Li Chen's eyes were filled with determination. He didn't want to lose.
He knew the Clippers desperately needed to pull themselves together and break free from the Celtics' pressure.
And the most effective way to boost the team's morale was with a dunk.
His thoughts flashed through his mind. Li Chen sprinted two steps, then soared into the sky like a great roc rising ninety thousand miles. He seized the ball in front of Antoine Walker, and the instant he got his hands on it, his whole body tensed. Then he slammed the ball through the hoop over Walker.
Antoine Walker felt himself get blasted away by an immense force. His chest tightened, and he was stunned. How could this Eastern Kid be so strong?
A tidal wave of cheers erupted through Staples Center.
67–58. The Clippers finally finished the possession.
Brand roared, "What a dunk!" Then he slapped hands with Li Chen in celebration.
While his teammates gathered around to celebrate, Li Chen shouted, "Guys, this is Los Angeles. We're one of the teams that calls this place home."
He raised a hand and pointed to the fans in the stands, shouting, "Look at those fans cheering for us! You know what to do, right?"
With that, Li Chen headed off to meet the Celtics' next wave of offense.
Come on, guys. I hope you can pull yourselves together, Li Chen thought to himself.
A moment later, the Clippers had all found their defensive matchups.
Li Chen had been going at Pierce all night, too.
When Pierce saw Li Chen sticking to him again, a bitter look crossed his face. He couldn't understand why this Eastern bastard held such a grudge. Just like Jordan.
He'd played for more than thirty minutes and scored only 11 points.
As Tony Delk