NBA: Be the GOAT starting today!

The news of the Clippers defeating the Thunder in the regular season opener quickly spread throughout the NBA.

The video of Zhou Yi shaking off Durant and making a crucial steal in the third quarter has been widely shared and praised by netizens.

With the Clippers on a seven-game preseason losing streak and the Thunder on a seven-game winning streak, everyone favored the Thunder, who had Durant on their roster.

Surprisingly, the Clippers, widely considered a bottom-feeder, emerged victorious in the end, which was beyond everyone's expectations.

The tweet announcing a challenge between Zhou Yi and Durant was flooded with comments from fans.

"Kevin, you got completely destroyed by the number one draft pick, Zhou!"

"Zhou is your ankle killer!"

"Winner of the duel: Zhou the Wonder Boy"

When such comments appeared under Durant's tweets, the young star once again turned into a heartbroken boy.

A melancholic rain began to fall in Oklahoma.

......

In the Los Angeles area, the Clippers' victory quickly became the focus of discussion throughout the city.

"Zhou Yi continues his magical performance in the NBA, scoring 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in his debut start, tying Odom and Iverson for sixth all-time."

"Facing Durant's dominant 30 points and leading his team to victory, the wonder boy won this duel between young men."

"Without a doubt, Zhou Yi is the future of the Clippers. The number one draft pick told Los Angeles with his strong debut performance, 'He's here!'"

When the Clippers-leaning Long Beach Telegraph and Los Angeles Daily News reported the game with headlines like these, Lakers fans quickly retaliated online.

Bill Plasker, a sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times, published a commentary.

"It was just an ordinary night for the Lakers."

The very next day, the Boston Celtics, a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, visited the Lakers at Staples Center.

Last season's championship-winning core player, Ariza, was poached by the Rockets for 5 years and $3300 million. The newly acquired wing forward, Artest, made only 3 of 10 shots and delivered a disastrous performance.

On such a night, although Kobe scored 34 points with four consecutive ironballs, the Lakers still lost the opening game 94-98.

After the Lakers lost to their arch-rivals, the Celtics, media coverage in Los Angeles overwhelmingly turned in favor of the Clippers.

"Opening Game: Clippers > Lakers!"

When the Long Beach Telegraph featured this quote on its homepage, the few Clippers fans in the city suddenly stood up with pride.

The Clippers fan shop, where jerseys were originally not selling well, saw Zhou Yi's Clippers No. 8 jersey sold out completely.

The Clippers' official website shows that, following their opening game victory, tickets for their next home game quickly sold out.

The reason why the Clippers suddenly changed their performance after halftime has aroused the curiosity of many fans and media.

In a talk show on the Los Angeles Daily News, Baron Davis revealed the true story of what happened in the locker room that day.

"Yes, that's it. Although I hate to admit it, Zhou Yi was the Clippers' hero at that moment."

Baron Davis said this earnestly to the Los Angeles Daily News anchor and the camera.

Following Baron Davis's revelation, the words about the I Ching spoken in the Clippers' locker room quickly went viral on the American internet.

I will not keep the honor to myself, and I will take responsibility for the failure.

A team's top draft pick bravely stepped forward and took on the responsibility during the team's most critical moment.

In America, a country that celebrates individualism and superheroes, Zhou Yi once again became a hero on the court.

That's the charm of Los Angeles; here, as long as you win, you'll get tons of media hype.

After the victory, your every word and action will become the focus of everyone's attention.

......

Newport Beach Villas, Los Angeles.

After losing the game, Kobe put Pierce's jersey on Vanessa and, after playing for an hour, stood in front of the living room calendar.

Mamba's eyes are firmly set on November 2nd, a week later, when the Lakers will host the Clippers at Staples Center.

The marker fell heavily on the calendar, and Kobe marked the date November 2nd.

"Wonder Boy, I'm really looking forward to our first match."

In the darkness, a competitive mamba serpent set its sights on Zhou Yi.

......

Meanwhile, at a private restaurant in Los Angeles.

Zhou Yi used a fork to pick up the smoked salmon pizza in front of him, cut off a small piece and put it in his mouth.

The thin, crispy handmade pancake base, baked to a caramelized and slightly flaky texture, is light and crunchy when you bite into it. It's topped with smoked and flavorful salmon slices, the salmon being tender and delicate, with a savory and sweet aftertaste.

Ballmer sat opposite Zhou Yi; this was the second time the Clippers owner had invited Zhou Yi to dinner.

"Zhou, how's the food here?"

As he spoke, Ballmer picked up his glass and looked at the boy across from him.

"It tastes and feels very good. Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Ballmer."

The wine glass and the juice glass clinked together, making a crisp sound.

After eating for a while, the conversation turned to Zhou Yi.

"Zhou, God bless the Clippers for getting you. I believe the future of this team is you."

As he spoke, Ballmer waved the Los Angeles Times in his hand, his lips curving into a wide smile, unable to hide his delight.

"Look at how Lakers fans and media are describing this game."

"Oh! It seems the Clippers have found their savior. Congratulations to these poor guys."

Ballmer's imitation was so lifelike it was almost comical, as the billionaire has always presented himself as humorous and witty.

After chatting for a while, their laughter and banter came to an end, and the topic turned to today's main point.

"Zhou, I think you've heard some rumors about the team's management recently."

Zhou Yi nodded at Ballmer's words.

The conflict between Mike Dunleavy and the Clippers players is irreconcilable; this is now a consensus within the Clippers team.

Was it Baron Davis and Camby who were traded, or did Dunleavy Sr. leave?

Judging from the current rumors, boss Ballmer has already made a decision.

"Mr. Dunleavy is too old to be a fast ship that can set sail again."

As he spoke, Ballmer took a stack of documents from his secretary and handed them to Zhou Yi, gesturing for him to open them.

Zhou Yi opened the documents in his hand; they contained resumes of the head coach and general manager.

Some familiar and some unfamiliar names appeared before Zhou Yi.

"Mr. Ballmer, what brings you here?"

"Since you are the future of the Clippers, I think our general manager and head coach should at least earn the Clippers' future approval."

Ballmer's words surprised Zhou Yi.

It seems that the Clippers' owner is trying to curry favor with him in this way, a treatment usually reserved for LeBron James and Mamba.

Only NBA superstars have the right to intervene and make suggestions in the appointment of management.

Zhou Yi did not reject this gesture of goodwill. Although everyone criticizes LeBron James, who wouldn't want to be LeBron James?

A star player's will can influence a team's tactics and player choices, which is undoubtedly a kind of hidden advantage for the I Ching, which knows the future of history.

Zhou Yi flipped through these resumes and among the names, he found an unexpected one.

"Mike Malone."