Offensive and defensive transition—Los Angeles Lakers on offense!
LeBron James actively called for the ball, once again facing Carmelo Anthony's defense.
This time, after LeBron used McGee's high pick-and-roll to shake off Carmelo Anthony, he looked ready to shoot from mid-range!
Just then, Beverley quickly rotated from the wing, directly reaching toward the basketball in LeBron James's hand.
However, LeBron James, as if by instinct, quickly turned to evade Beverley's gambling steal attempt and shot a fadeaway jumper!
"Woohoo!"
LeBron James's fluid movements made the Lakers' bench jump up from their seats in excitement.
This is the strength of LeBron"!
"Slap!"
Unfortunately, just as the fans were about to cheer for the shot to go in—
A figure swiftly emerged from the wing, soaring through the air like an eagle, and at the absolute peak of the ball's trajectory, swatted it out of bounds!
"Is that Kai Chen??"
Watching the basketball fly out of bounds, Barkley said with a wide-mouthed, astonished expression, "Kai Chen blocked LeBron James's sure-fire mid-range shot!"
"Oh God, LeBron James's offense this possession was perfect, but he still couldn't escape Kai Chen's block!"
Smith was also stunned. "Kai Chen's unparalleled talent on offense made us overlook his strength on defense."
"How many players in the entire league can block LeBron James's shot?"
"And he did it!"
"Nice!!"
At the same time, Carmelo Anthony excitedly rushed to Kai Chen's side, his face full of passion, but said in a low voice, "Kai, my bad I didn't get around the screen in time."
"It's alright, you did what you could!"
Kai Chen didn't mean to blame Carmelo Anthony. "Just stick to him—I'll be right behind you!"
I'll be right behind you!
Kai Chen's words didn't sound very loud, but in Carmelo Anthony's ears, they were incredibly powerful.
With Kai Chen's assurance, Carmelo Anthony's close defense on LeBron James in the following possessions became bold and resolute.
The opponent's mad dog–like pressure made LeBron quite uncomfortable.
If any old fans had watched the 2009 Western Conference Finals matchup between Carmelo Anthony and Kobe, they would have a new understanding of Carmelo Anthony's defense.
"Clang!!"
With the shot clock winding down, LeBron James's forced fadeaway jumper missed, and the ball bounced off the rim.
Lopez secured the rebound and passed it to Beverley.
Kai Chen and Carmelo Anthony quickly ran up the court on a two-lane fast break, and eventually, off Carmelo Anthony's assist, Kai Chen easily finished a layup, scoring his fifth point of the game.
8:6!
The Los Angeles Clippers took the lead!
Next possession!
Kai held the ball at the top of the arc, facing the basket. After a series of cross-steps, he quickly drove past Ingram's right side.
Just as Ingram tried to reach for a steal, Kai executed a quick spin, not only dodging the attempt but also completely shaking off Ingram!
Under the basket, McGee had already positioned himself, just waiting for Kai Chen to arrive!
But—
"Bang!"
Facing the 2.13-meter McGee, Kai Chen had no intention of avoiding him. He stepped and soared into the air like a rocket, overpowering McGee!
He slammed the basketball fiercely into the hoop!
"Boom!"
The powerful dunk over a defender made the rim hum!
"Beep!"
The main referee on the sideline immediately blew his whistle.
"McGee's subtle hand movements did not escape the referee's eyes—this is a clear defensive foul!"
"The Clippers' Kai Chen, after getting past Ingram, drove into the paint, dunked over McGee, and also drew a foul!"
"Two points count, and a free throw will be awarded!"
Confirming the call, the two commentators exchanged glances.
"Swish!"
Stepping to the free-throw line, Kai Chen calmly made the extra free throw, completing the 2+1!
"LeBron James's offensive firepower is decreasing, but Kai Chen is still scoring!"
Smith's spittle flew. "Carmelo Anthony's performance on defense is quite unexpected—he's making LeBron James very uncomfortable!"
Although uncomfortable, LeBron James quickly adapted. He found weaknesses, used his physicality and speed to drive hard to the basket, and scored two points.
11:8!
LeBron's layup helped his team stay close!
It must be said that 2018 LeBron James, whether on defense or offense, displayed the aura of the league's number one player.
Of course, Kai Chen's offensive performance was equally impressive.
At the end of the first quarter, the Los Angeles Clippers temporarily led the Los Angeles Lakers 34:28, a 6-point advantage.
Kai Chen and LeBron James both played the entire first quarter. Kai poured in 18 points, while LeBron James scored 14.
"LeBron James quickly adapted to the Carmelo's defensive intensity and scored efficiently."
"But in the first-quarter scoring battle, this year's third overall pick, Kai Chen, clearly had the upper hand!"
"Indeed, Kai was more aggressive, but LeBron James will definitely not give up easily!"
"The scoring duel between the two will surely continue until the very last moment of the game!"
At the same time—
In a regular-season game that had just ended, the Phoenix Suns, playing at home, suffered a crushing 90:120 defeat to the Golden State Warriors.
First overall pick Deandre Ayton played 32 minutes, went only 2-for-14 from the field, and posted a miserable line of 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 5 turnovers.
After the game, Ayton trended on social media due to his pitiful performance and was heavily criticized by Suns fans.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns' management was closely watching the Lakers vs. Clippers game being broadcast nationwide.
Looking at Kai Chen's first-quarter scoring highlights, then at Ayton's sluggish outing—
Phoenix management was already convinced that passing on Kai Chen with the first overall pick was a mistake.
And because of that wrong decision, the team would likely struggle to achieve much over the next few years.
The Suns were not the only ones following this game.
On the other side—
Atlanta Hawks management.
"Shit, damn Jerry West!"
The Hawks' general manager was furious after seeing Kai Chen's performance. "What the hell are our scouts doing?"
"Kai Chen is this outstanding—why have we never received any scouting reports about him??"
"Calm down."
The team's President of Operations patted his shoulder. "It's nothing. Trae Young, the one we selected with the sixth pick, has also performed very well in these two games."
"Always look on the bright side. Look at the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings—those two teams are probably regretting it terribly right now!"
==========
Thank you for the support.
100 power stones = Bonus Chapter
Check my P@treon for 25+ advanced chapters
[email protected]/JustTranslate