บท 130: Anthony, the MVP of the Rookie Challenge, is the Only One Who Didn't Make the All-Stars
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Despite the legacy that Kobe had built, there were growing discussions about whether he should still be the team's core player. Analysts began to question Kobe's role, particularly given his struggles with shot selection. While the Mamba was renowned for his scoring ability, he often shot poorly, forcing difficult attempts even when he was off his game. This tendency had cost the Lakers several games that should have been wins. For some basketball commentators and analysts, this raised a provocative question: what if the Lakers shifted their offensive strategy, placing Wang Chong as the focal point of the attack and relegating Kobe to a secondary role, akin to how Scottie Pippen supported Michael Jordan?
While this theory remained untested, the potential for success was tantalizing. With Wang Chong utilizing his height, wingspan, and sharp mid-range shooting, he could potentially score with efficiency. Kobe, meanwhile, could focus on taking easier shots while also locking down the opposing team's primary scorer on defense. Such a change could transform the Lakers into a more balanced and formidable unit.
At first, Kobe dismissed the idea, his competitive spirit undeterred. However, a trusted assistant coach broke the news that head coach Phil Jackson had actually suggested a change in strategy to the team's owner, Jerry Buss. The proposal to shift the team's core focus to Wang Chong was quickly rejected, which deeply unsettled Kobe during his recovery process.
From that moment on, Kobe's perception of Wang began to shift. Memories of his earlier rivalry with Shaquille O'Neal resurfaced, and doubts crept in: could he find himself overshadowed again? Would the rising star take his place as the Lakers' leader? For Kobe, this was unthinkable.
Statistics began to reveal the reality: Wang Chong's performance had eclipsed Kobe's in recent games. With Wang's average rising to 28.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while Kobe was sidelined, the narrative shifted in favor of the younger player. Kobe's stats before his injury, averaging 27.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, showcased a dip in his performance relative to Wang Chong.
The harsh reality of the situation began to settle in for Kobe. He was renowned for his scoring ability, yet he found himself in a precarious position, no longer guaranteed the role of the team's leading scorer. During his recovery, Kobe fired off two games with aggressive shooting, scoring 40 points in one and 36 in the next. It was clear: he was determined to reclaim his title and prove that he was still the franchise's heart and soul.
Wang Chong, meanwhile, was well aware of the brewing competition. He had anticipated Kobe's fierce return, recognizing that this was a battle for supremacy, not just on the court, but also in the hierarchy of the team. The Lakers, a franchise synonymous with excellence, boasted a long history of attracting superstars. In the post-Shaq era, they had signed prominent players like Pau Gasol, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, leading to championships and a competitive resurgence.
However, as a time traveler with knowledge of future league dynamics, Wang Chong understood that he needed to position himself wisely. He needed to ensure that he was seen as an irreplaceable asset, one who could dominate the ball and play a pivotal role in the team's future success. He felt the urgency to showcase his skills and solidify his place as a leader. The upcoming All-Star Game represented a golden opportunity.
The All-Star Weekend kicked off on February 18, featuring the Rookie Challenge as its initial event. As a sophomore, Wang Chong was pitted against an impressive lineup of second-year players, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony. These players had all proven themselves as premier talents in the league, and the stakes were high.
The matchup against the first-year rookies was nearly one-sided, culminating in a decisive 133-106 victory for the second-year class. Carmelo Anthony shone brightly in the contest, leading all scorers with 31 points and earning the Rookie Challenge MVP award. However, despite his accolades, Anthony felt a sense of disillusionment. The only reason he had stood out in the challenge was due to the underwhelming performances of Wang, James, and Wade, who had limited their minutes, preparing for the All-Star Game.
The irony of it all was not lost on Wang Chong and his peers. They understood that the Rookie Challenge MVP, while prestigious, felt less genuine when it was viewed as a consolation prize. Anthony was an undeniable talent, yet he was the only one among his celebrated classmates who wouldn't be participating in the All-Star Game. This weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over his success in the challenge.
As the first day of the All-Star Weekend wrapped up, the second day brought individual contests—the Skills Challenge, the Three-Point Contest, and the Slam Dunk Contest. The league's desire for high-profile matchups was evident, as they invited established stars like Steve Nash and Gilbert Arenas to participate in the Skills Challenge. Wang Chong was eager to showcase his abilities, especially in the Three-Point Contest, where he would face formidable competition.
As he prepared for the contest, he felt the pressure mounting. The field included Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, Kyle Korver, and others—all players with proven track records as sharpshooters. Wang Chong knew that facing Ray Allen, widely regarded as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, would be a formidable challenge. The thought of competing against a legend was daunting, yet it fueled his motivation.
Wang Chong replaced Quentin Richardson in the lineup, a decision made for team diversity since the league wanted to avoid having too many players from the same team in the competition. However, it was a tough break for Richardson, who had the lowest three-point shooting percentage among the competitors. Wang Chong felt both excitement and pressure knowing he had to perform well to secure his place.
As the contest began, the tension in the arena was palpable. Kyle Korver was the first contestant, but he struggled, scoring only 14 points—far below his potential. The crowd was shocked. Next up was Joe Johnson, who was anticipated to perform well based on his stellar shooting percentage throughout the season. However, his performance was equally disappointing, with only 8 points to show for his efforts.
Radmanovic followed Johnson, but his struggles continued, finishing with just 6 points. Wang Chong couldn't believe the shocking performances unfolding before him. The stage was set, and he knew he had to capitalize on this opportunity.
Finally, it was Wang Chong's turn. As he took the court, he felt the weight of expectations pressing down on him, but he was determined to rise to the occasion. He had practiced relentlessly leading up to this moment, and now it was time to deliver. Focusing on the rim, he launched his first shot—swish. The ball sailed through the net, igniting the crowd.
One by one, he drained shot after shot, feeling the rhythm of the contest. The cheers from the audience grew louder, spurring him on. With every basket made, Wang Chong's confidence soared. He finished the round with a respectable score that placed him in contention for the finals.
After completing his round, Wang Chong stepped off the court, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He had given it his all and felt proud of his performance, regardless of the outcome. The anticipation of who would advance to the finals heightened the excitement in the arena.
As the rounds progressed, Wang Chong's steady performance and the floundering efforts of his competitors positioned him well for a chance at the finals. He knew that this moment could define his career, amplifying his status not only as a player but also as a potential franchise cornerstone.
With the All-Star Weekend in full swing, the stakes for Wang Chong were higher than ever. He understood that showcasing his talent could solidify his future in the league, and he was ready to prove he belonged among the NBA elite.
As the night wore on, the energy in the arena buzzed with excitement and anticipation, and Wang Chong was determined to make the most of this opportunity. In that moment, he understood that this was not just about personal glory; it was about carving out his legacy in the league and proving to everyone that he was a player to be reckoned with.
With that fire driving him forward, Wang Chong braced himself for the final rounds ahead, eager to leave his mark on the All-Star Weekend and the NBA as a whole.
End of this chapter
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