Chapter Summaries

Chen Xi took Talan to collect his new Mercedes-AMG G63 before returning to the Thunder and struggling against the Jazz. The Thunder remained behind as the third quarter progressed, with Mitchell leading Utah’s attack.

• Chen Xi offered Talan the option of joining him in America, assuring her that he would cover any contract termination fee.
• Chen Xi and Talan picked up his new black Mercedes-AMG G63, and they drove home after he excitedly inspected it.
• Chen Xi brought Talan to the Chesapeake Energy Center and reunited with Grant, Westbrook, and his teammates before the game.
• Chen Xi struggled through the first half against the Jazz, while Mitchell scored 24 points and Utah took a 14-point lead.
• The Thunder failed to cut into the deficit in the third quarter as Westbrook’s shooting cooled and Gobert reduced Davis’s efficiency.

The Thunder used a faster, smaller lineup to cut the Jazz’s 17-point lead and build a comeback in the fourth quarter. After the Thunder’s run forced a timeout, they kept pushing the pace, with Grant finishing a rebound dunk to extend their surge.

• Donovan put Davis at center in a new lineup, and Grant opened the fourth quarter with an alley-oop dunk off Westbrook’s pass.
• Westbrook grabbed a defensive rebound and started a fast break that ended with Chen Xi’s one-handed dunk.
• Mitchell scored against Curry, but Westbrook answered with a drive-and-kick pass to Chen Xi for a three-pointer.
• Westbrook scored on a fast break, then Chen Xi disrupted Mitchell before Grant finished another transition dunk, cutting the deficit to ten and prompting a Jazz timeout.
• Donovan replaced Curry with Jeff Green, and the Thunder switched more aggressively while continuing to run.
• Green grabbed a rebound and launched a long pass to Chen Xi, whose missed layup was collected and dunked by Grant.

The Thunder overcame a sluggish first half to defeat the Jazz 133-126, with Chen Xi helping fuel their fourth-quarter comeback. After celebrating the win with Talan, Chen Xi began the Thunder's back-to-back against the Kings, a game Davis missed with hip tightness.

• Chen Xi and the Thunder used fast breaks and a 34-16 fourth quarter to overturn the Jazz's lead and win 133-126.
• Chen Xi credited the team's effort in a postgame interview, then Talan comforted him as they headed home.
• On February 23, the Thunder announced Davis would miss their game against the Kings with hip tightness.
• Westbrook drove past Fox after a pick-and-roll but missed against Cauley-Stein, and the Kings launched a counterattack.

The Thunder and Kings traded baskets in a close game, with Sacramento holding an 85–83 lead after three quarters. Chen Xi took over in the fourth, scoring twice and forcing a turnover to put the Thunder ahead.

• Fox opened the scoring with a drive-and-kick that ended in Hield's three, and Chen Xi answered with a three of his own.
• Barnes and Bogdan each scored threes for the Kings, while Jeff Green's corner three gave the Thunder an 9–8 lead.
• The teams traded points through three quarters, and the Kings led 85–83 entering the fourth.
• Chen Xi hit a step-back three against Burks to put the Thunder back in front.
• Chen Xi stole Hield's pass intended for Cauley-Stein and brought the ball upcourt.
• Chen Xi drove past Burks and made a mid-range jumper.

Chen Xi erupted for 28 points in the Fourth Quarter to lead the Thunder past the Kings, 120-106. He finished with a career-high 57 points as the Thunder closed out the game.

• Chen Xi scored 8 straight points to put the Thunder ahead, and Joerger called a timeout before restoring the Kings' starters.
• Chen Xi continued his scoring run against the Kings, helping the Thunder turn a 2-point deficit into a 6-point lead.
• Chen Xi scored 18 straight points to open the Fourth Quarter, and the Thunder extended their lead to 11.
• The Kings double-teamed Chen Xi, who gave up the ball and helped his teammates create offense as the game wound down.
• The Kings conceded with three minutes remaining, and the Thunder won 120-106 as Chen Xi finished with 57 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.

Chen Xi dismissed questions about Anthony Davis and the Spurs’ worsening conflict with Kawhi Leonard, then spent his final days off with Talan before she flew back to South Korea. On February 26, with Davis still sidelined, the Thunder lost to Jokic and the Nuggets.

• After scoring 57 points, Chen Xi said he was focused on winning rather than pursuing the Scoring Champion title and hoped Davis would stay healthy.
• Kawhi Leonard suffered an ankle injury after returning to play, and his refusal to share medical information deepened the Spurs’ uncertainty over his future and trade value.
• Chen Xi saw Talan off at the airport, where she told him she would end her contract with her company and come find him; she looked through their photos on the plane afterward.
• On February 26, Nikola Jokic recorded 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Nuggets defeated the Thunder, who played without Davis.
• Chen Xi scored 36 points in the loss, while Westbrook had 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.

The Thunder won several games and secured their Western Conference standing, while Chen Xi returned home and shared a long video call with Talan. On March 16, the Thunder faced the fully healthy Warriors in their final matchup before the season ended, and the game began with both teams at full strength.

• The Thunder beat the 76ers, Spurs, and Grizzlies, but lost to the Timberwolves while Davis sat out.
• Donovan had the Thunder pause their rest rotation, and they won five straight games against the Trail Blazers, Clippers, Jazz, Nets, and Pacers.
• Chen Xi returned home, found her dusty Esports room, and spoke with Talan on a video call for over an hour.
• On March 16, Donovan activated Davis for the Thunder's game against the Warriors, who had Cousins back in their lineup.
• The Thunder and Warriors lined up with their full starting fives, and the referee tossed the ball to begin the game.

Chen Xi and the Thunder traded baskets with Curry and the Warriors, ending the first quarter with a 32-30 lead before Chen Xi helped create another scoring chance in the second. The Thunder retained possession after Carter’s put-back was blocked and Alexander recovered the ball.

• Chen Xi scored the Thunder’s opening basket, then Curry answered with a three-pointer as the teams traded early scores.
• Chen Xi completed a three-point play, and Westbrook made two free throws after Durant fouled him on a fast break, giving the Thunder a 9-3 lead.
• Chen Xi and Davis led the Thunder’s efficient first quarter, while Curry and Durant powered the Warriors; the Thunder finished the quarter ahead 32-30.
• Chen Xi assisted Jeff Green on a layup, then stole the ball and missed a chasedown three-pointer before Carter grabbed the offensive rebound and Durant blocked his put-back.
• Carter passed out to Alexander, who recovered the ball and kept the Thunder’s possession alive.

Chen Xi helped the Thunder build a halftime lead over the Warriors with a pull-up three, a steal, and a fast-break assist to Westbrook, but Klay Thompson’s third-quarter shooting and defense turned the game around. Chen Xi answered with a twisting reverse layup, while Durant continued scoring for the Warriors.

• SGA scored a hook shot over the defense, and Durant drew a foul from Chen Xi before making both free throws.
• Chen Xi hit a pull-up three, then stole the ball from Durant and passed to Westbrook for a fast-break dunk.
• The Thunder led the Warriors 69–62 at halftime as Davis played strongly and Curry missed several threes.
• Klay Thompson made five of six three-pointers and stopped Chen Xi twice, helping the Warriors take an eight-point lead and forcing the Thunder to call two timeouts.
• Chen Xi drove past Klay and finished a double-clutch reverse layup around Cousins and the help defense.
• Durant answered with a mid-range fadeaway over Grant.

Chen Xi helped the Thunder erase the Warriors’ lead, and the teams were tied at 103 entering the fourth quarter. The Thunder’s closing defensive lineup took control and beat the Warriors 132–125.

• Chen Xi scored a three, finished a fast break with a left-handed layup, and tied the game with a buzzer-beating three to end the third quarter.
• Donovan rested Chen Xi briefly while the Thunder and Warriors struggled to score with their starting lineups.
• Donovan returned Chen Xi to the floor with Jeff Green and used a one-big, three-wing lineup to pressure the Warriors with switching defense.
• The Thunder built a ten-point lead, and Kerr replaced Cousins with Iguodala to restore the Warriors’ small-ball lineup.
• Davis took advantage of Green at center, and the Thunder’s closing lineup secured a 132–125 victory over the Warriors.

After the Thunder’s comfortable win over the Raptors, Chen Xi led the short-handed team against Toronto while Westbrook and Davis rested. He opened the game with a difficult mid-range jumper, and SGA added two free throws after drawing a foul in transition.

• Chen Xi earned five free attribute points and a random Bronze Badge for recording five steals, received Aerial Play, and put all five points into Layup.
• The Thunder beat the Heat 109–96 and then defeated the Raptors 121–102 with their full lineup.
• With Westbrook and Davis resting and Vince Carter injured, Chen Xi became the Thunder’s lone core player against Toronto’s full-strength lineup.
• McGee won the opening tip, and Alexander passed the ball to Chen Xi to begin the Thunder’s first possession.
• Chen Xi drove past DeRozan and made a difficult drifting mid-range shot over Siakam’s help defense.
• DeRozan missed a low-post fadeaway, McGee collected the rebound, and Alexander drew a defensive foul from Marc Gasol before making both free throws.

Chen Xi dominated the Thunder’s game against the Raptors, scoring 45 points through three quarters and helping his team take an eight-point lead. The chapter ended with commentators and fans marveling at his scoring and efficiency as he approached another career scoring record.

• Chen Xi scored repeatedly against the Raptors, and the Thunder opened with a 7-0 run before Nurse called timeout.
• Chen Xi scored 17 points in the first quarter as the Thunder finished the period leading 29-24.
• The Raptors’ bench took the lead while Chen Xi rested, but he returned, targeted Norman Powell, and helped the Thunder lead 56-53 at halftime.
• Chen Xi focused on scoring as the Thunder struggled to create offense, and he reached 45 points through three quarters.
• The Thunder led 91-83 after three quarters, while commentators and fans discussed Chen Xi’s scoring efficiency and record-breaking potential.

Chen Xi returned in the fourth quarter and poured in points to keep the Thunder ahead as the Raptors fought back. With the lead down to three late in the game, he hit a crucial three-pointer to steady the Thunder.

• Alexander scored four straight points while Chen Xi rested, helping the Thunder preserve their lead.
• Chen Xi returned and hit consecutive threes, then drove past Little Gasol and McGee for a one-handed dunk as the Thunder extended their advantage.
• Lowry hit a contested three, and Chen Xi missed his next two jumpers, allowing the Raptors to regain momentum and gradually cut into the lead.
• With three minutes left and the Thunder ahead by three, Chen Xi drew Anunoby's defense and sank a crucial three-pointer.

Chen Xi led the Thunder to a win over the Raptors, setting a new career high with 61 points as Toronto’s late double-teams failed to stop him from creating chances for his teammates. After the game, he claimed system rewards and improved several attributes.

• Chen Xi hit a catch-and-shoot three to reach 61 points and give the Thunder a six-point lead.
• The Raptors double-teamed Chen Xi, but he drove past the pressure and passed to Collins for a layup.
• After Lowry missed a three, Chen Xi passed out of another double-team, and Grant and Collins helped extend the lead.
• The Raptors missed their final chances, and Chen Xi waited out the clock before congratulating DeRozan after the buzzer.
• Chen Xi received 25 free attribute points and two silver badges, Pick and Roll Dodger and Dream Shake.
• Chen Xi assigned 15 points to Layup, 7 to Breakthrough, and 3 to Physicality, raising those attributes to 90, 95, and 98.

Chris Xi reviewed his improved attributes and stayed late to practice after scoring a career-high 61 points, drawing praise from the Thunder’s reporter. The Thunder continued winning through late March, and Chris’s decisive late threes sealed a victory over the Nuggets.

• Chris Xi checked his attribute panel, recognized how much his training had improved him, and went to practice alone after the game.
• A Thunder reporter praised Chris Xi’s late-night practice after his 61-point career-high, and the coverage boosted his fame.
• On March 25, Chris Xi scored 26 points and had 10 assists as the Thunder beat the Grizzlies 109–100.
• On March 27, Westbrook recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists as the Thunder defeated the Pacers 120–107 while Chris Xi sat out.
• On March 29, Chris Xi scored 31 points as the Thunder beat the Nuggets 123–118, hitting two contested threes in the final two minutes.
• Malone told reporters that the Nuggets could not contain Chris Xi when it mattered most.

The chapter reviewed Chen Xi’s third-place standing in ESPN’s MVP predictions and the Lakers’ late-season struggles and recovery. The Thunder then beat the Mavericks before preparing to host a Lakers team that had climbed back to eighth in the West.

• Jokic praised Chen Xi’s clutch scoring after the Thunder’s win over Denver.
• ESPN ranked Harden first, Giannis second, Chen Xi third, and Jokic fourth in its updated MVP predictions, with Curry and Paul George rounding out the top six.
• On March 31, the Thunder beat the Mavericks 112–103 as Chen Xi and Westbrook recorded strong games and Doncic led Dallas with 29 points.
• The Lakers climbed from tenth to eighth in the West as the Spurs fell to seventh amid injuries and Leonard’s refusal to play.
• Lakers fans heavily criticized James, Anthony, Walton, Ingram, and Lonzo Ball, while the team’s 7–3 record over its last ten games briefly eased the pressure.
• On April 2, the Thunder hosted the Lakers as they pursued a higher playoff seed.

The Thunder and Lakers began their final meeting of the season, with the Thunder taking an early lead as Chen Xi scored and assisted on a fast-break dunk. The game stayed close through the opening quarter, and both teams began rotating players after a Lakers timeout with the score at 19-16.

• Walton started Kuzma alongside James, Ball, Anthony, and Zubac, while the Thunder opened with Westbrook, Chen Xi, Grant, Davis, and McGee.
• Westbrook and Davis scored on a pick-and-roll before James answered with a contested layup, and Chen Xi hit a long two over Ball.
• Chen Xi stole Ball’s pass and set up Westbrook for an alley-oop dunk, giving the Thunder a 6-2 lead.
• Anthony and Chen Xi traded baskets, with Chen Xi scoring a fadeaway from the low post and Kuzma answering with a three-pointer.
• After both teams struggled to make shots, the Lakers called timeout with the score at 19-16 and brought Rondo, Ingram, and Chandler into the game.

The Thunder built a lead over the Lakers as Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, and Chen Xi made key plays. Chen Xi capped the stretch by hitting a step-back three over LeBron James, leaving the Thunder firmly in control.

• The Thunder ended the first quarter ahead of the Lakers 27–23, then extended their lead to nine as the Lakers missed open shots.
• LeBron James drove past the Thunder defense for a layup and lamented that joining the Lakers had left him carrying the team again.
• Russell Westbrook used a screen from Chen Xi to speed past the Lakers defense and score a layup.
• Luke Walton replaced Lance Stephenson and Brandon Ingram with Rajon Rondo and Kyle Kuzma, and Rondo set up Kuzma for a mid-range basket.
• Chen Xi faced LeBron James, created space with a step-back, and sank a three-pointer.

Chen Xi’s mid-range scoring helped the Thunder build a halftime lead over the Lakers, while James’s third-quarter attack forced Davis to the bench with foul trouble. Chen Xi returned and answered the Lakers’ momentum with consecutive jumpers as fans argued online about his style and comparisons to Kobe Bryant, T-Mac, Ray Allen, and Iverson.

• Chen Xi used off-ball cuts and elbow-area mismatches to score against the Lakers, helping the Thunder take a 60–50 halftime lead.
• James attacked the paint in the third quarter and drew two fouls on Davis, who reached four fouls and had to sit.
• Donovan protested the referees and received a technical foul as the Lakers began pressing their advantage against the Thunder’s weakened interior defense.
• Donovan sent Chen Xi back into the game, and Chen Xi answered with two consecutive pull-up jumpers after using screens from Westbrook and Grant.
• Fans debated Chen Xi’s efficiency, development, and resemblance to Kobe Bryant, T-Mac, Ray Allen, and Iverson.

The Thunder closed the 2018–19 regular season with a win over the Bucks and finished third in the Western Conference. The Playoffs began, with the Nets, Raptors, and Warriors winning their opening games as the Lakers fell behind Golden State.

• Westbrook led the Thunder past the Lakers 126–108, then the Thunder won against the Pistons, lost to the Timberwolves and Rockets, and beat the Bucks to finish the regular season.
• The League finalized the Playoffs standings, placing the Thunder third in the West while the Pelicans overtook the Jazz and the Spurs missed the Playoffs.
• Paul George hit a buzzer-beating three to give the Nets a 113–112 win over the Bulls and a 1–0 series lead.
• The Raptors defeated the Hornets 121–108 as Kemba Walker’s scoring failed to change the game’s course.
• The Warriors beat the Lakers 126–110 despite LeBron James scoring 40 points, with Kevin Durant outmatching the Lakers’ wing defenders.