Final score: Knicks 110, 76ers 89.
The win stretched New York's streak to nine games, but strangely, the result itself wasn't what people were buzzing about when the horn sounded. Fans had become almost desensitized to the Knicks stacking up victories. What nobody could ignore, however, was Lin Yi's latest feat: another quadruple-double.
The basketball world erupted overnight.
In the U.S., headlines poured out immediately, with Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook filled with highlight reels running nonstop.
@NBAUpdates:
Lin Yi makes history: back-to-back quadruple-doubles in just his two seasons! Knicks fans, buckle up. #Knicks #LinYi #NBAHistory
@KnicksCentral:
Once in a generation? Try T-W-I-C-E in two seasons. Lin Yi is lighting up MSG. 👑🔥
@HoopsFanatic24:
Quad once = legend. Quad twice = dynasty. Lin Yi is rewriting the playbook as we speak.
Back in China, it was pure chaos. Weibo, Tieba, Hupu — every platform looked like a server meltdown waiting to happen.
@篮球小麻:
"林易太不可思议了!新秀赛季就完成四双,如今第二个赛季又来一次!这是篮球历史上的奇迹.#林易# #NBA传奇#"
Translation:"Lin Yi is unbelievable! A quadruple-double in his rookie season, and now another one in his second year! This is a miracle in basketball history. #LinYi #NBALegend#"
@体育小王子:
"林易连续两个赛季都完成了四双!四双有多难?他用两年的表现告诉了所有人.#林易# #纽约骄傲#"
Translation:"Lin Yi has recorded quadruple-doubles in back-to-back seasons! Do you know how rare that is? His play across two years has shown everyone. #LinYi #PrideOfNewYork#"
@球场风云记者:
"从戴维森大学到纽约,林易在新秀赛季和第二赛季各自完成四双.他不仅证明了自己,更让世界看到了中国篮球的力量.👏👏👏 #林易# #MVP#"
Translation:"From Davidson University to New York, Lin Yi has achieved quadruple-doubles in both his rookie and sophomore seasons. He's not only proved himself, but also shown the world the strength of Chinese basketball. 👏👏👏 #LinYi #MVP#" For Chinese fans, it wasn't just history — it was magic. When ESPN confirmed the box score was no error, the news detonated across both continents like a hydrogen blast.
…
On TNT, Charles Barkley shook his head. "It's almost sad this game wasn't on national TV. We missed a legendary night. People don't realize how rare this is — a quadruple-double puts you in the highest of company. We didn't have block stats in Wilt's era, but in the modern game? Nobody's doing this."
Then he leaned forward. "Back-to-back seasonal quadruple-doubles? That's as unrepeatable as it gets. Whether you like the kid or not, you stand up and applaud. For me, MVP is a one-man race. It's Lin Yi."
The stat line rolled on the screen: 20 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 blocks, 3 steals.
Kobe Bryant, in his postgame presser, pointed out something everyone else had missed. "Forget the numbers for a second. Did anyone notice? Not one turnover for a facilitator like Lin. That's a zero-turnover quadruple-double. That's insane."
Then, with a rare grin, Kobe couldn't resist. "Honestly, if Lin wasn't this good, Shaq wouldn't be clinging to him like that."
When reporters relayed the jab to O'Neal, he fired back without missing a beat. "Tell Kobe this: it ain't me holding on. It's Lin holding the Shaq. The Boy Wonder shouldn't get it twisted."
…
And somewhere in Oklahoma, Kevin Durant sat scrolling through his phone, trying to ignore the inevitable. A newsletter with an attention-seeking column was titled:
"Why Kevin Durant Isn't as Complete as Lin Yi."
Durant's sigh could've filled Chesapeake Arena. He soon retired home.
…
Back in the Knicks' locker room, Lin Yi barely survived the "celebration."
O'Neal nearly cracked his ribs with a bear hug. Chandler's chest bump came with an accidental elbow to the sternum. Even Battier, usually the calm one, snuck in a shot to Lin's kidney.
"It's like they're trying to kill me under the excuse of celebrating," Lin thought, wincing.
But the truth was, everyone knew how rare this was. Back-to-back seasonal quadruple-doubles? Some argued it was tougher than a string of five straight triple-doubles, because steals and blocks — the defensive stats — are notoriously hard to hit double digits in.
Reporters swarmed.
"Lin, two quadruple-doubles in two seasons, back-to-back. What are you feeling right now?"
Lin Yi scratched his head. "Honestly? I never thought it was possible. I just tried to play the right way tonight. The rest… it happened."
Another asked, "The Sixers kept attacking the paint all night, even knowing your presence there. Do you have any words for them?"
Lin smirked slightly and poetically said. "Life is like basketball. Sometimes it's laughter, sometimes it's tears. Tonight, I guess I brought more of the tears."
The room chuckled awkwardly. Reporters scribbled.
…
Later that night, Lin finally made it home, only to be greeted by Sakazuki, his mischievous husky. The dog practically sprinted to the door, tail wagging, with the fat hamster perched proudly on its head.
Lin's heart softened for a moment. He scooped Wiggles into his hand. "One day I'll get a cat just to keep you honest," he teased.
He squeaked indignantly.
Inside, Tijana and Olsen came running toward him.
"Lin! You're all over the news! Every channel!" Olsen beamed.
"My brother called too," Tijana added. "He said your quadruple-double inspired him. He's going to work harder and follow your example."
Lin blinked. "…Wait a minute, something is not right? Awfully enthusiastic?"
The girls dropped their gazes, looking guilty.
And then Lin realized why the husky had been so quick to greet him. His bedroom — destroyed. Completely ransacked.
"So Lance was right after all," Lin muttered, remembering Stephenson's odd "something big's coming" prophecy.
"This was the disaster."
He grabbed his phone, half-joking, half-serious, and started searching: 'Best way to stew husky. Texas BBQ style.'
It was a long night.
But one thing was certain: with Lin Yi's back-to-back season quadruple-doubles, the 2010–11 NBA season had just been set on fire.
...
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