Chapter Summaries

Whiteside's strong performances against the Mavericks and Kings earned him a guaranteed contract with the Pelicans. With his signing, the team settled on its rotation lineup for the push toward the Playoffs.

• Whiteside blocked Dalembert and dunked over Nowitzki, helping the Pelicans beat the Mavericks 103–96 as Tang Tian scored 33 points.
• Whiteside recorded 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks against his former team, the Kings, as the Pelicans won 106–88 and extended their winning streak to two games.
• The Pelicans signed Whiteside to a two-year deal after his two ten-day contracts expired, guaranteeing the first year through the end of the season.
• The Pelicans finalized their rotation, with Holiday, Tang Tian, Aminu, Davis, and Reggie Evans starting, and Cole, Gordon, Morrow, Anderson, and Whiteside as core rotation players.

After consecutive Thunder losses, Westbrook urged Durant to stop chasing the Scoring Champion title and focus on facing the Pelicans in the playoffs, and Durant agreed. At home, Tang Tian continued dribbling practice while Olson told him that Director Scott had no projects planned, prompting Tang Tian to think of David Yates.

• After losses to the Pacers and Trail Blazers, Durant took more than 30 shots in each game, and Reggie Jackson grew resentful over losing shot attempts.
• Durant called Jackson for a towel, and Jackson tossed it to him before leaving the locker room without a proper goodbye.
• Westbrook told Durant not to obsess over the scoring title and suggested they aim to meet the Pelicans in the playoffs; Durant agreed that eliminating them would mean more.
• Tang Tian practiced low dribbling with Little Lion, who stole the ball from him again.
• Olson told Tang Tian that Director Scott had no film projects planned, and Tang Tian thought of Harry Potter director David Yates.

Tang Tian arranged for Olson to meet David Yates about starring in Fantastic Beasts, while the Pelicans climbed the Western standings. As Durant watched Tang Tian pull ahead in the scoring race, he considered undermining Tang Tian by encouraging opposing rookies and invited them to a party.

• Tang Tian called David Yates and arranged a meeting for Olson about a role in Fantastic Beasts.
• Tang Tian took Olson to Los Angeles, where Yates introduced them to Emma Watson, who praised Olson's suitability for the film.
• Yates decided to cast Olson, and she began studying the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts material as Tang Tian led the Pelicans toward the Playoffs.
• The Pelicans passed the Grizzlies into seventh place in the West, while Tang Tian's scoring average rose above 30 and widened his lead over Durant.
• After a friend suggested he stop Tang Tian from scoring, Durant decided to encourage young players facing the Pelicans and invited rookies to a private party.
• Durant also found Scarlett Johansson's contact and considered inviting her to the party.

In BJ, Scarlett politely declined Durant’s party invitation, while Durant redirected his attention toward recruiting Tim Hardaway Jr. to challenge Tang Tian. Hardaway agreed to try to prove himself against Tang Tian when the Knicks faced the Pelicans.

• Scarlett received Durant’s invitation during the Captain America 2 promotion in BJ and replied that she might attend.
• Durant waited for Scarlett at his manor party, but she texted that a fan event prevented her from coming.
• Durant concealed his anger and decided to pursue other business at the party.
• Durant approached Tim Hardaway Jr. and urged him to challenge Tang Tian, claiming Tang Tian was easy to stop and provoke.
• Hardaway agreed with Durant and drank to their plan.

With Anthony sidelined, rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. volunteered to guard Tang Tian and publicly claimed he knew how to stop him, turning the Pelicans-Knicks game into a spectacle. Tang Tian’s teammates rallied behind him, and the chapter ended with Durant eagerly waiting to watch the matchup.

• Anthony sprained his wrist against the Grizzlies and was expected to miss about ten days, while the Knicks prepared to face the Pelicans.
• Hardaway told Mike Woodson he could handle Tang Tian and volunteered to guard him.
• Hardaway told reporters that he knew Tang Tian’s weakness and would defend him and score enough to help the Knicks win.
• The media publicized Hardaway’s remarks, prompting heated debate and criticism from fans on social media.
• Metta World Peace asked whether Hardaway was crazy, while Evans, Davis, Holiday, and Aminu pledged to support Tang Tian in the game.
• The New Orleans Arena filled for the game as Durant watched from his villa, anticipating the matchup.

Tang Tian dominated the Knicks in the first quarter after Tim Hardaway Jr. boasted that he would stop him, scoring 25 points as the Pelicans built a 35–18 lead. Hardaway was benched after being repeatedly beaten, while Tang Tian’s scorching start left the Knicks facing a major deficit.

• Before tipoff, Alan Houston confidently predicted that Tim Hardaway Jr. would stop Tang Tian, while the Pelicans planned to give Tang Tian more opportunities.
• Tang Tian scored on his first three possessions against Hardaway, including a driving dunk, as the Pelicans opened with six straight points from him.
• After Mike Woodson urged Hardaway to play aggressively, Hardaway fouled Tang Tian and then fell during Tang Tian’s crossover, allowing Tang Tian to make another uncontested jumper.
• Tang Tian kept scoring against Hardaway until the Knicks substituted him out with four minutes left in the first quarter.
• Tang Tian finished the quarter 10-for-15 with 25 points, and the Pelicans led the Knicks 35–18.

Tang Tian dominated the Knicks as the Pelicans built a 30-point lead through three quarters. He tied his career scoring record with 51 points, leaving the game poised for a possible record-breaking finish.

• JR Smith hit three straight three-pointers early in the second quarter, prompting Williams to put Tang Tian back in to defend him.
• Tang Tian scored 30 points in the first half as the Pelicans took a 55-40 lead into halftime.
• Hardaway scored five straight points to open the second half and shouted at Tang Tian, who answered with a forceful layup.
• Davis blocked Hardaway at the rim, and Tang Tian added an and-one to restore the Pelicans' 15-point lead.
• Tang Tian scored 21 points in the third quarter, reaching 51 points as the Pelicans outscored the Knicks 32-17 and led by 30.

Tang Tian and Kevin Durant entered the final game of the regular season separated by just 0.12 points in the scoring average race. With Westbrook injured and both teams facing opponents fighting for playoff position, the scoring title and final standings were set for a dramatic finish.

• Tang Tian scored 49 points as the Pelicans crushed the Knicks, while Hardaway struggled, and Durant angrily vowed to take revenge in the playoffs.
• Durant watched online criticism of Tang Tian’s shot volume, then called a young model to relieve his frustration.
• Westbrook injured his knee against the Clippers and was expected to miss a month, leaving the Thunder uncertain about his playoff return.
• Durant increased his scoring after Westbrook’s injury, while Tang Tian’s average stayed steady as the two stars’ scoring averages drew close.
• With one regular-season game remaining, Tang Tian averaged 31.35 points and Durant averaged 31.23; Durant needed to score ten more points than Tang Tian in their final games to win the scoring title.

With the scoring title within reach, Tang Tian and Kevin Durant prepared to pad their stats in the final games of the season. As the Pelicans faced the Lakers in Los Angeles, both teams remained intent on winning, while Tang Tian’s teammates were ready to feed him the ball.

• Evans and the Pelicans agreed to keep passing to Tang Tian, while Brooks told the Thunder to get the ball to Durant and Westbrook asked the team to help his teammate.
• Bulls guard Butler vowed to limit Durant’s scoring, saying the Bulls needed the win and he would defend Durant with everything he had.
• D'Antoni said the Lakers cared only about winning, while Kobe said he would accept Tang Tian scoring 70 if the Lakers could still win.
• The Pelicans and Lakers tipped off at Staples Center as broadcasters and fans watched to see if Tang Tian could make history as the first Asian Scoring Champion.
• Before the game, Zhang Weiping urged the Pelicans to give Tang Tian the ball and let him shoot freely.

Tang Tian shook off a slow shooting start and kept attacking as the Pelicans ran their offense through him against the Lakers. He scored through contact and earned a 2+1, leaving him poised to chase an even bigger total.

• Tang Tian and Kobe both missed their first three shots as Davis collected rebounds for the Pelicans.
• Tang Tian hit a pull-up jumper over Miles and then drove through contact to score again.
• Kobe missed a fadeaway before Howard scored over Davis to put the Lakers on the board, 4–2.
• Tang Tian drew a foul from Miles and made both free throws, bringing his first-quarter total to six.
• Holiday stole Howard's pass, and Tang Tian drove to the basket, scored through Howard's foul, and completed a 2+1.

Tang Tian dominated the first half against the Lakers, scoring 40 points and breaking his personal half-game scoring record. Durant watched anxiously from the locker room before his own game, facing the pressure of trying to outscore him against the Bulls.

• Tang Tian scored 21 points in the first quarter as the Pelicans took a 31–26 lead, while Kobe scored 2 points and recorded 5 assists.
• Durant worried that Tang Tian would score at least 30 points, but Westbrook reassured him that Tang could not keep shooting so accurately.
• Pau Gasol helped the Lakers' bench erase the deficit, and Tang Tian returned to the game after telling Williams that Miles's defense had drained his energy.
• Tang Tian scored 19 more points in the second quarter, finishing the half with 40 points and setting a personal half-game scoring record.
• Durant and Westbrook watched Tang Tian's score climb, and Durant realized he would need to surpass 40 points against the Bulls to keep up.

Tang Tian and Kobe Bryant traded baskets in a high-scoring third quarter, with Tang leading the Pelicans over the Lakers 91-86. Tang finished the quarter with 62 points, breaking the scoring record, while the game and his chance to score even more remained unfinished.

• At halftime, Barkley and O'Neal expected Tang to break the scoring record, while Smith said Durant still had a slim chance to catch him.
• Kobe opened the second half with consecutive baskets, and Tang answered with a pull-up jumper and a layup.
• Kobe continued scoring through the Pelicans' double-team, while Tang matched his run with more jumpers against Miles.
• Kobe scored over Davis, and Tang drew a foul and made both free throws as the two stars kept trading points.
• Tang scored 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting in the third quarter, while Kobe added 18, and the Pelicans took a 91-86 lead.
• Tang ended the quarter with 62 points on 20-for-35 shooting, prompting fans to speculate that he could reach 70 or more.

Tang Tian struggled with exhaustion and missed nine straight shots, but recovered enough to hit two late baskets as the Pelicans stayed close to the Lakers. Kobe missed a crucial fadeaway, giving New Orleans a chance to take the lead with the game still undecided.

• Tang Tian returned in the fourth quarter as the Lakers erased the Pelicans' lead and tied the game at 91-91.
• Tang Tian missed nine consecutive shots while both teams struggled to score, and Davis kept the Pelicans close as the starters returned.
• Kobe scored a difficult layup to put the Lakers ahead 99-97 with two minutes remaining.
• Tang Tian hit a three-pointer after his cold stretch, then Pau Gasol made two free throws to restore the Lakers' three-point lead.
• Tang Tian drove and scored again to cut the gap to one, and Kobe missed a fadeaway, giving the Pelicans a chance to score.

Tang Tian led the Pelicans past the Lakers with a career-high 72 points, including a go-ahead three and a crucial steal and goaltending call. The Pelicans won 107–103, while Tang Tian secured the scoring title unless Durant scored more than 82 points in his next game.

• Tang Tian hit a contested three-pointer to put the Pelicans ahead 105–103 and reach 70 points.
• Tang Tian stole the ball from Nash after the Lakers' timeout, giving the Pelicans possession with 30 seconds left.
• Tang Tian passed to Davis against the Lakers' double-team, and Evans grabbed the rebound after Davis missed his layup.
• Evans passed the ball to Tang Tian, whose missed jumper counted as goaltending when Howard touched it above the cylinder, giving Tang Tian his 72nd point and the Pelicans a four-point lead.
• Kobe's final three-pointer missed, and the Pelicans defeated the Lakers 107–103.

Tang Tian secured the 2013–2014 NBA Scoring Champion title after Durant’s final chance ended in a loss, and the regular season concluded with the Pelicans in sixth place in the West. The playoff field was set, with the Eastern conference led by the Heat and the West featuring nine teams with more than 50 wins.

• Durant scored 26 points against Butler’s defense as the Thunder lost to the Bulls, leaving Tang Tian as the Scoring Champion with a 32.1-point average.
• Fans celebrated Tang Tian’s scoring title, while Popovich said he was happy for his former player and joked that the Spurs might have lost a Kobe.
• The NBA regular season ended with the Pelicans finishing sixth in the West, and Davis leading the league in blocks.
• The top eight playoff teams in each conference were determined, with Walker leading the Bobcats to their first playoff appearance since the Gerald Wallace era.
• The Heat topped the East with 59 wins, while nine Western teams finished with more than 50 wins.

The Regular Season standings set the Playoff matchups, with ESPN predicting the Pelicans would fall to the Clippers in the first round. Tang Tian attended UConn’s NCAA championship game and watched Napier lead the Huskies to a title over Kentucky.

• The Spurs finished first in the West, while the 50-win Trail Blazers missed the Playoffs and the Pelicans secured the sixth seed.
• The Playoff matchups were set, including the Clippers against the Pelicans and the Lakers against the Warriors.
• Tang Tian joined Walker, Lamb, Drummond, Ray Allen, Okafor, and Gay to support UConn in the NCAA final against Kentucky.
• Tang Tian encouraged Napier before the game and reunited with Head Coach Ollie and Cahoon.
• Napier helped UConn recover from Kentucky’s early lead, while UConn’s zone defense held Randle to 10 points.
• UConn defeated Kentucky 70-54 and won the NCAA championship.

After UConn won the NCAA championship, Tang Tian returned to preparing the Pelicans for their first-round series against the Clippers. A Pelicans documentary highlighting Tang Tian’s work ethic boosted his MVP support, while the Clippers dismissed him and the Thunder lost their opening game to the Grizzlies.

• UConn defeated Kentucky for the championship, and Tang Tian gave Ollie a BMW and arranged a world trip for Cahoon.
• Tang Tian resumed training with Davis Holiday and traveled with the Pelicans to Los Angeles to prepare for their series against the Clippers.
• The Heat, Bulls, Spurs, and Lakers won their opening-round games, while the Rockets challenged the Spurs and the Warriors struggled against the Lakers.
• The Pelicans released a documentary about Tang Tian’s training, recovery, and 72-point game, prompting fans to praise his MVP case.
• Paul dismissed the documentary, and Griffin predicted the Clippers would eliminate the Pelicans after sweeping them in the regular season.
• The Thunder lost at home to the Grizzlies, surrendering home-court advantage in their series.

The Pelicans overcame the Clippers’ early 5-0 start by adjusting to their defense and attacking through Tang Tian and Davis. At halftime, the Pelicans led 48-36 at Staples Center.

• Before the game, Davis warned Tang Tian about Barnes, and Metta World Peace and Evans promised to protect him.
• The Clippers opened with a 5-0 lead by exploiting the Pelicans’ inexperience and forcing the ball out of Tang Tian’s hands.
• Tang Tian scored over Barnes, then Davis blocked Griffin and Aminu started a transition play that ended with Holiday’s 2+1 to tie the score at 5-5.
• Tang Tian stole Barnes’ pass, and Davis and Anderson helped the Pelicans take a 12-5 lead, prompting Rivers to call a timeout.
• After the timeout, Tang Tian, Davis, and Paul traded baskets as the Pelicans maintained control.
• The Pelicans went into halftime leading the Clippers 48-36.

Rivers rallied the Clippers at halftime, and Griffin led their push back into the game as the teams traded baskets. The Pelicans held a narrow 73-68 lead after three quarters, with the result still undecided.

• Rivers urged Griffin to attack decisively and rallied the Clippers with a team chant.
• The Clippers double-teamed Tang Tian, and Aminu missed a three before Griffin answered with a dunk and a fouled layup.
• Williams called an early timeout as the Clippers cut the Pelicans' lead to six, then brought in Whiteside and Morrow.
• Tang Tian drew a three-point foul on Barnes and made all three free throws, while Whiteside blocked Griffin and Redick hit a three.
• The Pelicans finished the third quarter ahead 73-68, and Rivers gave the Clippers another pep talk before the final quarter.

The Pelicans pulled away from the Clippers in the fourth quarter to win 93-83 on the road, taking home-court advantage in the series. Tang Tian and Davis led the victory with 28 and 30 points, respectively.

• Crawford’s free throws put the Clippers ahead 74-73, but Davis answered with two consecutive mid-range shots off Tang Tian’s passes to restore the Pelicans’ lead.
• Griffin missed a contested dunk, and Tang Tian scored through contact on a fast break as the Pelicans built a five-point lead.
• Whiteside blocked Griffin’s shot, and Tang Tian later drew two free throws to extend the Pelicans’ advantage to seven.
• Tang Tian stole Redick’s pass, and Paul was called for an unsportsmanlike foul while stopping the ensuing fast break.
• The Pelicans held off the Clippers to win 93-83, with Tang Tian recording 28 points and Davis adding 30 points and 10 rebounds.