In Yao Ming's NBA debut, he played 28 minutes, shot 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 Blocks, along with 3 turnovers.
Uh... if Link hadn't recorded a triple-double in his NBA debut last year, Yao Ming's stats would have made the chinese fans watching on screen "very satisfied." But it was precisely because Link had raised the fans' "threshold"...
They were barely satisfied.
Hmm...
This was probably the difference between a "yes" and an "OMG."
Of Yao Ming's 3 turnovers, one was a Steal during a double-team after a fronting defense. The other two were from having the ball stripped by opponents after grabbing a rebound.
In fact, fronting defense is something even a peak O'Neal would fear, let alone Yao Ming. Although Link could pass the ball to Yao Ming behind the defender, Kwame Brown would quickly collapse into the paint and get in front of Yao Ming as soon as he caught it, instantly forming a double-team.
Yao Ming, lacking upper body strength, was easily stripped by Kwame Brown. Fun fact: Kwame Brown's overall athleticism was ahead of Kevin Garnett's. Furthermore, even if Kwame Brown was labeled a bust of a number one draft pick in his previous life, that was only because of his poor offense; his defense had always been commendable.
Michael Jordan, on the other hand, transformed into the "Little Blacksmith of Washington" tonight, shooting 5-of-12 from the field, 1-of-2 from the line, and 0-of-2 from three, finishing with only 11 points, though he did record 2 Steals and 1 Block. Michael Jordan's legs were a bit weak tonight; Link figured the old guy must have treated himself quite a bit last night.
As for the team's leader, Link, he shot 14-of-2 tonight, 2-of-4 from three, and 5-of-6 from the line, finishing with 30 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 Steals, and 1 Block.
...
...
On the Washington Wizards' bench, Michael Jordan suddenly leaned in toward Link and teased in a low voice, "Link, I feel like Yao will become the media's new darling this season, just like you were last year."
Link rolled his eyes at this; Michael Jordan's words were clearly mocking him for being past his prime.
The media indeed swarmed Yao Ming like locusts after the game, just as Michael Jordan had said. However, the crowd of reporters around Link was even larger than the one around Yao Ming. In contrast, it was quite deserted around Michael Jordan.
"WTF!" Ignored by the media like this, Michael Jordan couldn't help but grumble to himself, "It seems it's just that the number of people interviewing me has decreased..."
With the help of a young Caucasian assistant, Yao Ming was able to handle the post-game media interviews quite well.
As for Link, he was the same spokesperson as always, his responses being practically flawless.
[The new overlords of the East—the Washington Wizards. They will dethrone New Jersey to take the top spot in the Eastern Conference this season. Although Jason Kidd is an extremely talented young commander, he can no longer stop Link. Without a doubt, Link is the best Point Guard currently in the NBA, bar none.] — Reported by ESPN.
[Michael Jordan is launching a charge for his seventh championship ring. This season's Washington is clearly a T1-tier contender in the league. Can Link win his own regular season mvp this season and become the youngest regular season mvp in NBA history?] — Reported by Sports Illustrated.
Competing for the regular season mvp?
This topic raised by Sports Illustrated instantly ignited all of America.
Most fans thought Link was still too green. McGrady, Vince Carter, Kobe, and Garnett hadn't won a regular season mvp yet, so why should Link, a second-year rookie, be able to win it?
Of course, a small number of fans supported Link. His stats this season certainly wouldn't be bad; as long as the team's record could rank in the top three of the league, why shouldn't he be able to win the regular season mvp?
On the internet, fans argued incessantly.
Even many active NBA players personally weighed in on the matter.
For instance, this year's Houston Rockets rookie—Jay Williams.
"Link, regular season mvp? How is that possible? He's just an overrated player. I'm looking forward to facing him tomorrow." Jay Williams, the second overall pick selected by the Rockets, said with a face full of disdain during a media interview.
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...
After the Washington Wizards defeated the Nets at home, they had to fly to Houston the next day to challenge the Rockets on the road. Just like last season, Michael Jordan chose to rest for the back-to-back game, which was also to protect the 39-year-old Michael Jordan.
As for Yao Ming, the Washington Wizards' management also considered letting him rest, but he was very healthy after his debut with no injury concerns.
In the away game against the Rockets, the Washington Wizards' management would control Yao Ming's playing time, putting his health first.
On the Washington Wizards' private flight, Yao Ming saw a familiar scene.
Uh... Link was playing mahjong with his teammates, which left Yao Ming not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
No wonder the Wizards always had a familiar vibe; it felt like Link's influence was everywhere.
On the other hand.
The cold, familiar mechanical voice of the system sounded in Link's mind once again.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for triggering the main mission — rookie, Welcome to the NBA!]
[Mission Description: Make 5 First-Year Players cry on the court. Reward: "5000 Goat Points"; "superstar sparring partner card" x1.]
Toward these rookies who had just entered the NBA, although Link acted very generous on the surface and was always elegant when facing the media—praising this and that—deep down, he was holding a grudge and planning to deal with them.
How to quickly gain the respect and recognition of NBA players?
Beat them into submission!!!
Even without the system's rewards, Link would still deal with them. Now that there were rewards, hehe, he definitely had to crush them.
...
...
The Rockets' home court!
Toyota Center.
Before the game, Link walked directly into the Rockets' locker room. Francis, as the team's leader, was first stunned, then greeted Link with a smile. This wasn't because Francis really had such a good temper, but because Link now had the status and identity to do so.
"Steve, where is that rookie?" Link asked with a frown.