NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 376 Why I Ran Up Scores

Judging solely by the result, the Clippers won by a large margin, but a closer look at the game reveals a rollercoaster of emotions. The Pistons aren't weak; Blake Griffin is still in excellent form, remaining at All-Star level. However, facing a formidable opponent like Gary, they had no choice but to accept defeat.

At the post-game press conference, when a reporter asked Jia Fei how deep the conflict was between him and Blake Griffin, and asked him to comment on Griffin's performance in the game, Jia Fei replied seriously: "There is no major conflict between us. We just don't like each other, that's all. He played very well, almost 30 points and 10 rebounds today. He is really a very capable inside player."

Jia Fei's answer surprised the reporters. Everyone thought he would start a fight after the game, but he didn't play by the rules.

Jia Fei wasn't being hypocritical or pretentious; he simply didn't want to be used as a pawn. Denying the excellence of one's opponent is tantamount to denying oneself; only with a formidable opponent can one's own abilities be truly highlighted.

Just like winning the MVP award in the Chinese Basketball Association doesn't guarantee a fully guaranteed contract in the NBA, because the competition there is too weak. But if you dominate in the FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup or the Olympics, then without a doubt, many NBA teams will be ready to offer you a contract.

The reporter couldn't get any bombshells out of Jia Fei and Sha Fen's relationship, so he changed the subject and asked Jia Fei why he didn't play in the final quarter when the score was so close, since he could have gotten a 50+ triple-double in this game. He said Jia Fei missed such a good opportunity!

Jia Fei smiled slightly after hearing this: "If I could get a 50+ triple-double by racking up points during garbage time, I wouldn't want it. It would only make my stats in this game look bad." He paused and continued, "Besides, I can definitely put up even more amazing stats in the future. Why should I shamelessly rack up points for this so-called stat?"

Jia Fei's words left the reporter speechless. Yes, he doesn't care. He has the ability to put up even more explosive stats, so the so-called 50+ triple-double isn't that attractive.

Post-match interviews with Jia Fei and other details from the game became hot topics among fans online. Many fans supported Jia Fei, thinking he was right and very cool. Of course, some also said Jia Fei was too pretentious, that pretentiousness invites trouble, and that making too many boastful claims would easily lead to being proven wrong.

Most fans still support this man, and everyone is looking forward to him putting on an even better performance in the upcoming games.

Not only is Jia Fei's popularity slowly returning to its peak, but the Clippers' popularity is also steadily rising throughout the league. Previously, the Clippers' reputation as "Lob City" garnered them many fans, but over time, this style of play became tiresome, feeling lacking in novelty. Furthermore, the team's repeated playoff disappointments after being highly anticipated have left fans feeling frustrated and disappointed.

This league is all about winning or losing, but year after year, they always fall in the first or second round of the playoffs. Especially in the 2014-15 season when Jia Fei won the championship, the Clippers were reversed by the Rockets after leading 3-1 in the series, which completely broke the defense of their supporters.

Perhaps at that time, Ballmer had already considered breaking up the duo of 58 and Shafen.

On November 10, the Clippers, playing at home, defeated the Trail Blazers, securing their second consecutive victory.

Two days later, the Clippers narrowly defeated the Thunder on the road thanks to Jia Fei's game-winning shot, achieving their third consecutive victory.

After a three-game winning streak, their record improved to 8 wins and 1 loss, tying with the Warriors for first place in the Western Conference.

The Clippers have indeed gained a lot of fans lately, becoming one of the most talked-about teams in the league. Those who thought they wouldn't make the playoffs before the season are no longer spouting nonsense. With nine regular-season games played, putting aside their record and just looking at the games themselves, you'll find this team isn't as weak as you might think. Their offense does heavily rely on Jia Fei, but Jia Fei is truly phenomenal, currently averaging over 35 points per game—he's practically unstoppable.

On November 13, the Clippers will play the Timberwolves in a back-to-back game.

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, straddling the Mississippi River. It faces St. Paul across the river to the east, forming a famous pair of twin cities on the Mississippi River.

Minnesota has been one of the most successful teams in NBA history, home to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Minnesota Timberwolves were founded in 1989, making them one of the newest teams in the NBA's 30-team system.

The team's most glorious period was when Kevin Garnett led it, and the team is still in the rebuilding phase.

The Clippers players didn't have much time to enjoy the city's scenery after checking into their hotel in Minneapolis, as they would face the Timberwolves in less than 24 hours.

Target Center is the home arena of the Timberwolves, and what makes this arena most memorable for fans is the large wolf head in the middle of the court.

Jia Fei had always wondered if the wolf head on the target center floor and the wolf head on Qiao Feng's chest belonged to the same breed of wolf. He didn't know if Asian wolves and American wolves were closely related or different breeds.

Chinese fans jokingly call the Timberwolves the "Husky Team," and there's some truth to that. This team really hasn't been doing well since Harden left, and it's been doing poorly ever since.

That evening, at the Target Center Arena.

Jia Fei arrived at the venue early to practice, even if it was a back-to-back game. He maintained this habit and it paid off. He felt that practicing early allowed him to get into the game earlier and improve his shooting during the match.

Before the match, fans practiced their game and gradually entered the stadium.

The Timberwolves also have a familiar face to Jia Fei – LaMarcus Aldridge.

The two were teammates on the Thunder, so naturally they exchanged pleasantries upon meeting. NBA players are constantly moving between teams, especially role players. You can't predict where you'll be in the future; very few players truly control their own careers.

Many players scoff at the "running man's" constant running around, yet how many envy his ability to control his own career? When you're traded around as a filler, you truly understand how fortunate it is to be able to decide where you go.

Jia Fei is a star player who can control his own career. No one forced him to go to the Clippers, and no one forced him to go anywhere else; it was all his own choice. So, regardless of the outcome, good or bad, he will choose to accept it.

This game was broadcast live on TNT, and the commentators were former NBA superstar Charles Barkley and his partner Kenny Smith.

The starting lineups for both teams have been announced, with the Clippers' starting lineup remaining unchanged from the previous game.