Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters-Chapter 1040 - 594 The Lost Kingship_3

Chapter 1040: Chapter 594: The Lost Kingship_3 Chapter 1040: Chapter 594: The Lost Kingship_3 Yu Fei’s performance at the power forward position perfectly replaced Jokić.

Not only did he possess Jokić’s passing and organizational abilities, but he also had the offensive firepower that Jokić temporarily couldn’t provide, combined with top-notch perimeter shooting threats and comprehensive defense.

The Serbian on the bench understood that his trial period as a starter had ended.

Starting today, Yu Fei would play as the starting power forward. Unless something unforeseen happened, this would be the Clippers’ regular lineup.

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Jokić didn’t have time to feel down about the change in his role.

After all, becoming a starter in his rookie season was already an unexpected achievement.

Being removed from the starting lineup now simply proved that his skills were not yet sufficient.

...

This ignited his motivation to improve himself. Although basketball was not the most important thing in his life, it was his profession.

Since it is his job, he had to do his best.

Luckily, he was a person full of competitive desire.

The Clippers continued their streak of victories.

Yu Fei became an almost triple-double machine.

Throughout November, he averaged 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.

Yao Ming averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists.

From their game performance, Yu Fei stole quite a few of Yao’s rebounds, but this was also how many teams used Yao. His rebounding ability wasn’t top-notch among star big men, but he was good at using his size advantage to create space for his teammates, which made Yu Fei feel a sense of ease while playing, something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

This sense of ease, Griffin had never given him.

Griffin did not create space for him but was instead a rebound monster. In contrast, Yao had long been accustomed to doing these thankless tasks for his teammates.

Yu Fei suddenly found himself in his “comfort zone”. Nowadays, many power forwards were relatively shorter, with many even being small forwards temporarily filling the position; they simply couldn’t compete with him.

Yu Fei realized an ironic fact: playing as a power forward was much easier for him than playing as a small forward.

As he aged, Yu Fei’s absolute speed, agility, lateral movement, and burst had all declined slightly from his peak.

In his younger years, his height of 206 cm was an advantage, but now, playing as a small forward, he seemed too tall and had to go all out to keep up with those younger and more vigorous players.

Playing this way took a big toll on him, and if it continued, he might also have to learn from some predecessors, relying on advanced techniques like “defensive positioning” to conserve energy.

But after switching to power forward, his pressure greatly decreased. Rebounds came easily, and he could attack at will. The only strenuous part was guarding pick-and-rolls and helping in defense, and for these, Antetokounmpo helped, so he didn’t have to commit fully.

Ultimately, to have an easy time leading, one must have others to share the burden.

Antetokounmpo took over some of the organizational tasks, Thompson handled the perimeter defense, and Yao dealt with opponents in the paint. Power forward was undoubtedly the most relaxing position for the Clippers.

When the Clippers finally realized where to place the GOAT, the team’s performance quickly improved.

Going into December, Yu Fei deliberately worked with Yao on two-man plays, letting Yao shine in several games through inside passes and tactics against the Raptors. In the game against the Raptors, Yao made 17 of 18 shots, 15 of which came from beneath the basket, with 13 of these facilitated by Yu Fei’s assists.

With terrifying efficiency, Yao scored 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

After the game, a reporter asked Yao, “Do you regret missing a 100% shooting rate?”

“Indeed, it’s a bit of a pity,” Yao replied with a smile, “what’s really unfortunate is that our opponent tonight wasn’t Miami.”

Despite his image in the United States as a gentle and humble guy, Yu Fei knew well how Yao held grudges. Think about how Yao handled things after the stoppage year when he bought the Shanghai Team and how he “settled accounts” with those who had once bullied him.

Taking a pay cut, voluntarily giving up a core role, helping Miami Heat secure two consecutive championships only to be told by Miami that he was too old and they could only offer a one-year contract worth 10 million – sign it or leave.

Yu Fei knew that Yao was counting the days, waiting for that Christmas Day battle with the Miami Heat.

He was waiting too.

The Miami Heat over the last two years were like the Houston Rockets of the 90s. They seized the opportunity during Jordan’s baseball sabbatical to win consecutive championships, but quickly declined once Jordan returned. Olajuwon became one of the few superstars of the 90s not overshadowed by Jordan.

If Yu Fei’s dynasty was to be revived with the Clippers, Miami would be the best sacrifice.

The lost crown must be reclaimed in an official showdown.

Promotion and marketing were already in full swing before the Christmas Day game on December 25.