N-A-A Chapter 49 Legendary Recognition!
Chapter 49 Legendary Recognition!
In the visiting team's locker room at the AT&T Center, the air still smelled of sweat and disinfectant. Lin Hao slumped in a chair, his ankles wrapped in thick ice packs, clutching an unopened can of yellow peaches in his hand, his knuckles white from the force.
The image of the final play was still replaying in his mind—with three seconds left, Murphy took a shot, the ball spun three times on the rim, and finally bounced off. 90-88, a two-point difference, and the Warriors' playoff journey came to an abrupt end.
The locker room was silent; no one spoke. Richardson pounded his thighs with his head down, while Dampier covered his head with a towel, his shoulders trembling slightly. Everyone had given their all, but in the end, they couldn't create the Black Eight miracle.
"Knock knock knock".
A knock broke the silence, and the Warriors' equipment manager poked his head in with an incredulous look on his face: "Lin, the Spurs' head coach and Duncan are here. They say they want to see you."
The entire locker room fell silent instantly, and everyone looked up at the door. It's worth noting that the Spurs, as the defending champions, are known for their arrogance and have never before taken the initiative to visit an opponent's locker room.
Lin Hao was stunned for a moment, then quickly stood up. Just as he was about to take a step, a piercing pain shot through his ankle, and he staggered. His teammates quickly supported him.
"Walk slowly, don't rush."
A familiar voice came from the doorway. Popovich, dressed in a gray suit, held a tactical board in his hand. His face, usually stern, now held a gentle expression. Behind him was Duncan, who held one of his number 21 jerseys and looked at Lin Hao with sincere eyes.
"Coach, Tim." Lin Hao straightened up and greeted him respectfully.
Popovich looked him up and down, his gaze lingering on his ankle wrapped in an ice pack. He frowned. "How's your ankle? I knew this kid was crazy when I saw you get a painkiller injection before you went on the court."
"It's nothing, just a slight sprain. I'll be fine after a few days of rest," Lin Hao smiled and scratched his head.
"It's good that you're alright." Popovich nodded, then looked at him seriously. "Lin, you guys played really well today. To be honest, before the game I thought we'd easily win the series 4-0, but you guys gave us a huge surprise. If it weren't for that one unlucky shot at the end, you'd be the ones advancing now."
He paused, his tone incredibly solemn: "In all my years coaching in the NBA, I've seen countless talented players, but you're the most special one. You not only have top-tier scoring ability, but also excellent court vision and leadership qualities. More importantly, you have an indomitable spirit. If I could, I'd trade the entire Spurs team for you."
These words caused an uproar in the locker room. The Warriors players stared wide-eyed, unable to believe their ears. Who is Gregg Popovich? He is one of the greatest head coaches in NBA history, and for him to say something like that is the highest recognition a player can receive.
Lin Hao was also stunned, and quickly waved his hand: "Coach, you flatter me. I still have a lot to learn."
"No need to be modest." Popovich patted him on the shoulder. "Take good care of your injury. The future is yours."
At that moment, Duncan stepped forward, handed the jersey to Lin Hao, and then extended his hand, saying, "Lin, you played great. This jersey is for you. I look forward to playing against you again next time."
Lin Hao took the jersey, still warm from Duncan's body heat, and squeezed Duncan's hand tightly: "Thank you, Tim. I'll definitely beat you next time."
"I'll be waiting." Duncan smiled, a rare sight, and nodded.
Just then, the locker room door was pushed open again, and Parker, Ginobili, and other Spurs players walked in, shaking hands and hugging Lin Hao and the Warriors players.
"Lin, you're amazing! You almost beat me to a pulp today," Parker said with a laugh.
"Don't use those fancy breakthroughs next time, they make my head spin." Ginobili patted Lin Hao's arm.
Bowen also came over, his face apologetic: "Lin, I made some mistakes in the game today, I'm sorry. I hope your ankle is okay."
Lin Hao smiled and shook his head: "It's okay, that's how competitions are, I understand."
The entire Spurs team stayed in the Warriors' locker room for a full half hour before leaving. After they left, the atmosphere in the locker room finally became lively.
"Holy crap! Popovich actually said he'd trade the whole team for you! Hao, you're amazing!"
"And Duncan! He actually sent you a jersey! That's some serious class!"
"Although we lost the game, we earned the respect of the world!"
Lin Hao's teammates surrounded him, chattering away, their disappointment vanishing and replaced by excitement and pride.
At this moment, Zhao Dabao and Harris also walked in. Zhao Dabao held his phone and said excitedly, "Haozi, look! The whole internet is talking about #LinHao'sGloryInDefeat#, and #PopovichWouldTradeTheEntireTeamForLinHao# has topped the global trending list! Domestic fans are going crazy, saying you're the pride of Chinese basketball!"
Harris nodded and said with a smile, "Lin, your performance today has won everyone over. Several top global brands just called me, wanting to renew your contracts, with their endorsement fees tripling."
Looking at the dense stream of congratulatory messages on his phone, and then at his excited teammates beside him, Lin Hao's disappointment gradually dissipated. He picked up the can of peaches on the table, popped it open, and held it up: "Brothers, although we lost the game, we won respect. This season is over, but we'll definitely come back stronger next season! Down this can of peaches, and next year we'll crush the Spurs!"
"Dry!"
Everyone picked up the cans of yellow peaches next to them and slammed them together, the crisp sound echoing in the locker room.
Outside the window, the San Antonio night sky was dotted with stars. Lin Hao looked at the canned yellow peaches in his hand, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
First-round exit is not the end, but a new beginning. One day, he will lead the Warriors over the Spurs and stand on the highest podium in the NBA.
The next day, Lin Hao returned to Oakland with the Warriors. Although the team was eliminated in the first round, Oakland airport was still packed with fans who came to welcome them. They held up signs that read "Lin Hao MVP" and "Warriors are glorious in defeat," and shouted Lin Hao's name loudly, their voices echoing throughout the airport terminal.
Wearing a hat and mask, Lin Hao was immediately surrounded by fans as soon as he stepped out of the tunnel. He patiently signed autographs for each fan and took photos with them, always with a smile on his face.
"Lin Hao, you're the best! We'll definitely win next season!"
"Lin Hao, take good care of yourself and recover. We'll always support you!"
"Lin Hao, my son really likes you. He says he wants to play basketball like you when he grows up!"
Hearing the fans' sincere blessings warmed Lin Hao's heart. He knew that his efforts had not been in vain, and these fans were his greatest motivation.