Basketball System: Hate Makes Me Unstoppable

The Cavaliers pulled off an unexpected road win, defeating the Heat 124-120.

The post-game box score told the story: Han Sen finished with 60 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, securing his place in history with the NBA's first-ever 60-point triple-double.

JR Smith chipped in 20 points, while Kyrie Irving had 17 points and 5 assists.

For the Heat, Kevin Durant led the way with 36 points, Pau Gasol contributed 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, Dwyane Wade added 19 points, Luol Deng had 13 points, and Nikola Vucevic posted 14 points and 7 rebounds.

Even after the game had ended, many Heat fans remained in their seats, stunned by the result.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

On the court, players exchanged post-game handshakes.

When Durant reached Han Sen, he couldn't hold back his frustration: "It's just a regular-season game."

Han smiled, unable to help himself.

"What's so funny?" Durant frowned, visibly annoyed.

"Do you remember what I told you during the playoffs back when we were in the Western Conference? 'I'm not LeBron.'"

Durant's expression darkened. Of course, he remembered.

Han had taunted him back then, reminding him that he didn't rely on referees like LeBron did.

"What's that got to do with anything now?"

Han chuckled. "You know what LeBron fans always say when they lose?"

Durant didn't need further explanation. As a seasoned online surfer, he knew exactly what Han was implying.

He hadn't realized it before, but the very words he'd just spoken mirrored the excuses LeBron's fans often made after a loss.

Sometimes, the things we consume influence us more than we realize.

...

At the post-game press conference, Han Sen and JR Smith sat side by side.

For JR, this was his first time attending a post-game presser since joining the Cavaliers. He looked visibly excited.

However, nearly every question was directed at Han Sen.

A 60-point triple-double wasn't just impressive—it was historic.

Most fans didn't fully grasp the significance of the achievement, but the reporters had detailed stat sheets to back it up: Han Sen had accounted for 96 points through his scoring and assists, a number even more mind-blowing than Kobe's famous 81-point game.

When asked about his performance, Han remained calm and humble.

"American Airlines Arena is my lucky charm," he joked.

It was a phrase he'd used during last year's Finals, and it remained just as fitting. After all, Han had clinched all three of his championships in that very arena. His career-high 61-point game had also come against the Heat in Miami. And now, he had set another record here with a 60-point triple-double.

There was something magical about this place.

The reporters fired off one question after another. Han answered a few more before passing the mic to JR Smith.

"You can ask him questions, too," Han said, motioning toward his teammate.

The room fell silent.

No one had a single question for JR.

For most reporters, Han Sen was the story.

JR? He was just a role player who'd had a good shooting night.

In truth, reporters would have preferred to ask JR about his antics—like untying opponents' shoelaces or pulling headbands off their heads.

Those moments made for better headlines.

The awkward silence grew, but Han quickly defused the tension. He grabbed the mic himself and played the role of a reporter.

"Mr. Smith," Han began with a grin, "you scored a season-high 20 points tonight. How do you feel?"

The room froze for a moment.

Even JR looked stunned, caught off guard by Han's unexpected gesture.

When Han handed him the mic, JR hesitated. Then, his eyes reddened with emotion.

"I feel great. Really great." His voice wavered with emotion.

Han reached over, patting JR on the shoulder to reassure him.

"Relax," he whispered.

After Han's gesture, some of the quicker-thinking reporters finally began asking JR questions, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

...

As they left the press room, JR turned to Han, his expression one of genuine gratitude.

"Thank you, man. Really. Thank you."

His voice carried a sincerity that came from the heart.

Han raised an eyebrow.

"Thank me? For what?"

"For everything, boss." JR's voice softened. "For trusting me. For passing me the ball. For helping me out there tonight."

Han frowned.

"Cut that 'boss' crap. You got that from Cunningham, didn't you?"

JR chuckled, wiping his eyes.

"Got it."

Han placed a hand on JR's shoulder.

"Respect isn't given—it's earned. All I did was judge you fairly, the way Coach Malone would. Now, go earn your respect."

JR nodded firmly.

He couldn't deny his troubled past. He'd been a troublemaker, and most people still viewed him as such.

But Han Sen had looked beyond his reputation and given him a chance.

For JR, that was an incredible gift.

...

Later that night, the NBA released a special graphic commemorating Han's historic performance, featuring the words: "The Best in the Game."

The league also made a significant announcement:

The 2016 All-Star voting process would be overhauled, with all official fan votes counting, regardless of location.

This was exactly what Adam Silver had promised Han privately, though Han hadn't shown much appreciation at the time.

Still, the change wasn't made out of goodwill.

It was made because of Han's impact on the league.

The league had seen what Han was capable of. And they couldn't afford to lose him for another All-Star Weekend.

After all, Han had already confirmed he wouldn't participate this year. The NBA couldn't risk him skipping next year, too.

Han Sen's influence had once again shaped the league's direction.

Not with words or complaints, but with his actions on the court.

Because in the world of basketball, respect isn't just earned.

It's taken.

...

Time flew by, and it was already mid-February. The All-Star Weekend was about to begin, hosted in Memphis.

Just before the festivities kicked off, the NBA officially approved the Grizzlies' ownership change. Robert Pera was now the new owner of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Pera himself made an appearance during the All-Star Weekend, and during Media Day, he dropped a bombshell announcement in front of a room full of reporters:

"We will be erecting a statue of Han Sen."

The news came as a huge surprise. After all, statues were typically reserved for retired players, not active ones.

But from Pera's perspective, it made perfect sense.

The former owner, Michael Heisley, had left behind a toxic legacy in Memphis. As the new owner, Pera needed to win over the fans quickly, and honoring the city's greatest hero was the best way to do it.

And it worked.

By the end of Media Day, social media was flooded with Memphis fans celebrating Pera's arrival and praising him as the best thing to happen to the Grizzlies in years.

However, the same day, LeBron James made a comment during his Media Day appearance that stirred up a storm around Han Sen.

When asked why he hadn't participated in the Dunk Contest — a question he'd faced every year — LeBron responded:

"I'm not the one who says they'll compete and then doesn't show up. I'm just waiting for the right time."

He didn't name names, but everyone knew he was talking about Han Sen.

The comment quickly gained traction, setting off a wave of backlash.

Fans didn't care why Han Sen had opted out of the Dunk Contest. All they cared about was that he wasn't there.

Disappointed fans are quick to turn into angry fans.

As a result, while Han Sen was vacationing in Big Sky, Montana, he watched his hater points spike dramatically.

Han couldn't help but laugh at the irony.

"I used to wish I could rent LeBron's ability to attract hate. Turns out, I don't need to. He's doing it for me for free."

At that moment, Han Sen wasn't paying much attention to social media.

He was at a ski resort, watching Anjali glide gracefully down the slopes.

The long season had taken its toll on Han both physically and mentally.

Now that he was a superstar, even his off-days were packed with endorsement commitments and sponsor appearances.

He was constantly on the go, barely catching his breath.

So when he decided to skip the All-Star Weekend, he had Chris cancel all his PR events, and he took Anjali on a well-deserved vacation.

February was perfect for skiing.

Unfortunately, due to NBA regulations, skiing was considered a dangerous activity, and players were strictly prohibited from doing it during their careers.

Back in the day, Lakers player Vladimir Radmanovic was fined $500,000 for injuring himself while skiing, earning him the infamous nickname: "Ski Man."

So Han had no choice but to watch from the sidelines, admiring Anjali as she navigated the slopes with ease.

At first glance, Anjali seemed like an ordinary person, but after spending more time with her, Han realized just how talented she was.

Dance, music, scuba diving, rock climbing, skiing, bungee jumping—there wasn't much she couldn't do.

Han found himself a little envious.

Sure, he made a lot of money, but he was still a working man, with a long way to go before retirement.

Anjali, on the other hand, was living life to the fullest, unrestrained by a nine-to-five grind.

Since skiing wasn't an option for Han, he and Anjali spent time exploring Yellowstone National Park, which was nearby.

Despite living in the U.S. for years, Han had never been to Yellowstone.

His biggest impression of the park came from the movie "2012", where the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted, wiping out most of America.

There was even a popular meme:

"The easiest way to destroy America is to trigger the Yellowstone supervolcano."

Some people even joked about dropping a nuke into the volcano to make America disappear.

Yellowstone's geothermal features were stunning, especially the Grand Prismatic Spring, which displayed vibrant colors even in February.

Han compared it to China's Jiuzhaigou.

"The hot spring is like the Five Flower Lake," he mused.

Still, Yellowstone's other natural attractions weren't quite as breathtaking as Jiuzhaigou.

No wonder Curry was so excited when he visited Jiuzhaigou.

But what truly fascinated Han and Anjali were the park's wildlife.

One day, they took a helicopter ride to observe Yellowstone's wild animals.

Seeing a herd of American bison running through the snow was an awe-inspiring sight.

Han couldn't help but feel a bit of the Red Dead Redemption vibe.

"Maybe we should visit Africa in the summer," Han said, thinking back to the nature documentaries he loved as a kid.

His dream? Adopt a lion cub from Africa.

He already had a name picked out: "Sefu." (Swahili for "Sword")

On the day of the All-Star Game, Han and Anjali stayed in their hotel room, watching the live broadcast with a table full of snacks.

Watching basketball with your girlfriend?

That was the ultimate dream for many fans.

The game started, and the Western Conference quickly took control.

The talent gap between the East and West was already significant, and with Han Sen skipping the game, it was a blowout waiting to happen.

What made this year's All-Star Game particularly entertaining was LeBron's desperate bid for the MVP trophy.

He was hyper-aggressive, to the point where he even tried to block Curry's layup during a fast break—a move that left the crowd stunned.

"LeBron really wants this MVP."

But Russell Westbrook wasn't about to let that happen.

Despite being a reserve, Westbrook dominated the ball whenever he and LeBron were on the court together.

"You want the MVP? Over my dead body."

Their on-court rivalry was even more intense than Han and LeBron's showdown last year.

Steve Kerr, coaching the West, deliberately gave Westbrook extended minutes, enjoying the drama.

"The more they fight, the better it is for the Warriors."

The West won easily, 163-150.

LeBron finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, a classic stat-sheet-filling performance.

But Westbrook stole the show, dropping 41 points and earning his first All-Star Game MVP.

Han laughed as he watched the final moments of the broadcast.

"This is better than playing."

Even before the game ended, Han had already pulled Anjali over, working on his post-up moves while they watched.

"No wasted time, even on vacation."

(TL/n: How do you like the pun? I came up with it hehe...)

-End of Chapter-