Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Critique and the Rewards
As Tang Lei stepped into the shower, the intensity of the game still buzzing in his veins, the system's familiar voice chimed in.
[Congratulations to the host on the regular season victory. Rewards: +1 attribute point, +2 system coins.]
[Congratulations on breaking the NBA record for the youngest triple-double. Rewards: +5 attribute points, +10 system coins.]
[Congratulations on your buzzer-beater and poster dunk, ranked as today's top plays. Rewards: +7 attribute points, +14 system coins!]
[Back-to-back game-winning shots—critical hit reward: +10 attribute points, +20 system coins.]
[Your off-court influence is skyrocketing! Charm +13 (now maxed at 100 points).]
"These rewards are unbelievable!" Tang Lei chuckled, opening his attribute panel to check his stats:
• Host: Tang Lei
• Position: Golden State Warriors, NBA player (contracted through season's end, $3 million)
• Age: 19 years, 43 days
• Height: 2.02m+ (1cm per attribute point, max +15cm)
• Wingspan: 2.04m+
• Foot size: 25cm+
• Weight: 93.5 kg
• Attributes:
• Driving: 86+
• Mid-Range: 92+
• Three-Point: 100
• Vertical: 93+
• Speed: 83+
• Defense: 85+
• Blocks: 86+
• Ball Handling: 82+
• Stamina: 84+
• Charm: 100
• Attribute Points: 23
Tang Lei quickly allocated 14 points to max out his driving ability and the remaining 9 to boost his speed. With speed and driving at new heights, he felt ready for any defender.
After the game, he joined Curry at the post-game press conference, eager to capitalize on this moment in the spotlight. But first up were the Rockets players.
Harden and Paul, fresh from the locker room and dressed casually, were visibly disappointed.
"James, what are your thoughts on the Warriors' rookie Tang Lei and his game-winning shot?" asked a reporter.
"That was a bad shot," Harden replied coolly.
They'd prepared extensively for this rematch after last season's heartbreaking Game 7 elimination and had controlled the game for nearly all four quarters. Losing to a last-second, baseline desperation heave was a bitter pill to swallow.
The same reporter turned to Paul, hoping for a different take. "Chris, what's your impression of Tang Lei?"
"He played well, got a triple-double, and elevated the Warriors' overall play. But this was our first time facing him, and we weren't fully prepared. Next time, we'll be ready to reclaim what's ours."
The Warriors' presser felt far more upbeat by contrast. Curry couldn't hide his excitement. "Tang Lei's been an incredible find. He's quickly becoming a crucial piece for our three-peat quest—his scoring, his defense, his playmaking, it's all there."
Another reporter turned to Tang Lei. "Congratulations on breaking the NBA record for the youngest triple-double. How do you feel about this accomplishment?"
Tang smiled. "It's the result of everyone's hard work. Honestly, records matter less to me than winning games. Tonight, we were fortunate to have Lady Luck on our side."
A journalist leaned in. "Harden mentioned that your last shot was a bad choice. How do you respond to that?"
Tang was unruffled, quickly replying, "Good or bad, I liked it. That shot might just become one of my career highlights."
His response sidestepped any tension with Harden while solidifying the shot's significance in his own career—a masterstroke of diplomacy.
With the interview over, Tang headed home in his BMW X7. He felt the day's exhaustion hit him like a wave, but before surrendering to sleep, he opened his phone, checking his DMs. He was surprised to find multiple new messages from Caroline
…
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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