Pope of Basketball.

Summary

The NBA mid-season trade was stagnant, with former players' union executive chairman Billy Hunter being the main culprit. The newly introduced labor agreement increased the luxury tax burden, causing teams to be cautious with roster adjustments. The Clippers' strength led other teams to lose confidence in the playoffs, making them reluctant to engage in major trades. The Clippers had a clear advantage in the paint, playing a fast-paced game. However, Paul was injured in a game against the Thunder, diagnosed with a grade 3 acromioclavicular joint separation. He was advised to skip the regular season and return for the playoffs. Yang Rui adjusted the lineup, placing Curry in the starting lineup and increasing his playing time. The team continued to dominate, with Curry smoothly replacing Paul. In a game against the Magic, Curry exploded, scoring 51 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Clippers' bench remained formidable, with Yang Rui allowing veteran Battier to start at small forward. Fa Li De played center in the "Death Five," averaging 25.3 minutes, scoring 11.1 points, grabbing 8.5 rebounds, dishing out 1 assist, and blocking 0.7 shots. Throughout March, the Clippers only lost to the Mavericks, with Nowitzki and Xiao Jia Suo Er in fantastic form. However, the Clippers bounced back, with Ke Wo Er exploding in a game against the Hornets. The team unleashed a terrifying run-and-gun style, overwhelming the aging Spurs. Ku Li led the team with 28 points, and his playing time increased to around 38 minutes. His shooting percentage remained at 46.5%, with a three-point percentage of 44.3% and free-throw percentage of 89.4%. He became a strong candidate for the regular-season MVP. Yang Rui supported Ku Li's push for the award, and with a regular-season MVP and a championship ring, Ku Li would solidify his popularity and launch him into stardom.

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