"Got it!"
Blake Su's eyes focused, and he opened his attribute panel again to check the [Daiki Aomine Pack].
[Items]: Two [Injury Reduction Candies], [Daiki Aomine Pack].
[Daiki Aomine Pack]: [Can only be used during the All-Star Game. Upon use, you will obtain Daiki Aomine's talent, as well as the abilities [Speed and Agility] and [Formless Shot].
Friendly reminder: The pack lasts for the entire All-Star Game. If the Host does not use it, the pack will expire after All-Star Weekend ends.]
"Ah!"
Blake Su understood as soon as he heard it.
"So it's a consumable. Once I use it, it's gone. But that makes sense. If it really gave me Daiki Aomine's fantasy-level talent permanently, the NBA might as well end right there.
"The way the System arranged it now, to put it plainly, is that it wants me to show off in the All-Star Game. That's not bad either."
Daiki Aomine's [Speed and Agility] and [Formless Shot], combined with his own athletic talent. After understanding what this pack offered, Blake Su knew one thing clearly.
He was going to set this year's All-Star Game on fire.
...
The next day.
At 10 a.m.
The NBA officially announced the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for the previous week.
In the East, the award once again went to the Magic's "Superman" Howard.
Last week, he averaged 30.3 points, 16.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 3.1 blocks, leading the team to another four straight wins. The Magic were now on a 10-game winning streak.
He had won Eastern Conference Player of the Week for a second straight week.
Over the past half month, "Superman" Howard's performance had been flawless.
As for the West, there was no question. It once again went to Blake Su.
Four straight Player of the Week awards.
Last week, he averaged 37.8 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3 steals, and 3.3 blocks, leading the team to a perfect 4 and 0 record. The Suns were now also on a 14-game winning streak.
Once again, the two centers took home Player of the Week honors in the East and West respectively.
And on top of that, while both were putting up explosive numbers, they had each led their teams to winning streaks of 10 and 14 games.
As soon as the announcement came out, it caused a huge uproar.
"My God, Howard and Blake Su have been ridiculously hot lately. Howard dominates the paint, while Blake Su controls the perimeter like he's commanding lightning.
"It feels like the East and West are already being ruled by these two centers."
"Heh, they really are strong. But that makes it even better. That way, the Suns and Magic matchup in two days will be even more exciting."
"Exactly."
"I seriously can't wait!"
"..."
Howard and Blake Su both repeated as Players of the Week with brilliant numbers. At the same time, both of their teams had terrifying records and strength.
One was on a 10-game winning streak.
The other was on a 14-game winning streak.
That pushed the hype around the matchup even higher. It had already become a focal-point game that fans wanted to watch live. It could even be called the battle for the strongest center.
At 3 p.m.
Several TNT commentators gathered together and, riding the momentum, held a discussion on who was stronger between Blake Su and Howard.
"Sir Charles" Barkley spoke first. "Looking at this season alone, I think Blake Su is stronger. 'Superman' Howard's dominance in the paint is still there this season.
"That can't be denied.
"But Blake Su, as an era-changing center, has given us too many shocking offensive performances. Again and again, he's made us feel just how strong he is.
"Compared to that, I think Blake Su is stronger."
"Yes."
Reggie Miller nodded in agreement. "Blake Su is too special, and he's too strong. When he wants to score, there's basically no stopping him.
"As for Howard, his defense is absolutely powerful, but on offense, if he can't get deep position inside, his dominance is still a little limited."
"That's right."
Rick Kamla tapped the table with his finger, agreeing, but then said, "But defense has always been the main event. Great enough defense makes the game simple.
"Defense wins championships.
"I'm sure everyone knows that saying. Besides, apart from his defense, 'Superman' Howard has been averaging close to 30 points over the past half month.
"That is also incredibly impressive.
"With that kind of offense plus defense, I think Howard's overall dominance on the court is stronger than Blake Su's."
"No, no, no."
Ian Thomsen shook his head. "Kamla, just like you said, Howard has only been this dominant for the past half month. Blake Su, on the other hand, has maintained elite efficiency all season long.
"At the same time, he's taken a Suns team that was almost tanking from near the bottom of the West all the way to first place. That kind of dominance speaks for itself."
"Yes."
Barkley agreed with Ian Thomsen's view, but still played peacemaker. "Still, Kamla does have a point.
"After all, the Suns and Magic matchup is coming soon. With how red-hot 'Superman' Howard is right now, he really might be able to go blow for blow with Blake Su."
"Exactly."
Reggie Miller echoed him. "Both of them have been extremely hot lately. But even though they're both centers, their styles are completely different.
"It really isn't easy to compare them directly.
"But if I had to choose one, I'd still say the more complete and harder-to-handle Blake Su has a slight edge over Howard."
"Bingo!"
In the end, Blake Su won the debate over Howard with three votes.
After watching the commentators' debate, the fans also launched into their own arguments and discussions. Most fans still felt Blake Su was slightly stronger.
However, as an Eastern Conference powerhouse, the Magic had far more than just Howard. Their other weapons could not be ignored either.
So in the end, the Suns and Magic matchup was still going to be a fierce battle.
However, just as many fans believed Howard would be at a disadvantage in his personal duel with Blake Su, that very night, in the Magic's game against the Grizzlies.
"Superman" Howard faced the "Black and White Bears," fighting one against two. In the paint, he stirred up chaos and did whatever he wanted.
He exploded for 55 points, 28 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
All by himself, he destroyed the entire Grizzlies team on both offense and defense, letting the whole league feel the terrifying paint dominance of "Superman" Howard.
After that game, fans suddenly realized something.
"Superman" Howard did not seem weaker than "Monster Rookie" Blake Su at all.
He might even be slightly stronger.
...
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