October 31st, Evening — Madison Square Garden
After two straight away games to open the season, the Knicks were finally back at home. MSG was packed — you couldn't squeeze a mosquito in.
Tonight's opponent? The Philadelphia 76ers.
Before the game, Lin Yi ran into a familiar face — none other than Eli Manning, the New York Giants' QB.
"Yo! Lin, you got to bring a chip home," Eli grinned as he pulled Lin in for a bro-hug and a conversation.
In an era where Brady dominated headlines, Eli was one of the few who'd snatched a Super Bowl ring from him. But if reporters overheard the conversation between him and Lin right now, they'd probably faint from confusion.
"Wait… Galen's going full tank?" Eli's eyes widened in mock horror.
"Yeah," Lin nodded seriously. "Bruiser Galen's the real deal. DPS Galen's so-so. Tank Galen is the truth."
The two debated the League of Legends meta like veteran analysts. Eli even had a suggestion.
"Next time you're free, come toss the pigskin around. Might help with your full-court passing."
"Bet," Lin grinned. "Always wanted to try football anyway."
Elsewhere, superfan Spike Lee was at the Garden, rocking Knicks gear head to toe. When he took a picture with Lin Yi, the photographer had to shoot vertically — otherwise Spike wouldn't make the frame.
Elizabeth Olsen also showed up with her sisters. The moment they stepped into MSG, the atmosphere hit them like a wave — Lin's popularity in New York was no joke.
As the players warmed up, the DJ fired up the crowd:
"LIN —————— YI!!!"
Ever wondered what 19,800 people screaming in unison sounds like?
Loud enough to make you cover your ears. It was the drug that the Knicks players eagerly fed on.
"He's the master of the alley-oop, New York's magician, rising from the East…" the DJ roared as Lin stood up and high-fived his teammates.
On TNT, Barkley chuckled, "Man, Lin Yi's already got New York in his pocket."
Kenny Smith nodded. "Yeah, but the Sixers won't be an easy out. They've got Dalembert and Iggy."
"Please," Barkley rolled his eyes. "Just 'cause the Bobcats beat the Knicks doesn't mean Philly's gonna get that same luck."
"I mean… their build's similar," Kenny pointed out. "Tough inside D, plus stronger wings."
Barkley reluctantly nodded. The Sixers did look a lot like the Bobcats on paper.
The lineups were announced.
Knicks Starters:
C: Lin Yi
PF: David Lee
SF: Wilson Chandler
SG: Danilo Gallinari
PG: Larry Hughes
Sixers Starters:
C: Samuel Dalembert
PF: Elton Brand
SF: Andre Iguodala
SG: Louis Williams
PG: Jrue Holiday
....
Over in the press section, reporters Wu Xiaolei and Qi Jun were also on the scene.
Qi Jun adjusted his new Canon and asked, "Sister Xiaolei, do you think the Knicks got a shot tonight?"
Wu Xiaolei shrugged. "Hard to say. Philly's roster is a lot like Charlotte's. If the Knicks can't shoot from outside, it's gonna be a long night."
After that Bobcats loss, a lot of experts were saying Lin Yi wasn't that scary — just match his speed, and you can neutralize him.
But Wu Xiaolei wasn't so sure. Something about that game felt… off. She felt that they could have given more.
...
Dalembert, meanwhile, came into this game locked in. Plenty of analysts were hyping his inside defense to lock down Lin like how Tyson Chandler's D did. And tonight, he was ready to teach this rookie a lesson.
Ref stepped into the center circle, holding the ball.
Tossed it.
Lin Yi jumped, met Dalembert mid-air, and beat him clean.
Hughes grabbed the ball, pushed it up the court.
First possession? Straight to Lin.
Hughes had played with LeBron before. He knew how to feed a big man who could do everything.
Lin got the ball at the top of the arc.
Dalembert stepped up.
"Are they running a high screen?" Kenny Smith wondered aloud. "Knicks love that look."
"Nope," Barkley grinned. "It's iso time."
No roll from David Lee. Just Lin Yi sizing up Dalembert one-on-one.
Dalembert kept his eyes locked on Lin. He'd watched the Bobcats game tape. He thought he knew how to stop this guy.
Big mistake.
Lin bounced the ball with his left hand… then suddenly crossed over, lightning quick.
Snap!
Dalembert's legs tangled. His body staggered.
He dropped like a sack of bricks.
MSG erupted. Everyone leapt to their feet.
"Ohhhhhhhhh!"
Lin had just ankle-broken a seven-footer.
He stepped back behind the arc.
Swish.
Three. Nothing but net.
Lin turned and made a perfect hand gesture to the crowd.
Barkley nearly jumped off his chair.
"OH MY GOD! WHAT DID HE JUST DO?! He just sat a grown nearly 7 feet man on his ass!! TOTAL EMBARASSMENT!!"
Kenny Smith shook his head. "This guy's definitely not a center. I don't know what he is."
Fans lost it. The DJ leaned into the mic again:
"LIN —————— YI!!!"
Eli Manning stood up, giving Lin a huge thumbs-up.
Spike Lee just stood there, mouth open.
Elizabeth Olsen clutched Ashley and Mary-Kate's arms, still stunned. "That move… He is really that good?"
Her sisters quietly watched their little sister's surprised but excited look, whilst passing knowing looks between themselves.
....
Meanwhile, Dalembert still sat on the floor, dazed.
The louder the cheers, the harder the burn.
He knew this clip was going viral. He'd be a meme by midnight.
Lin Yi?
He was going to give a lecture today.
Not everyone was like Chandler, a future NBA Champion, Defensive Player of the Year, and 2x All-Star in his past life.
The Sixers were supposed to be like the Bobcats? Just keep up with his speed, and he's not scary?
Lin laughed in his head.
...
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