Chapter 197: Chen the Center and Yao the Guard, the Era of the Four Major Points Is Over!
"Nice! Nice moves!"
Kobe Bryant walked up and high-fived Chen Yan with a wide grin. He could immediately tell that Chen was using the same low-post techniques and footwork he had taught him during that morning's training session.
"This kid has post-ups now?"
On the Western Conference All-Star bench, Tim Duncan stared in surprise, turning to look at Nash and Stoudemire.
Nash and Stoudemire raised their hands, looking equally clueless. "Don't ask us. This is new for us too!"
The Eastern Conference took the next possession.
This time, Dwight Howard was setting up for a one-on-one against Yao Ming.
It was a bold move. The two had faced off seven times in their careers, with Yao Ming averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds per game against Howard, who managed only 11.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. It had always been one-sided domination.
But tonight was the All-Star Game, and Yao Ming wasn't about to crush the mood. He gave Howard some room, letting him spin easily to the basket and throw down a two-handed dunk.
Yao smiled as the crowd cheered. He knew this wasn't about dominance or stats—it was about giving the fans a good show.
On the next play, Chen Yan brought the ball up for the Western Conference.
From the top of the key, he lobbed a pass to Kevin Garnett, who caught it, took a few steps backward, and swung it to Carmelo Anthony on the wing.
The Lakers stars were taking it easy tonight. The difference was that Kobe had a visible injury, while Garnett was simply pacing himself.
Garnett was long past caring about All-Star MVP awards. At this point in his career, only a championship really mattered. Playing in the All-Star Game was more obligation than excitement. He'd rather be resting at home if he had the choice.
It was the same with Steve Nash. Before the break, he had already talked with Coach Mike D'Antoni, asking to play limited minutes.
Anthony caught the pass at the left elbow, took a couple of jab steps, and rose for a pull-up jumper.
"Bang!"
The shot rimmed out. Garnett read the bounce perfectly and grabbed the offensive rebound with one hand. After a quick glance, he kicked it back out to Chen Yan beyond the arc.
The moment Chen caught the ball, he exploded forward, blowing past Wade with a single, quick step.
Both players were lightning fast, but the difference was in confidence. Chen dared to leave space for Wade's jumper; Wade didn't dare leave Chen an inch to shoot.
Inside the paint, Dwight Howard slid over to protect the rim.
The "Beast" stood tall, eyes locked on Chen. If he dared to jump, Howard would send that ball into the stands.
But Chen wasn't focused on the rim. His eyes were already on the perimeter, where Yao Ming had drifted beyond the three-point line once again.
Howard leapt to block. At the same time, Chen flicked his wrist midair, tossing a smooth pass out to Yao at the top of the arc.
Yao caught it cleanly. The Eastern defenders were too relaxed to even bother closing out. No one expected the big man to actually shoot.
Yao adjusted his stance, squared up, and released.
"Swish!"
Nothing but net.
6–5.
"Nice shot, big man!" Chen grinned, running over to pat Yao on the back.
Yao smiled and replied, "That pass was perfect. If I'd missed, I'd never live it down."
The fans roared. The chemistry between the two was electric.
The Eastern Conference brought the ball down again, with LeBron now handling playmaking duties instead of Billups. After drawing attention with a strong drive, he dished it out to Chris Bosh for a wide-open mid-range jumper.
8–5.
The Eastern offense was balanced—every perimeter player had scored except Billups.
On the next Western possession, Garnett inbounded to Chen, who dribbled casually across half court.
At the left wing, Wade waited for him, ready for another duel.
Kobe suddenly cut along the baseline. Chen thought he was coming over for the ball, but instead, Kobe set a hard screen on Wade, creating an opening.
Even injured, Kobe wasn't content to be a spectator. The fans came to see him play, and he wasn't going to disappoint.
Using the screen, Chen darted past Wade easily. Billups rotated to help, but Chen used his shoulder to shield the ball and spun toward the free throw line.
Just outside the paint, he stopped suddenly, pivoted, and turned his back to Billups.
"Wait, is he posting up again?"
"Looks like it! Guess Chen's really feeling that move tonight!"
The TNT commentary booth erupted in laughter.
Kenny Smith chuckled. "He's really getting into it, huh?"
Charles Barkley grinned. "Hey, I respect it. The man's working on his game."
In truth, Chen wasn't doing it just for show—he was using the All-Star Game to gain real-time experience for the post-up techniques Kobe had taught him.
Billups, being smaller and lighter than Wade, offered less resistance.
After a few quick shoulder fakes, Chen rolled right, turned, and fired.
"Swish!"
The shot dropped cleanly.
The crowd cheered again, amused and impressed.
Yao Ming raining threes, Chen Yan backing down guards—it was an unexpected role reversal that had everyone talking.
"Oh my god, Yao's taking threes and Chen's playing in the post. Did they swap positions?"
"Chen the center, Yao the guard!"
On social media, the jokes were flying fast.
In his VIP box, Commissioner David Stern smiled approvingly. This was exactly what an All-Star Game was supposed to be—fun, creative, and full of surprises.
If fans wanted a normal game, they could just watch the regular season. Tonight was about entertainment.
At the 2:57 mark of the first quarter, Kobe checked out, replaced by Chris Paul.
Kobe's night was done, and Iverson sat quietly on the bench. McGrady and Vince Carter hadn't even made the roster this year.
As the crowd buzzed, one truth became clear: the golden era of the four superstar guards had officially come to an end.
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