Chapter 94

Wachovia Center.

The final game of the 2005-2006 season for the Philadelphia 76ers was underway.

On the court, the visiting Bucks put up a strong performance from the start, making the game a close one with the 76ers.

Michael Redd, with the ball, made a quick pass outside the three-point line and then quickly cut through.

Although the Australian center, Andrew Bogut, was a heavy tank, he had excellent passing skills for an interior player. After receiving the ball at the free-throw line, he quickly surveyed the court and delivered a precise pass.

Redd leaped and completed a spectacular alley-oop dunk.

The left-handed shooter was known for his accurate and quick three-pointers, but in the early stages of his career, he was a reckless penetrator. Even in college, where the three-point line was closer, Redd's three-point shooting percentage never exceeded 35%, and he often drew fouls after physical contact.

His current three-point shooting skills were the result of hard work and practice.

The 76ers continued with Allen Iverson handling the ball. After a high screen from Webber, Iverson used a quick move to throw off the fast T.J. Ford, then hit a mid-range jump shot.

"AI! AI!!"

The fans erupted in thunderous cheers. In the team's most difficult times, during this tumultuous spring, the fans knew it was their turn to stand up and cheer for their star player and city icon.

Every time Iverson had the ball, whether he scored, assisted, or made a steal, even if it was just a defensive rebound, the fans would cheer. The "STAY" signs waved continuously, expressing their respect and desire to keep their team hero.

This scene was not only for Iverson to see, to let him know that the entire city still supported him, but also for Billy King, who was in the VIP box.

"If you trade Allen, I'll burn Billy!"

The camera focused on a passionate Iverson fan, who was waving a sign with these words.

Seeing this, Billy King couldn't help but frown, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts, unable to figure out when to trade Iverson without causing widespread fan protests.

"Beep"

On the court, the referee called a foul on Magloire. Iverson, breathing heavily, walked to the free-throw line and, amid the cheers of the fans, calmly made the first free throw.

"Chen."

Coach Cheeks called for a substitution. Hunter came off the court, high-fiving Chen Mu, completing the handover.

"Wow!!!"

As Chen Mu stepped onto the court, a sudden burst of cheers erupted, surprising him. He looked up and saw Iverson preparing for his second free throw, muttering to himself, "Allen's popularity is really high. A free throw is like a game-winning shot. The Philadelphia fans are indeed loyal!"

Standing near the three-second area, Iguodala looked at Chen Mu and shouted, "You, kid, are really something. You've won the hearts of Philadelphia fans so quickly!"

"What did you say...??"

The noise in the arena was overwhelming, and Chen Mu wasn't sure what he heard. However, the referee passed the ball, and Iverson was about to take his second free throw, so Chen Mu and Iguodala focused on the game.

"Clank!"

The second free throw missed, but Chen Mu had already seen the green light. He turned, dodged Magloire, jumped, and then leaped again, securing the rebound.

"Woooooow!!!"

As soon as he grabbed the rebound, the fans erupted in thunderous applause. Chen Mu was momentarily stunned and almost lost the ball to Ford's aggressive defense, hurriedly passing it to the perimeter.

"STAY! STAY! STAY! STAY!"

The fans, for some reason, began chanting in unison. Amid the continuous cheers, the 76ers found an opportunity, and Chen Mu assisted Iguodala for a layup.

"STAY! STAY! STAY! STAY!"

As he retreated on defense, Chen Mu still heard the chants. He sensed something was off. When the Bucks called a timeout, he looked up and was stunned.

The entire arena, with 20,000 seats filled, was packed. Even the fans in the upper stands stood up, loudly chanting in unison.

The fans held up banners and signs, all with the word "STAY," but the large headshots accompanying them had changed from Iverson to Chen Mu himself.

"Is... are they cheering for me, wanting me to stay...?!"

Chen Mu felt a tremor in his heart, a surge of indescribable emotion.

"Chinese kid, stay! Make the playoffs with AI!"

"Rebound master, we need you! Don't leave Philadelphia, we have the patience to wait for you to grow!"

"Don't be a coward! Stay! With AI and Andre, bring that damn O'Brien Trophy back to Philadelphia!"

The fans cheered loudly, continuously urging Chen Mu to stay. The entire arena seemed to turn into a sea of cheers.

After half a season of hard work, several standout performances, and a warrior's spirit dedicated to victory, Chen Mu, with the same indomitable spirit as Iverson, had already won the trust of Philadelphia fans.

In this city, which represents American spirit and the eternal spirit of freedom, only true warriors are recognized and respected.

And now, Chen Mu had become a true warrior in the hearts of Philadelphia fans!

"STAY! STAY! STAY! STAY!"

The chants continued, and Chen Mu's eyes almost welled up with tears. He turned to look at Iverson, who had just sat down on the bench, and saw the determination in his eyes.

"Hey, rookie."

Iverson's eyes were filled with an unyielding fire. He said seriously, "Stay."

Chen Mu didn't respond but lightly bumped fists with Iverson. They shared a knowing smile, stood up, and waved to the fans.

Beside them, Iguodala watched silently, his eyes darting between Iverson and Chen Mu, as if he wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent.

After a brief tactical discussion, the timeout ended, and the players returned to the court. The game resumed.

In the following game, every time Chen Mu or Iverson received the ball, the fans would erupt in cheers. If they scored or made a significant play, the cheers would intensify, instantly electrifying the arena.

The Bucks, with a mid-level defense and offense, had a strong frontcourt.

Magloire and Bogut were both defensive powerhouses, though lacking in mobility, they were excellent at protecting the paint.

To counter this frontcourt, Chen Mu and Webber employed a tactic they often used mid-season.

On the perimeter, the ball was controlled from the outside. Chen Mu and Webber no longer held the ball at the high post but provided multiple screens for the perimeter players.

With the strong side congested, Korver started from the corner. Webber and Chen Mu executed two baseline screens, creating space for Korver. The ball flew to the weak side corner, and Korver hit a three-pointer.

On the Bucks' possession, the sixth man, Mo Williams, received the ball and quickly attacked, scoring a mid-range jump shot with a screen.

On the 76ers' next possession, Chen Mu and Webber exchanged a glance and ran a classic strong-weak side play. Chen Mu found an open spot near the baseline and scored with a jump shot.

The Bucks set up their offense, with Bogut at the high post. Bobby Simmons drove to the basket and drew a foul, making both free throws.

The 76ers countered, with the same play. Chen Mu received the ball on the weak side and passed to Webber for a layup.

The Bucks missed their next shot, and Chen Mu grabbed the rebound, initiating a fast break. Iguodala scored with a running shot.

On defense, Chen Mu left Magloire open, and he scored with a two-handed dunk.

...

The game continued back and forth, and time quickly passed. In the latter part of the first quarter, the substitutes were gradually brought in, and in the middle of the second quarter, the starters returned. At halftime, the score was 49-44, with the 76ers leading by 5 points at home.

"Good game, well played!"

"Keep it up in the second half, beat them thoroughly!"

"This is the last game. If you lose, I'll block your bus!"

As the players walked through the tunnel, fans reached out to high-five and shake hands with the 76ers.

In the middle of the line, Chen Mu extended his hands to celebrate with the fans. As he passed one fan, he was suddenly pulled aside.

"Chinese kid, you're not leaving, right?!"

Chen Mu looked up and saw an elderly man with gray hair, wearing a vintage Dr. J jersey, clearly a long-time fan.

"Well... it depends on the team and market response. I'll do my best to stay."

Chen Mu didn't know how to answer the old man's question and gave a vague response.

"Stay, 23 years, we haven't won a championship in 23 years."

The old fan's hands trembled as he clung to Chen Mu's hand, his voice shaking, "I've seen it, I've seen the future! Allen is a combination of Cheeks and Tony, Andre will become the next Dr. J, and you... you will be the next Moses Malone!"

The old man's eyes glowed with enthusiasm. He pointed to the rafters and shouted, "Your jerseys will hang there, eventually in the Philadelphia Hall of Fame!"

Chen Mu looked up and saw the jerseys of Dr. J, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, and other stars hanging in the corner, gently swaying in the breeze.

In a daze, Cheeks walked over and pulled Chen Mu into the tunnel.

"Stay, you must stay!"

The old fan reluctantly let go of Chen Mu's hand, leaning out of the tunnel, shouting.

"This is your first time experiencing this, right?"

Seeing Chen Mu's emotional state, Cheeks, who had his jersey retired by the 76ers, smiled and said, "I played here for 11 years, 11 years, and it wasn't until my fifth year, when I made the All-Star team and it was a contract year, that I received this kind of treatment."

"And you, in less than half a year."

Cheeks glanced at Chen Mu, patted his broad back, and said with a smile, "Come on, I'll give you and Allen more offensive plays in the second half. Give the fans a good show, make them happy!"

"...Okay!"

Chen Mu looked at Cheeks with gratitude, nodded firmly, and quickly caught up with his teammates, running to the locker room.

The second half of the game, the final 24 minutes of Chen Mu's rookie season, was about to begin.

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