The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!

Su Wan, Dior, and Stephen Curry embarked on a journey to Orlando for this year's All-Star Weekend.

Dior once again participated in the "Skills Challenge," making it to the final round but unfortunately falling short at that stage.

Stephen Curry was originally going to participate in the "Three-point Shooting Contest" this year, but due to an injury, he announced his withdrawal, and the League thought of giving the spot to Su Wan. However, Su Wan declined. Firstly, because the All-Star Weekend was held in Orlando; and secondly, to put some pressure on the officials who liked to set up strong opponents for him, so he decided to take it easy during the All-Star Weekend.

Su Wan did not appear at all during the first two days of the All-Star Weekend.

It wasn't until the third day that he showed up on the stage of the All-Star Game.

This year's coach for the Eastern All-Star was D'Antoni.

At Su Wan's suggestion, he gave Derek Rose plenty of playtime, and ultimately the Eastern All-Star defeated the Western, with Derek Rose scoring 33 points and taking home the All-Star MVP award.

Su Wan thought to himself:

Bro, consider yourself compensated!

Hmm...

All-Star MVP, that's still an All-Star MVP!

Most importantly, if no one from the Eastern Conference vied for the regular season MVP, LeBron would definitely try his hardest to snatch it.

Since the Eastern needed someone to step up and take the award, let it be Su Wan who decides that person!

As for why Su Wan himself didn't take it...

He only played a total of 10 minutes in that game.

Viewer ratings for this year's Orlando All-Star Game were not as high as before.

Without Su Wan and others genuinely battling it out, the scene naturally wasn't as exciting— a decline in viewership was normal...

After the Orlando All-Star Weekend, the New York Knicks' first game was a tough battle against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Despite their current record not being too good, only ranking fourth in the Western Conference,

It's important to note that out of the 26 Lakers games this season, Yao Ming had only played 20.

And in those 20 games, the Lakers had a record of 18 wins and 2 losses!

This was enough to show just how formidable the full-strength Lakers were.

Regrettably, in this game, the Lakers did not field their "complete roster."

Phil Jackson gave Yao Ming a rest: "He hasn't recovered from the All-Star Weekend yet, we need to give him some time!"

The game ultimately ended with the New York Knicks triumphing by 14 points, 109 to 95.

Kobe's expression after the game was not too serious.

Even though this season they only played this one game against the New York Knicks, losing meant no chance for revenge.

But when asked by a media reporter if he was upset with Phil Jackson's decision to rest Yao Ming, he chuckled, "Our goal this season is the championship, and everything we do is aimed in that direction!"

Such gentle words left the reporters stunned.

Upon reflecting, they realized that the Kobe of this year was already 34 years old.

What is the difference between a 34-year-old Kobe and a 24-year-old Kobe?

His desire for victory was still full, but his gaze had softened a lot.

He had become much more composed.

He no longer constantly acted like a "Bulldog."

On the other side, Chris Paul was also being interviewed when a reporter asked him about Stephen Curry, his entire face tightened, showing no expression— this wasn't the first time reporters had asked him about Curry, but his attitude wasn't like this before.

The media quickly sensed that their relationship had changed.

"Chris, if the Lakers make it to the finals, would you like to face Stephen?" a reporter asked tentatively, while others watched his reaction.

"Hmm..."

Chris Paul nodded slightly.

Watching his still serious expression, the reporters were utterly convinced:

There had been some unpleasantness between Chris Paul and Stephen Curry.

They rushed to ask Stephen Curry.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Curry's face, but he managed to cover it well, and after thinking, he said, "I've had many interactions with Chris, and he's the opponent I most want to defeat on the court."

What he meant to express was respect for Chris Paul.

Most players, when talking about the opponent they wish to challenge, usually choose their idol.

However, upon hearing this, Chris Paul took it as a declaration of war: "Let's see if he's capable then!"

As the media energetically played up the feud, the rift between Chris Paul and Stephen Curry became more evident.

Chris Paul, feeling his response wasn't strong enough, added, "I hope to see him on the court next time!"

The New York media immediately retaliated on behalf of Curry, bluntly criticizing Chris Paul who hadn't even seen the floor of the Western finals, showing no respect for a champion point guard.

These reports finally crushed any remaining hopeful closure Curry might have had.

Next time they met, it would truly be a "fight to the death!"

The next game was still a major event.

Not that the opponent was particularly strong.

But because Su Wan was about to have his first encounter with the 2011 No.1 Pick, Kyrie Irving.

The media blew the game up to be a big deal.

Su Wan, sensing something amiss, asked Erin to check it out for him.

Soon, Erin brought back the origin of these reports:

The League!

Su Wan now understood.

Clearly, David Stern had started using his fame to "create stars."