Chapter Summaries

Tang Tian took Moore and Wegnally to Rucker Park disguised as old women and challenged the streetball players to a game. His side won 10-8, with Moore's shooting and Tang Tian's playmaking overcoming the opponents' physical advantage.

• Tang Tian flew to New York with Moore and Wegnally, and Nike makeup artists disguised them as old women.
• At Rucker Park, Tang Tian announced that he and his two sisters would rule the court, prompting Foster, Ankle Breaker, and Copter to take the challenge.
• Tang Tian set up Moore for a jumper, and she scored to give his side an early lead.
• Tang Tian used Wegnally's screen to make a three-pointer, then kept creating chances as Moore scored and the game tightened.
• After Foster and the others began overpowering Moore inside, Tang Tian blocked Foster and later tipped in Wegnally's missed shot to win 10-8.

Tang Tian and Maya Moore defeated the male streetball players, turning their game into a viral sensation that drew widespread praise. After the crowd celebrated, Wegnally pulled Tang Tian aside to fulfill their bet, and the story left with the victory inspiring support for women’s basketball.

• Tang Tian tipped in Wegnally’s missed shot to secure the win, and Moore celebrated with him as the crowd flooded the court.
• Moore and Wegnally removed their makeup, revealing their identities to the surprised streetball players, while Tang Tian asked Nike’s staff to keep Moore safe.
• Wegnally dragged Tang Tian into a roadside women’s restroom and insisted on fulfilling their bet, leaving Tang Tian exhausted an hour later.
• Foster saw Tang Tian emerge with Wegnally and retreated as she followed behind him, looking unsatisfied.
• The Godfather sequel went viral, and Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and other stars praised the game and women’s basketball.

Tang Tian trained with Kobe Bryant, who brought his daughters to meet him and asked to join the next Godfather sequel. After Kobe’s daughters left with their mother in Los Angeles, Tang Tian accompanied him to a bar to drink.

• Kobe visited Tang Tian’s training facility with Natalia and Gigi, then joined Tang Tian’s full-court game and impressed everyone with his shooting.
• Kobe told Tang Tian he would support him joining the Lakers and later asked whether his daughters could appear in a future Godfather project.
• Tang Tian agreed to have Kobe guest-star in the next Godfather sequel, and the group flew to Los Angeles to prepare for filming.
• At the airport, Kobe sent his daughters away in a car and watched it leave before Tang Tian invited him for a drink.
• Kobe and Tang Tian went to a private room at a Los Angeles bar and began drinking whiskey.

Tang Tian and Kobe drank together, and Kobe drunkenly vented about his marriage to Vanessa. The next day, they filmed a Nike streetball segment with a homeless man and swept three top Los Angeles streetball players, 10–0.

• Kobe told Tang Tian that Vanessa had supported him during his past troubles but complained that she controlled him and would not sign their divorce papers.
• Tang Tian and Kobe woke up with headaches, laughed about their drunken blackout, and left the bar to film a Nike segment.
• After failing to recruit passersby, Tang Tian paid a homeless man to join them and refused to let the staff change his appearance.
• Tang Tian and Kobe defended the homeless man and led him to a 10–0 victory over three top Los Angeles streetball players.

After filming The Godfather with Kobe, Tang Tian stayed in Los Angeles at the urging of Kobe’s daughters. Kobe woke him before dawn to show him Los Angeles at four in the morning, but Tang had already seen it on a previous trip.

• Kobe revealed his identity after the streetball game, and the crowd erupted as fans discussed the upcoming NBA season and Tang Tian’s future contract.
• Tang Tian had lunch with Kobe and his daughters, where Gigi asked when she would live with her mother again and Kobe could not answer.
• Kobe’s daughters persuaded Tang Tian to stay another day so they could watch him play basketball with Kobe.
• Kobe woke Tang Tian at 3:30 a.m. and took him and his daughters to Beverly Hills to see Los Angeles at four in the morning.
• Kobe presented the nighttime view of Los Angeles as his gift, but Tang Tian recalled that he had already seen the city at that hour during a previous trip.

Tang Tian advised Kobe to try to win Vanessa back by giving her financial security and confronting their marital problems, and Kobe decided the relationship might still be saved. After returning to New York, Tang Tian resumed training ahead of the Spurs' camp.

• Kobe asked Tang Tian whether he should try to win Vanessa back, and Tang told him he should, especially for their daughters' sake.
• Tang Tian advised Kobe to transfer his money to Vanessa and avoid maintaining a long-term affair, explaining that these steps could help her feel secure.
• Kobe thanked Tang Tian and resolved to face the problem and try to win Vanessa back.
• The next day, Tang Tian and Kobe played in the Drew League before Tang Tian flew back to New York.
• Tang Tian began training again and learned that Butler had spent the entire offseason running and working out.

Tang Tian said goodbye to Thompson, Walker, Butler, Lamb, and Drummond before flying to San Antonio for the Spurs' training camp. As the team gathered around its championship trophies, Popovich predicted that they would add a sixth next year.

• Tang Tian teased Thompson about the Playoffs, encouraged Walker and Lamb, and praised Butler's ambition to lead his team to the Finals.
• Walker regained his determination to help the Bobcats reach the Playoffs, while Tang Tian announced he was going after his second championship.
• Tang Tian arrived in San Antonio and found Popovich polishing his shoes before the Spurs' training camp began.
• Tang Tian cleaned the team's motto in the locker room, where Leonard and Ginobili joined him before the rest of the roster arrived.
• The Spurs gathered in the Exhibition Room to look at their five championship trophies, and Popovich predicted they would win another.

As the new NBA season approached, ESPN ranked the teams and sparked debate over the Spurs, Heat, Lakers, and Nuggets. On TNT, Barkley and O'Neal bet that the loser would wear a pink dress and dunk on air, leaving their wager to be settled by the season.

• Chad Ford ranked the Heat first, the Thunder second, the Spurs third, the Lakers fourth, and the Nuggets fifth in his predictions for the new season.
• Fans argued over ESPN's rankings, especially its high placement of the Nuggets and its ranking of the Lakers.
• Barkley backed the Spurs to repeat as champions, while O'Neal predicted the Heat would win another title.
• Barkley and O'Neal agreed that the loser of their championship bet would wear a pink dress and dunk on the TNT show, and Smith confirmed the terms.

The Spurs and Mavericks traveled to China for the China Game, where Chinese fans welcomed the teams with overwhelming enthusiasm. The Spurs and Mavericks started their main lineups in Beijing after Stern made clear that their stars could play limited minutes but could not sit out.

• Durant called TNT a clown after its program discussed several teams but left out the Thunder.
• The Spurs and Mavericks flew to China for the China Game, and fans greeted the Spurs enthusiastically at the Beijing airport and hotel.
• Ginobili and Diop enjoyed meeting fans, while Leonard said he planned to stay in the hotel because he disliked noisy places.
• Fans packed Wukesong Stadium and held signs for the Spurs as the teams arrived for the first China Game.
• The Spurs and Mavericks announced their full starting lineups after Stern told both teams that their stars could not sit out.

Tang Tian showcased his improved passing and defense in the Spurs’ China Game against the Mavericks, helping the Spurs build an early lead. Popovich eventually substituted him out after Tang Tian recorded 12 points and 10 assists, earning the first double-double of his career.

• Nowitzki opened the scoring for the Mavericks, but Tang Tian faked a corner shot and passed to Duncan for a dunk.
• Tang Tian fed Duncan again for an easy basket, then stole the ball from Mayo and launched a long pass that led to Parker’s layup.
• Carlisle warned the Mavericks to watch Tang Tian’s passing, while Popovich kept Tang Tian on the court to evaluate him.
• Tang Tian assisted Green on an open three-pointer and later set up Leonard for a one-armed dunk, reaching five assists in the first quarter.
• Tang Tian reached double-digit assists by the end of the third quarter and was subbed out with 12 points and 10 assists.

Tang Tian impressed the Spurs with his improved passing throughout the pre-season, while Yi Jianlian earned a starting role with the Mavericks. As the new season approached, Oklahoma City traded James Harden to Houston after failing to agree on an extension, breaking up its young core.

• After Tang Tian recorded 10 assists in the Spurs’ first pre-season game, the team beat the opposing side 103-96 and fans praised his passing.
• Yi Jianlian started for the Mavericks in Shanghai, scored 15 points, and helped them defeat the Spurs 96-90 as Tang Tian posted 16 points and 6 assists.
• Popovich gave Tang Tian and other young players more time in the Spurs’ remaining pre-season games, and Tang averaged 15.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.1 steals across seven games.
• Oklahoma City gave James Harden an ultimatum to accept a four-year, $56 million extension or face a trade.
• Oklahoma City traded Harden, Cole Aldrich, Lazar Haywood, and Daequan Cook to the Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and a future draft pick.

James Harden’s explosive Rockets debut intensified the backlash over Oklahoma City trading him to avoid the luxury tax. The chapter ended as the Spurs prepared to face the Thunder in their season opener and championship ring ceremony.

• League figures and fans reacted to the Thunder trading James Harden to the Rockets, blaming the decision on owner Clayton Bennett’s desire to avoid the luxury tax.
• Fans speculated that teams might use poison contracts to lure players such as Tang away from the Spurs.
• The 2012–2013 regular season began, and James Harden scored 37 points with 6 rebounds and 12 assists in his Rockets debut against the Pistons.
• Fans celebrated Harden’s performance and turned their attention to the Thunder’s upcoming game against the Spurs.
• The Spurs prepared to host the Thunder at ATT Arena for their season opener and ring ceremony.

The Spurs celebrated their championship with a ring ceremony and raised their fifth banner before opening the season against the Thunder. Durant opened the game by scoring over Leonard, while Tang Tian warned Leonard to limit Durant’s touches.

• Stern and Holt presented championship rings to the Spurs players, and Tang Tian received congratulations from Stern.
• Tang Tian inspected his ring’s hammer-and-shattered-rock design while Parker and Ginobili joked about the rings.
• The Spurs raised their fifth championship banner as Durant watched with envy and Westbrook urged him to focus on the game.
• The Thunder and Spurs announced their starting lineups, and Ibaka won the opening tip for the Thunder.
• Durant used an improved crossover to evade Leonard and made the opening basket, prompting Tang Tian to tell Leonard to limit Durant’s touches.

Kevin Durant erupted against the Spurs, scoring nine straight points as his improved skills overwhelmed San Antonio’s defense. Popovich sent Tang Tian in to guard him, and Tang answered with a pass to Tim Duncan and a three-pointer, leaving the matchup ongoing.

• Durant scored four early points, including a jumper over help defense, while Kawhi Leonard answered with a three for the Spurs.
• Durant drove past Leonard for a fouled layup and made the free throw, prompting Popovich to ask Tang Tian to guard him.
• Danny Green replaced Leonard, and Tang Tian entered the game to defend Durant.
• Tang Tian passed around Serge Ibaka’s rotation to Duncan, who finished with a bank shot.
• Durant scored over Tang Tian to reach nine straight points, and Tang replied with a three-pointer.

Tang Tian’s passing and scoring helped the Spurs seize control against the Thunder, while Danny Green’s improved shooting added to their attack. Tang finished the first quarter with 15 points and three assists, leaving the Thunder unable to decide whether to guard his shot or defend against his passes.

• Tang limited Durant’s chances to receive the ball, and after the Spurs secured a rebound, he passed to Green, who made a three-pointer to put San Antonio ahead 11–9.
• After a Thunder timeout, Westbrook drove and passed to Ibaka for a dunk that tied the game at 11–11.
• Tang made two more three-pointers, reaching nine points, while Durant drew a defensive foul and made both free throws.
• Duncan grabbed an offensive rebound and passed out to Tang, who faked Durant and made another three; Tang later assisted Green on another open three.
• Tang played the entire first quarter, shooting five-for-seven from three for 15 points and adding three assists as Brooks struggled to find a defensive answer.

Tang Tian led the Spurs through an undefeated start to the season, scoring at least 20 points in ten straight games as San Antonio reached ten consecutive wins. After beating the Clippers, he considered improving his shot-blocking to strengthen his defensive impact and future contract prospects.

• Tang Tian scored 25 points as the Spurs beat Durant and the Thunder 112–103, then encouraged Jeremy Lamb after the game.
• The Spurs defeated the Jazz, Pelicans, and Pacers, with Tang Tian scoring at least 20 points in each game.
• The Spurs beat the Lakers 94–84 as Kobe led their disjointed offense, while Howard skipped the handshake ceremony.
• The Clippers battled the Spurs closely, but San Antonio closed with a 10–0 run to win 126–116 as Tang Tian scored 30 points and had four steals.
• Tang Tian’s 20-plus-point streak reached ten games, and the Spurs remained undefeated with ten straight wins.

Tang Tian’s ten-game scoring streak brought him widespread attention, while he negotiated a more lucrative Coca-Cola endorsement renewal with Fagan. He then traveled to Los Angeles for The Martian’s premiere and met Olson backstage before the red carpet.

• Sports media and fans celebrated Tang Tian’s scoring and the Spurs’ ten-game winning streak, calling the surge “Tang’s Frenzy.”
• Popovich joked with reporters about Tang’s breakout performance and the team’s rare Thanksgiving break.
• Tang Tian chose a long-term Coca-Cola deal, and Fagan negotiated a four-year, $14.4 million renewal.
• Tang Tian left Fagan after the negotiations and flew to Los Angeles for The Martian’s premiere.
• Tang Tian arrived at the Dolby Theatre and found Olson backstage in a red evening gown before she walked the red carpet.

At The Martian premiere, Elizabeth Olsen publicly credited Tang Tian as her boyfriend and received strong reactions to her performance and the film. The movie earned thunderous applause and a 97% Rotten Tomatoes freshness rating, while Tang Tian waited for Olsen after the press conference and received his Coca-Cola endorsement fee.

• Olson told Tang Tian that Scott had changed her role from Beth Johanssen to Melissa Lewis, making her the film’s leading actress, then greeted him with a passionate kiss.
• Tang Tian reassured Olson before the premiere, and she calmed down after seeing him in the audience.
• During the cast interviews, Olson praised Scott and Matt Damon and publicly called Tang Tian her boyfriend and love.
• The Martian screened to thunderous applause, and critics gave it a 97% Rotten Tomatoes freshness rating.
• Olson texted Tang Tian to wait for her after the press conference, and he received his Coca-Cola endorsement fee while waiting in his car.

Tang Tian spent his points on No-Fly Zone (Mutombo) and celebrated Olson’s movie success with her. Meanwhile, Popovich and the Spurs’ executives discussed how they might limit Tang Tian’s playing time and shots to avoid a costly contract.

• Tang Tian bought No-Fly Zone (Mutombo), adding a stronger blocking skill to his defensive abilities.
• Tang Tian and Olson celebrated her movie’s success with wine, then fell onto the bed together and spent the night together.
• Popovich urged Pete Holt and RC Buford to consider Tang Tian’s contract extension as his performance exceeded expectations.
• Pete Holt insisted the Spurs would not pay the Luxury Tax and suggested reducing Tang Tian’s shots and playing time if necessary.
• Tang Tian woke up beside Olson after their night together and realized he had caught a chill.

Tang Tian returned to San Antonio after spending time with Olson and prepared for the Spurs’ game against the Rockets. He accepted the coaching staff’s decision to bench him for arriving late to practice, leaving fans and commentators wondering why he was not starting.

• Tang Tian called Budenholzer to say he would be late to practice, then returned to San Antonio and studied footage of Harden before the Rockets game.
• Tang Tian blocked Ginobili three times during a practice scrimmage and gained confidence that his No-Fly Zone skill could help against Harden.
• Budenholzer told Tang Tian that he would not start against the Rockets because the coaching staff had decided to punish him for being late.
• Popovich announced a Spurs starting lineup with Green and Leonard starting in Tang Tian’s place, surprising the players, fans, and TNT commentators.
• Harden noticed Tang Tian was coming off the bench and was glad he could warm up before Tang Tian entered the game.