Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• LeBron James demands upgrades to his New York mansion.
• Cavaliers acquire Dikembe Mutombo for a potential championship run.
• New York Knicks trade for Amar'e Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, and Malik Hairston from the Phoenix Suns, sending Big Shark O'Neal, Ben Wallace, and draft picks in return.
• Houston Rockets trade for Ron Artest, forming a Big Three with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.
• Knicks fans and management celebrate the trade, expecting a championship run.

Character Developments

• LeBron James is portrayed as demanding and fortunate, with teams continually upgrading around him.
• Su Yi, a rival, is determined to prevent LeBron from reaching the Finals, despite the Knicks' efforts to support him.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and trade strategies of NBA management.
• The impact of trades on team chemistry and championship aspirations.
• The rivalry between LeBron James and Su Yi.

Character Interactions

• Knicks fans and management celebrate their trades and express confidence in their new lineup.
• Su Yi speculates on the Phoenix Suns' trade motivations and remains focused on his own improvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LeBron James trades two "old-timers" for younger players, strengthening his team and boosting his confidence for revenge against Su Yi.
• Su Yi and Anne Hathaway plan to attend the Olympics in Dragon Country together.
• Su Yi's team prepares for the trip, with Xu Rui handling logistics.
• Upon arrival in Dragon Country, Su Yi is recognized and mobbed by fans, delaying his departure from the airport.

Character Developments

• LeBron James feels rejuvenated and eager for the new season to start, aiming to take revenge on Su Yi.
• Rich Paul, LeBron's agent, is worried about LeBron's commercial value decreasing due to Su Yi's rise and starts scouting new players.
• Su Yi remains focused on training despite the upcoming trip, demonstrating his dedication and professionalism.

Significant Themes

• The competitive nature of the NBA and the impact of performance on commercial value and bargaining power.
• The pressure and expectations that come with fame, as seen in Su Yi's experience at the airport.

Character Interactions

• LeBron James and Rich Paul share a moment of triumph after the trades, but Rich Paul is secretly worried about LeBron's future.
• Su Yi and Anne Hathaway's relationship deepens as they plan to attend the Olympics together.
• Xu Rui feels jealous of Su Yi and Anne Hathaway's interaction, leading him to invite his own girlfriend to Dragon Country.
• Su Yi's interaction with fans at the airport highlights his popularity and the impact he has on people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fei is awakened by a call from Fang Xueguang, who tells him that Su Yi is at XX Arena playing basketball.
• Chen Fei rushes to the arena and finds it packed with people watching Su Yi play.
• Su Yi had started playing early in the morning and continued until noon, facing numerous opponents and taking group photos with fans.
• Uncle Hat arrives to maintain order and Su Yi apologizes for causing trouble, but is asked for an autograph by a fan.

Character Developments

• Chen Fei: Initially reluctant to wake up, he becomes excited and nervous upon learning about Su Yi's presence, eventually feeling thrilled after playing against his idol.
• Su Yi: Shows humility and enthusiasm in playing with local fans, demonstrating his skills and sportsmanship. He also interacts positively with fans and Uncle Hat.

Significant Themes

• Fan Interaction: The chapter highlights the positive interaction between Su Yi and his fans, showing his accessibility and humility.
• Sportsmanship: Su Yi's all-out attitude and respect for his opponents, as well as his willingness to engage with fans, showcases his sportsmanship.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fei and Fang Xueguang: They share excitement and anticipation about playing with Su Yi, with Fang Xueguang being the one to inform Chen Fei about the opportunity.
• Su Yi and Fans/Uncle Hat: Su Yi interacts positively with fans, taking group photos and signing autographs. He also apologizes to Uncle Hat for causing trouble but is asked for an autograph instead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yi and Xu Rui attend the Olympics opening ceremony in Dragon Country.
• Su Yi watches the Dream Team's first game against Dragon Country, predicting a Dream Team victory.
• Su Yi gives interviews to reporters, expressing no regret for not joining the national team and criticizing LeBron James.

Character Developments

• Su Yi remains confident and outspoken, showing no signs of regret for his past decisions.
• LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh maintain their distance from Su Yi, indicating lingering grudges.

Significant Themes

• The theme of national pride is evident as Su Yi supports the Dream Team over the host nation's team.
• The theme of loyalty and team dynamics is explored through Su Yi's comments on the Dream Team's past struggles without Kobe.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi interacts with various reporters, expressing his opinions on the Olympics and the Dream Team's game against Dragon Country.
• Su Yi greets several Dream Team players before the game, but LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh do not acknowledge him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yao Ming laments Su Yi's absence, believing it could have significantly improved the national team's performance.
• The Dragon Country team loses to the Dream Team and Spain, but wins against Angola, Germany, and barely advances to the knockout stage.
• They lose to Lithuania in the quarterfinals, ending their Olympic journey.
• Yao Ming publicly criticizes the Basketball Association's treatment of Su Yi, sparking a wave of fan support for Su Yi's inclusion in the national team.

Character Developments

• Yao Ming shows leadership and determination, speaking out against the Basketball Association's policies.
• Su Yi is portrayed as a once-in-a-century talent, with his absence deeply felt by the team and fans.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between personal ambition and national interest, with Yao Ming prioritizing the latter.
• The tension between the Basketball Association's policies and the fans' desires, with the fans rallying behind Su Yi.

Character Interactions

• Yao Ming and Su Yi discuss the national team's situation, with Yao Ming expressing his frustration and Su Yi acknowledging Yao Ming's bold stance.
• The fans, united by their love for basketball and desire to see Su Yi on the national team, voice their support for Yao Ming's statement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dream Team defeats Argentina and advances to the Olympic finals.
• Kobe acknowledges Su Yi's strength and believes his return to the Dragon Country team would significantly challenge the Dream Team.
• The Dragon Country government apologizes to Su Yi and invites him to join the national team.
• The Dream Team wins the gold medal against Spain, with Kobe leading the team to victory.

Character Developments

• Kobe demonstrates his leadership and clutch performance in the final game.
• Su Yi remains committed to representing Dragon Country and is open to joining the national team.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and teamwork (Dream Team's victory).
• The importance of respect and fairness in sports (Su Yi's treatment by the Basketball Association).
• The impact of individual talent on team success (Kobe and Su Yi's influence on their respective teams).

Character Interactions

• Kobe and Su Yi are presented as rivals, with Kobe acknowledging Su Yi's exceptional skills.
• The Dragon Country government representative apologizes to Su Yi and expresses their desire for him to join the national team.
• Kobe leads the Dream Team, with key contributions from other players, to secure the gold medal against Spain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant and Su Yi meet at the Olympics, sparking unprecedented hype in the NBA.
• They publicly agree to face off in the NBA Finals the following season.
• This pact draws immense media attention, overshadowing the Dream Team's championship win.
• Other NBA teams and players, including Tim Duncan and the Boston Celtics, respond to the pact, intensifying the buzz.
• Su Yi returns to Cleveland, spending time with Taylor Swift before resuming intense training for the new season.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant: Shows sportsmanship and respect for Su Yi, regretting that they didn't face off in the Olympics. He's confident in his ability and the Finals stage.
• Su Yi: Confident in his skills and eager to challenge Kobe on the NBA's biggest stage. He's focused on preparation for the new season.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and Respect: Kobe and Su Yi's relationship is built on mutual respect and a desire to test their skills against each other.
• Ambition and Preparation: Both players are driven by their goals and committed to intense training to achieve them.
• Media Attention and Hype: The pact generates immense buzz, drawing global attention and setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Su Yi: Their interaction is the core of the chapter, with a public agreement to face off in the NBA Finals, sparking intense media and fan interest.
• Su Yi and Anne Hathaway/Taylor Swift: Su Yi balances his relationships with both women, eventually smoothing over Taylor's anger.
• Other NBA Teams and Players: They respond to the pact, adding fuel to the hype and setting the stage for a competitive season.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Basketball Association announces large-scale staff adjustments and establishes an anti-corruption department, causing a stir in the sports world.
• Su Yi returns to Cleveland for the Cavaliers' training camp, which starts earlier than last season due to their championship loss.
• Dikembe Mutombo joins the Cavaliers, and the team undergoes physical tests, with Su Yi's results showing significant improvement.

Character Developments

• Domestic athletes gain respect and goodwill for Su Yi due to his impact on the sports world.
• Su Yi maintains his dedication and focus on training, setting an example for his teammates.
• Dikembe Mutombo shows humility and eagerness to share his experience with the younger players.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and transparency in sports, emphasized by the anti-corruption measures.
• The importance of hard work and dedication, shown through Su Yi's and his teammates' offseason training.
• The power of unity and teamwork, demonstrated by the Cavaliers' determination to return to the Finals.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi warmly welcomes Dikembe Mutombo and expresses his excitement to work together.
• Cavaliers players show respect and admiration for Dikembe Mutombo, eager to learn from him.
• Mike Brown is surprised by Su Yi's improved physical test results and asks him to retake the tests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yi retakes physical tests, matching his previous season's results.
• Mike Brown and team management discover Su Yi's improving physical data over three years.
• The team decides to keep Su Yi's progress secret and explore further research.
• Su Yi's physical stats improve significantly, reaching elite NBA levels in many categories.
• The team scrimmages, with Su Yi showcasing his enhanced abilities, boosting team morale.
• Dikembe Mutombo, nearing retirement, is determined to win a championship this season.
• The team trains intensively, with rookies and veterans alike improving under experienced guidance.

Character Developments

• Su Yi's physical condition improves drastically, making him even stronger and more durable.
• Mike Brown is surprised and thrilled by Su Yi's progress, initiating a secret investigation.
• Dikembe Mutombo is motivated to win a championship in his potential final season.
• Eric Snow, recovering from injury, is eager to pass on his knowledge to help Su Yi and the team.

Significant Themes

• The power of hard work and dedication, as seen in Su Yi's offseason training.
• The importance of teamwork and unity in achieving a common goal.
• The impact of experience and mentorship on younger players' growth.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi's teammates are curious about his improved physical condition but respect his privacy.
• Mike Brown and team management collaborate to keep Su Yi's progress secret and explore its potential.
• Eric Snow mentors George Hill and Goran Dragic, passing on his knowledge and experience.
• Dikembe Mutombo, nearing retirement, finds motivation and support from his new team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yi signs endorsement deals with five high-end brands, including Bugatti.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers begin their preseason with a game against an unnamed team, which they lose by 13 points.
• The team finishes the preseason with a 2-6 record.
• The upcoming season's opening games are announced, with the Cleveland Cavaliers set to face the Boston Celtics in the marquee event.

Character Developments

• Su Yi demonstrates his leadership and determination by addressing the fans before the preseason game.
• Mike Brown shows his commitment to developing young players by giving them ample playing time during the preseason.
• Wilson Chandler improves his shooting accuracy and physical strength, showcasing growth from the previous season.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and training, as seen in Mike Brown's approach to the preseason.
• The impact of injuries on a team's performance, as referenced by the fans' belief in Su Yi's ability to lead them to a title defense.
• The emotional toll of losing a championship and facing the winning team's ring ceremony, as experienced by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi and the fans connect through his pre-game speech, rallying their spirits for the new season.
• Mike Brown and the starters discuss and agree on minimizing the starters' playing time to give younger players more opportunities.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers players collectively express their frustration at having to watch the Boston Celtics receive their championship rings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The NBA season opens with three high-profile games: Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers.
• The Houston Rockets secure a 12-point victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady leading the team.
• The San Antonio Spurs lead the Los Angeles Lakers by 3 points at halftime, with Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant having outstanding performances.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers, the reigning Eastern Conference champions, are motivated by the Boston Celtics' ring ceremony, aiming to spoil their celebration.

Character Developments

• Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady show great chemistry and lead the Houston Rockets to a winning start.
• Tim Duncan demonstrates his dominance in the paint, while Kobe Bryant erupts in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs.
• Mike Brown, the Cleveland Cavaliers' coach, motivates his team by using the Boston Celtics' ring ceremony as fuel for their season opener.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and redemption, as the Cleveland Cavaliers seek to reclaim their rightful place after last season's injuries and defeat.
• The power dynamics between youth and experience, as seen in the Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies game and the Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs matchup.
• The importance of mental resilience and composure, as teams face challenging opening games against formidable opponents.

Character Interactions

• Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady display strong on-court chemistry, leading the Houston Rockets together.
• Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant engage in a battle of wills, with each player dominating their respective halves.
• Mike Brown interacts with his Cleveland Cavaliers team, motivating them and setting their sights on redemption.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Boston Celtics receive their championship rings, angering the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• Su Yi performs a spectacular 720° aerial spin dunk during warm-ups.
• The season opener between Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers begins, with the Cavaliers winning the tip-off.
• Su Yi scores the first points with a one-handed dunk after a swift drive to the basket.

Character Developments

• Su Yi demonstrates his improved skills and confidence, aiming to challenge the Celtics.
• The Boston Celtics, despite winning the championship, remain hungry for more titles and are determined to face the stronger Cleveland Cavaliers.

Significant Themes

• The hunger for success and continuous improvement, even after achieving significant milestones.
• The intense rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi and the Boston Celtics' players exchange tense gazes, setting the stage for a heated competition.
• Su Yi and Eric Snow briefly reunite, with Su Yi welcoming Eric Snow back to the team.
• Su Yi's drive to the basket involves a quick exchange with Ray Allen and a contest with Kevin Garnett.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Yi blocks Ray Allen's three-pointer with a spectacular chase-down block.
• Su Yi steals the ball from Rondo and scores a one-handed dunk.
• Paul Pierce scores the first points for the Boston Celtics with a mid-range jump shot.

Character Developments

• Su Yi's physical condition and skills have significantly improved, making him even more formidable on both offense and defense.
• Paul Pierce demonstrates his leadership and scoring ability.

Significant Themes

• The impact of individual player performance on team morale and audience reaction.
• The importance of team leaders in crucial moments.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi and Ray Allen's intense competition on the court.
• Paul Pierce and Larry Hughes' defensive battle.
• The Boston Celtics' players' reliance on Paul Pierce for scoring.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers' bench players' excitement and admiration for Su Yi's performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Larry Hughes scores a mid-range shot after a clever play involving Su Yi, stretching the Cavs' lead to 4 points.
• Paul Pierce drives to the basket, drawing a foul from Drew Gooden, reducing the lead to 3 points.
• Ray Allen attempts a layup off the glass, but Su Yi blocks his shot for the second time in the game.
• Su Yi scores a switch-hand layup, increasing the Cavs' lead to 6 points, silencing the North Shore Garden crowd.

Character Developments

• Larry Hughes demonstrates his basketball IQ and quick thinking, setting up Su Yi's first score and scoring himself.
• Su Yi showcases his defensive prowess with two blocks on Ray Allen and scores a difficult layup, becoming a dominant force in the game.
• Paul Pierce displays his tenacity and quick decision-making, passing the ball to Rondo for an open three after his drive is stopped.
• Drew Gooden shows good defensive rotation but struggles with positioning, committing a foul on Paul Pierce.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and quick decision-making: Hughes and Su Yi's effective communication and passing lead to scores.
• Defense and adaptability: Su Yi's blocks and adjusted layup demonstrate his defensive prowess and ability to adapt to changing situations.
• Momentum shifts: The Cavs' scoring run silences the crowd and forces the Celtics to take a timeout.

Character Interactions

• Larry Hughes and Su Yi: Their on-court communication and passing lead to successful plays, showcasing their chemistry.
• Paul Pierce and Drew Gooden: Pierce's drive and Gooden's help defense result in a foul, highlighting their defensive responsibilities.
• Ray Allen and Su Yi: Allen's attempts to score are thwarted by Su Yi's blocks, demonstrating their competitive rivalry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Boston Celtics struggle against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter, with the Cavaliers leading 36-20.
• The Celtics' bench unit fails to close the gap in the second quarter, while the Cavaliers' bench extends their lead.
• The Celtics' starters, led by the Big Three, manage to reduce the deficit to 12 points, but the Cavaliers stabilize the situation and increase their lead to 17 points by halftime (69-52).

Character Developments

• Su Yi: Proves to be a dominant force, scoring 29 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks in the first half. His exceptional performance leads the Cavaliers to a significant halftime lead.
• Doc Rivers: Struggles to motivate and strategize against the Cavaliers' strength. His timeout speech and adjustments have limited impact.
• Mike Brown: Successfully manages the Cavaliers' rotations, maintaining a substantial lead despite using rookie bench players.

Significant Themes

• Team Strength vs. Individual Talent: The Cavaliers' full roster proves to be a formidable force against the defending champions, highlighting the importance of team strength and depth.
• Adaptability: The Cavaliers' ability to maintain their lead despite the Celtics' attempts to close the gap showcases their adaptability and resilience.

Character Interactions

• Su Yi vs. Boston Celtics' Defense: Su Yi scores at will against both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, forcing the Celtics to adjust their defensive strategy.
• Doc Rivers vs. Mike Brown: Rivers' strategies and adjustments are largely ineffective against Brown's well-prepared and executed game plan.
• Cavaliers' Starters vs. Bench: The Cavaliers' bench unit holds their own against the Celtics, demonstrating the team's depth and balance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cleveland Cavaliers play their season opener against the Boston Celtics in an away game, with fans watching together at the Quick Loan Center Arena.
• The Cavaliers lead by 24 points at the end of the third quarter, with Su Yi scoring 49 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 5 blocks.
• The Cavaliers secure a 10-point victory (118-108) despite the Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback.

Character Developments

• Su Yi's skills have improved significantly since the previous season, earning him the respect and concern of rival teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.
• Mike Brown, the Cavaliers' coach, trusts Su Yi's judgment and allows him to control the game's pace and strategy.
• Doc Rivers, the Celtics' coach, struggles to contain Su Yi and his team, feeling increasingly hopeless as the lead grows.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between teams and the anticipation of the upcoming season, with the Cavaliers and Lakers being the main contenders.
• The importance of teamwork and strategy in basketball, as shown by the Cavaliers' support of Su Yi and the Celtics' struggle to contain him.
• The role of experience and growth in sports, with the Cavaliers giving their bench players and rookies valuable game time.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant watches the game intently and warns his Lakers teammates about Su Yi's improved skills, acknowledging the Cavaliers as a serious threat in the Finals.
• Zen Master Phil Jackson recognizes Su Yi's potential and the Cavaliers' strength, comparing him to Michael Jordan.
• Mike Brown and Su Yi have a trusting relationship, with the coach allowing Su Yi to make strategic decisions during the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cleveland Cavaliers lose to Boston Celtics in the season opener due to complacency in the final quarter.
• Su Yi scores 49 points in three quarters, leading to a media frenzy debating if his performance surpasses Jordan's at the same stage.
• Cavaliers' second game is against New York Knicks, featuring a matchup between LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

Character Developments

• Mike Brown demonstrates his coaching style, balancing criticism and praise to motivate his players.
• Su Yi shows leadership by prioritizing team growth over personal stats, clocking out after three quarters with 49 points.
• LeBron James asserts his dominance and confidence ahead of the Cavaliers' home opener.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and unity: Mike Brown emphasizes the importance of collective effort and responsibility.
• Leadership: Su Yi exhibits leadership by focusing on team growth and supporting younger players.
• Rivalry and competition: The upcoming Cavaliers vs. Knicks game highlights the intense competition and rivalries in the NBA.

Character Interactions

• Mike Brown interacts with the Cavaliers' bench players, reprimanding them for their mistakes and praising their efforts.
• Su Yi interacts with his private coaching team, watching and analyzing games together to improve his skills.
• LeBron James interacts with the media, expressing his confidence and anticipation for the upcoming game against the Cavaliers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LeBron James declares war on Cleveland, challenging Su Yi's throne.
• NBA hypes the "Battle of the Kings" for the national broadcast.
• Both teams face off in Cleveland for their first matchup of the season.

Character Developments

• LeBron James: Overconfident and eager to prove himself against Su Yi.
• Su Yi: Calm and composed, letting his fans respond to LeBron's challenge online while focusing on the game.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and competition between LeBron James and Su Yi.
• The power of fans and social media in shaping public opinion.
• The importance of confidence and composure in high-pressure situations.

Character Interactions

• LeBron James and Su Yi engage in a war of words, both on and off the court.
• Fans of both players clash online, with Su Yi's fans dominating the conversation.
• The Cavaliers' and Knicks' players prepare for their intense matchup.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks begins.
• Su Yi scores the first points with a free-throw after LeBron James fouls him.
• LeBron James attempts a dunk but is blocked by Su Yi.

Character Developments

• LeBron James is shown as arrogant and overconfident, but also frustrated and angry when Su Yi outplays him.
• Su Yi demonstrates his defensive prowess and confidence, further solidifying his status as the "true king" in the eyes of the fans.

Significant Themes

• The theme of rivalry and competition between LeBron James and Su Yi continues.
• The importance of defense and teamwork is highlighted, with the Cavaliers' trust in Su Yi's defensive abilities allowing them to focus on other aspects of the game.

Character Interactions

• LeBron James and Su Yi's interactions are marked by tension and animosity, with each trying to assert dominance over the other.
• The Cavaliers' players show unwavering support for Su Yi, highlighting their team spirit and unity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• LeBron James is outmatched by Su Yi in a jump test, leading the Knicks coach to declare Su Yi the current NBA number one.
• Amar'e Stoudemire scores an alley-oop, opening the scoring for the Knicks.
• The Cavaliers score with a two-handed dunk by Drew Gooden, assisted by Big Z.
• LeBron James misses a perimeter shot, and the Cavaliers score again, widening the lead to 5 points.

Character Developments

• Amar'e Stoudemire showcases his offensive prowess with an alley-oop, but the Knicks' defense weakens with his arrival.
• David Lee struggles against the Cavaliers' strong interior, feeling helpless and outmatched.
• LeBron James has a quiet start, missing his first two shots and not contributing to any statistical category.

Significant Themes

• The impact of trades on team dynamics and performance (Stoudemire's arrival and the departure of aging big men).
• The struggle of young players against experienced, stronger opponents (David Lee vs. the Cavaliers' big men).
• The pressure and expectations on high-profile players like LeBron James.

Character Interactions

• Baron Davis and Amar'e Stoudemire exhibit instant chemistry with their pick-and-roll plays.
• David Lee feels helpless and overwhelmed playing center against stronger opponents.
• LeBron James faces criticism and laughter from the commentator and crowd after a quiet start to the game.