Chapter 101 6th Man

In the end, the Spurs defeated the Mavericks 101-91, eliminating their opponents with a 4-0 sweep and advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

The Mavericks also became the first defending champion since the 2006 Heat to be swept in the first round.

Terry's trash talk didn't work as well as it did in last year's Finals.

Moreover, throughout the series, he averaged only 11 points and shot less than 40% under Tang Tian's primary defense. His performance was really a bit miserable.

Yi Jianlian had a hot hand in this game, hitting two three-pointers in both halves. He played 25 minutes, shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line, scoring a season-high 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

These stats were second only to Nowitzki's performance for the Mavericks tonight.

At the end of the game, he and Tang Tian hugged tightly for more than half a minute.

Each additional second showed how grateful he was to Tang Tian.

Tang Tian also reached out and patted Yi Jianlian's shoulder.

Perhaps only in the future will those haters realize how well "Lian Mei" (Sister Lian), as they call him, played in the NBA as a yellow-skinned player.

In the post-match interview, Yi Jianlian teared up in front of the domestic media.

For him, this season was likely to be his last in the NBA.

But he made it through, and now he could look forward.

The Spurs' series against the Mavericks ended. Although there were some twists and turns, the 4-0 score showed that the entire series was relatively easy.

The Spurs' series started one day later. With their game over, other series were also coming to an end.

In the East, the Heat beat the Knicks 4-1. The Big Three performed consistently, scoring a combined total of seventy or eighty points in almost every game.

Over there, Anthony transformed into "An Lu Bu," averaging 28 points per game, but it was to no avail.

This top small forward, also from the '03 golden generation, still didn't understand the meaning of brotherhood basketball, and lost to the three brothers from the same class.

The Pacers also easily defeated the Magic 4-1.

The Magic's management recruited former Finals members back to the team during the offseason, but they never anticipated that Howard would be unable to play in the playoffs due to injury.

The Pacers also got a big bargain and became the "walkers."

In the other two series, the Bulls fought tenaciously without Rose, but they were still down 1-3 to the 76ers, not far from a "black eight" upset.

The Hawks turned into a small parrot again in the playoffs, and had already been beaten 3-1 by the Celtics, who were infinitely aging.

If there were no surprises, the 76ers and Celtics would both advance to the second round.

In the West, just like the regular season standings showed, the remaining two series, besides the Spurs and Thunder, were quite intense.

On the Clippers' side, Griffin met his nemesis, the Black and White Bears, and Griffin became "Short-Armed Fin," unable to score in various ways.

Fortunately, Paul was smart and had excellent control, and the two teams were tied 2-2, looking like they were headed for a Game 7 showdown.

The situation was similar in the other series between the Lakers and Nuggets.

Although there were no superstars on the Nuggets, the Lakers' strength had obviously declined.

Plus the occasional opening of the Milan Ironworks, the two teams looked like they were also headed for a Game 7.

But the Thunder, like the Spurs, easily swept the Jazz 4-0.

The Four Young Masters were full of youthful energy. They had really improved a lot compared to last season and already had the look of champions.

Because their potential opponents, the Clippers and Grizzlies, were in a fierce battle, the Spurs would have a rare period of rest.

For an old team like them, they couldn't wish for anything more than for them to play a full seven games.

One day, after the daily training session, Ginobili was flirting with Parker again.

"Tony, do you want to play the Lob City or the Ground Force?"

"I want to play the Grizzlies, they 'black eighted' us last year."

Parker was one of the few honest guys on the Spurs, and his answer was very sincere.

If it was the Grizzlies, who beat the Spurs 4-2 in the first round last year, it would indeed be a good opportunity for revenge if they met again.

Parker looked like a gentleman, but he still had a bit of passion.

"Tang, what about you?"

Ginobili turned to ask Tang Tian at this time.

Their lockers were close, making it convenient to do anything.

"The Clippers, our grudges with them run deep."

Tang Tian gave his answer.

The Spurs and Clippers played three games in the regular season, and there were conflicts in two of them.

One game ruined Ginobili, and the other got him suspended. Playing the Clippers was clearly more meaningful.

"Danny, what about you?"

Ginobili leaned over to ask Green again.

"James Harden won Sixth Man of the Year."

Green didn't answer Ginobili, but gave them a new piece of information.

After hearing this, Ginobili took out his phone to check the news.

Harden averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season, shooting 49% from the field and 39% from three-point range.

His main competitors, like Terry and Crawford, were far behind in terms of both team record and personal stats.

The only one who could compete was Lou Williams of the 76ers. The 76ers might pull off a "black eight" upset, which would give him a lot of credit.

But in the end, Harden won the Sixth Man of the Year award with an overwhelming 55% of the vote.

"When do you think the nightclubs in San Antonio will get better?"

Tang Tian asked Ginobili at this time.

"What?"

Ginobili looked at Tang Tian with a confused expression. The question was very strange.

"Tang, you want to go to a nightclub? Keep your voice down, don't let Pop hear you."

Green kindly reminded him.

"No, don't you guys know that James Harden especially likes to go to nightclubs?" Tang Tian said with a smile.

"Haha, you're talking about that. But it's difficult. San Antonio is a military town. The nightclubs are just so-so."

Diaw joined in at this time, apparently having already experienced them.

French people always like romance.

In the Middle Ages, French brothels were places even emperors loved to go.

Tang Tian nodded when he heard this.

It seemed that Harden's excellent performance in San Antonio in his previous life really made sense. It couldn't be compared to a bustling metropolis like Miami.

But that was also good. If they really met in the Western Conference Finals, then his personal value would be realized.

He didn't think he should just be a role player.

The Thunder held a special press conference for Harden to celebrate his Sixth Man of the Year award.

The Thunder had a brilliant record this season, but this was the first honor their team had received.

"This (Sixth Man) won't be my ultimate goal. I'll be even better next season. This season, I'll help the team win our championship."

At the press conference, Harden was also full of ambition.

He definitely wasn't content with just being a sixth man, and the meaning in his words was very clear.

Sixth Man was a recognition of him, but next season, he would play a bigger role on the team.

Thunder general manager Presti was standing beside him, and his brow furrowed slightly when he heard Harden's words.

This kid had a lot of ambition!