Chapter 138: Released from Suspension, Chen Yan Returns to Full Strength!
December 24, U.S. time.
The Phoenix Suns traveled north to the frozen city of Toronto to face the Raptors.
Fans were buzzing with excitement—not because of the Raptors' playoff push, but because this game marked Chen Yan's long-awaited return from suspension.
And he couldn't have asked for a better opponent.
Although the Raptors sat fifth in the East, that record was deceptive. In the West, their win total would only rank ninth, barely scraping playoff contention.
---
At the pre-game press conference, Paul Pierce couldn't resist another shot at Chen Yan.
"He uses his fists to grab attention on the court, and he writes songs to grab attention off it. Honestly, he's more like an internet celebrity than an NBA player."
Pierce clearly hadn't learned his lesson from their last encounter.
When asked how the Raptors would win, he answered confidently, "Just give me the ball and get out of the way."
Later, during warm-ups, Chen Yan and Pierce crossed paths.
"Kid, welcome to my territory," Pierce sneered. "Hope you wiped your ass clean, because I'm gonna school you tonight."
Chen Yan smiled faintly. "This isn't your territory. To Toronto, you're just a mercenary. Nobody really likes you here."
The words struck home. Pierce's deepest wound was leaving Boston, the team he had given everything to, only to end up in a city where he lacked any sense of belonging.
Pierce tried to fire back. "Come on, you don't deserve to say that, outsider."
Chen Yan pointed to the crowd. "Take a look around. Whose jersey do you see more of—yours, or mine?"
Pierce glanced around casually, and his face froze.
The arena was filled with Chen Yan's No. 0 jerseys.
"Damn… did I walk into the wrong gym?" he muttered.
Looking closer, he realized most of those jerseys were worn by Chinese fans.
Toronto's population was about 4.3 million, with nearly 460,000 Chinese residents—over ten percent. Basketball was far from the city's top sport; hockey reigned supreme. Average Raptors attendance hovered around 70% this season.
But tonight? The arena was packed for the first time all year, and at least a third of the fans had come just to see Chen Yan.
Watching the crowd, the Raptors' general manager sighed. If only we could play the Suns every night…
---
Starting Lineups
Raptors: Calderon, Anthony Parker, Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani.
Suns: Nash, Chen Yan, Raja Bell, Diaw, Stoudemire.
With Chen Yan and Raja Bell both back in the starting five, Phoenix felt re-energized. After a round of handshakes and chest bumps, the Suns' starters took the court with fire in their eyes.
Toronto won the opening tip.
---
Calderon brought the ball across halfcourt, feeding Chris Bosh in the post.
This was prime Bosh—before the Miami years turned him into a stretch big. He had silky mid-range shooting, deceptive footwork, and the quickness of a wing at the power forward spot. Aside from Nowitzki and Stoudemire himself, no big man in the league could claim better face-up skills.
Bosh backed Stoudemire down, gave two hard bumps, then spun with a shoulder fake into a turnaround jumper.
It was pure artistry. Stoudemire held back, refusing to bite on the fake, but Bosh still had space to release.
Bang!
The shot clanged off the rim—first attempt jitters.
Nash grabbed the long rebound and immediately pushed the pace. In seconds, he was across halfcourt.
Spotting Chen Yan streaking in from the wing, Nash bounced a pass perfectly into stride.
Defender Anthony Parker sagged back, giving himself a cushion. His plan was simple: don't let Chen Yan use his speed to blow past him in transition.
Simple in theory. Impossible in practice.
Everyone knew the "formula" for guarding Iverson—shade him right. Everyone knew how to defend Jordan—cut off his back. But knowing and executing were two very different things.
Chen Yan gave a quick crossover, shifting from right to left, then dropped his shoulders and hit the gas.
He flew past Parker like a supercar with no brakes.
Parker was left dumbfounded. I gave him space… and he still blew by me? What kind of monster does that?
Chen Yan slashed straight into the lane. The Raptors' defense hadn't even set.
He planted off his left foot, soaring upward—higher, higher—rising above the rim.
With one hand, he hammered the ball through the basket.
Boom!
The rim rattled violently, echoing through the arena.
Fans in front of their TVs leapt to their feet. It was vintage Chen Yan—an explosive fast-break dunk, the kind that announced not just a score, but a statement.
After four games away, he was back. Fully charged, fully unleashed.
The familiar formula. The familiar flavor.
Chen Yan had returned.
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