NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 645 Listen to me say thank you

The Heat have really had a tough time these past few years... You can say Riley is heartless and cold-blooded, but the fact that his team made it to the Finals without tanking or paying exorbitant luxury taxes is just wishful thinking. Even though the competition in the East isn't as fierce as in the West, the Heat's roster is undeniably much weaker than other top Eastern Conference teams.

The Heat have never tanked over the years, which has prevented them from acquiring high draft picks. They also haven't made any big names in free agency. The 76ers, who back then thought JB was too old and lacked potential and were unwilling to give him a max contract, must be regretting it now!

JB experienced a resurgence with the Heat, finding himself perfectly at home in their system. In the playoffs, he was as formidable as his legendary father, orchestrating the departures of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the two young stars – a truly explosive performance.

If it weren't for Jia Fei's presence, JB would already be the most explosive player since the start of the playoffs.

When the Finals opponent was announced, major media outlets like ESPN unanimously favored the Clippers, given their overwhelming talent advantage over the Heat. Furthermore, the Heat weren't a strong interior team. While they had Adebayo, a small-ball center, they were never a dominant force in the paint. Adebayo is only 206cm tall, far from being a true interior behemoth; he's just slightly larger than the average forward. The Heat's primary offensive weapon is outside shooting.

The Clippers are the best perimeter defense team in the league. Their off-ball defense and wing defense are excellent. Their weakness is that they lack strong enough interior defense and their rim protection is relatively average.

In terms of star power, neither JB nor Adebayo is as good as Jia Fei. Jia Fei is the best player in the league, while the two Heat players, even though they have been underestimated, are not top-tier superstars.

But basketball is a team sport, so before the finals began, the team held a meeting to unify their thinking, reminding the players to abandon their pride, fight game by game, and remember not to be complacent. The dynasty has not yet been established, and the comrades still need to work hard.

Jia Fei delivered a speech at the meeting.

"Ladies and gentlemen... oops, brothers, hello everyone, I'm your teammate Jia Fei... oops, brothers, we've made it to the finals! This is our third consecutive year reaching the finals, and it's absolutely inseparable from everyone's hard work and contributions. Let me sing a song first!" Jia Fei chuckled and actually started singing: "Sending you a little heart..."

I'll send you a flower

You are in my life

So many touching moments

You are my angel

Guided me all the way

Regardless of the changes of time

I love you and sing it as a song

listen to me thank you

Because of you, all four seasons are warm.

Thank you, I'm grateful for you.

The world is more beautiful

I want to thank you because of you.

Love is always in my heart

Thank you, I'm grateful for you.

"Passing on happiness..."

Jia Fei's teammates and coaches were completely dumbfounded. What's wrong with Jia Shen? What song is this?

But then, Jia Fei's expression turned serious and solemn as he said earnestly, "I'm getting off-topic. We only have four games left before we establish our dynasty! If we can win four more games, we will become part of the Clippers dynasty, part of the team's history, and part of NBA history!"

Jia Fei's words got everyone in the audience excited. Yes, who doesn't want to be a part of history? Even role players want to win honors. Even if they don't get the MVP, a championship ring is still great! Being a part of history, how cool is that!

Not to mention that team owner Steve Ballmer has already promised a generous bonus for winning the championship. Nobody would complain about having too much money, and anyone who turns down money is a fool.

"This year has been tough for everyone; the virus has disrupted our lives. But at least we still have basketball!" Jia Fei said, and the audience erupted in applause.

Yes, with many people around the world unemployed, the Clippers players still have jobs, they still have basketball, they still have the opportunity to become a part of history, and they still have the chance to win extra bonuses. We really can't ask for too much.

The pre-battle mobilization was undoubtedly a success, and Jia Fei's triumphant song was well worth it. He clearly understood what unity meant in a team sport.

On the evening of October 1st, China's National Day, the Clippers faced the Heat in the bubble for the first game of the NBA Finals.

This match was broadcast live on Tencent, with commentators Wang Zixing and guest Su Qun providing commentary.

"Teacher Su, the first game of the finals is about to start. Do you think both sides will field small lineups in their starting lineups?" Wang Zixing asked.

As usual, Su Qun adjusted his glasses first, then slowly replied, "I don't think either side will use a true small-ball lineup. The Clippers have no reason to use a small-ball lineup and have Jia Fei play center. The Heat have Adebayo, and even if Adebayo's offensive threat isn't as great as Jokic's, he's still a proper big man, so starting with a regular lineup is more suitable. As for the Heat, they will definitely start Adebayo, and they might continue with the Eastern Conference Finals and have Crowder play power forward."

The starting lineups for both teams have been announced.

The Clippers' starting lineup is Jia Fei, Beverley, George, Gallinari, and Olynyk. It's the same starting lineup as Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Beverley is back in the starting lineup, which excites him greatly; he's itching to find his next target…

The Heat's starting lineup consists of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, Jae Crowder, and Duncan Robinson.

The Heat have a standard "one inside, four outside" lineup, which is also a small lineup, considering that Adebayo, who plays center, is only 206cm tall, and the other four players, except for JB who is barely 2 meters tall, are all under 2 meters. Crowder, who plays power forward, is only 198cm tall, and this kind of short power forward easily reminds people of "Shoe King" Tucker.

Olynyk and Derby are near the center circle preparing for the jump ball; the game is about to begin.

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is Filipino and looks quite similar to Jia Fei, just a bit darker-skinned. He's worked with the Heat his entire career, starting as a video analyst before becoming head coach. Back then, he was criticized for his lack of ability, failing even with a Big Three and being seen as Pat Riley's puppet. The popular Chinese reality show "Running Man" wanted to replace him, but Riley's strong support kept him in the head coach position. Now, he's developed into a highly capable and renowned coach in the NBA.

All I can say is that Running Man is someone who went from player to coach, and then from coach to general manager. His desire for control is too strong, while his vision is only so-so. Otherwise, why would he have traded Love? Does Love even have defense? If you just want to create space, Olynyk would be enough.