Champion Creed

73 points in a single game, the highest single-game score since Wilt Chamberlain. Another record broken by Roger, which is why Roger and Liu Xiang have become legends in China.

They have both left their indelible marks in a sport dominated by foreign names.

But after Roger scored 73 points in the opener, he immediately returned the favor to his teammates in the second game, reducing personal attempts, drawing defense, and giving out more assists.

This has always been Roger's usual practice, even as the team's leader; he can't always focus on himself every game.

In the second game, Roger delivered 23 points and 14 assists, leading the team to easily defeat the Toronto Raptors.

Jason Richardson was the highest scorer on the team today, scoring 25 points in his second starting game, showing fans around the world why he can be a starter for the Warriors.

He has precise three-pointers and explosive slam dunks. His scoring explosiveness is no worse than last season's Allan Houston, and his playing style is definitely more entertaining than Allan Houston's floundering play in the post, earning him cheers from the entire audience every time he grabs the ball.

Allan Houston's condition is exactly the opposite of Jason Richardson. He is still at a loss with his role as a substitute, not well adapted to playing in transition. Tonight he shot four times beyond the three-point line, missing all, and on defense, he had the aesthetic of a historic scoring champion striking a pose with hands on hips.

After the game, Jason Richardson was surrounded by many reporters, but they weren't there to praise him; they were there to stir up trouble.

"Jason, does this game prove you are more qualified to start than Allan?"

"Do you think Allan still has a chance to regain his starting position?"

"Do you feel guilty for taking your teammate's starting position by yourself?"

Jason Richardson was quite disheartened. He played a great game, but the media only cared about locker room gossip.

So he didn't answer any questions, leaving just one sentence: "I'm not interested in discussing anything related to the locker room."

Jason Richardson knows that no matter how he competes with Allan Houston, these matters cannot be leaked outside.

The media is just a bunch of troublemaking maggots, eager to see the team thrown into chaos.

Just when Allan Houston's situation hit rock bottom, he got a chance in the third game of the new season against the Seattle SuperSonics and bounced back.

Because Jason Richardson was off his game, Allan Houston got more playing time in the second half.

Jason Richardson's poor form seemed to give Allan Houston some kind of motivation, making him play with everything he had last season: active movement that stretched the defense, smart positioning, precise catch-and-shoot, and focused defense.

On the court, he was like a low-key version of Ray Allen, shining brightly.

In the end, Allan Houston scored 16 points in the half, contributing to the team's three-game winning streak at the start of the new season.

After the game, Allan Houston also became a media darling. But just like Jason Richardson, the media didn't truly care about his performance, instead asking pointed questions.

"Allan, who made the decision to strip you of your starting position, Roger or Erik?"

"Next, I don't want to discuss this question."

"Can I take it that both Roger and Erik agreed to it, right? Does this game count as a slap in their face?"

"I've already said, I don't want to talk about it."

"How will you get along with Jason Richardson? Will you match up against each other in training?"

"I won't disclose anything related to team training."

Allan Houston maintained basic sanity, likewise not saying anything damaging to the team.

However, the next question completely broke his composure.

"With the second-highest salary on the team sitting on the bench, do you feel ashamed and uneasy? You used to be an All-Star player, and now you can only play off the bench. How will you handle this disparity?"

Allan Houston's face twitched; the question truly hit his sore spot.

Yes, he used to be an All-Star, but he never sought anything more. When Roger joined the team, he automatically conceded under Roger. When Amar'e Stoudemire grew, he quietly watched that kid's tactical status surpass his own.

But now, does the team want him to watch Jason Richardson take the starting spot right in front of him?

This question made Allan Houston lose his previous composure, and he said in front of the media: "Sitting on the bench is temporary; I've always thought the starting position belongs to me. Jason is great, but he's just a little wildcat warming my bed."

This remark was seen as a provocation by Jason Richardson, so after returning to the locker room, Jason Richardson directly confronted Allan Houston.

"Allan, I'm not your wildcat; I earned this position through my performance in training camp! Moreover, I've never said anything to the media about starting roles, and yet you've vented all your dissatisfaction to them. What the hell are you trying to do, you bastard?"

Allan Houston was not to be outdone; he no longer wanted to play nice: "Yes, you never said anything to the media, but don't you forget, you once celebrated in front of me when you got the starting position. Did you ever consider your teammate's feelings!?"