Chapter Summaries

Chen Xi watched fan videos analyzing him and the Lakers-Thunder matchup before completing his training. The Play-In Tournament began, and Luka Doncic launched a late offensive surge against Devin Booker’s Suns.

• Chen Xi watched a video praising his physical development and all-around skills, then viewed a Lakers-Thunder preview that predicted the Lakers would win the series.
• Chen Xi dismissed the preview as shallow fan content and completed his basic training at home.
• On May 19, the Play-In Tournament began with the Mavericks facing the Suns.
• Devin Booker scored 26 points through three quarters as the Suns took an 85–91 lead.
• Luka Doncic erupted offensively at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Mavericks beat the Suns to advance to the playoffs, while the Hawks, Timberwolves, and Bulls played their Play-In Tournament games. The chapter left the Bulls and Wizards locked in a close contest, with the final result still unknown.

• Luka Doncic led the Mavericks past the Suns 118–111, sending Dallas into the playoffs and leaving Phoenix to await another Play-In game.
• Trae Young led the Hawks to a 109–91 win over the Magic, advancing Atlanta to the next round.
• Scola and Towns led the Timberwolves to a win over the Jazz, while Anthony Edwards struggled in his first Play-In game.
• Odie, LaVine, and Maka led the Bulls against Bradley Beal and John Wall’s Wizards in a fierce, ongoing matchup.

The Bulls, Suns, and Hawks advanced from the Play-In Tournament, while the Hawks overcame their ninth-seed standing to claim a playoff berth. The first-round Playoffs began with the Pelicans defeating the Mavericks 110–95 in Game 1.

• The Bulls defeated the Wizards 117–107, with Oladipo scoring 34 points, and advanced to the Playoffs.
• The Suns beat the Timberwolves 112–111 after Booker made two late free throws, securing their playoff spot.
• The Hawks defeated the Wizards 112–103 after Beal sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter, and Trae Young led them into the Playoffs.
• The Play-In Tournament ended with the Mavericks, Suns, Bulls, and Hawks advancing, and the NBA finalized the first-round matchups.
• The Pelicans overwhelmed the Mavericks 110–95 in Game 1, with six Pelicans scoring in double figures while Doncic struggled against their defense.

The Raptors upset the Bucks in Game 1, and the Nets comfortably beat the Hawks before the Thunder hosted the Lakers to close opening day. The Lakers took an early 4–0 lead after Dwight Howard dunked and Dennis Schroder scored on a fast break.

• The Raptors defeated the Bucks 118–114 behind strong performances from DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and OG Anunoby.
• The Nets beat the Hawks 120–103 as Kevin Durant and Paul George combined for 57 points.
• Chen Xi warmed up with headphones to avoid pregame socializing, then saw Old Zhang chatting with the Brow.
• The Thunder and Lakers announced their starters, with the Thunder keeping the recovering Little Gasol inactive for Game 1.
• Dwight Howard tipped the opening jump ball to the Lakers, and LeBron James assisted him for a dunk.
• Westbrook's opening possession ended with Jerebko missing a three, then James launched a fast-break pass that let Dennis Schroder score an easy layup for a 4–0 Lakers lead.

The Lakers opened with a 6–0 lead as Jeff Green missed two open threes, while their defense forced the Thunder into difficult possessions. Chen Xi answered LeBron James’s layup with a contested three-pointer over James, and the chapter ended with Chen Xi calmly retreating on defense.

• Jerebko missed another open three after the Thunder’s pick-and-roll created a corner opportunity, leaving Donovan to consider changing the rotation.
• James scored through contact against Chen Xi to give the Lakers a 6–0 lead.
• The Lakers kept James on Chen Xi in isolation, intending to make Chen carry the Thunder’s offense and wear him down.
• Chen Xi used a Durant-like change of direction and pull-up to make a three-pointer over James.
• Chen Xi returned to defense without celebrating, while some fans reacted angrily to his indifference.

The Lakers built a halftime lead over the Thunder by exploiting their poor spacing and using Howard and Griffin to control the paint. Chen Xi's return sparked the Thunder's offense, but they still trailed 63–52 as the commentators discussed possible adjustments for the second half.

• James and Griffin repeatedly attacked the paint, while Caruso hit two threes to help the Lakers take control early.
• Donovan replaced Jeff Green and Alexander with Batum and Anthony; Batum's shooting helped the Thunder recover some points, but Anthony struggled and was replaced by Bane.
• The Lakers finished the first quarter ahead 29–25, then went on a 14–3 run while Chen Xi rested in the second quarter.
• Chen Xi returned with 4:13 left in the second quarter and created scoring chances, but Howard's defense helped the Lakers preserve their lead.
• At halftime, the score stood at 63–52, and the commentators suggested Donovan make Chen Xi a finisher rather than the Thunder's playmaking hub.

Chen Xi tried to spark the Thunder Team's comeback against James and the Lakers in the second half, but the Thunder still trailed by eleven as the Lakers began another attack.

• Chen Xi drove past Caruso and passed to Jeff Green, whose three-point shot missed.
• James caught Schroder's long pass on a fast break and dunked to extend the Lakers' lead.
• Chen Xi faked James out, drove into the paint, and scored with a two-handed dunk.
• Chen Xi blocked Schroder's shot and sent the ball out of bounds.
• James set up Griffin on a pick-and-roll, and Griffin's attempt at the rim bounced out.

Chen Xi sparked the Thunder’s comeback by scoring a transition three, disrupting James’s drive on defense, and then hitting another isolation three. His play cut the Lakers’ lead to five points and put them under heavy pressure.

• Chen Xi grabbed a defensive rebound and scored a long transition three, reducing the Lakers’ lead to eight points.
• James drove past Alexander and attempted a mid-range jumper, but Chen Xi’s help defense disrupted the shot and Little Jordan secured the rebound.
• James was called for holding Chen Xi as Westbrook tried to pass to him, and James protested before returning to his position.
• Chen Xi took a handoff from Westbrook, beat Caruso with an isolation move, and made a pull-up three to cut the deficit to five points.

Chen Xi led the Thunder’s third-quarter comeback, but the Lakers regained a six-point lead late in the fourth. Donovan’s lineup change gave Desmond Bane a chance to tie the game, and Bane’s clutch three kept the Thunder within reach as the Lakers began their next possession.

• Chen Xi scored 23 points in the third quarter as the Thunder outscored the Lakers 37–22 and took an 89–85 lead.
• The Lakers’ reserves narrowed the gap, and James hit a long three to give them a six-point lead with two and a half minutes remaining.
• Donovan replaced Jeff Green and Alexander with Batum and Bane, forming a closing lineup with Westbrook, Chen Xi, and Little Jordan.
• Chen Xi passed out of the Lakers’ pressure, and Bane made a crucial three-pointer to cut the deficit.
• Vogel kept his original defensive plan as James brought the ball up the court and let time run before making his move.

Chen Xi and Bane kept the Thunder within reach with clutch scoring, while the Lakers maintained their lead through Griffin’s offense. With 57 seconds left, Los Angeles led by two, but Griffin made only one free throw before the Lakers double-teamed Chen Xi and left Westbrook open.

• James earned two free throws after Little Jordan fouled him in the restricted area, then Bane hit a crucial three off Chen Xi’s pass.
• Griffin scored over Batum with a spin and bank shot, and Chen Xi answered by beating the double-team for a reverse layup.
• Vogel called a timeout and instructed the Lakers to double-team Chen Xi more aggressively; with 57 seconds remaining, Los Angeles led by two.
• Griffin drew a foul from Uncle but made only one free throw, leaving the Thunder three points behind.
• Chen Xi used off-ball screens to get free, then passed out of the Lakers’ double-team to a wide-open Westbrook beside the sideline.

Westbrook tied the game with a clutch three, and Chen Xi answered with a buzzer-beating shot from beyond half court to give his team an astonishing win over the Lakers. Chen Xi was mobbed by his teammates after the shot fell.

• Westbrook hit a wide-open three-pointer with twenty-two seconds left, tying the game and taunting Vogel for leaving him open.
• The Lakers inbounded the ball to Schroder, and James used screens to create space for a deep three against Chen Xi.
• James missed, and Westbrook grabbed the long rebound with 2.6 seconds remaining before passing downcourt to Chen Xi.
• Chen Xi fired an off-balance shot from beyond half court as the buzzer sounded, and the ball swished through for the game-winner.
• Chen Xi raised his hands with a satisfied smile before his teammates rushed over and swallowed him up.

The Thunder celebrated a hard-fought win over the Lakers as Chen Xi hit the game-winning shot and discussed the team’s struggles in a postgame interview. Back in the locker room, Donovan praised the team and singled out Chen Xi, Russell, and Desmond for their performances.

• Griffin congratulated Chen Xi after the Thunder defeated the Lakers, following his 27-point, 9-rebound, and 5-assist performance.
• Chen Xi told reporters the game had been difficult, acknowledged the Lakers’ interior pressure, and said the Thunder needed to adjust.
• Chen Xi called his game-winning shot lucky and said his willingness to take crucial shots came from the team’s desire to win.
• Chen Xi said he did not discuss basketball with Anthony Davis or Marc Gasol in his free time and would follow the team’s plans for their returns.
• Chen Xi returned to the locker room, where Donovan praised the team’s perseverance and highlighted Chen Xi, Russell, and Desmond.

After the Thunder edged the Lakers in Game 1, the players regrouped as the close result fueled debate and media coverage. The next day, the Celtics and Nuggets opened their series with comfortable wins, leaving the Suns with a loss and Booker with more to learn about the Playoffs.

• Donovan praised DeAndre for holding down the paint and urged the Thunder to stay focused while preparing counters for the Lakers’ tactics.
• Media coverage and online fans debated Chen Xi’s game-winner, the Thunder-Lakers series, and results from the other playoff matchups.
• The Celtics beat the Bulls 121–103 as Tutu scored 33 points, with Chris Paul directing the offense.
• Jokic recorded 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists as the Nuggets defeated the Suns 114–105.
• Booker scored 15 points but committed six turnovers as the Suns failed to find momentum against Denver.

The Heat upset the 76ers 107–104, and the Rockets beat the Warriors 124–119 to close out the first games of the first-round matchups. On May 25, the Bucks tied their series with the Raptors by winning Game 2, 117–110, at home.

• The Heat defeated the 76ers 107–104 as Kawhi led Miami with 28 points, while the Heat repeatedly exploited Simmons’s reluctance to shoot.
• James Harden scored 29 points and dished out 13 assists as the Rockets beat the Warriors 124–119 in San Francisco.
• Curry and Klay struggled from three-point range, contributing to the Warriors’ home loss in Game 1.
• The Rockets, Raptors, and Heat all claimed opening-game upsets and home-court advantage in their series.
• On May 25, the Bucks beat the Raptors 117–110 at home in Game 2.

The Thunder built an early lead over the Lakers as Chen Xi supported the offense with screens and disrupted Griffin on defense. After both teams made substitutions, Chen Xi drew an offensive foul on Big Morris, giving the Thunder possession.

• Howard won the opening tip, and the Lakers targeted Griffin on their first possession, but Little Jordan contested his shot at the rim.
• Chen Xi made a corner three after the Thunder moved the ball through Westbrook and Alexander.
• Griffin scored a mid-range jumper, and Westbrook answered with a pull-up jumper after using Chen Xi's screen.
• Westbrook and Alexander repeatedly used Chen Xi's screens to find open mid-range shots, while Chen Xi helped force Griffin into turnovers as the Thunder took a 28–17 lead.
• Vogel sent Rondo and Big Morris into the game, while Marc Gasol, Bane, and Batum entered for the Thunder.
• James drove toward the paint after Big Morris set a screen, but Chen Xi drew an offensive screen foul on Big Morris.

The Thunder dominated the Lakers in Game 3, winning 126–108 to cut the series deficit to 2–1. Chen Xi led the way with 35 points as the Lakers struggled to respond, leaving Vogel concerned that his team had been overwhelmed without learning enough to prepare for the next game.

• Little Gasol made a long two-pointer, then Chen Xi converted Batum's fast-break pass into a dunk and an and-one to extend the Thunder's lead to 15 points.
• The Thunder led 39–26 after the first quarter and 71–55 at halftime as both teams' rotations traded baskets in the second quarter.
• Chen scored 20 points in the third quarter despite being double-teamed, and the Thunder increased their lead while the Lakers failed to mount a comeback.
• Vogel pulled the Lakers' starters early in the fourth quarter, and the Thunder finished with a 126–108 win to make the series score 2–1.
• Chen Xi finished with 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Westbrook and Alexander also contributed heavily to the win.
• Vogel worried that the Lakers had surrendered too easily at home, while the Thunder faced growing playoff scrutiny as opponents focused on Chen Xi.

The Thunder lost Game 4 to the Lakers, tying their first-round series at 2–2, and suffered another injury when Nicolas Batum strained a calf ligament. Meanwhile, the Nets swept the Hawks and advanced to the second round, with the Nuggets close behind.

• The Pelicans, Nets, and Nuggets took 3–0 series leads, while the Heat pushed the 76ers to the brink and the Rockets and Bulls also won.
• The Lakers beat the Thunder 120–109 as Chen Xi, Westbrook, and SGA struggled against Los Angeles' defense, tying the series at 2–2.
• Nicolas Batum injured his calf while attempting a steal and was expected to miss at least two weeks.
• The Pelicans lost Game 4 to the Mavericks, avoiding a sweep, while the Nets routed the Hawks and swept their series to become the first team to advance.

The Thunder Team prepared for the Western Conference King Mountain Battle after other playoff series reached decisive games. Chen Xi scored early against the Lakers, who answered with a three-point attempt from James.

• The Nuggets swept the Suns, while the Warriors tied their series with the Rockets and the Celtics took a 3–1 lead over the Bulls.
• Embiid scored 38 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists to help the 76ers avoid elimination against the Nets.
• The Pelicans beat the Mavericks in Game 5 to advance, and Cousin scored 42 points to lead the Bucks past the Raptors in their King Mountain Battle.
• Donovan put Bane in the Thunder Team's starting lineup and moved Alexander to the bench for Game 5 against the Lakers.
• Little Gasol tipped the opening ball to the Thunder Team, and Chen Xi used a mismatch to score a long two over Griffin.
• James used Howard's screen and launched a three-pointer against the Thunder Team.

Chen Xi exploited the Thunder’s transition adjustment to score three times in the opening minutes, helping the Thunder take an early lead and lifting the team’s morale. After Chen Xi’s fast-break dunk, Vogel called a timeout and told the Lakers to double-team him across the full court.

• Old Zhang’s opening shot fell short, and Westbrook recovered the rebound before passing to Chen Xi in transition.
• Chen Xi beat Caruso and hit a three-pointer over James to give the Thunder a 5–0 lead.
• James drove past Chen Xi and scored a difficult layup for the Lakers.
• Chen Xi raced up the court, evaded James, Griffin, and Schroder, then finished with a one-handed dunk.
• Westbrook celebrated with Chen Xi, and Vogel called a timeout to order the Lakers to double-team him full court.

Chen Xi and the Thunder exploited the Lakers’ full-court double-team with fast breaks and open three-pointers, building a commanding lead. The chapter ended with Westbrook and Alexander attacking the paint against the Lakers’ struggling bench defense.

• Schroder used Griffin’s screen to drive past his defender and score a bank shot for the Lakers.
• When Schroder and Caruso double-teamed Chen Xi, Chen passed ahead to Westbrook, who drew Howard’s help defense and set up Bane for an uncontested three-pointer.
• The Thunder continued their transition offense, and Bane, Green, and their teammates helped extend the lead to 26–14 before the Lakers called timeout.
• Alexander replaced Westbrook, but the Thunder’s offense stayed effective, and they finished the First Quarter ahead 41–27.
• Chen Xi sat to start the Second Quarter as Westbrook and Alexander attacked the paint against Noel and the Lakers’ second unit.