While the celebrations in New York continued, news of Li Fei leading the Knicks to the championship had already set China ablaze across the ocean.
With no time difference to hold it back and no distance to divide them, Li Fei's Three-Peat and his fifth FMVP became the hottest topics across China. China Central Television and the major sports newspapers all gave the story prominent coverage, carrying the glory to every corner of the country.
As the country's most influential media outlet, China Central Television was the first to lead its Sports News broadcast with the thrilling news. It broke from its usual running order, placing Li Fei's legendary moment front and center.
In 2000, Yu Jia and Xu Jicheng shared the China Central Television sports commentary booth. Their excitement came through even on television, and Xu Jicheng, one of the earliest reporters in China to cover the NBA, could hardly hide his emotion.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've just received some thrilling news!" Yu Jia's voice rang out, passionate and powerful, reaching homes across the country through their television sets. "The New York Knicks have defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to complete a Three-Peat!"
Xu Jicheng followed at once, his tone solemn. "This is the first Three-Peat in Knicks history, and the fourth in NBA history. And the man who led this team to work a miracle is our Chinese player—Li Fei!"
The broadcast repeatedly replayed Li Fei's key moments from Game 7: the step-back midrange game-winner in the final moments, his ironclad defense as he blocked Kobe, his powerful presence fighting for rebounds, and the sight of him holding the FMVP trophy as he gave his acceptance speech.
"At 23, he has won five championships in five years and five FMVPs. After