Champion Rules

Chapter 409-405: The Future Looks Robust and Powerful (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)
Kevin Durant is convinced that Lynch's triple-double stats are unsustainable.

He may be temporarily at a disadvantage, but he can still confidently declare regarding the overall MVP competition: "The advantage is in my hands!"

Only consistent and sustained excellence can be considered true excellence.

On December 29th against the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant once again delivered his consistently impressive stats.

他以64.7%这传统内线般的命中率，拿下33分13个篮板5次助攻1次抢断1次封盖。

Since December, KD has been playing at this level in almost every game.

Extremely high efficiency, 30+10, victory, plaid shirt.
These elements have practically become Durant's unwavering standard.

As Durant walked confidently into the player tunnel after the game, he pointed at the camera and shouted, "MVP baby! MVP! Yeah!"

He confidently returned to the locker room, turned on the TV, and started watching another game.

The epic battle between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets is underway.

The game was nearing its end, with the Denver Nuggets trailing by 10 points with 2 minutes and 37 seconds remaining.

Since Chris Bosh left Denver, the team has been struggling on the edge of the playoffs.

Aside from Kenneth Faried occasionally appearing in the top 10 plays countdown, the Denver Nuggets have generated almost no buzz.

Kevin Durant doesn't care about the outcome of this game, because the result was already determined before the game even started.

What he was concerned about was what kind of performance Lynch would deliver tonight.

On the court, Lynch was fouled by Faried during his drive to the basket and stepped onto the SGA line.

Amid cheers from the fans, Lynch calmly made both free throws.

Only then did the television display Lin's score for the night: 27 points.

Kevin Durant almost burst out laughing. 27 points including those two free throws?
Tonight's the night!

But then, a comment from the TV commentator turned Kevin Durant's joyful ugliness into a gloomy ugliness.

"Linche recorded another triple-double tonight with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Playing against the Denver Nuggets was like playing against a practice team for him."

KD's expression at that moment was just like his good friend James Harden's when he saw his girlfriend catch the bouquet at a friend's wedding—full of confusion, shock, and bewilderment.

Did Lynch take three pairs of shoes like they were items from a 711-Eleven?!

The reason his frustration disappeared after the last game was because both Steve Kerr and he himself believed that Lynch's performance was unsustainable.

As a result, Lin Qi immediately scored a triple-double for the second consecutive game.

Did that bastard plant a listening device on me?
Kevin Durant turned off the TV in disappointment, but one of the greatest strengths of humankind is its ability to comfort itself.

Especially men.

Especially veteran guards like Kevin Durant.

He almost instinctively came up with a comforting excuse: Lynch had done it before.

Last season, when Kyrie Irving was injured, Lynch also had a series of triple-double performances, which caused quite a stir at the time.

But as it turns out, that kind of splendor was just a flash in the pan.

Lynch's triple-double streak didn't last long, and he was even more potent on offense when he was the primary scorer.

Durant believes that Lynch may have just recently felt a sense of crisis, so he wants to use consecutive triple-doubles to get himself back to the top of the MVP rankings.

However, the MVP race is a long marathon, and unless Lynch can make such triple-double performances equally long, it will all be in vain.

Kevin Durant has once again successfully calmed his anxious heart.

But as January approached, KD discovered that the pleasure from the word had completely disappeared.

Because Lynch's triple-double streak continues.

1月2日对阵上赛季总决赛的对手圣安东尼奥马刺，林奇29分10个篮板13次助攻。

In a back-to-back game against the Houston Rockets, he scored 33 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists.

On the 5th, against the Dallas Mavericks, he scored 25 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists.

7号对阵活塞30分11个篮板10次助攻，9号对迈阿密热火，23分15个篮板12次助攻。

After the game against the Heat on the 9th, Miami commentator Tony Fiorentino adjusted his glasses and stared incredulously at the computer screen in front of him: "He did it! Lynch did it! Since Michael Jordan in the 88-89 season, Lynch is the first player to record a triple-double in seven consecutive games!"

As Kevin Durant listened to this commentary, this time, he didn't know how to console himself.

Lynch tied a historical record; he is one of the players with the most consecutive triple-doubles in NBA history.

At this moment, the only thing hanging above his head was the ancient super abalone brush, Wilt Chamberlain.

However, as is well known, when people discuss the statistics of modern players, they often automatically exclude the coach.

Therefore, Lynch has now reached the ceiling of his match point of consecutive triple-doubles.

Kevin Durant was shocked; even if you're stat-padding, triple-doubles aren't that easy to achieve.

Moreover, once a team's star player starts padding their stats, the team's winning percentage will definitely fluctuate.

But the Knicks' winning percentage was not affected at all. Lynch just seemed to be playing normally and easily achieved this feat!

At the end of the game, Taylor Rookies, the NBA's most attractive and solidly skilled up-and-coming Black sideline reporter, asked a fairly conventional question—if a reporter's "balls" are unconventional, the questions will naturally have to be conventional.

"Lin Qi, how did you manage to record seven consecutive triple-doubles?"

"Just play normally, and always remember to aim for victory, that's all."

KD didn't believe a word of Lynch's answer. He couldn't believe that someone could score so many triple-doubles in a row without being able to stat-padding.

But Lynch did tell the truth.

His situation this year, playing point guard, is very different from last season.

Last season, due to Kyrie Irving's injury, Lynch had to take on two roles, both playmaking and scoring. Essentially, that added to his workload.

This year, with the team's point guards all healthy, Lynch has taken on the playmaking role again, but he can let go of some of the primary scorers. So, this is a way to reduce his workload.

Under increased pressure, balancing playmaking and offense is extremely taxing, making it difficult for Lynch to maintain his triple-double performance for long.

With the workload reduced, Lynch was able to relatively easily rack up a triple-double every night.

Others are also benefiting; Kyrie Irving and DeMar DeRozan are seeing their scoring averages rise, and they finally look like true star players.

Lynch's scoring average is declining, but with his consecutive triple-doubles, few people care about that slight drop in points.

Taylor Rooks then asked another very standard question: "So, do you think your streak of triple-doubles can continue?"

“I’m not going to think about that,” Lynch waved his hand. “I’m not playing for the stats; I’m just making sure our winning streak continues.”

Lynch's response was quite modest, and he never showed any boasting about the record.

As a serious basketball player, who would start to feel smug about LeBron James just because of his good personal statistics or plus-minus rating?

In stark contrast to his humble attitude is his consistently high-profile data performance.

On January 11, the defending champions faced their most intense confrontation since January against Carmelo Anthony's Memphis Grizzlies.

Carmelo Anthony is also eager to seize one last chance to beat Lynch in his final season.

So today he went all out, as if he had opened a museum of attack, displaying all his treasured skills.

He used various techniques and made precise shots, sending the ball into the net time and time again.

On the other end, Tony Allen's suffocating dogfight put the Knicks' second-leading scorer, Kyrie Irving, in trouble, causing him to miss shots frequently.

But in this timeline, DeMar DeRozan, whose off-ball skills were completely outmaneuvered by Ray Allen, still managed to score a game-high 43 points, a career-high, thanks to a large number of off-ball shots, playing like a classic shooting guard!
Carmelo Anthony lost face, his offensive efforts were so tiring that he struggled to keep up with the energetic DeRozan at the start of the third quarter.

DeRozan's drives to the basket and mid-range jumpers were so consistent they were almost unbelievable, reminding fans of a bald shooting guard with enormous hands—yes, Kobe Bryant, a fan of Michael Jordan.

Of course, to score such a high number of points using off-ball play, a top-notch ball-player is indispensable.

林奇今晚只拿了23分，但送出15次助攻11个篮板3次抢断和4次封盖！
He broke through the ceiling, becoming the first player since the 1960s to record a triple-double in eight consecutive games, even surpassing Oscar Robertson's record of averaging a triple-double in the 1961-62 season!

From this point on, no one would say that Lynch's triple-double was just a flash in the pan.

Lynch, who could "slack off" on offense by organizing play, also completely shut down Zach Randolph on defense, which helped the New York Knicks defeat the Grizzlies by 7 points at home.

At the end of the game, Carmelo Anthony exclaimed in disbelief, "Seriously, Lynch? Eight consecutive triple-doubles? Many players in this league don't even get eight triple-doubles in their entire careers!"

“For example, you?” Lynch smiled and hugged Melon.

"That's right! Damn it, I've only had four triple-doubles in my entire career, and you've done eight in one season!"

"Just a reminder, Melo, I didn't do it eight times this season, I just did it eight times during this period. If you calculate it on a season basis, my triple-double count has long been in double digits."

"Heh, thanks for the reminder. See you in the next match, I'll definitely win."

"Good luck."

Carmelo Anthony turned and left, appearing remarkably calm in front of Lynch. But after turning away, Melo couldn't help glancing at the data on the big screen, his mouth agape involuntarily.

Eight consecutive triple-doubles are something that Carmelo Anthony could never achieve.

But Lynch actually put this outrageous record into reality. Cameron Anthony shook his head and subconsciously glanced at his hands.

In Lynch's time, everyone else was as insignificant as dust.

At the post-match press conference, a reporter asked Carmelo Anthony a question unrelated to tonight's game:
"Melo, do you think this year's MVP will be Lynch or Kevin Durant?"

Upon hearing this question, Carmelo Anthony's eyes widened immediately: "What?"

Beside him, Zach Randolph also squinted exaggeratedly, pouted, and spread his hands: "What kind of bullshit question is this? Which media outlet are you a reporter for?"

Upon seeing the two people's reactions, the reporters burst into laughter.

This question is as absurd to Melo and Black Bear as asking "Which is bigger, Charles Barkley's ass or Kenny Smith's head?"

Carmelo Anthony stood up abruptly: "This is fucking an art question, an abstract art. You actually came to me asking if a monster who just recorded eight consecutive triple-doubles, the only one to do that in modern basketball, can win MVP? Man, do you want to hear what you're asking?"

The laughter from the audience grew even louder. Although Carmelo Anthony didn't directly state his opinion, his sharp and sarcastic response made his stance crystal clear.

As expected, the latest MVP rankings confirmed everyone's predictions – Lin Qi made a strong comeback to the top!
Although Lynch's scoring average has fallen below 30 points per game, as John Hollinger recently stated: "I take back my previous opinion. If the MVP trophy is ultimately awarded to Kevin Durant at the end of this season, I will be very, very upset."

Kevin Durant saw the video of Carmelo Anthony and Marc Bosh at the press conference online, saw the latest leaderboard, and also saw John Hollinger's social media activity.

A fact he desperately resisted but had to face was now laid out before him with unwavering clarity—Lin Qi had once again become the undisputed MVP in people's eyes!

Kevin Durant threw his phone away, lay on the sofa, and clutched his head in pain.

He tried to reassure himself: "I'm not second in the MVP rankings, I'm at most... at most 1.5!"

But this time, comforting words were of no use.

If Lynch had regained the top spot due to his own slump in January, he might not be so upset.

Throughout January, Durant's performance remained consistent, frequently racking up 30+10 stats and continuously spreading despair with his unstoppable offense. His reputation as "the most terrifying Grim Reaper" still resounded throughout the league.

But under such circumstances, Lin Qi actually managed to make a stunning overtake on the outside of the curve!

This has nothing to do with fluctuations in form; it's purely a naked crushing defeat in terms of strength!
Kevin Durant's only wish at this moment is that Lynch's damn triple-double storm will subside as soon as possible. He only hopes that by the time the MVP voting begins in April, the storm caused by this record will gradually recede and disappear without a trace.

Of course, the most urgent task right now is to immediately break Lynch's triple-double streak!
As long as this staggering number continues to fluctuate wildly, its immense influence on the MVP selection will continue to grow, becoming immeasurable.

Unfortunately, the Oklahoma City Thunder will not face the Knicks again this season, so KD will not be able to stop Lynch personally.

On January 13, when the Knicks easily defeated the Suns at home, and Lynch recorded his ninth consecutive triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, he was only one game away from breaking Wilt Chamberlain's incredible record!

It's hard to believe that a miracle that has been considered unattainable for many years could actually be shaken or even surpassed.

Fortunately, Kevin Durant's "savior" is about to appear—the Atlanta Hawks are the Knicks' next opponent.

The Hawks made a relatively minor signing this summer, acquiring 3-and-D wing DeMarre Carroll with a mid-level exception after letting Josh Smith go.

Josh Smith is an All-Star, while DeMarre Carroll doesn't even come close to being one.

On the surface, replacing star players with role players is undoubtedly a downgrade of the roster.

However, it was this personnel change that revitalized the Hawks' offense.

DeMarre Carroll won't be as fixated on inefficient mid-range isolation plays as Smith, nor will he clash with Dwight Howard in terms of spacing. Furthermore, even if he doesn't get the ball for extended periods, Carroll can maintain a high level of output on the defensive end.

Looking at Josh Smith's criminally low efficiency this season in Motor City, it's clear that the Hawks made one of the best decisions of the 21st century to let go of this All-Star player.

A guy who earns the highest salary on the team but plays the worst basketball, even if he's incredibly talented, won't be of much help to the team.

The arrival of Demarai Carroll

In addition, Dwight Howard, who came to the Temple of Heaven last summer to train with Lynch, has been in outstanding form, making the Hawks quite strong this season.

Dwight Howard wasn't joking with Lynch; he's been playing very seriously this season.

He fully embraced his role as a blue-collar worker, rather than being a boy who could only be happy by playing one-on-one in the low post.

He needs honors, he needs achievements, he needs to beat Lynch.

This is not only about glory on the field, but also about making a living.

Just like his last time when he worked hard, if Adidas does not renew his contract and he cannot secure a top salary, the exorbitant child support payments will completely drag his life into a quagmire.

He resolved the crisis last time through hard work, and he needs to do the same thing this time.

Last summer, the Hawks only offered Dwight Howard a three-year maximum contract, with the final year being a team option. Even so, this was the best deal he could get – in this timeline where the small-ball trend arrived ahead of schedule, the space for centers like Dwight Howard is indeed limited, and few teams are willing to offer him a long-term maximum contract.

In other words, the Magic's maximum salary contract is only fully guaranteed for a short period of two years.

He has to prove himself in these short two years.

He was successful this season.

He is one of the best defensive players in the league, and the Hawks have made a significant leap in offense without a noticeable decline in their defensive level.

Mike Budenholzer's blueprint to build an "Eastern Spurs" is gradually becoming a reality.

Since the start of the season, the Atlanta Hawks have never fallen out of the top four, remaining in the top tier of the Eastern Conference alongside the Knicks, Pacers, and Nets.

Previously, the Hawks had faced the Knicks twice, winning once and losing once.

Furthermore, the point difference in both games did not exceed double digits.

And eager to continue getting Dwight, Dwight won't easily miss any opportunity to engage in a battle for attention with Lynch.

In the NBA, it's not enough to just be good; you also have to let the world see your excellence.

The match against Lynch was an opportunity for people to see him.

Dwight Howard just defeated another direct competitor in the East, the Pacers, with his excellent defense silencing everyone on the Pacers except Paul George.

During the post-game press conference, Dwight Howard learned of Lynch's record of nine consecutive triple-doubles:
"This is incredible, this is a great record."

"Dwight, you went to the Temple of the Summit last summer, and now you're praising Lynch without reservation. When did you two put aside your differences after the Ray Allen incident?"

"Let bygones be bygones? No," Warcraft waved his hand. "I still crave to kill him. We're not friends. I went to train with him in the summer because I didn't want to waste time with losers, but that doesn't mean we're friends. I praised Lynch because I respect the facts, which doesn't conflict with my desire to defeat him."

The reporter seemed completely oblivious to his desire to beat Lynch and went on to ask an extremely offensive question: "After the next game, will you personally congratulate Lynch on his tenth consecutive triple-double?"

Dwight Howard's face suddenly darkened: "Listen, no triple-doubles, no victories, and no damn performances or warm hugs! Atlanta is not a stage, it's a meat grinder battlefield where even gods bleed!"

Looking at that beast with eyes full of pure desire, people can't help but wonder, if Dwight Howard had maintained this attitude throughout his career, would he have become an even better player?

Kevin Durant is not interested in this hypothesis.

All he knew was that Lynch's triple-double streak was finally coming to an end.

He didn't think the Atlanta Hawks could beat the Knicks, but at least they could stop Lynch from getting another triple-double—the Atlanta Hawks are the best rebounding team this season.

Lynch is unlikely to grab many offensive rebounds in the next game.

Even against the Hawks' excellent defense, he might not be able to get that many assists.

KD firmly believes that as long as someone can stop Lynch from getting a triple-double, the MVP scales will tip back in his favor.

This desire was so strong that when Dwight Howard categorized him as a "loser" at the press conference, KD selectively ignored it—his mind was preoccupied with when Lynch's damn triple-double record would end.

While everyone's attention was focused on Lynch's triple-double record, Lynch himself didn't seem to care much.

Lynch is now more interested in the G League games than in his past records.

After the game against the Grizzlies, he visited the G League game venue once again.

After being honed by legendary sharpshooter Jason Kidd for half a season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has become a nightmare for all players in the G League.

Whether it's veterans eager to return to the NBA or rookies waiting for their chance, their hopes are often dashed when they encounter the Greek Freak on the court.

Tonight, in the game against the Iowa Energy, Giannis Antetokounmpo will face off against Ohus Jeffers, currently leading the G League MVP rankings.

As an undrafted player in 2008, after playing in European leagues and several NBA teams, he is averaging 20.9 points, 10 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in the G League this season.

Although he never received a long-term contract in the NBA, his many years of professional basketball experience have made him a highly sought-after star in the Development League.

Before the game started, Lynch asked Giannis, "How much are you planning to reduce that guy's score tonight?"

The Greeks bluntly stated, "Zero points, he won't get a single point over me."

Jason Kidd shrugged: "I don't like arrogant people, but Giannis wasn't bragging. Lynch is ready to fight at a higher level, he's ready. Right now, there are no opponents for him here, no challenge whatsoever."

Lynch understood Kidd's meaning. He looked up slightly, and the light fell precisely on the giant billboard that Reebok had specially placed for the Greeks inside the stadium.

The image shows Giannis's muscular back exuding power, with a prominent slogan below that reads—

The future looks robust and promising.

"Hmm," Lynch hummed softly, "Giannis, do you want to play the next game against the Hawks?"

"Of course!"

“Alright,” Lynch nodded calmly. “Then tonight we’ll keep your promise and make that O guy score zero. If he scores even one goal from open play, you’ll have to stay here.”

"Save me a seat on the plane to Atlanta," the Greek man confidently tore off his training shirt. "He won't score a single goal from open play tonight."

(End of this chapter)