The Washington Wizards successfully advanced past the commoner Pistons into the Eastern Conference Finals.
The system also rewarded Link, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time, with 500 Goat points.
In addition, the Washington Wizards would have at least 5 days of rest. Link also successfully fulfilled his promise, taking his teammates to Michael Jackson's concert.
To the teammates' surprise, Link also appeared on stage as Michael Jackson's invited guest. Whether in the US or China, singers often invite special guests to their concerts.
And this was considered an 'Easter egg' segment.
When Link walked out from backstage, the concert venue erupted like boiling water, and the atmosphere was directly pushed to a climax. Although basketball ranks third among the four major sports in the United States, Link is currently the hottest superstar in the league. Even in the US, his popularity is no less than that of the 'four great shooting guards': East Iverson, West Kobe, South Carter, North McGrady.
The audience, who were both fans and music lovers, were undoubtedly ecstatic. However, for Link's Wizards teammates, there was some 'disappointment' in their hearts. Although Link was their favorite teammate and their on-court leader, come on... being together every day had long since removed that sense of mystery towards an idol.
Even off the basketball court, Link was a target for reporters after the concert.
A reporter asked, "Link, who is your favorite American singer?"
Link answered without hesitation, "Michael Jackson!"
The reporter asked again, "Link, who is your favorite American film star?"
Link: "Jim Carrey!"
Reporter: "Then who is your favorite American actress?"
Link didn't have any particular female celebrity in the entertainment industry he yearned for... Simply put, falling in love was impossible, but a casual fling could be considered.
Link thought for a few seconds, uh... Link made a list in his mind, intending to say them one by one, but just after saying "Scarlett," Michael Jackson walked out and led Link out of the reporters' encirclement. Michael Jackson was leaving tomorrow, and he really wanted to chat more with his 'close friend' Link.
However, what Link didn't expect was that simply mentioning "Scarlett" led to him making headlines in major American entertainment news sections the very next day.
NBA Superstar Has a Crush on Young Hollywood Actress – Scarlett Johansson!
Future Face of the NBA Publicly Expresses Liking Scarlett Johansson!
Washington Wizards' Star Player Link Expresses Desire to Have Dinner with Scarlett Johansson.
...
...
And so on!
Born in 1984, Scarlett was only 18 years old, but she started as a child star, entering the film industry in 1994 and receiving a Best Actress nomination in 1996.
Today's Scarlett is at the peak of her beauty, but she is not yet the hugely popular Hollywood actress of his previous life; she is considered a highly promising 'young actress'.
Scarlett, who was unintentionally cued by Link, suddenly gained a lot of exposure, which was like a godsend for her, given her current relatively low fame.
Exposure and fame would lead Scarlett to be noticed by more producers, thus gaining better film and television resources.
"Mr. Link, thank you very much for your affection. I also look forward to the day I can have dinner with you." Scarlett, when interviewed by the media, not only did not shy away from the question but actively extended an invitation.
However, Link, busy preparing for the Eastern Conference Finals, underwent devilish closed-door training to further improve his strength.
On the other hand.
In the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Nets defeated the Boston Celtics 4-3 in a Game 7 battle, entering the Eastern Conference Finals.
In his previous life, the Nets defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, but Link's emergence changed the original historical trajectory, so it was normal for Paul Pierce to have an extra burst.
In the Western Conference, the two teams entering the finals were the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Sacramento Kings.
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...
On the eve of the Eastern Conference Finals, Link's various attribute abilities improved again through devilish training.
[Shooting & Finishing]:
[Three-Point Shot] base attribute +1, increased to 91 (93); [Post Hook Shot] base attribute +3, increased to 88 (95); [Post Fadeaway Jumpshot] base attribute +1, increased to 86 (88).
[Defense & Playmaking]:
[Steal] base attribute +2, increased to 94 (97); [Block] base attribute +2, increased to 75 (85); [Perimeter Defense] base attribute +5, increased to 81 (97);
[Physique & Movement]:
[Speed] base attribute +1, increased to 83 (86); [Lateral Movement] base attribute +2, increased to 83 (93); [Stamina] base attribute +1, increased to 91 (94).
In addition, after consuming 13 [All-Star Player Training Cards], Link upgraded [Fadeaway Master] from "Silver" to "Gold."
Link impatiently found Gerald Wallace for a one-on-one. Uh, if it were before, whenever his ability attributes significantly increased or a badge transformed, he would challenge Michael Jordan to a one-on-one.
However...
Michael Jordan was injured and still recovering at home. He couldn't even travel with the team, so naturally, Link couldn't show off in front of him, cough cough... no, to be precise, he should share.
Gerald Wallace, who is 21cm tall, is a rookie like Link but possesses both athleticism and strength. Link and Gerald Wallace played "American one-on-one" where dribbling could not exceed three steps. Link made all three of his first attacks, which surprised him greatly.
Gerald Wallace's 1v1 defense, even if not as good as a second-team defensive forward, wasn't far off. How could he have a 100% hit rate?
OMG!
Could a [Fadeaway Master (Gold)] allow him to wear the "Goat" crown?
However, to Link's regret, in the next 1 offense, Gerald Wallace defended 6 times. With that shooting percentage, he was almost going to get the title of "Little Iron Smith of Washington."
"Link, if your first offensive option is almost always a fadeaway jumper, then my defense will become simpler," Gerald Wallace bluntly stated Link's offensive problem.
But Link's next sentence left Gerald Wallace stunned.
Link smiled and said, "Thanks, but I know!"
"Ah! You know... then..." Gerald Wallace looked at Link, full of confusion.
"The current me... doesn't have a true killing move yet," Link said emphatically and with a serious expression.
Killing move?
What is a killing move? It's when you know exactly what I'm going to do, but you just can't stop it. Link intended to make the "Fadeaway Jumpshot" his killing move. After all, with Michael Jordan out of the Eastern Conference Finals, he needed to step up in crucial moments of the game.
In the American one-on-one, Link further optimized the rhythm of his "Fadeaway Jumpshot." Additionally, he focused on how to use his long arms and broad shoulders as a screen to Block the opponent's defensive interference.