Chapter 86

On November 25, 1993, the first Thanksgiving Day game in the NBA since David Stern took over ended with the Jazz's dramatic last-second win over the Suns. However, the ups and downs of the game and its dramatic plot twists left a deep impression on many fans.

Especially for Jazz fans, the game started with Barkley's intense pressure on Lin Han, leaving the Jazz with no opportunities from the beginning. Although the score was close, the momentum of the game never favored the home team. In this situation, the Jazz, led by Lin Han and Malone, managed to pull off a last-second win.

Lin Han, despite only scoring 8 points on 3-of-9 shooting in the first half, put on a terrifying 8-point performance in the final minute when Jerry Sloan put him back on the court. His five-point play that tricked Barkley was the highlight of the game. Although this 8-point performance in 10 seconds was less spectacular than his 13-point performance in 35 seconds against the New York Knicks, it was still impressive.

In the hearts of Jazz fans, Lin Han's performance in this game was already outstanding. To thank the Jazz fans who came to support the team on Thanksgiving, the Jazz players stayed to take photos with fans after the game. Lin Han, the new Jazz rookie, was surrounded by the most fans, not only because he could sign autographs but also because he had completely won their hearts. Even though his performance in this game was not statistically impressive, scoring only 16 points and failing to score 20 points for the first time since entering the NBA, he remained the fans' favorite.

This made Malone, who scored 35 points and completed the game-winning play, extremely envious. It took him much more than 10 games to win over Jazz fans. Most Jazz fans are white and Mormon, and they are not easily swayed by a player. Lin Han not only performed miracles in the NBA but also in Utah.

When the game ended, Jazz owner Larry Miller and NBA Commissioner David Stern were beaming with joy. The game was a rollercoaster for these two NBA executives, and they were there to watch Lin Han. After Lin Han's redemption, they were even happier than the Jazz fans or Lin Han himself.

"Indeed, when we selected Lin with the 18th pick in the summer, we faced a lot of trouble. Many people doubted our management and coaching staff, and some even defamed our soul in the most despicable ways. But the fact is, we succeeded. We selected the best rookie at the lowest cost, and Lin is the best rookie this year!"

As Jazz owner Larry Miller left the arena with NBA Commissioner David Stern, he did not hesitate to praise Lin Han in front of the surrounding journalists. For him, this was not an exaggeration but the truth, as Lin Han indeed looked like it.

"Will Lin Han's arrival bring changes to the team? Yes, but not the kind you imagine. Lin has no issues with Karl and John. Karl and John are good people, and Lin is a great team player. His pass to Malone in the final moments was the greatest assist I've ever seen. Their teamwork was perfect."

Of course, the Jazz's thrilling and risky win in this game not only produced many good things but also some bad ones. Lin Han's handling of the final play was seized upon by the journalists. During the post-game TV interview, the host even asked why Lin Han didn't pass to the best-positioned Malone. If not for Malone's quick response, saying the ball was Lin Han's pass, Lin Han might have been attacked. Although Jazz fans were satisfied with Lin Han's performance, and many journalists had mixed feelings about the outcome, Lin Han gave them another concrete reason to criticize him. In the NBA, no one likes a player who, facing a triple team, forces a shot when his teammate is wide open. Even Jordan would have faced criticism for such a move, let alone Lin Han.

However, both Malone and Jazz owner Larry Miller chose to defend Lin Han.

"Why does the post-game stats show Lin's final play as a layup rather than a pass? Guys, everyone makes mistakes, and NBA statisticians are human too. Lin's great pass did look like a layup, but it was indeed an assist, no doubt about it. I think Mr. David Stern would agree."

When the journalists directly brought up the post-game stats, the Jazz owner pushed David Stern to the forefront.

"Yes, Mr. Miller is right. It was a great pass. Lin's assist and Karl's play were both wonderful. I think our staff made a mistake."

When David Stern smiled and made the final explanation on behalf of the NBA, the journalists were speechless. Their mood was probably similar to Barkley's during the game, feeling like an innocent child had encountered something dirty.

Although the journalists had many questions and complaints about Lin Han's final play, there was no doubt that after his clash with Barkley, Lin Han became the headline of major American media the next day, especially after all the special events in this game.

"He's a bastard, yes, he's a scoundrel and a bastard. He's the most shameless person I've ever seen. I swear, I'll beat him every time I see him. Kid, if you have the guts, don't show up on the court, fvck."

This was Barkley's angry statement to the New York Post after the game. The New York Post, which was hostile to Lin Han, even published Barkley's curses on the front page, with a provocative headline: "Miracle or Scoundrel? The Ugly Side of the Best Rookie!"

However, Lin Han's act of pulling down Barkley's pants on the court was indeed not gentlemanly, so he did not oppose the media's criticism, even when they severely blackened his actions and questioned his moral character.

"Lin is the most talented clutch player I've ever seen. When our team faces difficulties and the game seems hopeless, he always steps up. He is a rookie with the heart of a superstar."

Of course, after the game, many people questioned Lin Han's character and sportsmanship, but most gave him very positive coverage. At least, Stockton's post-game evaluation of Lin Han became a key quote in the New York Times.

"Undoubtedly, that was a pass. I don't think Lin is a selfish player. His style of play is indeed controversial, but, guys, his style has led us to a 10-game winning streak. He is one of the greatest team players in the NBA. John and I have no complaints about him. He is one of the most important players on our team. I believe he can bring a lot to this team, not just this game's victory, but even the championship, maybe that's it."

This was the evaluation of Lin Han by Karl Malone, the hero of the game who completed the game-winning play, and it was still in defense of Lin Han.

Of course, as the first NBA game broadcast live in China, the impact of the Jazz's win over the Suns was no less than in the United States, and in some ways, it was even greater. Lin Han's 8-point performance in the final 10 seconds and his assist to Malone for the game-winning play not only made the news on various CCTV sports channels but even appeared on the main news program, the CCTV News Broadcast.

"In the NBA regular season game that just concluded this morning, the Utah Jazz defeated the defending Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns at home. Chinese-American player Lin Han led the team to a comeback victory in the final moments, scoring 8 points in the last 10 seconds to secure the win for the Jazz. Here is a detailed report on the game."

After the anchor read the news, a highlight reel of Lin Han's performance in the game followed, especially the final minute. The video clip lasted over four minutes, which is almost unheard of for a basketball game.

"Lin Han, male, 19 years old, born in 1974 in Nanping, Fujian, moved to the United States with his parents at the age of five..."

After the game highlights, the News Broadcast even introduced Lin Han's personal information, including his birth, his draft situation, and his recent impact in the United States. It also featured Su Qun and Sun Zhengping, who provided detailed updates on Lin Han's current status.

Lin Han's news completely dominated the last ten minutes of the News Broadcast, which were usually reserved for other sports and cultural news.

After this news segment, the popularity Lin Han gained in China would be unimaginable.