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GRANDMAESTA_30

GRANDMAESTA_30

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Chapter 212: Too Hot To Touch

After beating the Grizzlies, the Knicks flew straight to Dallas for a back-to-back against the Mavericks.

Dallas had always been a bit of a lucky charm for Lin Yi. After all, it was here that his popularity exploded onto the national stage.

As the Knicks prepared to face the Mavs, Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle made a swift decision—he gave Dirk Nowitzki the night off. Lin remembered that in previous timelines, Dirk rarely sat out games. But in this altered path, Carlisle didnâ...

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Chapter 211: Built Different

Memphis-The Capital of Rock 'n' Roll

And on this particular evening, in one of its most iconic restaurants, Mike D’Antoni looked across the table at Lin Yi, smiling knowingly. Coaches knew when players wanted something. And tonight, Lin Yi had invited him out to dinner for a reason.

Lin didn’t beat around the bush. “Coach, I need something from you for tomorrow’s game. I want my teammates to shoot immediately when I hit them with a pass. No hesitation. And...

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Chapter 82: Chelsea vs Arsenal End

“Arsenal break forward! Kai's counterattack is on! Walcott blazing down the flank—and four Gunners are charging into the box!”

No hesitation.

Walcott swung in the cross.

This had to be quick. Clinical. Before Chelsea reset.

The ball zipped low to Suarez.

Cahill lunged, misread it, and lost balance.

Panicking, he grabbed Suarez’s jersey.

The Uruguayan staggered—clearly pulled—but stayed upright.

For a moment, Suarez w...

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Chapter 210: The Knicks Hit The Wall

After their statement win over the Thunder, the Knicks continued their February hot streak.

With a record now standing at 40 wins and 14 losses, they sat second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Next up: a home game against the Bucks, followed immediately by a road trip to TD Garden for a showdown with Boston.

For most of the season, Boston head coach Doc Rivers hadn’t considered the Knicks serious contenders. In his mind, their real challenge came from...

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Chapter 208: OKC vs Knicks 2

"Charles, the Knicks haven’t exactly been a comeback team this season, right?" Kenny Smith asked as the fourth quarter loomed.

"Exactly," Barkley nodded. "It’s either they hit first, or get hit hard."

It was true. Most of the Knicks’ wins came from setting the tone early. If they fell behind, it often stayed that way.

Now, they were trailing 90–78 at Madison Square Garden heading into the final quarter.

Coach M...

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Chapter 81: Chelsea vs Arsenal 2

On the touchline, Wenger studied the pitch and nodded to himself.

Only three games into the season, but Kai’s transformation was already clear.

Physically and mentally, he looked sharper. Stronger. More mature.

And perhaps the most obvious shift—he was demanding the ball now.

Not just a boost in confidence, but the kind of readiness that comes with embracing more responsibility. Wenger applauded that change.

A core should carry that weight. Take owne...

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Chapter 80: Chelsea vs Arsenal

The 22nd round of the Premier League is just around the corner: the Blues of Chelsea versus the Gunners of Arsenal.

The tension is mounting, and both sides are deep in preparation.

But in the midst of it all, Chelsea’s manager, Benitez, stirred the pot with comments that quickly became the talk of the press.

“I don’t think we’ll lose to Arsenal at home, so don’t ask me that again. QPR's win at the Bridge was just a fluke. As for Arsenal, they’ve got an 18-year-ol...

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Chapter 209: OKC vs Knicks End

As early as the first quarter, Lin Yi realized something—this Thunder team was no joke tonight.

Sure, they weren’t in their final form yet.

Durant had already gone off for points, but he still wasn’t the unstoppable version he’d eventually become. Westbrook was raw—his defensive instincts still a work in progress. And James Harden? Still a rookie, figuring things out.

And yet, somehow, the three of them found a rhythm. Durant, the most polished of the trio, carried...

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Chapter 207: OKC vs Knicks

Madison Square Garden, New York – February 20

Tonight, the Knicks host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Heading into the game, the Knicks are unbeaten in February. In the MVP race, Lin Yi has quietly climbed into second place, partly due to Kobe Bryant’s recent absence.

If not for LeBron James' dominance this season, Lin Yi could very well be the frontrunner for MVP—unheard of for a rookie. It was last done by Wes Unseld in the 1968-69 season.

...

<...

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Chapter 206: Bill George's Big Break

Sometimes, doing too much can get you into trouble.

Case in point: Lin Yi.

Faced with a situation he couldn’t solve alone, he turned to the only place that might understand—

The 2009 NBA Draft Group Chat.

Lin Yi:
“Guys, I need help. Three girls asked me to teach them basketball—same day, same time. What do I do?”

Curry:
“…”

Flynn:
“…”

Ha...

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Chapter 205: Bulls vs Knicks End

“I didn’t expect Pat to handle the pressure this well,” Kenny Smith said from the TNT booth.

“Opportunity doesn’t play favorites,” Barkley replied. “In this league, the ones who can step up when it counts—those are the ones who stick.”

...

The Bulls had the ball, and Derrick Rose, looking sharp and focused, was determined to take matters into his own hands.

Pat Ewing Jr. might never be as goo...

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Chapter 79: One More Year

On January 2nd, Arsenal traveled to face Southampton in the 21st round of the Premier League.

Throughout the match, Kai’s performance was once again impressive.

His quick interceptions and relentless pressing were vital in Arsenal’s defensive efforts. But despite his contributions, Arsenal struggled to generate momentum on the counterattack.

The reason was simple — Southampton's aggressive high press kept Kai pinned deeper than usual.

He tried to launch direct co...

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Chapter 203: Knicks vs Bulls

Although Chicago in February wasn’t quite as bone-chilling as Minnesota, for Lin Yi—who had grown up enjoying mild winters—the sub-zero temperatures still felt brutal.

...

February 16th, United Center.

You had to hand it to the Bulls—when it came to pre-game theatrics, they knew how to put on a show.

With the bass-pounding BGM shaking the arena and that dramatic shot of a galloping bull lighting up the jumbotron, the energy in the United Center...

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Chapter 204: Bulls vs Knicks

Back in New York, the Knicks were hit with a bit of bad luck.

During morning shootaround, starting point guard Tony Douglas went down with a sprained ankle. It wasn’t catastrophic, but still, a blow.

Lin Yi had warned him before.

“Tony, take it easy. You don’t have to go full throttle every day.”

But Douglas had his reasons. Since Chris Duhon’s departure, he’d stepped into the starting role—even though Lou Williams shared some of the burden, Douglas saw t...

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Chapter 78: Eyes Up, Head Moving

<<Arsenal resort to counterattacks.>>

-The Guardian

<<Wenger: Only defensive counterattack can save us!>>

-The Sun
<<Wenger’s gone for the most boring football ever!>>

-The Daily Star

The next morning, headlines swirled across the British Isles.

Even in victory, some media outlets mocked Wenger’s decision to adopt ...

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Chapter 202: All Star Weekend End

Does the Slam Dunk Contest matter?

Well… it depends on who you ask.

In general, maybe not. But the one held in Dallas during this All-Star Weekend? That one mattered—a lot.

Because Lin Yi made history.

He became the first Asian player to win the Slam Dunk Contest, and his four electrifying dunks didn’t just win over the judges—they blew the roof off the arena. Years from now, people will still talk about this night. Lin Yi carved his name into dunk contest lore...

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Lin Yi's Logo and Death Series Shoes

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Chapter 201: All Star Weekend 2

NBA President David Stern didn’t attend the Rookie Challenge this year.

The old man had been in high spirits lately, feeling healthier than ever. With a spring still in his step, Stern was convinced he had a few more good years left in him. So instead of heading to the arena, he stayed behind with several league executives to discuss the logistics and programming for the next All-Star Game.

“Lin Yi’s got the rookie game covered,” Stern waved it off with a grin. “Time for...

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Chapter 77: Arsenal vs Newcastle End

“Oi! That pass—are you kidding me?!” Walcott shouted, nearly giddy as he jogged back. “It had this curve, like it knew where I’d be. So clean to receive!”

Still buzzing from the goal, Walcott jogged alongside Kai, unable to hide his excitement.

It wasn’t just praise—it was genuine admiration. Kai’s pass had been perfectly weighted and impeccably timed.

“Kai, mate, I was just about to adjust for a normal through ball—and then that came ...

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Chapter 76: Arsenal vs Newcastle 3

The Magpies were still probing for a breakthrough, but Arsenal’s defensive shape was rock solid—there wasn’t even the hint of a gap.

Especially with Arsenal’s No. 4 patrolling the midfield like a hawk, Newcastle’s attack was completely bogged down.

“How many damn times is that guy gonna ruin our plays?” one of the away fans muttered in frustration.

Marveaux, stuck trying to make things happen in midfield, was visibly agitated. But what could he do?

At thi...

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Chapter 200: All Star Weekend

This year’s All-Star Weekend in Dallas had the city feeling... well, a little cursed.

First, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant both pulled out, essentially retiring from the event. That alone dimmed the star power of the festivities.

Then Brandon Roy announced he’d be stepping away from the All-Star Game as well.

And just before tip-off, Hornets star Chris Paul declared he’d miss the rest of the season due to injury.

At this point, you could almost hear Dallas groani...

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Chapter 199: Knicks vs Cavaliers End

Lin Yi’s fast-break three-pointer from nine meters out detonated the entire Quick Loans Arena.

What the hell was that?!

Seriously—why was he shooting like this? Who permitted him? Where was the logic? The science? The coaching restraint?

But somehow... it felt so right.

In the stands, Cavaliers fans were caught in a crisis of loyalty. Deep down, they still worshiped LeBron—their King, their hero. They were the most fait...

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Chapter 75: Arsenal vs Newcastle 2

“The Gunners are defending with everything they’ve got—Newcastle can’t even break into their half!”

Pitch side commentator Ian Darke looked slightly skeptical, glancing toward his broadcast partner.

“I’ve got to say, Steve,” he muttered, “I’m not convinced Arsenal are built for counter-attacking football.”

Steve McManaman chuckled. “Well, it’s not exactly their thing. Possession, passing tri...

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Chapter 198: Knicks vs Cavaliers 2

In the first quarter, as usual, Lin Yi was subbed out halfway through.

Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown and star LeBron James let out a collective breath. Lin Yi’s shot selection had been more perimeter-based so far—two for four from beyond the arc, and a long two that clanked off the rim.

From Mike Brown’s perspective, as long as Lin Yi wasn’t breaking down the defense and creating for others, he wasn’t too worried.

Just a big man with a jumper, right?

...

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Chapter 197: Knicks vs Cavaliers

Downtown Cleveland wasn’t exactly breathtaking. All the scenery seemed clumped around Lake Erie, like someone had slapped the city's charm onto one edge and called it a day.

Coming from the bright lights and constant buzz of New York, the Knicks had landed in a quieter setting. There wasn't much distraction here, which was probably for the best. Everyone's focus was locked in on basketball.

Cleveland didn’t have many tourist spots, but it did boast one iconic landmark: a massi...

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Chapter 74: Arsenal vs Newcastle

Christmas had passed just five days earlier, and on December 29th, the Premier League's 20th round kicked off.

As usual, Arsenal fans flocked to the Emirates Stadium early—but this time, a heavy mood hung over them.

The club’s persistent injury crisis cast a gloomy shadow over the entire fanbase.

Injuries to Wilshere and Cazorla had already taken a toll on Arsenal’s attacking fluidity.

But Arteta’s absence? That was the final blow to the team’s trademark pass...

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Chapter 196: Rising Before Royalty

“Hey Lin, we’re playing the Kings, not the Lakers. Why are you so fired up?” David Lee asked, glancing curiously at Lin Yi, who was bouncing with energy during warm-ups.

Lin Yi grinned, his eyes sharp with determination. “Because you never underestimate your opponent, David!”

He said it with conviction—cool, composed, and almost heroic. But David couldn't help raising an eyebrow. Wasn’t it Lin himself who called the Kings “easy” during the film session y...

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Chapter 195: Death Is Coming

“Oh? Nike’s that fast now?” Lin Yi raised an eyebrow, a little surprised as he listened to Xiao Zhong’s update.

“Pretty much. The shoes won’t hit the shelves for a few more months,” Zhong Muchen explained. “But you’re heading into the All-Star Game, right? Nike’s hoping you’ll debut their specially designed sneaker for you during the event.”

Ah—so this was the plan. Use the All-Star spotlight to roll out Lin Yi’s exclusive sneakers.

Still, Lin Yi ...

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Chapter 73: Sweat, Smiles And Sprints

From the second day, Arsenal began intensive training focused on defensive counterattacks.

The formations they practiced primarily included the 4-5-1, 4-4-2, and 5-3-2.
The overarching strategy was clear: establish a solid defensive structure first, then strike when the opportunity for a counter presented itself.

This style of play could be described as smart and efficient. With more numbers in the middle and back third, the opposition had little room to work with. Arsenal’s ...

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Chapter 194:From Davidson to the Garden

Ever since David Lee found out he’d made the Eastern Conference All-Star bench, his energy had been off the charts.

“David, calm down. What if you tweak something before the game?” Lin Yi warned him with a half-smile.

David froze mid-drill. He thought about it for a second… Lin had a point.

The All-Star Game was right around the corner. If he got injured now from going too hard in training? That’d be a disaster.

And just like that, David flipped the switch, e...

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