NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 717 Opening Match Against the Warriors

Even before the season has started, predictions about the new season have already begun.

The Clippers are undoubtedly the top favorite to win the championship. They didn't make any major moves in the offseason, essentially retaining their championship-caliber core. For a team of this caliber, preserving this core is the biggest improvement. Many dynasty teams eventually fall apart, partly due to injuries and aging of key players, and partly due to the departure of crucial pieces. The Clippers have all their key players still in the game, and their depth is excellent. They currently hold all their future draft picks and a wealth of young, promising talents, possessing not only the present but also the future. If any issues arise, they can easily pull the trigger on the trade deadline and use their assets to make trades.

As for the regular season MVP, while Jia Fei is widely predicted to be a favorite, it's not certain he can win it again. He's already won the regular season MVP five years in a row, and both his individual statistics and his team's record have reached a plateau. Everyone knows he's great, and he's a great leader, but he's truly hit a plateau. You can't expect to go 82-0, can you? You can't expect to put up 40+10+10+5+5 individual stats, can you?

The lack of compelling narratives and player fatigue are the biggest obstacles to Jia Fei's six-time MVP award run. The league needs other players to compete for the award, and with predictions suggesting Jia Fei is nearing 30 and might not perform as aggressively in the regular season, other players will have a chance. For example, Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis.

On October 4, the Clippers played their first preseason game of the 2021-22 season at their home arena, IntuitDome, against the Eastern Conference powerhouse Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets were unfairly penalized by the Bucks last season, resulting in several key players spending the offseason recovering from injuries, raising questions about their fitness for the new season. Giannis Antetokounmpo's dirty play was truly impressive; he even attempted to replicate his Eastern Conference Finals victory, but the Clippers' two notorious players retaliated, demanding intervention from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

On October 12, the Clippers finished their final preseason game, concluding their preseason journey. Next, they will prepare for the season opener.

In these preseason games, the Clippers have started Hartenstein, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will become their starting center for the new season. Hartenstein is indeed ready. In his previous life, Jia Fei had competed with the "Big Devil" (a nickname for a player) on the Rockets, but the latter always said he wasn't ready...

Clearly, Hartenstein's story is inspiring. For a second-round pick to become the starting center for a dynasty team is no small feat. Even though centers are less common now, and the Clippers have more role players at center, a starter is still a starter. For a role player to be a starter on a dynasty team is already a huge success.

On October 22, the NBA saw two opening games: the defending champion Clippers hosted the Warriors, their first-round playoff opponent from last season, and the Bucks faced the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

The Warriors strengthened their roster during the offseason, and their record this season is predicted to be better than last season. Furthermore, although they were eliminated by the Clippers in the first round last season, they remain a major talking point in the league. A matchup between these two high-profile teams would generate immense buzz and attention, guaranteeing a high level of interest and excitement.

That evening, Intuit Dome was packed to capacity, a welcome sight after a long absence. It was a real shame that the new stadium had been unable to welcome so many enthusiastic fans during a severe cold. Fortunately, the situation was brought under control in time, and now fans can watch this exciting opening match live and witness the team's championship award ceremony.

Lin Ning and Rose went to the game together, and they were naturally very happy.

Soon, the championship ceremony began, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver making a special appearance, showing considerable respect.

终于，印有“2020”的快船的第4面冠军旗帜在球馆上空高高升起，在这面旗帜旁边，还有印有“2019”、“2018”、“2017”的另外3面冠军旗帜。这说明快船是4连冠，让人震惊的4连冠！

If the Clippers win another championship this season, they will become the second team after the Celtics to win five consecutive championships.

Winning five consecutive championships might not summon a dragon, but it certainly forms a straight...

In NBA history, the longest winning streak is the Celtics' eight consecutive championships!

Looking back at history, the Celtics won their first championship in 1957, and then they were unstoppable. Led by Bill Russell, after winning the championship in 1957, they were runners-up in 1958. From 1959 to 1966, they won an unprecedented eight consecutive championships, which is the longest consecutive championship record in NBA history. Everyone knows that winning three consecutive championships is difficult enough, but winning eight consecutive championships is extremely difficult. This also shows how great the locker room atmosphere Russell helped the team create.

However, the competition in the NBA back then wasn't as fierce as it is now. There were only eight teams then, and the Celtics' roster was much stronger than the others. In today's NBA, winning eight consecutive championships is virtually impossible. The luxury tax system prevents many top teams from making free acquisitions, and the competition among 30 teams is much fiercer than with only eight.

Modern basketball and ancient basketball are no longer the same type of game; the rules and other aspects are quite different.

Jia Fei received his fifth championship ring, now covering an entire hand. To officially surpass Jordan, he needs at least one more championship ring, so he cannot stop his progress, and a five-peat is his goal.

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

"Teacher Su, the Clippers' championship award ceremony was so amazing, I was really moved!" Wang Zixing said, wiping his glasses.

"That's the meaning of a championship. For these players, it's an honor that can't be measured in money!" Su Qun adjusted his glasses and said slowly.

The starting lineups for both teams have been announced.

The Clippers' starting lineup, playing at home, is: point guard Jia Fei, shooting guard Bridges, small forward Paul George, power forward Jeremy Grant, and center Hartenstein.

Hartenstein also started in the regular season, and his starting position is, at least for now, secured. In fact, given the Clippers' decision not to re-sign Olynyk, everyone has already seen that the Clippers intend to give Hartenstein more playing time this season.

Hartenstein's starting position means the Clippers will no longer maintain a five-outside lineup. For the past four seasons, their five-outside lineup has been a nightmare for many teams, but this has resulted in the Nets consistently ranking in the lower half of the league, with mediocre rim protection, reliance on outside jump shots, and insufficient attack on the basket.