[TL: 300 Power Stones]
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Chapter 220: Getting a Triple-Double Is Really Addictive!
On March 19, at America West Arena in Phoenix, the Suns' home crowd was electric. Every seat was filled, and millions of fans tuned in early, eager to see whether Chen Yan could continue his incredible streak of triple-doubles.
Before tipoff, LeBron James was interviewed courtside by NBA reporter Christine Ledlow.
When asked about Chen Yan's four consecutive triple-doubles, James gave a measured smile.
"We all know that's not easy," he said. "Chen's a really complete player. He can score, create for his teammates, and crash the boards. The Suns are on a roll right now, and he's been a huge reason why. He's leading that team in his own way while Nash is out."
It was classic James—gracious, confident, and diplomatic. He always gave credit where it was due.
Moments later, Ledlow caught up with Chen Yan for a quick pregame chat.
"LeBron just praised you for your all-around play," she said. "How do you feel heading into this matchup?"
Chen smiled. "LeBron's one of a kind. He's a real leader. Any team with him is a championship contender. So tonight? It's going to be a battle."
It was the perfect exchange of mutual respect between two rising stars.
Before the game started, a familiar face walked up with a grin—Shaquille O'Neal.
Free from Pat Riley's strict coaching in Miami, Shaq looked rejuvenated, his mood lighter and his body refreshed. His numbers had even climbed back up from 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds to 15.2 points and 9.1 rebounds. He wasn't the same force as in his Lakers days, but he was far from done.
"Hey, Chen!" Shaq called, slapping his massive hand on Chen's shoulder. "It's great to see you again. But you're not gonna like me tonight—I'm here to end that triple-double streak."
Chen laughed and patted Shaq's back. "Shaq, your sense of humor just keeps improving."
Shaq smirked. "And maybe I'll end that Suns winning streak too while I'm at it."
Chen shook his head, smiling as the big man lumbered away. Shaq was still the same old Shaq—half comedian, half legend. But when the game tipped off, the smiles disappeared.
---
By the end of the first quarter, O'Neal's stat line told a different story: 1 point, 3 rebounds, and 2 fouls.
It was clear something was off.
Even with age catching up to him, Shaq was still one of the most dominant centers in the league. There was no way he'd fall off this sharply in just one quarter.
Then the reason became obvious—the Suns were using the classic "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy.
Every time Shaq touched the ball, the Suns fouled him intentionally, forcing him to the free-throw line. The result was painful to watch. He went 1-for-6 at the stripe and looked visibly frustrated as Cavaliers coach Mike Brown subbed him out midway through the quarter.
O'Neal shook his head on the bench, muttering under his breath. He'd been through this tactic before, but tonight felt worse. Even his usual 40 to 50 percent accuracy had completely deserted him.
In the second quarter, he bounced back slightly, hitting 3 of 6 free throws, but his once-feared dominance inside had clearly faded. He missed several point-blank shots, unable to finish through Phoenix's double teams.
The O'Neal of his Lakers prime would've dunked those with authority.
Watching from midcourt, Chen Yan sighed quietly.
Time really was the one opponent no player could beat.
By halftime, the Cavaliers trailed 60–45.
Chen had already posted 13 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds, playing with poise and control. His focus tonight wasn't pure scoring—it was connection and rhythm, anchoring the team while setting up everyone around him.
LeBron, on the other hand, was keeping Cleveland afloat with 15 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds.
He was clearly taking the challenge personally.
Ever since Chen's string of triple-doubles, the media had been comparing their all-around abilities—a comparison that didn't sit well with James. He didn't say anything publicly, but deep down, he wanted to remind everyone who the real all-around king was.
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When the third quarter started, LeBron switched gears.
He stopped trying to play facilitator and went full attack mode.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Two straight tomahawk dunks on the fast break sent the arena into chaos. LeBron's expression was intense—this was his statement.
He poured in 15 points in the quarter, slashing, spinning, and bullying his way to the rim like a man possessed.
But when the buzzer sounded, he glanced at the scoreboard: 84–69.
The deficit was still 15 points.
James took a deep breath and exhaled in frustration. He'd emptied his tank, and the lead hadn't budged.
Online, his fans rallied in his defense.
"My King did everything he could! Where's the help?"
"Cavs' shooters couldn't hit water if they fell off a boat!"
"How do you win when the other team's raining threes like this?"
They weren't wrong. The Suns were scorching hot, converting nearly every open look Chen created.
His passes carried extra precision, thanks to the combination of his [Pass Master] and [Blitz Storm] skills. Those boosts subtly improved his teammates' shooting rhythm, making each assist feel effortless.
That hidden advantage separated him from ordinary playmakers—his passing didn't just set up shots, it elevated them.
---
With 7:32 remaining in the fourth quarter, Daniel Gibson missed a long three.
Chen Yan grabbed the defensive rebound and immediately pushed the tempo.
Gibson sprinted in front to cut him off while James trailed behind, trying to trap him in a pincer move.
But Chen didn't hesitate.
He accelerated into a blur, triggering his signature skill—[Shadow Trace].
His feet glided in a lightning-fast Z-pattern, slicing through Gibson's defense like it was nothing.
As he neared the rim, James leapt from behind, reaching to block the shot.
Anticipating it, Chen wrapped around the other side of the basket and floated the ball up softly.
"Swish!"
The crowd roared.
With that bucket, his stat line rose to 21 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds—just one rebound away from another triple-double.
On the next possession, LeBron charged downcourt, bulldozed past Raja Bell, and fired a jumper from the top of the key.
"Bang!"
The shot clanked off the rim.
At that moment, Chen spun around and leapt high for the board.
"My God!" he shouted instinctively as his hands snatched the rebound out of the air.
The outburst startled Amar'e Stoudemire so much that he froze mid-jump.
It wasn't premeditated—it was pure instinct.
In his past life, Chen had never understood why Westbrook chased triple-doubles with such obsession. But now, as the adrenaline surged through him, he finally got it.
Triple-doubles were addictive.
"Snap!"
He secured the rebound, then fired a full-court pass with quarterback precision.
Azubuike caught it in stride, took one dribble, and rose with both hands.
"Boom!!"
The dunk shook the rim as the crowd erupted across America.
And just like that, under the bright national spotlight, Chen Yan recorded his fifth consecutive triple-double—a performance that sent his legend soaring to new heights.
[TL:
Hey everyone.
Quick question for you all: would you be interested if I rewrote this story?
I'm planning a rewrite, but if I do it, I'll pause regular updates for a bit. The main reason is I want to fix early chapters where some Chinese elements slipped through because I forgot to remove them back then. I also want to adjust the main character's background to be half Chinese and half American, and I'm considering changing his name to fit that update better.
If you're on board with a rewrite, let me know in the comments or reactions. Your feedback will decide whether I push through with it or keep going with the current version.
Thanks as always for reading and sticking with me]
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