Chapter Summaries

Tang Tian spent All-Star weekend with Olson, reunited with NBA figures, and won the Rookie Game MVP for the second straight year as Houston fans welcomed the prospect of his joining the Rockets. He watched the individual contests, where Bosh, Lillard, and Irving won their events.

• Tang Tian gave Olson his earnings, and the two spent a passionate night together before he took her to the Celebrity Game.
• Tang Tian greeted Maya Moore, Dikembe Mutombo, and Bruce Bowen at the Celebrity Game, while Durant was left hanging by Carmen Electra.
• Tang Tian and his hard-training group teammates helped Team Barkley defeat Team O'Neal 163-135, with Tang Tian scoring 35 points and making 11 threes to earn his second straight Rookie Game MVP.
• Houston fans chanted that the city welcomed Tang Tian, and he responded with a kiss toward Olson in the stands.
• Bosh led the Western Conference to the Shooting Stars title, Lillard won the Skills Challenge, and Irving claimed the Three-Point Contest while crediting Tang Tian.

Tang Tian attended the All-Star festivities, where Kobe repeatedly passed to him during the game and publicly encouraged him to join the Lakers. As trade rumors involving Tang Tian spread, he left the chapter amid fans’ enthusiastic calls for him to come to Los Angeles.

• Irving teased Kobe with his old quote about second place, and Kobe laughed along at the All-Star Game.
• Terrence Ross won the Slam Dunk Contest after James White failed to complete his free-throw-line dunk.
• Kobe approached Tang Tian and Elizabeth Olson, then privately offered to help Tang Tian come to Los Angeles.
• Trade rumors linked the Pelicans and Knicks to Tang Tian, but the Spurs appeared to have rejected the proposals.
• Kobe passed to Tang Tian on the Western Conference’s first possession, and Tang Tian made the game’s opening three-pointer.
• Kobe passed to Tang Tian twice more, prompting fans to chant that Los Angeles and its star welcomed him.

Tang Tian impressed in his first All-Star Game, but the Spurs rejected every trade offer for him and kept him through the deadline. At Holt’s home, Buford and Popovich tried to persuade Holt to pay the luxury tax needed to retain Tang Tian.

• Paul hit the decisive shot as the Western Conference beat the Eastern Conference 143–138, and Paul won his first All-Star Game MVP over Durant.
• Tang Tian scored 11 points in 15 minutes, with Kobe assisting on two of his three made three-pointers, prompting Lakers fans to urge the team to acquire him.
• The trade deadline passed with the Lakers acquiring Shaun Livingston and CJ Miles, while Tang Tian remained with the Spurs.
• At Holt’s home, Holt said the owners would not pay that much luxury tax to keep Tang Tian.
• Buford told Holt that he could structure a one-year large contract while keeping the Spurs under the luxury-tax threshold.

Holt pressured Popovich to reduce Tang Tian’s playing time so the Spurs would not have to pay him a costly contract, and Popovich complied. After a 1-3 road trip, Popovich saw that the Spurs had lost every game in which Tang Tian’s minutes were reduced, leaving the team’s dependence on him clear.

• Holt rejected Buford’s arguments for a long-term contract for Tang Tian and ordered Popovich to cut Tang Tian’s playing time and shot attempts.
• The Spurs lost to the Grizzlies in overtime, and fans noticed Tang Tian had played only about 25 minutes and sat out overtime.
• The Spurs lost to the 76ers despite Tang Tian’s 12 points, and Popovich privately recognized how much the team relied on Tang Tian.
• The Spurs beat the Pistons but then lost to the Heat and Knicks, finishing their road trip 1-3 as the Thunder tied them in the standings.
• Popovich concluded that the Spurs had gone 0-4 in games after Tang Tian’s playing time was reduced.

As the Spurs struggled through a losing streak, fans questioned the team and Danny Green considered asking Popovich to give Tang Tian more playing time. Before the Spurs faced the confident Clippers, Popovich assigned Tang Tian to defend Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford, leaving Tang Tian hopeful that his role was returning.

• Fans debated the Spurs’ slump and whether Tang Tian’s reduced playing time or problems within the team were to blame.
• Danny Green told Manu Ginobili that he wanted Popovich to give Tang Tian more playing time, but Ginobili urged him to wait.
• Popovich read criticism of his coaching and decided to leave the team’s internal problems for management to address later.
• Blake Griffin said the healthy Clippers were confident and eager to avenge their past loss to the Spurs, drawing a strong reaction from fans.
• Before the game, Popovich told Tang Tian to prepare to defend Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford, and Tang Tian accepted the assignment.

The Spurs struggled against the Clippers until Tang Tian checked in and changed the game with a block, a rebound, and consecutive three-pointers. His hot streak brought the arena and the hotline crowd roaring as the Spurs tried to recover from their slump.

• The Clippers led 29-26 after the first quarter, then Jamal Crawford scored seven straight points to extend their lead to eight.
• Popovich sent Tang Tian in during a dead ball after Ginobili drew a foul, and Tang nearly blocked Crawford's jumper on his first defensive possession.
• Tang Tian blocked Barnes at the rim, grabbed the rebound, and sprinted downcourt before Ginobili passed him the ball for a three-pointer.
• Tang Tian blocked Crawford's next attempt, and Green recovered the loose ball to start a fast break that ended with Tang hitting another three.
• Tang Tian made consecutive three-pointers, setting off cheers in the arena and a wave of “Whoa! True Fragrance!” comments on the hotline.

Tang Tian sparked an overwhelming Spurs defensive performance against the Clippers, leading them to a 126-70 victory and ending their three-game losing streak. With Tang Tian playing more minutes, the Spurs won their next three games and reclaimed first place in the Western Conference.

• Tang Tian capped an 8-0 run with a fast-break dunk, giving the Spurs a 37-36 lead over the Clippers.
• The Spurs held the Clippers to 14 points in the second quarter and nine in the third, building a 44-point lead before winning 126-70.
• Tang Tian scored 22 points with six three-pointers in 25 minutes as the Spurs snapped their losing streak.
• Tang Tian played more than 30 minutes against the 76ers, Celtics, and Trail Blazers, helping the Spurs win all three games.
• The Spurs extended their winning streak to four games and moved back into first place in the Western Conference.

The Spurs signed Tracy McGrady to a one-year veteran's minimum contract after visiting the White House, bringing him in to imitate LeBron James during practice and potentially help the team in the Playoffs. McGrady reported to the team and asked Tang Tian to train with him as he worked to regain his conditioning.

• Tang Tian overheard Popovich and Buford discuss contacting McGrady to play LeBron's role in practice.
• After the Spurs visited President Obama and played the Wizards, the team waived James Anderson and signed McGrady to a one-year veteran's minimum contract.
• McGrady reported to the Spurs three days later, where Ginobili, Parker, and Diop greeted him.
• McGrady greeted Tang Tian and mentioned that Yao Ming had told him to get along with Tang Tian.
• McGrady asked Tang Tian to train with him so he could rebuild his conditioning, and Tang Tian agreed.

McGrady began teaching Tang Tian his signature pull-up jumper, explaining its technique and the physical strength it required. Tang Tian struggled with the basics but decided he would keep practicing and considered redeeming McGrady’s skill through the system next season.

• The Spurs improved their record in April while McGrady continued training and became more proficient at imitating James.
• McGrady noticed Tang Tian mostly shot threes or drove to the basket and warned that opponents would soon target his limited scoring game.
• McGrady offered to teach Tang Tian the pull-up jumper, and Tang Tian accepted.
• McGrady explained the pull-up jumper’s demands, including explosive takeoffs, core strength, and the Scissor Kick for balance.
• Tang Tian tried the introductory movement and struggled to control his balance, while McGrady told him that mastering the technique could take a career.
• Tang Tian left the Training Facility considering redeeming Tracy McGrady’s pull-up jumper through the system next season.

As the Regular Season ended, Tang Tian helped the Lakers through his advice and met director David Yates, while the Spurs set a franchise-best record. The Playoff matchups were finalized, with the Spurs set to face the Rockets in the first round.

• Kobe thanked Tang Tian for the advice that helped the Lakers improve and secure fifth place in the West.
• Ridley Scott introduced Tang Tian to David Yates, creating a possible film opportunity for Olson.
• The Spurs finished 64–18, setting a franchise record, while Tang Tian averaged 17.8 points, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.1 blocks in his second season.
• The Western Conference standings finalized with the Spurs first, the Thunder second, the Nuggets third, the Clippers fourth, the Lakers fifth, the Warriors sixth, the Grizzlies seventh, and the Rockets eighth.
• The first-round matchups were set: the Spurs faced the Rockets, the Thunder faced the Grizzlies, the Nuggets faced the Warriors, and the Clippers faced the Lakers.

The Spurs opened their playoff series against the Rockets with two wins, as Tang Tian contained Harden in Game 1 and led San Antonio in Game 2. The teams traveled to Houston for the next games, where McGrady faced his former team.

• The regular season ended with the Heat atop the East, and ESPN favored them to win the championship.
• Popovich joked that he was focused on avoiding a first-round exit against the Rockets, while Diop teased McGrady about facing his former team.
• The Rockets took an early lead in Game 1, but Tang Tian shut down Harden and the Spurs won 97-77.
• Harden scored 27 points in Game 2, but Tang Tian led the Spurs with 25 points as San Antonio won 97-86 and took a 2-0 series lead.
• The Spurs flew to Houston, where Diop reminded McGrady that they had arrived.

With the Rockets down 0-2, fans compared Chandler Parsons unfavorably with Tang Tian, leaving Parsons frustrated and eager to reclaim attention. Before Game 3, Parsons talked himself up to reporters while Tang Tian practiced with the Spurs and sneezed, unaware he was being discussed.

• On the bus, McGrady offered to take Ginobili, Diop, and Tang Tian to a Western restaurant for dinner.
• Rockets fans praised Tang Tian’s defense and scoring on social media, comparing him to Parsons and urging Daryl Morey to acquire him.
• At practice, Parsons brooded over fans’ comparisons, despite averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the first two games.
• After Harden left reporters to answer questions, Parsons claimed he would score more and said Tang Tian could not guard him.
• Parsons welcomed questions comparing him with Tang Tian and described himself as the more well-rounded player.
• Tang Tian sneezed twice during Spurs practice and told Green he might have caught a chill.

The Spurs faced the Rockets in Houston, where foul trouble and Popovich’s ejection left their rotation depleted. McGrady entered the game and scored his first NBA Playoff points in five years, leaving the Spurs with a spark amid a difficult night.

• Harden drew repeated foul calls against the Spurs, putting Tang Tian, Green, and Leonard in foul trouble as the Rockets took a 30–20 first-quarter lead.
• Popovich was ejected for arguing with the referees, and Budenholzer took over the Spurs’ sideline.
• After Leonard picked up his third foul, Budenholzer sent McGrady into the game because the Spurs’ wing rotation was strained.
• McGrady grabbed a defensive rebound and missed a pull-up jumper on his first possession.
• McGrady made a corner three off an offensive rebound, then celebrated as the crowd cheered his return to scoring in the NBA Playoffs.

After McGrady helped the Spurs stay close with a seven-point run, Popovich’s halftime adjustments fueled a strong third quarter and put San Antonio ahead. Parsons briefly sparked a Rockets comeback in the fourth, but Tang Tian stole the ball from him, leaving the contest unresolved.

• McGrady scored seven straight points to help the Spurs cut the deficit before Tang Tian and Green replaced him and Mills.
• The teams went into halftime tied at 55, and Popovich told Green to guard Harden while instructing Tang Tian and Leonard to attack the basket.
• The Spurs opened the second half with a 5-0 run, then extended their lead to 88-78 by outscoring the Rockets 33-23 in the third quarter.
• Parsons scored seven consecutive points early in the fourth, cutting the Spurs’ lead to three and prompting Budenholzer to put Tang Tian on him.
• Tang Tian disrupted Parsons’ shot, then stole the ball when Parsons drove at him, sending Parsons tumbling to the floor.

Tang Tian shifted momentum back to the Spurs with a steal, a dunk, and relentless defense against Parsons and Harden. After Parsons was called for a technical foul and gave up three free throws, Tang Tian blocked Harden and wagged his finger at the crowd, leaving Parsons frustrated.

• Tang Tian stole the ball from Parsons and powered in a two-handed fast-break dunk, helping the Spurs restore a seven-point lead.
• Tang Tian forced Parsons into an airball, then passed to Diop, whose shot Parsons blocked before wagging his finger at him and receiving a technical foul.
• Tang Tian made the technical free throw, then drew a three-point shooting foul from Parsons and made all three free throws to extend the Spurs' lead to eleven.
• McHale sent Harden back into the game, and Tang Tian chased him down and cleanly blocked his drive to the basket.
• Tang Tian wagged his finger toward the crowd, while Parsons protested the referees' calls and Harden wondered why he had been the one blocked.

The Spurs swept the Rockets 4–0, with McGrady scoring in Game 4 as Houston fans called for Daryl Morey to bring Tang Tian to their team. While the Spurs rested ahead of their next opponent, Tang predicted the Lakers would win their series because they had Kobe.

• The Spurs beat the Rockets 112–108 in Game 3, taking a 3–0 series lead as Tang Tian scored 24 points and Popovich joked at the press conference.
• The Rockets collapsed in Game 4, and McGrady entered late to hit a signature pull-up jumper as the Spurs completed the sweep.
• Rockets fans discussed the team's roster needs and urged Daryl Morey to acquire Tang Tian in the offseason.
• The Heat swept the Bucks, while the Thunder fell behind the Grizzlies 1–3 and several other first-round series remained tied or close.
• After practice, Green asked Tang Tian who would win the Lakers-Clippers series, and Tang chose the Lakers because they had Kobe.

Tang Tian won the 2012-2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and chose to receive it before the Spurs' first home game of the next series. After the first round ended, the Spurs prepared to face Kobe's Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

• Tang received a message from the league announcing that he had won Defensive Player of the Year with 60 first-place votes, and his teammates celebrated with him.
• Tang chose to have the award presented at home before the next series began to boost the Spurs' morale.
• The first-round playoffs ended, with the Grizzlies eliminating the Thunder, the Warriors upsetting the Nuggets, and the Lakers eliminating the Clippers.
• The Western Conference Semifinals matchups were set, placing the Spurs against the Lakers and the Warriors against the Grizzlies.
• The Lakers arrived in San Antonio for practice, and Kobe told reporters that he welcomed facing Tang's strong defense.

Tang Tian received the Defensive Player of the Year award before the Spurs' Western Conference Semifinal opener against the Lakers, then teased Kobe during his acceptance speech. The game began with Kobe missing a fadeaway and Parker scoring the Spurs' first points.

• Adam Silver presented Tang Tian with the Defensive Player of the Year trophy, and Tang thanked the fans, Gregg Popovich, his opponents, and his family.
• Tang praised Kobe as one of history's greatest shooting guards, then joked that Kobe's missed shots had earned him extra votes, drawing cheers and laughter.
• The Spurs started Parker, Tang Tian, Leonard, Duncan, and Splitter against the Lakers' lineup of Nash, Kobe, CJ Miles, Artest, and Howard.
• Howard won the opening tip, Nash passed to Kobe, and Kobe missed a fadeaway as Splitter boxed out Howard and grabbed the rebound.
• Parker called the Hammer Play, drove past the Lakers' defense, and scored the Spurs' first points with a floater.

Tang Tian and the Spurs beat the Lakers 103-86 after Kobe struggled through a 7-for-30 shooting night. Tang Tian scored 20 points and, after crediting Kobe’s poor shooting for his own defensive success, was praised by ESPN as exceptionally humble.

• Tang Tian hit a three-pointer as the Spurs took an early lead, while Kobe missed his first shots and the teams traded baskets.
• After Popovich raised the Spurs’ defensive intensity, Tang Tian pressured Kobe into another missed fadeaway, leaving Kobe with four missed shots.
• The Spurs won 103-86, with Tang Tian leading the team with 20 points and Duncan recording 18 points and 11 rebounds.
• Tang Tian told Sager that Kobe had simply been having a bad shooting night, and Sager praised him for his humility.
• ESPN published a report calling Tang Tian the most humble Defensive Player of the Year, leaving him amused and frustrated that his honest answer had been misunderstood.

After the Lakers lost the first game, Pau Gasol urged Kobe to share the ball, and Kobe adjusted as the Lakers beat the Spurs to tie the series. On the flight to Los Angeles, Popovich asked Tang Tian why Kobe had changed, and Tang explained that Kobe was still the same but was suppressing his desire to score.

• Kobe stayed after practice to shoot, and Pau Gasol reminded him that the Lakers needed to share the ball and could not afford to lose.
• Kobe took only 15 shots as the Lakers beat the Spurs 104-100, tying the series at 1-1.
• Tang Tian discussed Ujiri's General Manager of the Year award with Green aboard the team plane.
• Popovich invited Tang Tian to drink wine and asked why Kobe had changed so much at 35.
• Tang Tian told Popovich that Kobe had not changed; he was only holding back his desire to score.