First Victory

The Clippers reacted incredibly quickly. The Kings had just made a three-pointer, and the Clippers immediately changed their defensive tactics without even needing to call a timeout. This level of discipline impressed him.

At this moment, he finally regarded Alvin Gentry as an equal.

In the following games, the Kings' offense often went through several twists and turns before finally scoring.

The Kings' sluggish and disjointed offense required them to expend more energy to attack, and as a result, Kings gradually fell behind.

The two teams were tied 55-55 at the end of the second quarter.

However, in the eighth minute of the third quarter, the Kings players were all panting heavily, and their offensive efficiency dropped significantly.

The Clippers barely made a gesture, while the Kings players, as if equipped with military radar, kept missing their shots with incredible accuracy.

Actually, the Clippers weren't having an easy time either, but they had Li Chen, a stamina monster, so his Clippers often relied on him to break through and create space for his teammates. Otherwise, the Clippers would have collapsed from exhaustion long ago.

However, even with Li Chen's incredible stamina, he was starting to feel the strain.

At the end of the third quarter, the Clippers led the Kings 80-70.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Li Chen was unusually kept on the bench by Alvin Gentry, who refused to let him play.

However, reality has shown Alvin Gentry that the Clippers simply cannot function without Li Chen on the court.

In just 3 minutes, the 10-point lead built up in the third quarter vanished.

Li Chen has rested enough.

Li Chen immediately hit a three-pointer and then stole the ball, assisting Odom to make another three-pointer.

The score instantly became 86-80.

As soon as Li Chen entered the game, Kings Coach Adelman frowned slightly. He sensed that the Clippers were like a completely different team the moment Li Chen stepped onto the court.

Coach Adelman smiled mysteriously, implying that the Sacramento Kings would definitely defeat the Clippers in the next game.

As for this game, the Kings are too exhausted and probably won't be able to defeat Li Chen.

Shortly after, the Clippers extended their lead to 10 points again, and Coach Adelman, seeing that time was running out, decisively conceded the game.

In the end, the Clippers won their first Playoffs 110-100.

In the TNT broadcast room.

"Congratulations to our rookie for finally securing his first hard-fought victory in the NBA Playoffs."

"We hope the Clippers will perform better in the next game."

"We look forward to seeing how both teams perform in the next match."

For the Kings, Chris Webber played 42 minutes, shooting 10-for-21, scoring 26 points, 4 assists, 11 rebounds, and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line.

Peja Stojakovic played 36 minutes, shooting 8-for-11, scoring 22 points and dishing out 1 assist. He made 3 of 3 three-pointers and 3 of 7 free throws.

For the Clippers, Corey Maggette played 39 minutes, shooting 8-for-15 for 19 points, including 3-for-5 from the free-throw line.

Odom played 40 minutes, shooting 7-for-12, scoring 22 points, 1 assist, and 9 rebounds, including 1-for-3 from three-point range and 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.

Wang Zhizhi scored 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, along with 3 assists. He made 1 of 2 three-pointers and 3 of 5 free throws.

Li Chen played 43 minutes, shooting 15-for-28, scoring 39 points, 15 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block, including 4-for-6 from three-point range and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

As expected, Li Chen was named MVP, earning the title of "Pick and Roll King".

The next day.

Kobe called and casually praised, "You played well."

However, Kobe didn't mention his plan to dominate Li Chen in the Playoffs this time because he thought it was impossible.

At the same time, Li Chen also knew that they could not possibly meet, because even if the Clippers really made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, they would not face the Lakers.

Because the Lakers were defeated by the Spurs that year.

Lost in thought, Li Chen retorted, "Don't let yourself be caught off guard."

Kobe gritted his teeth and said, "As long as you keep your mouth shut, the Lakers will be the champions."

Li Chen was speechless. He never expected that telling the truth would earn him the label of "jinx" from Kobe.

At this moment, Li Chen felt more wronged than Dou E.

I had just hung up the phone with Kobe Avril called.

"Chen, I was planning to come and comfort you a few days ago, but it seems I don't need to now."

Li Chen thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, but I really don't want to hear your comforting words."

"Hey, hey, hey! You're going to hurt people's feelings by saying that!" Avril exclaimed.

"Your words of comfort prove that I've been eliminated, so I don't need them," Li Chen explained calmly.

Hearing this, Avril felt a little better.

"Pshaw, I've heard that no team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win."

"How will you know if you don't try?"

Li Chen's question startled Avril, who then sniffed and said, "How arrogant!"

Just then, Li Chen faintly heard someone calling Avril's name through the microphone.

At that moment Avril said urgently, "I have to record a song now, bye-bye. Oh, and I think my words of comfort will definitely come in handy." With that, she hurriedly hung up the phone.

Li Chen was speechless, inwardly thinking that he really didn't need this kind of comfort!

Tonight, the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 101-85 at home, eliminating the Timberwolves 2-2 in the final score.

On the same night, the Spurs successfully eliminated the Jazz and will face the Lakers in the semifinals.

Eastern Conference.

The New Jersey Nets defeated the Bucks 4-2.

The Celtics defeated the Pacers 4-2.

At this time, in the Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Pelicans remained tied.

The Pistons and Orlando Magic played to a draw.

Western Conference.

The Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks played to a draw.

The Clippers and Kings played to a draw.

Meanwhile, the media also began discussing whether the Clippers could pull off a historic upset.

But only 1% believe the Clippers can pull off an upset.

It's too difficult. If we say we're down 2-1, we still have a chance, but nobody's optimistic about a 3-1 victory.

That 1% was probably a result of not wanting to make the Clippers look too bad.

Clippers odds of 1 to 30 for a seventh consecutive loss.

The next morning

Bill Duffy called.

Li Chen answered the phone and said, "Good morning, Mr. Bill."

Haha! Good morning, good morning!

Li Chen was slightly taken aback. He knew Bill Duffy rarely seemed this happy; the last time he was this cheerful was several months ago. Wait, could there be more good news?

Just as Li Chen was thinking this, Bill Duffy excitedly said, "Chen, great news! Fantastic news! Yesterday, Sketchers expressed their intention to sign a permanent contract with you!"

Li Chen was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

At this point, Bill Duffy added, "Chen, although the Clippers are unlikely to pull off an upset in the next game, if you perform well in the next two games, I'm confident I can help you secure this big order."

Li Chen could feel Bill Duffy's excitement even on the other end of the phone. It wasn't just about the commission; it was more about the thrill of victory at the negotiating table.

A moment later, Li Chen hung up the phone. He stared at the phone, thinking silently, "Actually, I want to talk to Hei Qi."