Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

His image was so towering that even the League found it hard to match.

Stern preferred stars with a retro style like Durant.

Of course, when it comes to drawing money, ten Durants couldn't match one Yu Fei, but preferences are very personal.

Durant's fast-break counterattack ended the suspense of the game.

In the final minutes, he turned the game into a floating world sketch on the court.

In defensive counterattacks, everything could be seen in him, the pure basketball skills that a 22-year-old young man possessed, he had mastered the future.

And the artist of this painting, just before the game ended, dribbled and hit a step-back three-pointer over Kobe's head.

121 to 104

"I think you could not only teach LeBron how to win a championship," Yu Fei said with a light smile, "but you could also teach him how to win the Western conference runner-up. You have a lot of experience in that, don't you?"

This was Yu Fei's home run, too bad Scarlett Johansson couldn't hear it.

But seeing Kobe burst into anger was far more satisfying for Yu Fei than sleeping with Scarlett.

Post-game Interview

"42 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, this isn't Frye's limit, but I believe 38 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists is definitely Kobe's limit in this series." Tyronn Lue swore he wouldn't let Kobe perform like that again. "He won't have such a game again!"

"Kobe definitely gave it his all, but some might have played only 30% of their ability." Phil Jackson said, "I won't name names, you can watch the video, you'll find the answer."

"Wait till the next game starts, I'll show Tyronn whether this is my limit." — Kobe Bryant responded publicly to Tyronn Lue.

"We'll identify the issues in the video analysis meeting, we will be alright." — LeBron James looked as if he had given his all in this game, his face full of regret.

The Lakers team had a low pressure, making their words and actions not as straightforward as they seemed.

On the Supersonics side, however, it was a different story.

When Durant left the court, his outfit was a combination of sunglasses and backpack, looking more like a Star Wars fan than a future NBA megastar. After defeating the Los Angeles team in the first game against the Lakers, he gave his mom and family affectionate hugs and showed a humble attitude when he talked about his amazing performance.

"I thank God." Durant said, "I have to thank God, only God could give me such great teammates."

When a reporter asked if he was jealous that Yu Fei took all the spotlight, Durant laughed: "Do you know who ended the suspense of the game?"

"It was you."

Durant smiled, "So, I also have the spotlight, Frye didn't take everything."

Steve Smith, a retired player serving as an NBATV commentator, commented: "Whether it's his style of play, personal attitude, or his approach to dealing with the media, as well as his love and passion for the game, I haven't felt this way about a young player in a long time."

"He's the kind of retro-styled player, just like those from the 80s and 90s."

When Yu Fei boldly signed a short contract, James chose to team up, and Anthony even threatened to trade himself to Denver Nuggets, Durant's decision to not test the free agent market and directly renew with the Supersonics for five years became a highlight of his career.

As the world focused on the imperial battle, countless people awaited the showdown of 44 with 23 and 24. Durant preferred to spend much of the time humbly explaining how to better oneself, which sounded more like something a substitute should do, not something a superstar who should be the main attraction of the series does.

"He's just so genuine. His charm lies in this. He is the humblest superstar," said ESPN's Mike Breen. "He's a unique, special player but he has an appealing charm even for those who aren't fans of basketball."

In response, Durant expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm not as good as you guys say, I just try to be myself because in the NBA, it's too easy to act arrogant."

These moments were the peak of the hype for Durant, a dream come true for Nike.

The persona they had cultivated over years shone brightly on this stage.

From the essence of basketball, basketball is built upon the influence of stars. Compared to any other sport, a basketball player's impact on the game is greater. An individual can turn a weak team into a great team, or at least a decent team. Therefore, a tiny group of athletes bearing this responsibility develop a sense of self-aggrandizement, which might lead to one of them hosting a special hour-long program to announce where they will be playing.

Durant, like a saint, shrugs off all negatives; only the positives remain in him.

That night, Durant, through Yu Fei, attended the Marvel actors' party, attempting to get closer to Scarlett.

But Scarlett showed little interest in him; she was always with Yu Fei.

Despite her attitude that seemed to dislike Yu Fei, in the end, they left together.

Watching their retreating figures, Durant was deep in thought.

"Kevin, do you really believe those two have never been involved in anything?"

Robert Downey Jr. asked laughing.

Taken aback, Durant said, "Frye isn't interested in married women."

"I know," Downey said, "but her marriage is over."

Durant didn't know how to respond, but Downey wasn't finished.

"Handsome face, perfect body, and the charm to irritate women but not make them hate you," Downey shook his head, "damn, that's the holy trinity of a playboy!"

Durant had heard Yu Fei say that he thought Downey's public persona, nearly identical to Tony Stark, was a strategy by Marvel and him personally. Marvel had long-term plans to make Iron Man a classic character, hence Downey needed to embody Tony Stark.

So even in real life, as long as it related to a Marvel event, he had to act like Iron Man.

"In that case, you and he are of the same kind," Durant said.

"That was the past," Downey said lightly, "Look at me now, God hasn't been kind to me."

Durant could only laugh it off.

But he still had a question.

Had God been too kind to Frye Yu?