Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan intentionally triggers a hard foul against Bogut to send a message, but refrains from throwing a punch to avoid suspension.
• Su Yan dunks over Bogut, who then attempts to hit Su Yan from the side, leading to a confrontation between Tyson Chandler and Bogut.
• Later, Su Yan dunks on Bogut again, this time landing with his elbow on Bogut's ribs, causing them to break. The referees decide not to penalize Su Yan further.

Character Developments

• Su Yan demonstrates maturity and self-control by not fighting back despite provocation, showing growth as a leader.
• Bogut's aggressive playstyle leads to him being injured, highlighting the consequences of his actions.

Significant Themes

• Physicality and aggression in basketball, and the consequences that follow.
• Self-control and maturity in the face of provocation.
• Leadership and growth in young players.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan and Bogut's intense rivalry escalates, leading to a violent incident on the court.
• Tyson Chandler defends Su Yan against Bogut's aggressive defense.
• Curry, McGrady, and Iverson discuss Su Yan's restraint and growth as a leader.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan's retaliation against Bogut results in Bogut's season-ending injury.
• Knicks win Game 7, coming back from a 0-3 deficit to win the series 4-3, making NBA history.
• Su Yan scores 37 points, earns nearly 6 million, and advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• Lakers win Game 7 against the Thunder, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Character Developments

• Su Yan: Becomes a historic figure in the NBA, leading the Knicks to a comeback victory and securing a spot in the next round.
• Bogut: Suffers a severe injury, ending his season and the Bucks' playoff run.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and comeback: Both the Knicks and Lakers face adversity but ultimately secure victories to advance.
• Consequences of actions: Su Yan's retaliation against Bogut has severe consequences, ending Bogut's season.
• History-making: The Knicks make NBA history by coming back from a 0-3 deficit to win a series.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan vs. Bogut: Their intense rivalry reaches a boiling point, resulting in Bogut's injury.
• Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley: Commentators express excitement and satisfaction at the Knicks' historic win.
• Kobe Bryant and the Lakers: The defending champions show resilience, winning a Game 7 to advance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first round of the playoffs concludes with the Knicks and Lakers winning their Game 7s.
• Conference Semifinals matchups are announced: Lakers vs. Nuggets, Mavericks vs. Suns, Knicks vs. Magic, Cavaliers vs. Celtics.
• NBA awards are announced: Su Yan makes the All-NBA First Team, All-Defensive First Team, Rookie of the Year, and All-Rookie First Team.

Character Developments

• Su Yan's skills and impact are recognized as he makes multiple prestigious teams and wins Rookie of the Year.
• Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony are highlighted for their offensive prowess and competitive nature in the Lakers vs. Nuggets matchup.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability of the playoffs and the closeness of teams' skill levels.
• The recognition and controversy surrounding Su Yan's achievements as a rookie.

Character Interactions

• Fans on Twitter discuss and argue about the upcoming matchups and Su Yan's awards.
• [Kun Collector] provides detailed analysis of the conference semifinals and expresses optimism about the Knicks' chances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan wins both Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, becoming the first unanimous MVP and the youngest MVP in NBA history.
• He also sets records by being the first undrafted player to win MVP and the third player to win both MVP and DPOY in a single season.
• Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson congratulate Su Yan on Twitter, hinting at romantic interests, causing a stir among fans.

Character Developments

• Su Yan solidifies his status as a superstar and an icon, breaking records and attracting high-profile admirers.
• Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson show interest in Su Yan, adding a romantic dimension to his character.

Significant Themes

• Success and Recognition: Su Yan's hard work and talent are recognized with prestigious awards, leading to widespread admiration and fame.
• Romantic Interest: The chapter explores the idea of celebrity attraction and the dynamics of fame, with two high-profile celebrities expressing interest in Su Yan.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan interacts with fans and fellow players through social media, showing appreciation for their support.
• Taylor Swift and Scarlett Johansson interact with Su Yan through Twitter, hinting at romantic interests and causing a stir among fans.
• Su Yan and Rebecca share a intimate moment at home, showcasing their relationship and dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Knicks' playoff journey begins against the Magic in the conference semifinals.
• Su Yan is awarded the MVP trophy before the game, delivering an inspiring acceptance speech.
• The game starts with the Magic winning the tip-off and scoring the first points. The Knicks respond with a three-pointer from Su Yan.

Character Developments

• Su Yan demonstrates growth as a leader and role model, inspiring fans worldwide.
• Howard feels pressure from the home crowd's chants of "MVP" for Su Yan.
• Nelson, Carter, and Lewis show confidence in their team's ability to win despite the challenging atmosphere.

Significant Themes

• The clash of playing styles: the Knicks' "Run and Gun" vs. the Magic's "One Star and Four Shooters."
• The power of home court advantage and fan support.
• The impact of an MVP on team morale and opponent pressure.

Character Interactions

• David Stern praises and rewards Su Yan, acknowledging his influence on the NBA's internationalization.
• Tyson Chandler and David Lee strategize to defend Dwight Howard together.
• Nelson, Carter, and Lewis boost their team's confidence and commitment to winning the championship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on a basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic.
• Both teams engage in a three-point shooting contest, with the Magic leading by 6 points at the end of the first quarter.
• The Knicks' coach decides to increase defensive intensity in the second quarter, targeting the Magic's center, Howard, and their perimeter shooters.
• The Magic's shooters continue to make three-pointers, but the Knicks' defense improves, blocking some shots and causing the Magic to miss.

Character Developments

• Nelson (Magic): Shows off his three-point shooting skills and trash-talks Curry after making a three-pointer.
• Curry (Knicks): Maintains his composure despite Nelson's trash-talk and blocks a shot, showing his defensive prowess.
• Su Yan (Knicks): Demonstrates exceptional defensive skills, blocking shots and disrupting the Magic's offense.

Significant Themes

• Defense: The importance of defense in countering a high-scoring offense is emphasized.
• Teamwork: Both teams exhibit teamwork, with the Magic's shooters benefiting from Howard's presence in the paint, and the Knicks' defense improving through strategic adjustments.
• Confidence vs. Arrogance: Nelson's confidence turns into arrogance, leading to missed shots and frustration.

Character Interactions

• Nelson vs. Curry: The two engage in a verbal exchange after Nelson makes a three-pointer, with Curry responding calmly and effectively.
• Su Yan vs. Magic's Shooters: Su Yan's defensive presence disrupts the Magic's perimeter shooters, leading to missed shots.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Knicks' perimeter defense, led by Su Yan, allows the Magic's shooters to have open looks, leading to a high three-point accuracy for the Magic in the first half.
• In the second half, the Knicks switch to a passive defense strategy, giving the Magic's shooters space while Su Yan focuses on blocking their shots, leading to a decrease in the Magic's three-point accuracy.
• The Knicks' perimeter shooters, Su Yan and Curry, have an explosive third quarter, combining for 18 three-pointers, securing a 15-point victory for the Knicks.
• Post-game, Howard expresses his frustration with perimeter shooters, subtly criticizing LeBron's playing style.

Character Developments

• Su Yan demonstrates his DPOY-level defensive skills and strategic thinking by employing a passive defense strategy.
• Howard shows his frustration with perimeter shooters and his preference for players who attack the paint.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perimeter defense and shooting in modern basketball.
• The contrast between aggressive and passive defensive strategies.
• The tension between centers who prefer paint play and perimeter-oriented offenses.

Character Interactions

• Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley discuss the game's strategies and dynamics during the broadcast.
• Howard expresses his frustration with perimeter shooters in the post-game press conference, subtly criticizing LeBron.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Su Yan calculates his earnings from the game, totaling 3.0928 million, bringing his balance to 84.5 million.
2. Mavericks vs. Suns: Nowitzki and Terry lead the Mavericks to victory with clutch shots, taking a 1-0 series lead.
3. Cavaliers vs. Celtics: LeBron James scores 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists but loses the game, with the Celtics leading 1-0.
4. Lakers vs. Nuggets: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum lead the Lakers to an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter, winning the game and the series lead 1-0.

Character Developments

1. Su Yan: Shows strategic thinking and calculation skills, planning for future upgrades.
2. LeBron James: Takes responsibility for his team's loss, demonstrating leadership and growth.
3. Carmelo Anthony: Struggles with pressure and isolation, learns from his mistakes.

Significant Themes

1. Leadership and responsibility: LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony both take responsibility for their teams' performances.
2. Teamwork vs. individualism: LeBron's frustration with his teammates' performance contrasts with the Celtics' fluid offense and the Lakers' team play.
3. Pressure and composure: Carmelo Anthony struggles with pressure, while Kobe Bryant maintains composure under intense situations.

Character Interactions

1. Mavericks vs. Suns: Nowitzki and Terry's clutch shots and teamwork secure the victory.
2. Cavaliers vs. Celtics: LeBron James' frustration with his teammates' performance contrasts with the Celtics' team play.
3. Lakers vs. Nuggets: Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum's clutch performance leads the Lakers to victory, while Carmelo Anthony struggles with pressure and learns from his mistakes with the support of Billups.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Adidas releases concept art for "Su Yan Generation" signature sneakers, causing excitement among fans worldwide.
• Knicks vs. Magic Game 2 begins with Howard winning the tip-off.
• Su Yan employs a mix of passive and aggressive defense, blocking shots and forcing misses.
• Curry and Su Yan's accurate three-pointers cause the Magic's perimeter players to tighten their defense on Su Yan.
• Curry uses Su Yan's threat to create a three-point shot opportunity, making the shot.

Character Developments

• Su Yan's popularity and influence continue to grow, with fans eagerly awaiting his signature sneakers.
• Howard's talent is acknowledged, but his defense is ineffective against the Knicks' three-point shooting.
• Curry uses Su Yan's threat to create scoring opportunities for himself.

Significant Themes

• The power of popularity and influence in the sports industry (Su Yan's signature sneakers).
• The importance of adaptability in defense (Su Yan's mix of passive and aggressive defense).
• The impact of a single player's threat on the team's strategy (Curry's three-pointer).

Character Interactions

• Su Yan and Howard's defensive battle.
• Curry and Su Yan's cooperative three-point shooting.
• The Magic's perimeter players' increased defensive pressure on Su Yan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Magic struggle offensively due to Howard's strong defense under the basket, which isn't being utilized effectively.
• The Knicks lead by 9 points at the end of the first quarter.
• In the second quarter, Su Yan's accurate three-pointers put pressure on the Magic, leading to a timeout.
• The Magic decide to force Su Yan to drive to the basket and go head-to-head with Howard to suppress Su Yan's perimeter shooting.
• Su Yan, unable to shoot three-pointers due to the Magic's strategy, decides to drive to the basket.

Character Developments

• Howard, despite his strong defensive abilities, feels frustrated and helpless due to the lack of attacks on the basket.
• Su Yan demonstrates his ability to adapt to different situations, deciding to drive to the basket when his three-pointers are being denied.
• The Magic players show determination to counterattack and turn the game around.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability in basketball strategy.
• The clash of different playing styles: the Magic's focus on interior defense vs the Knicks' perimeter shooting.
• The tension between individual skill and team strategy.

Character Interactions

• Howard and Su Yan: The two players are set up to clash, with Howard wanting to teach Su Yan a lesson and Su Yan determined to break through Howard's defense.
• The Magic players: They work together to deny Su Yan's three-pointers and force him to drive to the basket.
• Su Yan and his teammates: Su Yan passes the ball to his teammates when he can't shoot, but he also decides to drive when his teammates aren't strong enough to handle the pressure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Knicks are leading the Magic by 7 points at halftime (65:58).
• Su Yan scores 4 layups in a row against Magic's defense, including a 360-degree spin layup, all under the defense of "Superman" Howard.
• The Magic's strategy of forcing Su Yan into a one-on-one with Howard backfires, as Su Yan consistently scores against him.

Character Developments

• Su Yan demonstrates his exceptional breakthrough ability and scoring prowess in the paint, challenging Howard's dominance.
• Howard's invincibility in the paint is questioned, leading to disappointment among Magic fans.

Significant Themes

• The clash of expectations and reality, as Howard's reputation is challenged by Su Yan's performance.
• The power of individual skill and talent, as Su Yan outplays Howard despite the Magic's defensive strategy.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan vs. Howard: Su Yan's scoring ability in the paint challenges Howard's defensive prowess, leading to a one-sided matchup in favor of Su Yan.
• Magic fans vs. Reality: The Magic fans' hopes are dashed as Su Yan repeatedly scores against Howard, leading to disappointment and disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Orlando Magic struggle to defend against the New York Knicks, particularly against Su Yan's scoring.
• Coach Stan Van Gundy decides to focus on stopping Su Yan's 3-pointers, even if it means allowing him to score 2-pointers.
• The Magic's defense shifts between focusing on Su Yan's drives and 3-pointers, but neither strategy works effectively.
• Su Yan's teammates, like Curry and Wilson Chandler, start scoring more as the Magic's defense weakens.
• With 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Magic are down by 16 points but manage to narrow the score difference to 11 points after a lucky 3-pointer by Nelson.

Character Developments

• Su Yan: Demonstrates his versatility and strength by driving to the basket and scoring despite the Magic's double-team defense. His physical attributes have significantly improved due to his skills.
• Dwight Howard (Superman): Struggles to defend against Su Yan's drives and is posterized by Su Yan's dunk, symbolizing the Magic's defensive struggles.
• Coach Stan Van Gundy: Shows adaptability in changing the team's defensive strategy mid-game, trying to find a way to counter Su Yan's scoring.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: The Magic's struggle to adapt their defense to counter Su Yan's scoring, and Coach Van Gundy's attempts to find a solution.
• Teamwork vs. Individual Strength: The Magic's perimeter defense is mediocre, forcing them to rely heavily on Superman's defense in the paint. However, Su Yan's individual strength and skills make him difficult to defend against.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan and Dwight Howard: Their one-on-one matchup is a highlight of the chapter, with Su Yan ultimately dunking on Howard.
• Coach Van Gundy and the Magic players: The coach tries to boost the team's morale and confidence during halftime, emphasizing that they still have a chance to win.
• Su Yan and his teammates (Curry, Wilson Chandler, David Lee): They work together, with Su Yan drawing the defense's focus and passing to open teammates for easy scores.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan dunks on "Superman" Howard, boosting the Knicks' lead and demoralizing the Magic.
• The Knicks win Game 2, leading the series 2-0.
• The Mavericks and Suns split their first two games, with the Suns winning Game 2.
• The Magic, Lakers, and Nuggets are all tied 1-1 in their series, while the Cavaliers trail 0-1 against the Celtics.

Character Developments

• Su Yan's dominance continues to grow, with fans and analysts recognizing his potential to lead a new era in the NBA.
• Stan Van Gundy, Magic's coach, strategizes to limit Su Yan's impact in Game 3.
• LeBron James is determined to win Game 2 for the Cavaliers to avoid falling behind 0-2 in the series.

Significant Themes

• The transition to a Small Ball Era, with improved shooting and refined skills among players.
• The importance of home-court advantage and momentum in playoff series.
• The impact of key players' absence (e.g., Artest) on team performance.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan's dunk on Howard garners attention and praise from analysts and fans.
• Stan Van Gundy addresses the Magic team, boosting their confidence and outlining a strategy to counter Su Yan.
• LeBron James' determination to win influences the Cavaliers' performance in Game 2 against the Celtics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LeBron James, Maurice Williams, and Shaquille O'Neal (the "Big Three") defeat the Celtics, evening the series at 1-1.
• The Magic (Orlando) face the Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a must-win for the Magic.
• Su Yan (Yan God) leads the Magic with outstanding performance, scoring from various positions and challenging Dwight Howard (Superman) directly.

Character Developments

• LeBron James solidifies his status as the "Chosen One" and a winning player.
• Su Yan demonstrates his versatility and confidence in scoring, facing direct defense and double teams.
• Dwight Howard maintains his dominance as a defensive force.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and strategy (LeBron's Big Three vs. Celtics' Big Three, Magic's plan to limit Su Yan).
• Individual skill and confidence (Su Yan's scoring abilities, LeBron's winning buff).

Character Interactions

• LeBron, Maurice Williams, and Shaquille O'Neal work together to defeat the Celtics.
• Su Yan interacts with Dwight Howard, challenging him directly and scoring despite his defense.
• Magic players support each other, with Vince Carter leading the locker room pep talk before the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Knicks, with McGrady and Iverson on the bench, play against the Magic.
• Iverson and Petrus engage in a series of dazzling moves, with Iverson scoring a jumper and McGrady hitting a backboard-hitting shot that goes in.
• Su Yan, the Knicks' star player, intercepts a pass mid-air with a high vertical leap, then dunks on Howard, nearly flipping him over.
• The Magic struggle to cope with Su Yan's dominance, but they try to regroup after a timeout.
• Two minutes later, Su Yan makes a chase-down block on Matt Barnes, shattering the backboard in the process.

Character Developments

• Iverson and McGrady show they're still formidable off the bench.
• Su Yan demonstrates incredible vertical leap, strength, and defensive prowess, dominating the game and demoralizing the Magic.
• Howard struggles to defend against Su Yan, highlighting his limitations against elite athletes.
• Carter and Van Gundy acknowledge Su Yan's extraordinary abilities but try to keep their team's morale intact.

Significant Themes

• The impact of star players on team morale and performance.
• The struggle of teams to cope with overwhelming individual talent.
• The psychological aspect of sports, with players trying to maintain composure under pressure.

Character Interactions

• Iverson and Petrus engage in a series of moves, showcasing their skills and competitiveness.
• Su Yan and Howard have a physical confrontation, with Su Yan dominating the exchange.
• Carter and Van Gundy discuss Su Yan's abilities and try to strategize against him.
• The Magic players try to comfort each other and maintain their focus despite Su Yan's dominance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan shatters the backboard with a powerful dunk, shocking the crowd and igniting excitement.
• The game resumes after a timeout, with the Magic putting up a fight and narrowing the score gap.
• In the final seconds of the third quarter, Su Yan makes a buzzer-beating logo three-pointer from half-court, extending the Knicks' lead to 10 points.

Character Developments

• Su Yan demonstrates immense strength and clutch shooting ability, further cementing his status as a star player.
• The Magic players show resilience but struggle to keep up with Su Yan's exceptional performance.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual skill and determination in the face of adversity (represented by Su Yan).
• The importance of mental resilience and team spirit in high-pressure situations (seen in both teams' responses to setbacks).

Character Interactions

• Su Yan's interactions with his teammates and opponents highlight his leadership and confidence.
• The Magic players' interactions with each other and their coach showcase their struggle to maintain morale and composure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan hits two consecutive buzzer-beating logo three-pointers, one in the second quarter and one in the third, demoralizing the Magic.
• In the final quarter, Su Yan intercepts a pass, scores over Howard, and blocks Carter's dunk, leading to the Magic's collapse.
• The Knicks win the game with a 15-point lead, putting the Magic down 0-3 in the series.

Character Developments

• Su Yan's confidence and accuracy in three-point shooting grow, as he hits two unprecedented buzzer-beaters.
• Su Yan's physical prowess and defensive skills are highlighted as he takes down Howard and blocks Carter's dunk.
• The Magic players' morale and confidence crumble under the pressure of Su Yan's performance and their 0-3 deficit.

Significant Themes

• The power of mental resilience and the impact of morale on performance.
• The importance of accurate shooting and clutch performances in basketball.
• The struggle against insurmountable odds and the pressure of expectations.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan and the Magic players (Carter, Howard, Lewis) engage in intense on-court competition, with Su Yan emerging victorious.
• Curry acknowledges Su Yan's superior three-point shooting and resolves to improve his own.
• Coach Stan Van Gundy struggles to motivate his team and cope with their collapse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan's outstanding performance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals: 46 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 5 blocks, and 10 three-pointers in a single game.
• Su Yan breaks three major NBA playoff records: most three-pointers in a single playoff game (10), most consecutive playoff games with 10+ three-pointers (3), and first player to make two logo three-pointers in a single playoff game.
• The Suns defeat the Mavericks 15-0 at home, tying the series 2-2.
• The Nuggets win Game 3 against the Lakers, making the series 1-2.
• The Celtics win Game 3 against the Cavaliers, leading the series 2-1.

Character Developments

• Su Yan: Shows exceptional skill and confidence in his abilities, prioritizing winning the championship over immediate skill upgrades.
• Larry Hughes: Recognizes and admires Su Yan's achievements, shares his excitement with the team.
• Rebecca: Continues to support and care for Su Yan, improves her physical prowess through training with him.

Significant Themes

• Su Yan's dominance and record-breaking performances.
• The importance of teamwork and home-court advantage in the playoffs.
• The power dynamics and competition within relationships, as seen in Su Yan and Rebecca's training sessions.

Character Interactions

• Su Yan interacts with his Knicks teammates, celebrating their victory and discussing his record-breaking performances.
• Su Yan and Rebecca spend quality time together, watching games and training, showcasing their deepening relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan receives late-night messages from Alexandra Daddario, leading to a secret rendezvous while Rebecca is asleep.
• The Knicks defeat the Magic 4-0 in the playoffs, with Su Yan dominating and breaking the Magic team's spirit.
• The Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Character Developments

• Su Yan continues to showcase his dominance and confidence on the court.
• Alexandra Daddario displays her desperation and willfulness in pursuing Su Yan.
• Superman Howard accepts defeat and acknowledges Su Yan's strength.

Significant Themes

• The intense competition and dominance in the NBA playoffs.
• The consequences of infidelity and the thrill of taking risks (Su Yan's secret affair with Alexandra Daddario).
• The pressure and mental toll of high-stakes games (Superman Howard's breakdown).

Character Interactions

• Su Yan and Alexandra Daddario engage in a secret affair, adding tension to their relationship with Rebecca.
• Su Yan and Superman Howard interact after the game, with Howard acknowledging Su Yan's strength and wishing him luck.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yan's team, the Knicks, sweeps the Magic 4-0 to reach the Conference Finals, with Su Yan's presence on the court being the deciding factor.
• In the Western Conference, the Suns defeat the Mavericks 4-2, while the Lakers sweep the Nuggets 4-1 to advance to the Conference Finals.
• In the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers trail the Celtics 2-3 after Game 5, with LeBron James playing exceptionally well but his team struggling.

Character Developments

• Su Yan: Maintains his usual standard, contributing significantly to his team's victories with impressive stats.
• LeBron James: Plays exceptionally well in Game 5, scoring 27 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, but his team still loses by a large margin. He expresses frustration with his teammates' performance but maintains a public stance of taking responsibility.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a team's star player in determining game outcomes.
• The struggle of a talented player (LeBron) when his team is not performing up to par.
• The pressure and expectations on a team leading a series.

Character Interactions

• LeBron's frustration with his teammates' performance, contrasting with his public statement taking responsibility for the loss.
• The Mavericks' teamwork and resilience in Game 5, led by Jason Kidd, to win and keep their hopes alive in the series.
• The Lakers' strength and depth, with Artest's return further boosting their chances against the Nuggets.