Chapter 456 - 20: [You Can Do That?]
The CCTV director couldn’t cut away in time, giving many young fans a shocking spectacle.
What shocked the Chinese fans even more was that just after Su Xi and Scarlett Johansson kissed, he had barely taken two steps when a bold blonde woman leaped onto him, clinging to him and biting his neck.
Su Xi pushed her off, sending her to the ground. Security guards then rushed over and escorted the woman out of the arena.
The CCTV commentators were startled. They immediately explained, "See, this is the powerful appeal Su Xi has in the United States. These female fans are just too wild."
It wasn’t long before they got word.
"Uh... the female fan who just jumped on Su Xi was Paris Hilton, one of the heirs to the Hilton Hotel fortune. She’s a famous American socialite. I can’t believe she’s this wild for Su Xi too..."
The CCTV commentator’s remark left the fans even more stunned.
But just then, the whistle blew, and the game began.
The little pre-game episodes added a humorous flair to this Chinese derby.
They even had to do the jump ball twice.
The first time, Eddie Curry bumped into Yao Ming in mid-air.
Then, on the second attempt, Yao Ming simply didn’t jump. He had no desire to become the first center in NBA history to get injured during a jump ball.
Eddie Curry successfully won the tip, tapping the ball to Su Xi.
The Knicks’ starting lineup was: Su Xi, Crawford, Jalen Rose, Tony Battie, and Eddie Curry.
The Rockets’ starters were: David Wesley, Luther Head, Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, and Yao Ming.
David Wesley had entered the league back in 1992. He was short but strong and had previously spent his career with the Hornets, at one point becoming their emotional leader. He was full of drive, a tough defender, and a great leader.
Under his leadership, the Hornets made the playoffs multiple times and were, for a time, a formidable force in the West.
This season, the Rockets had acquired him.
Though he was older, he was still the Rockets’ best option at the point guard position.
When he stood in Su Xi’s way, Su Xi showed no disrespect. He went all out... BAM!
On the very first possession, David Wesley was knocked to the ground by Su Xi. Su Xi drove to the paint, attacked the rim, and rose up to throw down a dunk over Juwan Howard.
Howard’s expression remained calm, as if nothing had happened.
As one of the Michigan Five, he had long since become unflappable.
After all, for a man who had signed a nine-figure contract long ago, there wasn’t much that could get under his skin anymore.
Chinese fans affectionately called him "Second Uncle Howard."
He and Uncle Mu were the two veterans, the "elders," on the Rockets.
The nicknames the Chinese fans gave the Rockets players were all quite endearing.
For the Knicks players, it was much simpler. Tony Battie, needless to say, had a well-known moniker: Hu Su Bao.
Eddie Curry: SpongeBob.
Crawford: The Streaky Kid.
Jalen Rose: Jay Chou.
Jerome James: VIP.
These nicknames were all incredibly creative, and each had a backstory.
"Su Xi’s vertical leap is clearly higher than before. He rarely used to throw down such powerful dunks," the CCTV commentator said seriously.
However, TNT, which was providing their broadcast feed, wasn’t exactly helping matters.
They immediately broadcast a rather awkward scene to the Chinese fans on the other side of the Pacific.
After Su Xi’s dunk, the entire arena erupted in screams and cheers. As Su Xi headed back on defense, he acknowledged the crowd at the sideline. While passing a beautiful woman in the front row, the woman, clad in tight yoga pants, suddenly spread her legs, pointed down, and said to Su Xi, "Hey, dunk on this! Dunk it right here, Jack!"
The many Chinese fans watching on TV were left dumbfounded. They never saw that coming!
People actually do that?!
It was a real eye-opener.
...
...