Basketball miracles

Chapter 73 [Did you take hormones?]

After defeating the Pistons 132-119 at home, the Lakers have achieved a 20-game winning streak this season!

The Pistons lived up to their reputation as a strong team in the East, displaying incredibly smooth offense and leading by as much as 8 points in the first half. Ultimately, despite seven Pistons players scoring in double figures, they couldn't secure a victory, marking their second loss to the Lakers in the regular season.

Pistons' star player, "The Smiling Assassin" Isiah Thomas, outperformed Magic Johnson, but the Pistons' interior stars were once again outplayed.

Starting power forward Dan Laundfeld was no match for Xiao Tu, managing only 10 points and 5 rebounds. Laimbeer was in superb form, but his stats didn't match Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's.

Xiao Tu scored 25 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, with a 60% field goal percentage. He had two spectacular dunks, both completed on fast breaks, as Laimbeer's defense wasn't quick enough to sabotage him.

The Pistons relied solely on Laimbeer to protect the rim, making their weakness in interior defense very obvious.

Xiao Tu had a way to deal with him; he had figured out Lambiel's defensive tactics.

Xiao Tu never hangs in the air like Jordan when he drives to the basket for a reverse layup; he practically creates a fouling opportunity for the opponent. He concluded from watching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play that shooting straight up and down in the paint is the safest option.

Xiao Tu is pulled down from the air by his opponents at least twice in every match. As long as he doesn't lose his balance, he lands steadily and won't get hurt.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 32 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists, displaying unwavering composure in the low post.

这场沃西也爆发了，出战28分钟15投12中，罚球1中1，得到25分2篮板1助攻。

Xiao Tu received unanimous praise after the game. He showed no signs of hitting the rookie wall and continued to contribute double-double statistics.

The Lakers' role players are also performing better and better. James Worthy has a high shooting percentage and has scored 20+ points in three consecutive games.

People thought the Lakers were a Big Three team, but only Xiao Tu knew they actually had a Big Four. If it weren't for his butterfly effect, Worthy would have put up impressive numbers this season.

In a parallel universe, Worthy's regular season performance was generally mediocre, with his peak season averaging just over 20 points. However, he possessed a clutch gene, often performing better in the playoffs than in the regular season. He had several breakout seasons and won the Finals MVP in 1988.

Worthy earned the imposing nickname "Cobra," which, even if not as powerful as "Black Mamba," still speaks to his skill. Actually, Kurt Rambis also wore goggles while playing, but didn't have any nickname; he was just a bespectacled guy.

In short, the Lakers have too many offensive options, making them difficult to defend against.

In the post-game press conference, Lakers stars and coaches set their sights on breaking the NBA's best regular season record and winning streak records. Simply winning the championship is no longer enough to satisfy their ambitions.

Pat Riley was particularly confident in his declaration of victory. He and Jerry West had played in the 1971-72 season and both believed that the current Lakers team was stronger.

Both of them felt that Xiao Tu was better now than Chamberlain was that season.

Don't be fooled by Chamberlain's 19.2 rebounds per game; rebounding was much easier back then. Players' shooting percentages were so low that they generated a huge number of rebounds every game.

当时湖人的首发大前锋也实力不俗。身高201CM的哈皮-海尔斯顿场均出战34.4分钟，能砍下13.1分13.1篮板球。只看篮板效率，他不比场均出战42.3分钟的张伯伦差。

Other Lakers players also grabbed rebounds, so you can imagine how many rebounds were generated in a single game. It was an era of competition to see who could do the worst; the pace was incredibly fast, the play was haphazard, and the total number of rebounds in each game exceeded 100.

From now on, the Lakers will give their all in every game, whether they are starters or reserves. Once the Lakers set a new record, the players will be etched in history.

Xiao Tu's reward from the brass treasure chest this time was a top-grade grape that looked like a gemstone. He was very happy and was in for a treat.

He estimated that once Madonna had tasted grapes, lychees would no longer be her favorite fruit.

He didn't take it out immediately; he saved it to eat in turns.

The next day, Xiao Tu received a phone call from Chris Ford at Madonna's house.

Jennifer Connelly and her family moved to Los Angeles, and Jennifer successfully enrolled in Carlson High School.

The American education system consists of 6 years of elementary school, 2 years of middle school, and 4 years of high school. Jennifer is a top student, so it's not surprising that she started high school at 14. She herself doesn't think it's anything special and even laments how slow the college entrance process is. Xiao Tu guesses that if there were special pathways to higher education in the US, she would want to try transferring from junior high to university.

Jennifer called Xiao Tu's apartment, but couldn't find him, so she left her new home's contact information. Chris had seen the Snickers ad and knew Jennifer was a child, so he immediately relayed the message.

Xiao Tu immediately called Jennifer and chatted for a while before arranging to meet at a place they both knew.

He first took a pound of Madonna's favorite premium lychees from the treasure chest, placed them on the living room table, and left her a note. She could eat them all when she got back; she didn't need to worry about him. Xiao Tu also took some lychees with him, intending to give them to Jennifer. Last time, Jennifer hadn't had enough and asked on the phone where the lychees were; they couldn't be bought in New York.

In Los Angeles, December temperatures typically range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius; a light T-shirt and a jacket are sufficient for going out. Xiao Tu, dressed casually in jeans, quickly drove to the agreed-upon location.

Jennifer lived nearby and arrived even faster. She saw Xiao Tu get out of the car, beaming.

She was wearing grey casual pants, a tight white T-shirt, and a pink jacket that wasn't buttoned up. Xiao Tu recognized her at a glance; she was just too eye-catching.

Girls of Jennifer's age should be described as "youthful and vibrant," but when Xiao Tu saw her, all he could think of was "baby-faced and... well, you know."

When they met in New York last time, Jennifer was dressed warmly, so Xiao Tu didn't notice her figure. Today, seeing her again, Xiao Tu was almost speechless.

Is this correct? Are you taking hormones? You're developing so fast?!
How come you look older than Madonna at only 14? That's outrageous!

Xiao Tu swallowed hard and quickly composed himself as he walked up to Jennifer.

Xiao Tu smiled and greeted her while looking into her eyes, trying his best not to look away. At this moment, he couldn't look down at her, otherwise it would seem impolite and a bit strange.

Ever since Madonna mentioned his gaze at the last celebrity party, he's consciously been working on it. He can control himself; this is actually due to the release of dopamine and endorphins in his brain, not because he's captivated by children.

At this point, he only needs to think about something unsexy, just like the Dragon Ball warriors can control their ki, so that these substances are not secreted in excess.

Xiao Tu thought about the magician's girlfriend's big face for three seconds and successfully entered saint mode.

I am part of the universe, and I am the universe itself. Take a deep breath and become one with the universe.

Jennifer looked up at him, smiled, and asked, "What are you thinking about? Why do you suddenly look like a Red Dead Redemption movie star?"

Xiao Tu's expression changed instantly, and he smiled and said, "Because I live with the Wild West Outlaw, and I've known him for a long time, my eyes have caught his eye. He's the one who answered your call; you'll meet him later."

"I thought you didn't like my outfit today."

"How could that be? You look beautiful in anything. You're almost too beautiful; I get a little nervous when I see you." Xiao Tu took a deep breath and inadvertently blurted out what was on his mind.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Tu asked, "How are you doing? Are you settling into Los Angeles?"

"It's great. There aren't as many skyscrapers here, and the air is really fresh. When I went to register for class, my classmates all seemed easy to get along with, and a lot of people talked to me," Jennifer said excitedly. "Is the weather always this nice here? It's already December, and the temperature is so different from New York."

"It's fine now, but in the summer you'll have to stay home a lot, otherwise you'll get really tanned."

Jennifer laughed and said, "I'm not afraid of getting tanned."

Xiao Tu went to New York once and disliked it. The weather was always gloomy, and the oppressive feeling from the skyscrapers and subways easily made him depressed. Los Angeles winters, on the other hand, were just right; you could wear short sleeves and a jacket in January, which was really comfortable. However, summers were extremely hot because the buildings were all low and there was little shade.

Jennifer said, "People in Los Angeles have been very welcoming to me."

“Yes, you’ll like it here. What’s your favorite food? I’ll take you to try some Los Angeles cuisine, and we can have some premium fruit afterward.” Xiao Tu put the lychees in the car.

If Jennifer eats lychees first, the meal won't taste as good.

Jennifer asked, "Is there anything I should be careful about in Los Angeles? I'm afraid I'll say the wrong thing at school."

“There’s nothing here. I don’t know what life is like for you in New York, but life in Los Angeles is very slow.”

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone is living a very leisurely life, just happily passing the time."

"..."

(End of this chapter)