Champion Rules

Chapter 397, Section 393: They must be fucking ecstatic! (Seeking monthly votes!)
Lynch is the first player in NBA history to hold a press conference upon returning from vacation, and the scale of the conference far exceeds that of a team's media day for the new season.

At the press conference, a clip of Lin Qi proclaiming himself the god of basketball went viral throughout the basketball world.

This is a rather astonishing, rather arrogant declaration.

But few media outlets and fans could refute it.

Larry Bird's boasting never annoyed fans because he always managed to turn his boasts into reality.

LeBron James is ridiculed because he always manages to turn something completely unbelievable into a joke.

The reason Lynch dared to make such arrogant statements was because his achievements could justify his arrogance.

Of course, controversy exists; you can't make everyone in the world like you.

Overall, however, the criticisms were almost negligible.

Charles Barkley publicly supported Lynch: "I don't think there's anything wrong with Lynch's answer. He's not just a winner, he's a true player leader. He beat everyone, but he also benefited everyone. There will always be some people who can't accept the fact that MJ is falling from grace, who can't accept the fact that Michael wasn't perfect, but facts are facts."

The idea that Lynch is better than MJ has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Lynch's goal for next season is to completely eliminate any remaining controversy.

From now on, MJ's loyal followers are also eagerly anticipating Lynch's retirement tour.

Because if Lynch fails next season, and if his career is tarnished, his declaration of being a "god of basketball" will become a laughing stock.

This will be their last chance to defend MJ's sacred status.

The historical status of Lynch and MJ has truly reached the point where it needs to be definitively judged.

This highly controversial and heated press conference marked the official return of the Lynch we all know and love.

The Temple of the Pinnacle has officially opened.

All those who will be attending the training camp will meet in Salt Lake City to begin their ascetic journey.

This year, two days before Lynch set off, he encountered a very special situation.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Knicks' fifth overall pick this year, told Lynch, "Can I ride with you on your private jet to Salt Lake City? I don't have the money to buy a plane ticket."

This was shocking news for Lynch: an NBA player couldn't afford a plane ticket?
For an NBA player, even one who doesn't earn much, not only can he travel by plane at will, but he also has the ability to get flight attendants to sit with him. He can not only learn to sing, but also learn other things from music teachers.

An NBA origin story can always lead to unexpected hidden gameplay in one thing.

Yes, the first payday in the NBA is in November, and as a rookie, Giannis has not yet received his first paycheck.

Giannis Antetokounmpo received a Reebok endorsement contract immediately after the draft.

Although the contract amount wasn't large, it wasn't so much that he couldn't afford even a plane ticket.

"Where's your money?" Lin Qi asked curiously.

"Besides basic living expenses, I sent everything home. It wasn't until I was drafted by the NBA that my family obtained Greek citizenship, and we were no longer able to make a living by setting up stalls at tourist attractions. I also have an older brother who was left in Africa when he was young. What I'm trying to say is that that large family desperately needed money."

So I sent almost all the money home and forgot about the money left for the plane ticket.

However, I would love to attend your training camp.

So, if there are still empty seats on your private jet.”

“Of course Giannis,” Lynch readily agreed before Ziehan could finish speaking. “You can come with me.”

"Thank you so much! I will definitely give it my all in training, and I will definitely make a contribution in my rookie season. I promise I will!"

Just after hanging up Lynch's call, Giannis Antetokounmpo received a video call from his father.

After the family chatted happily for a while, Charles Antetokounmpo, who had carried his entire family from war-torn Nigeria to Greece, appeared in front of the camera with a serious expression.

This is a standard procedure at the end of every video call.

Charles is an old-fashioned man, and he always makes sure to have a man-to-man conversation with his son at the end of each video call.

Most of the time, he was reminding his son not to forget why he was in America and not to lose his way in the dazzling world of North America.

Today, he asked about his son's recent situation, and Giannis also told his father about his upcoming trip on Lynch's private jet.

"Lynch is a good man, and I can now confirm that those articles criticizing him are all nonsense."

"Remember to wear clean clothes and clean shoes. Be humble and polite, and don't forget anyone who has helped you."

"Yes, Father, I promise I will become a useful player in my rookie season. I promise I will become someone who can help during Lynch's retirement tour."

"You really said that to Lynch?"

"Yes."

"Then you'd better keep your word. You're not a little boy anymore, Giannis. A real man never makes promises he can't keep. Every promise a real man makes carries weight."

You'd better really become a player who can provide help next season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo nodded earnestly, his eyes filled with innocence and determination.

"Yes, Father,"
-
When the plane carrying Lynch and Giannis Antetokounmpo arrived in Salt Lake City, the Greek Freak had just finished watching Lynch's game footage.

His current focus is on learning Lynch's defense.

He is very clear that the only way he can contribute to the team next season is through defense.

Charles Antetokounmpo was a professional football player, so his children all started out playing football.

As the children grew older, their basketball talent finally emerged, and they gradually began to receive basketball training.

They started playing basketball too late, which means that Giannis Antetokounmpo's basketball fundamentals are very weak at the NBA level.

Therefore, he is temporarily unable to contribute much on the offensive end.

He must focus all his efforts on the defensive end.

Upon arriving at the training center, Giannis Antetokounmpo was immediately impressed by the comprehensive facilities and the star-studded player roster.

This is practically an Avengers assembly.

He felt that probably only Lynch in the world had the ability to bring so many star players together in the same private training camp.

The players chatted and laughed after meeting, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Several Knicks teammates also greeted the rookie Giannis warmly.

However, this relaxed atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by a figure pushing open the door.

The noise abruptly stopped, and everyone's eyes turned to the doorway. It was like a group of students who were concentrating on a lesson suddenly seeing someone who had walked into the wrong classroom.

No one expected him to show up here.

As the master of the Peak Temple, Lin Qi did not greet the figure that appeared at the door with enthusiasm.

Dwight Howard, carrying a bag, scanned everyone around him before stepping onto the court.

He is the most unique member of this year’s Summit Temple because his personal relationship with Lynch is not only not close, but can even be described as quite bad.

A few days ago, Lin Qi was quite surprised when he received his call.

This summer, in order to compete against Lynch, CP3, LBJ, and Kevin Durant followed the example of the Temple of Heaven and spearheaded a training camp in Los Angeles.

Many media outlets have dubbed this training camp the "Anti-Lynch Alliance".

Therefore, even if Dwight Howard really wanted to find a place to train, he would most likely go to the place that was clearly targeting Lynch.

He and that group of people probably have more in common.

But Dwight Howard insisted on attending Lynch's training camp: "I won't cause trouble, I won't involve personal grudges, I won't do anything stupid, I just want to train with the best players."

Lynch joked on the phone, "Los Angeles is full of high-level players too."

If the three ringleaders heard Dwight Howard's response, they would surely be furious:

"Those are just some high-level losers. Training with a bunch of losers won't get you any wins."

It seems that Dwight Howard's statement that he has become more mature is not just boasting.

He can put aside his pride and hostility towards Lynch; he can set aside the great cause of saving souls, all for the sake of playing at his peak next season.

Lynch agreed, curious about just how determined Dwight Howard would be to defeat him.

After all, not everyone can withstand the training here.

If Warcraft were to quit halfway through due to being overwhelmed, Lin Qi would not let go of the opportunity to mock him mercilessly.

Training at the pinnacle of the sport soon began. In Salt Lake City, a city lacking entertainment and seemingly steeped in a sense of antiquity, the players' sole mission for the next month was basketball.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had prepared himself mentally before arriving. The young man, who had only played in the Greek second division before, knew that the pinnacle of the sport would be a severe test for him.

However, just two days into the training camp, he truly experienced what it meant to suffer terribly.

Here, each player has a personalized training plan tailored to their individual needs.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's core goal right now is to build muscle and gain muscle, and Lynch firmly believes that the Giannis is capable of doing so. If you've seen a comparison of his rookie season and peak photos, you'll realize just how incredible his talent in this area is.

Therefore, he undergoes extensive strength training every day under strict health monitoring. Compared to training with a ball, this is extremely monotonous and physically and mentally exhausting.

At the end of the second day of practice, looking at Giannis Antetokounmpo lying directly in the gym, Lynch shrugged: "You can go back. You're just a rookie. I won't blame you. Charles Barkley also quit MJ's Breakfast Club midway through his career. I can understand if a rookie can't stick it out."

Giannis Antetokounmpo did indeed have an urge to escape; the thought that this torment would continue for a whole month made him feel suffocated.

But he absolutely did not want to be a coward. He knew all too well that if he couldn't even grit his teeth and endure this little bit of training, then he would have no chance of fulfilling his promise.

His promises cannot be mere empty words.

Giannis Antetokounmpo abruptly sat up, ripping off his sweat-soaked vest that clung tightly to his body:
“I don’t know Mr. Charles Barkley, and I won’t make any judgments about his behavior. But I can assure you that whatever this training camp brings me—pain, exhaustion, or any extreme challenge—I will accept it all and never back down.”

Lynch nodded in satisfaction: "Go Giannis. By the way, starting next week, the main event of the tournament will begin. We will have a series of high-intensity ball-handling drills. You will also be playing and competing against the best players in the world. Cherish this opportunity; it's an advantage you don't have compared to other rookies. You can experience the most realistic competitive intensity of the NBA ahead of time."

Giannis Antetokounmpo was somewhat surprised: "Can I play too?"

Lynch gently placed his hand on the boy's slightly thin shoulder: "Why not? You're already an NBA player, buddy."

The training camp continued in full swing for the next few days.

By the fifth day after the training camp began, everyone had basically entered competitive mode.

So everyone started getting restless.

After the fifth day of training, Dwight Howard, who had been silent all along, stood up: "When exactly do we start the main event?"

The training content of the Peak Temple is not much different from other top training camps at the basic level.

In this era of highly developed sports science and deep data analysis in basketball, the methodologies for basic training have long since become largely the same.

The reason why the Temple of the Pinnacle is so popular lies in two main points:
Firstly, because the place is filled with a strong competitive atmosphere, everyone involved will be enveloped by this atmosphere, which will inspire them to train with the greatest enthusiasm.

The second reason is that this place has the highest quality offseason games in the world.

The combination of high-level basic training and top-level actual combat is the most effective way to catalyze a player's growth.

Upon hearing Dwight Howard's suggestion, everyone exchanged knowing smiles and eager glances.

Stephen Curry rubbed his hands together, eager to get started: "Lynch, I think we can begin too."

Paul George slapped the ball hard, his voice full of anticipation: "I could play all day!"

Cameron Anthony stood up abruptly: "Come on, Lynch, or are you worried that your undefeated record in the Sanctuary will be ended today?"

All eyes were on the temple's master, awaiting his decision.

And Lynch didn't disappoint: "Since everyone's so interested, let's get started!"

Twenty minutes later, the referee and everyone else were ready.

The players automatically split into two groups, with Stephen Curry, Dwyane Wade, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard forming one team.

Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Lynch form the first team.

Since the Summit usually involves more than ten players, Lynch doesn't play in every practice match—his presence often disrupts the balance of the game.

He remained undefeated in all the training matches he participated in.

Since the practice match is only 20 minutes long, Lin Qi can go all out for the entire match if he wants.

In most cases, that would be enough for Lynch to win.

At the start of the game, Lynch won the first possession and quickly executed a classic pick-and-roll with Kyrie Irving.

Carmelo Anthony quickly switched on defense, and Kyrie Irving passed the ball back to Lynch.

Lynch suddenly lowered his center of gravity, like a heavy tank starting up, trying to crush Curry who had switched onto the court with sheer force.

One of the core principles of the Peak Temple's competition is to show no mercy. Lin Qi will never give up his attack just because it is a matchup where the strength is unequal.

But this time, Curry wasn't bounced away as usual; his weight gain was quite noticeable.

Of course, Stephen Curry was still unable to compete with Lynch in terms of physical strength and was still pushed back step by step by Lynch's power.

At least he can now try to stay close to Lynch.

Then, seizing the opportunity, he quickly made his move and sliced ​​the ball away!

Everyone present was somewhat surprised; this was probably the first time in Stephen Curry's career that he had successfully defended Lynch!
The moment Lynch dropped the ball, Paul George sped off, catching up with the out-of-control basketball and launching a fast break!

Giannis Antetokounmpo took long strides and went full speed ahead, showcasing the talent of number 34 for the first time. He appeared even more muscular than Paul George, yet possessed greater explosiveness and speed!

Moreover, his terrifying stride length makes him seem like the second player after LeBron James who can cross half-court without being called for a traveling violation.

Paul George leaped as the Greek Freak pursued him, his long arms looming overhead. It's hard to imagine how a player in the Greek second division could survive such a defense.

But this is the NBA.

Giannis suddenly swung his arm and slammed it hard against the basketball. In that instant, he felt that the NBA wasn't so difficult after all.

The next second, Paul George, using his core strength in mid-air, executed an incredibly delicate layup, narrowly avoiding Giannis Antetokounmpo's massive hand block! Ultimately, the basketball grazed the backboard at an unbelievable, tiny angle and swished through the net!
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who jumped with all his might and was determined to win, lost his balance after landing due to excessive momentum and fell awkwardly out of bounds.

"Bang!" The dull thud of the body hitting the floor was clearly audible.

"Damn it!" Giannis angrily slammed his fist on the floor. In Greece, he had never seen a player of Paul George's physique who could make such an unbelievable finishing move in the air.

As Paul George backed away, he waved his finger at Giannis, who was lying on the ground.

This is the pinnacle of competition, where players can unleash their competitive spirit without fear of technical fouls or the breakdown of personal relationships.

The first rule to follow when playing training matches here is: those on the field stay on the field, and those off the field stay off the field.

It's clear that Paul George's finishing ability around the basket has improved dramatically.

He can now perform complex movements in the air and then gently flick the ball out.

In the second round, Kyrie Irving missed a one-on-one against Stephen Curry.

After just two rounds, Lynch was certain that number 30's defense would no longer be a weakness for the Thunder next season.

He certainly can't be called an iron gatekeeper on the perimeter yet, but at least he won't be a weak link that can be easily exploited on the defensive end anymore.

He is now truly the last bastion of glory for American centers.

Dwight Howard shoved past Lynch to grab the rebound and then quickly went up for the ball. After running across the frontcourt, Dwight Howard didn't shoot in the low post, but instead set a screen for Flash.

Dwight Howard's series of changes surprised Lynch the most. He still didn't like the guy, but he acknowledged the guy's progress in maturity.

In the past, you had to feed Dwight Howard a few balls early on before he'd start cooperating with your pick-and-rolls. But now, he's actually setting screens for his arch-rival, Dwyane Wade.

Although Wade's speed is far from his peak, he still gained a precious amount of space thanks to Howard's solid screens.

After passing the screen, he stopped abruptly, pulled up, and launched a mid-range jump shot, which went in smoothly.

4:0.

Everyone is improving: Curry's defense, George's finishing, and Howard's mentality.
It's clear they all want to seize this last chance to take the scepter symbolizing supreme glory from Lynch's hands.

Their determination was beyond imagination.

After one round, Paul George took over defense against Lynch, putting Lynch under considerable pressure.

Paul George is better than last season in both defensive experience and technical skill.

Paul George was already a member of the All-Defensive Second Team last season.

Next season, Lynch has a feeling he can make the All-Defensive First Team.

However, Lynch certainly couldn't be contained by Paul George.

He backed down and advanced to a position one step behind the free-throw line, preparing to turn around and shoot.

But just as he turned over, Dwight Howard arrived in a flash.

Lynch quickly passed the ball to Khris Middleton, who was cutting in, leaving the paint wide open.

But Carmelo Anthony suddenly appeared in the passing lane, the ball was intercepted, and Lynch made a mistake.

In another counterattack, Stephen Curry, with his now-heavy and more solid physique, forcefully held off Kyrie Irving's tight defense, using the momentum to drive into the paint, then gracefully leaped up and delivered a high-arcing bank shot.

6:0.

Over the next period of time, Lin Qi naturally saw his teammates' progress.

Kyrie Irving's playmaking on offense has become increasingly mature and sophisticated, while DeMar DeRozan's three-point shooting percentage has become much more reliable.

However, the intensity of the match did not diminish as a result.

Lynch is now finding it increasingly difficult to solve all problems solely through his offensive firepower.

With 46 seconds left in the game, Lynch's team was only leading by 2 points.

Stephen Curry held the ball, his heart pounding in his chest. The adrenaline rush made him feel as if he were in the life-or-death moment of Game 7 of the Finals.

Yes, this was just a practice match. And Lynch's team also had two rookies.

But this moment seemed to be showing everyone that Lynch's seemingly unbreakable rule had finally shown cracks!

This gave everyone a psychological suggestion: they had become powerful enough to finally pose a real threat to Lynch's position!

The game continued, and Stephen Curry called for a pick-and-roll with Carmelo Anthony, forcing Giannis Antetokounmpo to switch onto him.

This is the cruelty of the Temple of the Peak: even in training matches, there is a pure, almost obsessive desire for victory.

Curry's purpose in forcing Giannis to switch on defense was naked and direct: he wanted to win!
Although Giannis Antetokounmpo's size is a significant advantage over Stephen Curry, defending a top NBA guard is not a task that can be accomplished simply by relying on size.

The letter bobbed, swallowed hard, and stared intently at the baby-faced man in front of him who had changed the status of the three-point shot in tactics.

Stephen Curry dribbled with ease, performed a behind-the-back crossover, and his series of fakes in front of his body began to make the young Giannis's footwork falter.

Finally, Stephen Curry sealed the victory with a sudden step-back during a forward sprint.

Giannis, who was originally retreating, lunged forward with all his might, but the extreme pull on his center of gravity caused him to slip and fall to the ground as he lunged.

He could only lie in front of Stephen Curry, watching helplessly as the other player calmly adjusted, flicked his wrist, and sank a three-pointer.

The ball went in, and Stephen Curry roared in the empty arena.

He took the lead, and Lynch's seemingly eternal dominance seemed about to be completely overturned at this moment!

After one possession, Kyrie Irving passed the ball to Giannis on the left side of the three-point line, intending for him to make a quick stop. He planned to use off-ball movement to shake off Curry before taking the ball back.

As a result, looking at the huge empty space in front of him, a strong impulse instantly seized Giannis—he decided to throw it himself!
He knew he wasn't good at projecting, but with such a large space, it wouldn't be difficult to project into it.

During training, he did manage to hit three-pointers in a row.

Moreover, he was holding back his anger; having just been faked out and shot, he definitely wanted to respond with a goal.

Clearly, he underestimated the intensity of a 20-minute NBA-level game and how much that intensity would affect shooting.

Stephen Curry, Lynch, Carmelo Anthony, and Kyrie Irving—stars who can maintain their shooting accuracy even in high-intensity games—caused Giannis to seriously misjudge the difficulty of shooting in the NBA.

His shooting posture looked extremely awkward the moment he jumped, and the entire shooting motion was completely distorted.

Sure enough, the basketball didn't even glide past the rim. It flew in a ridiculously off-target arc and landed directly in Dwight Howard's hands.

After Dwight Howard grabbed the rebound, he immediately passed the ball to Paul George. DeMar DeRozan reacted quickly, stepping forward and decisively stretching out his arms to grab George tightly, committing a tactical foul!
You can even see tactical fouls in a practice match, which shows the attitude of the players here towards the game.

Stephen Curry immediately rushed to the slightly flustered Paul George's side, pressing his hands firmly on his shoulders: "Calm down, George! Calm down! We're going to win, we're going to beat Lynch!"

On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo seemed rooted to the spot, staring blankly at the scoreboard.

Two points, three rebounds, zero blocks, and zero steals – that was his entire performance in those 20 minutes of intense competition.

His eyes were a little red, just like Yang Hansen who was completely crushed in the last game of the 2025 preseason – when your efforts become worthless in the official game, you will truly realize how difficult it is to gain a foothold in this league.

Of course, his eyes were red for more than just that.

Also, because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to keep his promise.

With Paul George making both free throws and Lynch's last-second three-pointer bouncing off the rim, the game was over.

Stephen Curry and Paul George embraced tightly, breaking Lynch's dominance of the Temple, and this scrimmage victory held extraordinary symbolic significance for them.

It was a declaration, a breakthrough.

They proved that Lynch's rule was not entirely untouchable.

Giannis Antetokounmpo walked off the field with his head down and heavy steps. He grabbed a towel from the bench and pulled it over his head, as if trying to use the thin fabric to isolate himself from the world, from the invisible gazes and whispers.

Stephen Curry walked to the sidelines and hugged the rookie as a gesture of comfort and respect.

However, this kindness from his opponent and training camp partner felt like a needle pricking Giannis's heart. Instead of easing the heavy sense of humiliation, it made it even more vivid and intense.

At crucial moments, he was awkwardly faked out and missed a crucial shot. It's fair to say that he lost the game entirely because of himself.

Because of him, Lynch lost absolute control over the Temple.

He couldn't imagine what would have happened if this wasn't a practice match, but a real playoff game.
Could he become the culprit who shakes Lynch's rule over the entire league?

At this moment, Lin Qi lifted the towel covering his head.

"Face this, Giannis. It's nothing compared to everything you and your family have been through. If you're feeling frustrated, don't cry here, go sweat it out. Stop dwelling on past failures, think: next time I face the same opponent, I'm fucking going to beat them to a pulp!"

After saying that, Lin Qi left the arena and prepared to go to the locker room to change his clothes.

Carmelo Anthony followed behind Lynch, glancing back at the rookie who was still sitting blankly on the bench:

"That's why I don't mind rookies attending your training camp. There are no warm embraces or cheap pity here; it's too brutal. This brutality can completely destroy their confidence and leave them devastated."

Lynch disagreed: "If that's the case, it just means that rookie isn't a good fit for the Knicks."

"Ha, how ruthless. Is this the difference between gods and men? However, today seems to show that his earlier declaration at the press conference was premature. We can beat you, Lynch. We can beat you this season."

Lynch paused slightly and turned his head: "I was just about to say that. In fact, I feel really sorry."

"Sorry? Why?"

"I seem to have ruled you for too long, and too thoroughly. So much so that you're so overjoyed just for winning against me once in a practice match. Sorry, I did forget that you need to experience victory occasionally too."

Carmelo Anthony laughed in exasperation: "Say what you will, we will not let you leave as the god of basketball."

After the training session, everyone returned to their hotel rooms and had free time afterwards.

You can go out and have fun, or try to get yourself completely drunk in this dull little town—in this respect, the Peak Temple doesn't actually have any mandatory rules or regulations.

Because if you don't even intend to take responsibility for yourself, Lynch has no obligation to take responsibility for you.

Lynch didn't go out; the Salt Lake City night held no appeal for him.

He simply checked his phone in his hotel room, watched a movie, and then prepared to go to sleep.

At 11 p.m., a sudden cell phone ring broke the silence of the room.

The name on the caller ID belonged to a trainer in the Pinnacle Temple.

The moment the call connected, the other party's almost desperate plea for help came through the receiver:
"Lin Qi, let that kid go back! Yes, we can provide extra training. But damn it, I haven't even had time for dinner! Ever since the practice match ended, he's been pestering me, forcing me to do special training on his defensive footwork, not letting me leave his side for a second! He's killing me with his training!"

Lin Qi was a little confused: "Who is this 'kid' you're talking about?"

"Who else could it be? That Giannis Adtott. Damn it, I can't pronounce his name, but it's Giannis! That Greek Freak!"

A young man's loud, labored shout came through the receiver: "Greek monster? I like that nickname, sir!"

"Shut up, I'm not talking to you!"

Lynch immediately understood what had happened, and began to reassure the trainer: "Listen, Obi, I know you're working hard. But please make sure you stay with him, and I can give you a raise."

"Lin Qi, whether or not I get a raise, we've known each other for so many years, it's not about the money. The main thing is that guy really seems incredibly talented. Don't worry, I'll train him well even if I have to skip dinner!"

"Oh, that must have been hard on you, Obi."

Lynch hung up the phone with a smile. It seemed that Giannis was a player truly suited to survive in New York.

Over the next month or so, Lynch experienced both wins and losses in training matches.

Lynch remains strong and continues to win most of his games.

But a change that cannot be ignored is quietly taking place—others are now able to defeat him, and more than once.

The taste of victory began to spread among the challengers.

After the Summit of the Temple ended, TMZ broke a news story.

As expected, the news detailed Lin Qi's transformation from never having been defeated in the Temple of the Peak to having both wins and losses against others.

Most fans reacted indifferently, not taking the outcome of the training match too seriously.

Even the highest level of training matches is vastly different from official matches.

But this revelation was a shot in the arm for Lin Qi's rivals who were eyeing him covetously.

As soon as Kevin Durant returned to Oklahoma City, he couldn't wait to find Stephen Curry and repeatedly confirm a fact that made his heart race: "You guys really beat Lynch multiple times!?"

"Yes, we played about 20 practice matches during that period, and we probably won eight or nine of them?"

"Win eight or nine games?" Kevin Durant was shocked. In his entire career, he had never won that many games over Lynch.

"Yes, Kevin, so we have a great chance next season."

Kevin Durant suddenly stood on Stephen Curry's coffee table:
"Stephen, have you ever thought about this? If you can beat Lynch without me, how terrifying would we be with me? I've improved a lot at the training camp in Los Angeles with CP3 and LBJ."

“I can see that,” Curry nodded. “Your fashion sense has improved a lot. Your ‘God’ message on Rachel Nichols’ show during the playoffs was, to be honest, a bit of a disaster.”

"No, man, God, that's not what I'm talking about! My defense, my ball handling. I'm not one to brag, but I can clearly feel that transformation myself!"

"Alright, alright, get off my coffee table now!"

"Oh, sorry, I was just too excited. By the way, Stephen, has my fashion sense really improved?"

Stephen Curry shook his head. KD is still the same KD, he hasn't changed at all.

With preseason training camp fast approaching, the Knicks' media day was still packed with people, even though Lynch had just held a press conference not long ago.

Everyone wanted to be around Lynch 24/7, recording every second of this legend's final season.

Whether it's the fans hoping for his perfect farewell or the spectators eager to witness the collapse of the dynasty, everyone has unprecedented expectations for his season.

But less than a week after the start of preseason training camp, those who hoped to see the Knicks lose had their reasons to cheer.

A heartbreaking piece of news has emerged: Chandler Parsons, an important rotation player for the Knicks, injured his knee during practice, and the final diagnosis was a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Meniscus, Achilles tendon, cruciate ligament. These terms are nothing short of the coldest nightmare for players and fans.

Once it's triggered, it often means the end of the season, or even affects one's entire career.

Chandler Parsons is no exception; he will miss Lynch's retirement tour. This is a rather heavy blow for him.

Surprisingly, Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant were the first to post their blessings on social media.

"Chandler will definitely recover; he will be fine."

"God be with you, my good brother."

"This won't kill you, hang in there."

These blessings seemed particularly abrupt.

Chandler Parsons is not a big star, and his personal relationships with LBJ, CP3, and KD are practically nonexistent.

These sudden acts of "concern" seem so contrived in the face of cold reality.

During the routine locker room interview after training that day, Lin Qi's face was terribly gloomy.

Throughout his career, except for the aging Knicks team in the 07-08 season, this team rarely encountered serious injuries during his long championship run.

Lynch knew that his past success was a rare stroke of luck, and he also knew that injuries were part of competitive sports.

But that doesn't mean he can take Chandler Parsons' injury loss in stride:

“I have nothing to say. I’m angry. I don’t know why this had to happen. Of course, I’ll try to accept it, and I’ll try to get Chandler to accept it. But right now, I’m not going to pretend nothing’s wrong.”

The reporter didn't let the conversation end there: "Regarding Chandler, what do you think about the fact that your three old rivals were the first to offer him their blessings?"

Lin Qi paused, seemingly deep in thought.

A few seconds later, he raised his head.

"I thought about it for a while, wondering whether I should say it. Now I've decided to say everything that's on my mind."

Their blessings are exactly what makes me furious!
They offered their hypocritical and inexplicable blessings, but what were they really thinking? They were fucking ecstatic! LeBron James was ecstatic, CP3 was ecstatic, and so was KD!

They were watching us closely, knowing how devastating the loss of Chandler would be for us.

They send blessings to someone they have no connection with, while actually laughing behind the screen!

You may deny it, you may call it slander, but we all know the truth.

Shut up, you're celebrating too soon!

Following his previous declaration that he was "the god of basketball," this is not the first time Lynch has been so outspoken.

After speaking out, Lin Qi felt much better.

The bad news is that there's no chance of a miracle for Chandler Parsons' injury.

The good news is that the new season is about to begin.

A complete overtaking of MJ, a complete domination of old rivals—

Before long, Lynch will finally be able to move beyond the stage of "speaking boldly" and start doing real work.

(Here it comes, another update, but no reduction in output, combining 10,000 words a day with one. It's a bit difficult to divide the time during the off-season, so I hope the plot stays tight and I won't keep posting 10,000 words a day.)
(End of this chapter)