NBA: Warrior godfather.

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For the Rockets, Scola scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, but most of his points came in the second half. After Liam instructed Butler to double-team him, it became difficult for Scola to score.

Ariza tallied 24 points, but his shooting was inefficient, making only 9 out of 25 attempts.

Aaron Brooks had a decent performance with 16 points and 7 assists. However, he could only serve as a cherry on top for the Rockets and couldn't provide significant help during critical moments.

Liam stepped onto the technical stage and shook hands with Adelman. Smiling, he said:

"Welcome back to the Oracle Center."

Adelman, after the familiar pleasantries in this game, responded more seriously this time:

"The Warriors are very strong. I think they'll surprise the league."

Having observed this game, Adelman saw the gap between the Rockets and the Warriors.

While the Rockets had more experience and resilience, they were unlikely to make the playoffs.

The Western Conference had been intensely competitive in recent years. Any team aiming for the playoffs needed at least one All-Star.

The Warriors were showing great momentum. The players Liam had recruited fit perfectly into the team's tactical system. Combined with Curry's explosive scoring ability, Adelman believed the Warriors had a strong chance of making the playoffs.

"How is Yao Ming's situation?" Liam asked with concern.

Adelman shook his head and replied in a low voice:

"It's very pessimistic. The doctor mentioned that Yao's legs are under immense pressure, and he might... never return to the NBA."

Liam's face darkened as he sighed subtly.

Yao Ming was still retiring, just as in his previous life.

Through Su Qun, Liam had previously connected with Yao Ming.

Although one was in the NBA and the other in the NCAA, both had left their mark on American basketball and kept in touch frequently.

Liam had reminded Yao Ming to manage his workload and not push himself too hard—health was paramount.

But Yao Ming wasn't one to take turns resting; it wouldn't be true to his character.

Of course, Yao expressed his gratitude and acknowledged Liam's advice, but when it came to the games, he would give everything to secure a win.

Ultimately, in the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers, Yao Ming suffered a fractured left foot and was sidelined for the rest of the season.

May 10, Chinese fans never forgot this date

Throughout his career, Yao Ming gave everything to basketball, enduring up to 15 injuries across his body.

His most severe injury was a stress fracture caused by extreme fatigue.

Yao Ming wasn't fragile—he simply worked harder than most.

Because he carried the weight of an entire nation, he had to win glory for China.

Liam didn't know what to say. He simply nodded at Adelman before turning to the bench.

Among the players celebrating their victory, Liam's somber expression stood out.

Curry noticed it first. He approached Liam, his smile fading as he asked hesitantly:

"Coach, what's wrong? We won."

Liam forced a smile and patted Curry on the arm:

"It's nothing. You did an excellent job. Scoring 33 points in your first NBA game isn't something many can do."

"Coach, are you sure you're okay?" Curry studied Liam's face intently.

Liam remained silent for a moment before saying:

"Yao Ming might have to retire. He can't play in the NBA anymore." Curry was shocked.

"Didn't he just have a fractured left foot? Is it really that serious?"

Liam shook his head:

"He has suffered multiple stress fractures. While he could still play, the risk of further injuries is too high. If he gets hurt again, it could affect his daily life in the future."

"I'm sorry, Coach..."

"It's okay. Let's go. We won the game. Let's thank the fans who supported us… They're the best fans in the world," Liam said softly.

He pulled Curry along, called the Warriors players, and led them to the center of the court, where they bowed in every direction.

The fans, still in the arena, erupted into applause and hoarse cheers upon witnessing this scene:

"Warriors! Warriors!"

After straightening up, Liam took the microphone from the DJ and raised his right hand. The crowd realized he was about to speak and quieted down gradually.

Liam said loudly:

"Thank you for supporting the Warriors. In the past 15 years, the Warriors have only made the playoffs once. The best result was a second-round appearance. But you have never abandoned this team. Thank you. You are the true Warriors!"

Bang, bang, bang! 

Applause thundered as Liam paused. When it subsided, he continued:

"Tonight's victory is just the beginning. I promise you this season the Warriors will make the playoffs. The last ten years didn't belong to the Warriors. But the next ten years will be the decade of the Warriors!"

His words momentarily silenced the massive Oracle Center, followed by a surge of applause and cheers.

"Let's go, Warriors!"

"We want wins!"

"Warriors Championship!"

Sitting in the stands were the most fervent Warriors fans. They didn't care how bold Liam's statements sounded. All they knew was that the Warriors had secured a huge win tonight. They wanted the Warriors to become a powerhouse in the league—and perhaps… to claim that O'Brien Trophy.

Liam waved to the crowd and walked towards the tunnel with his players.

Back in the locker room, Curry tidied up briefly, showered, changed, and then joined Liam for the press conference.

After they were seated, a journalist asked Curry:

"Tonight was your first regular-season game in the NBA, and you delivered a double-double with 33 points and 10 assists. That's even better than Iverson's debut. Do you have anything to say?"

"Iverson is a great player. I'll follow in his footsteps and keep pushing forward," Curry replied, his words flawless, reflecting his training as the team's media spokesperson.

"What do you think of your opponents, the Rockets?"

"They're a strong team. Although we won, the game was tough..."

The journalists grew bored. Modern players seemed so insincere. Why not just read a script directly?

Realizing it was pointless to press Curry, they turned their attention to Liam:

"Coach Gonzalez, congratulations to the Warriors on tonight's victory. After the game, you addressed the fans and said the Warriors' goal this season is to make the playoffs. Do you really mean that?"

"Of course," Liam replied firmly.

"But the Warriors have only made one playoff appearance in the last 15 years..."

"Those were the old Warriors. The current Warriors are a completely new team. We'll make the playoffs," Liam interrupted.

"But you traded away three strong players and kept only young ones. Why are you so confident in the team?"

"Because we won. That's reason enough," Liam replied.

He stood and walked off the stage, with Curry trailing behind.

"Did you notice how those reporters doubted us?" Liam said calmly.

Curry nodded heavily. He'd long realized the true nature of journalists—they preferred failure over success, especially from high-profile figures.

Praising winners didn't generate traction. Controversy and conflict drove headlines.

Liam continued slowly:

"Everyone's waiting for us to fail. Think about it—a 26-year-old Colombian head coach and a talented shooter from a renowned family. If the Warriors falter, the media will tear us apart."

Curry was stunned. He'd never considered this perspective:

"Coach, we're just playing… is that wrong?"

"For some people, living a good life is wrong. Warriors are born as villains," Liam said softly.

"Does that mean they'll criticize us no matter what?" Curry asked, his voice rising slightly.

"No. People admire strength more than agreeing with your stance. As long as we win, we'll earn praise, and no one will fault the winners," Liam replied.

"You must win. Otherwise, all your efforts will be in vain. People won't remember your sacrifices—they'll only remember the victor's smile."

Liam's thoughts turned to Yao Ming's sacrifices for the Rockets in his previous life.

They questioned why Yao Ming only made the All-NBA Second Team twice and the Third Team three times in his career.

When told Yao Ming played for the national team, they scoffed: "Who would be that foolish?"

They couldn't see Yao Ming's exhaustion, loyalty, or sacrifices—only his perceived failures.

If he had accepted Kobe's invitation and joined the Lakers after his contract ended, the inside-outside duo of him.

End the Chapter

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