Chapter 110: Brother, Me

Chapter 122: Brother, My Brother

“The Cleveland Cavaliers are essentially the Houston Rockets!”

The media once again began to focus on the Houston Rockets as the starting point. Judging from the recent two basketball games, even if the Grizzlies win this series, it would not be a surprise.

The Grizzlies are more stubborn than Robert Henry and the Houston Rockets. This group of eight Black players, established before the Cleveland Cavaliers, is heading for the O'Brien Cup this year!

Hero or laughingstock? After four games, the first series has reached its most critical stage.

“...” As many have said in the past, the Houston Rockets cannot win with the world’s best teammates; just as months ago, many claimed the Rockets would not make the playoffs, now some say Houston will likely be eliminated by the Grizzlies. Though I have always despised such talk, I do not want my teammates and fans to think I condone such nonsense.”

After losing the fourth game, Su Feng made this statement during a press interview. Though Su Feng appeared confident, many reporters believed it was mere bluffing.

Historically, in top-tier playoffs, when the Houston Rockets have tied the series 2-2, they have often been reversed and eliminated. Reporters seized on this record, convinced the Rockets would oscillate repeatedly.

The Houston Rockets and Su Feng remain haunted by this curse, still struggling.

The intensity of top-tier playoffs often fills basketball with uncertainty. More importantly, the Rockets are competing in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.

Looking at club performance, the Chicago Bulls rank fifth in the East, but if they were in the West, they might not even reach the playoffs.

This reveals the West’s competitiveness. In truth, the gap between clubs isn’t vast. Whoever perseveres, who seizes the opportunity, becomes the ultimate victor.

Clearly, the Grizzlies seized their chance in the two games in Memphis. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph built the foundation for the black-and-white bears, unleashing their true strength.

In fact, the Rockets sensed danger in the second game of the series. Without Su Feng’s last-minute thriller, who knows if Houston would have won.

The Grizzlies, a slow-moving team, are now on track aiming to be the world’s best teammates—not just first-round contenders. With Thunder’s Westbrook injured, Oklahoma City’s strength is greatly diminished. This means whoever advances from Memphis vs. Houston has a strong chance to beat the Thunder and reach the Western Conference Finals.

To earn the chance to thunder, the Grizzlies are willing to strike hard. So they tied these two clubs together, bringing suspense and tension back to Dallas.

“The Houston Rockets are a young, leading team. This may be an understatement, but it’s the truth. They are energetic and fearless against any opponent, so the Rockets can sometimes surpass us against strong teams. But because their teammates are no longer young, their performance is unstable. So when you pin high hopes on the Dallas Rockets, they may disappoint you; but when you give up on them, they surprise you. So don’t rush to judge the Rockets’ basketball. They might be beaten or soar to the skies.”

This was Mike Brin’s assessment after the series score tied 2-2. The team has very high ceilings and very low floors. The Rockets’ unique team structure makes their performance extremely unpredictable.

No one can predict the outcome. Even Robert Henry is uncertain about how players will perform.

All he can do is train his teammates to the best of his ability. Facing the Grizzlies’ bluster, there is no choice but to keep pushing forward.

On April 30, the last day of April, the England Route Center Hall "unexpectedly" hosted the fifth game of the series. When both sides last left Dallas, many fans thought the Rockets could have settled the battle in four games. Unbeknownst to them, the Grizzlies were determined to bring the battleground back to Dallas.

Today, to create a "home court advantage" atmosphere, the Spaniards also made great efforts. Before the game, they instructed stadium staff to place a blue Houston Rockets T-shirt on every seat so fans could wear them immediately upon sitting.

“Boss, we’re here.” Su Feng parted his lips slightly, letting out a deep voice from his throat as he greeted Robert Henry.

“Hmm... Henry is injured...”

“You better go check on him... but hey, don’t expect too much.”

Hearing Su Feng’s words, Robert Henry felt somewhat downhearted. Not to mention whether his career might end here, but this injury was definitely not optimistic. The Rockets would indeed make global sports media headlines.

Robert Henry patted Su Feng’s shoulder and pushed open the door to the ward. On the bed, Henry looked out the window, not turning around even upon hearing someone enter.

“Henry, how do you feel?” Robert Henry went straight to the point without beating around the bush.

Henry did not respond immediately but turned his head to see who was speaking. Under the yellow light, Henry saw two tears on Robert Henry’s face.

“Not good, sir, I don’t feel well... Batuliya, that bastard, has he been suspended?” Henry frowned at the mention of Pahuliya. This was the fourth time in his career he’d suffered malicious fouls. Though he hadn’t retaliated the first three times, now at 37, his body’s recovery was no longer what it used to be. God knows how long it would take to heal. Perhaps... it never will.

“At present, the league has not yet punished Patruia, but he can’t play, and he’s off the court, apparently seriously injured.”

Hearing this, Henry looked surprised.

“Why didn’t he tell you directly?”

“Maybe he just told me we won the final victory. Wait... that dumb kid, so he won’t be banned!” Robert Henry didn’t know how Su Feng caused Pachu to fall, but he could imagine Su Feng’s kid would never do anything gentle!

“He’ll be fine. It’s Henry. You haven’t told me how you’re doing yet.”

Hearing this, Robert Henry pulled back the covers. His foot was plastered thickly.

Seeing the cast, everything became clear. If it were a common sprain, the doctor wouldn’t use a cast.

Benjamin said, “The ankle has structural damage. I want an indefinite suspension!” Robert Henry covered his face again; the 37-year-old veteran’s ankle was seriously injured. He knew what this meant.

This “half-man, half-god” career was truly entering its final countdown.

Robert Henry didn’t know what to say. Basketball is beautiful. Then one day, someone tells you you can’t play anymore. How do you feel? Henry didn’t know the feeling, so he didn’t say “I understand you.”

All he could do was pat Robert Henry’s shoulder and tell the veteran everyone stands with him.

“Why are there scoundrels in the league?” Henry regained control of his emotions and roared. Yesterday he was dreaming of holding the O’Brien Cup; today he lay in bed. The huge gap was unbearable for the seasoned Henry.

His reaction was so pale because even if Pachu was injured, it wouldn’t change the fact that Henry couldn’t play.

Perhaps Su Feng, standing outside the door, came back in after hearing Henry’s roar. Henry wiped the corner of his eyes with his sleeve, unwilling to let his back see his collapse.

“Six months before the finals, Henry, you’ll definitely come back. You must. I promise, when you return, the Dallas Rockets will be in the finals. I promise you, Henry! The O’Brien Cup—I’ll win it with you.” Su Feng forced a smile; now any comfort would pale in comparison to Henry’s despair. The best way was to keep giving the old general hope.

“Do you believe me, Henry?”

“I certainly do, but...”

“Enough. Rest well. We still need you for the finals!” Su Feng held out his fist again, just like yesterday.

Robert Henry smiled—the first time since the injury. The two men’s fists gently touched, sealing their promise as men.

Robert Henry looked at Su Feng and suddenly realized that the once unyielding green aura had matured. Look at him—he was a team leader.

“I only have one request. Don’t do anything foolish next time, you punk. If someone fouls you, you’ll avenge with victory. Don’t take risks.

“And also, bring home the trophy!” Robert Henry whispered to Su Feng, who returned to his thoughts.

When Su Feng raised his hand, he noticed it trembled slightly. In the third game of the top-tier league, he was about to hold the top-level league trophy. Su Feng couldn’t help but ask himself: is this real?

When Su Feng’s fingers touched the trophy’s cold base, a crisp sensation spread through his body, as if he had been electrified.

Only then did Su Feng confidently tell himself: It’s real. All real!

Xiao Hua and Cuban released their grip, and the heavy trophy fully settled in Su Feng’s arms. His heart pounded loudly, a feeling entirely different from holding the NCAA championship best teammate cup or the O’Brien Cup.

This was the highest personal honor—his very own best teammate trophy! He had defeated legendary names like Durant, LeBron, William Adams Miller, and Chris Paul, climbing from an inconspicuous slum kid to the league’s summit!

Su Feng couldn’t help but kiss the front of the trophy. Reporters nearly blinked, but the league vice president still smiled.

Xiao Hua borrowed the microphone and, as usual, needed to say a few words. But looking at Su Feng, who often displayed an incredible performance, and at the yellow-skinned, black-haired Spaniard, he felt any language used on Su Feng was pale and powerless. His greatness could only be seen from the corner of the eye!

“What else can I say?... He’s a very talented teammate, a gifted center! He played extraordinary basketball and became another flag of Dallas after Dirk. Congratulations.” Xiao Hua spread his hands. He wasn’t the star today. Let’s pass his voice to those Spaniards who have yet to slow down.

At this moment, reporters raised cameras and recorders toward Su Feng. And Su Feng? Some of them stood on stage, holding the top-tier league trophy many passing stars had never touched.

Cuban thought it was incredible. When Dirk won the top-tier league trophy in 2007, he even thought the spring of Dallas was coming. Unexpectedly, years later, the Dirk era ended and Dallas welcomed a brand-new foreign hero.

Su Feng stood foolishly on stage, unwilling to put down the trophy. He bent down, brought his mouth close to the microphone:

“There are too many people to thank—from my coaches to ordinary fans, from my teammates to Mr. Cuban, my agent, my lover, my family... Thank you!” Then Su Feng bowed ninety degrees. He had once thought award speeches were fake, but now he knew every thank you was heartfelt.

See? Dad. See? Mom. See? Coach Henry, Hayward, Happy... I am the top-tier league!

Murakami put down his camera, took a deep breath, calming his racing heart.

Three games, from Dirk’s follower to Rockets leader, from sixth-best in the regular season, best rookie to most valuable teammate...

Now it belongs to you, Su Feng. And the future... it will continue to belong to you.

After the brief top-tier league award ceremony of the regular season, Su Feng became the focus of the world’s sports media.

As the highest individual honor in the regular season, it naturally drew great attention. Since joining the league, Su Feng had received widespread attention, but lacked official certification, making his strength somewhat “unreasonable, unbelievable.” Meanwhile, people still could not equate him with a superstar.

When people talked about the world’s best teammates, they mentioned LeBron, Durant, William Adams Miller, even Derrick Rose, all young. But when it came to Su Feng, most said he still had great room to grow. In fact, people still didn’t recognize him as a top-level teammate.

But now, whenever someone mentions Su Feng, they say, “Ah, the most incredible top-tier league player? He’s one of the world’s best teammates!”

This is the change the top-tier league trophy brought to Su Feng. One must marvel at the authority of such a role!

Three years—from sixth place in the regular season to most valuable teammate. As a Spanish center, Su Feng’s achievements in all aspects are incredible.

Looking back on Su Feng’s Lancashire career, his growth trajectory is always closely tied to the word “incredible.”

In college, Su Feng’s Cleveland Cavaliers created a Cinderella miracle. They overturned the traditional Duke Blue Devils and won the championship.

In the top draft, Su Feng became the second Spanish player ever selected in the top three. Before, in mock drafts, he was even ranked behind Hayward.

On his first day in Yorkshire, Su Feng fully experienced the club’s great charm. That night, he and Vignali stayed out late in the fashion capital before returning to the hotel, still having fun.

So these two youngsters spent their extra energy on each other. The cloudy Spanish night finally saw the two fall asleep honestly.

Every day thereafter, Su Feng felt the pace quickly. The Sforza Castle, Manzoni Street, Santa Maria Monastery, Peace Gate... famous Yorkshire landmarks left a deep impression on Su Feng.

When Su Feng visited San Siro Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur officials also invited him to their internal showroom. A red-and-black Spurs number one jersey, with his name specially printed for Su Feng. Holding the jersey and posing for photos, after uploading to social media, it drew numerous fans’ attention—a win-win situation.

Su Feng never imagined Yorkshire would treat him this way. In fact, his reputation far exceeded his imagination. No matter what, he was still the Rockets’ number two teammate, the world’s best teammate.

Regrettably, Su Feng was currently suspended from the Serie A and couldn’t experience Spanish football’s charm firsthand, but he was satisfied with Tottenham Hotspur’s warm hospitality.

A few days later, Su Feng and Vignali moved to other clubs. Barcelona, Turin, Madrid, Marrakech... Their footprints spanned all over Spain. Su Feng’s love for Vignali also changed from ignorance of his homeland.

Although on July 1, the union’s labor negotiations with the league officially broke down and the basketball suspension ended, teammates faced an uncontrollable situation. Yet Su Feng’s enthusiasm for touring Spain did not stop. Until July 15, Su Feng played ball with Vignali before flying back to Dallas; the girl bid farewell.

Though reluctant to part, Su Feng had to make time for his mother. Besides, the two youngsters, each having scored ten goals, would soon meet again.

After bidding farewell to Spain, Su Feng’s body and mind relaxed greatly. After another half-month of adjustment, he began holiday training. For Su Feng, this was the most important thing during his vacation.

One Word

“Why so many gifts?” When Wen Xue opened the door to greet her son, she thought she was seeing an old Spanish bullfighter. Su Feng stood at the door holding variously sized gifts, like a gift-laden bullfighter tree.

“For many people, Mom, and there’s something for you too!” Su Feng smiled, placing gifts at the door. Wen Xue, Moody, Robert Henry, William Adams Miller, Henry, Steve Henry, and Hayward had brought Yorkshire souvenirs for almost all their friends. This kid usually seemed cold, but inside, he remembered every person who was kind to him.

When in the woods, Su Feng had seen the world’s darkest side. But after joining the so-called “underdog” top-tier league, Su Feng discovered humanity’s warmth.

That night, Su Feng took gifts to Moody’s house. Moody was much taller than the last time they met and, of course, stronger.

Usually before dinner, Su Feng and Moody played a few shots on the backyard Lancashire court. Although Su Feng easily won, he knew Moody’s strength far exceeded his age.

“Do you want to go to college or go pro directly?” After dinner, Su Feng and Moody began a serious conversation. Of course, Su Feng knew Moody’s family needed money, but he also knew how important a college experience was for a teammate aspiring to enter the top-tier league.

High school talents like Henry, William Adams Miller, and Kobe Bryant were a few examples. Most still needed to attend college randomly to truly unleash their potential.

Faced with Su Feng’s question, Moody hesitated. Of course, he wanted to go to college, but his family’s condition and academic performance made it difficult.

Su Feng didn’t press further but patted Moody’s shoulder. This person was still too young; when he really needed to make decisions and choices, Su Feng could not give him advice.

Then Su Feng took his mother Wen Xue to visit nearby clubs for half a month. At the end of July, when Su Feng returned to Dallas, Bill Duffy received news from a private coach.

“Yorkshire, William Adams Miller, we’re going to Yorkshire!”

{End of Chapter}