, you come with me."

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves' post-game press conference proceeded as scheduled.

"Mr. Flip Saunders, what are your thoughts on losing this game?"

Flip Saunders didn't speak, clearly in a bad mood.

Garnett then replied, "This female reporter, I can answer that question. I have to admit that the Eastern player caught us off guard, but we will definitely win the next time we play."

"Oh! That's truly something to look forward to!" The female reporter's eyes sparkled like a cat smelling blood.

"Mr. Garnett, what do you think of that young man from the East?" a reporter wearing glasses asked.

"Him? His mental fortitude isn't good. He can only shoot open threes. Such mental fortitude is useless. As long as there's a relative defense, he's not a problem."

Meanwhile, the Clippers' post-game press conference was also underway.

"Coach Alvin Gentry, what is the Clippers' goal this year?" a beautiful blonde reporter asked.

This year's goal? This year's goal was naturally to keep his coaching position.

Although Alvin Gentry thought this in his heart, he wouldn't say it out loud.

After some thought, he felt that aiming for the Playoffs was a good goal.

But before he could speak, Elton Brand, standing beside him, interjected:

"Our goal is to make the Playoffs, to make the Western Conference Finals, to make the NBA Finals, and to lift the Larry O'Brien Cup."

Alvin Gentry was stunned. He now regretted bringing this scoundrel to the post-game press conference.

The beautiful reporter looked surprised, her sky-blue eyes glancing at Alvin Gentry.

"Coach Alvin Gentry, is this really the Clippers' goal?"

Alvin Gentry sighed inwardly. Do I have any choice but to say 'yes' now?

Alvin Gentry nodded and said, "Yes, as you can see, with Chen's performance tonight, if he can maintain his form, winning the championship isn't impossible."

Alvin Gentry's implication was that if Li Chen played well, they could win the championship, and if he didn't, they wouldn't have a chance. This was clearly an attempt to shift blame.

At the same time, the female reporter was surprised that Alvin Gentry placed so much importance on this Eastern man. Why did this Eastern man possess such magic to earn such trust from a coach?

This sparked a strong interest in her towards this Eastern man.