Chapter 84

Very soon, Kevin Garnett's words reached Yang Mo's ears again. Upon hearing them, Yang Mo instantly felt a surge of youthful courage. "You're the number one power forward, aren't you? Then I'll take you down. Even if I can't beat you, I'll make you feel like a thorn in your throat, uncomfortable all night."

Yang Mo was determined, but he didn't continue to speak to the reporters. This was because Lu Xueman had called him and told him to do so. Lu Xueman was a very intelligent woman. She originally wanted to turn Yang Mo into a super idol player, given his good looks. However, reality had severely deviated from her plan. Yang Mo had only taken two games to transform himself into a tough guy.

With no choice, she had to change her strategy and shape Yang Mo into a cool and aloof man. This way, she could maximize the benefits. So, she called Yang Mo and told him to maintain a mysterious and cold demeanor from now on.

Yang Mo fully agreed with Lu Xueman's marketing plan. He was truly tired of interacting with those stupid reporters who were always trying to dig up negative news about him, as if it was their greatest pleasure.

The next afternoon, the entire Heat team went to the North Shore Garden for training. Since three games had already passed, Shawn Marion would make his regular-season debut that night. Therefore, during the team's practice, Yang Mo was naturally assigned to the bench group, along with Michael Beasley.

Shawn Marion's arrival immediately took the starting positions of two rookies. Yang Mo didn't mind, but Beasley muttered to himself, "F**k, little sh*t, you took my starting position as soon as you arrived. Who do you think you are? Not ashamed enough already? F**k!"

As Beasley cursed, he used Chinese. The word "f**k" had been frequently shouted by Yang Mo during games and practices, with great intensity. Gradually, the Heat players also learned this word. Beasley used it the most. Sometimes, when the referee called him for a foul, he would also shout at the referee, "F**k!"

When Beasley asked Yang Mo what "f**k" meant, Yang Mo, of course, couldn't tell him it was a dirty word. After all, Yang Mo had often "f**ked" him during defense. So, he casually made up a response: "It's a shout of defiance, a strong protest against social injustice."

So, Beasley often used this word to protest against the referees.

The referees had been "f**ked" by him several times and wanted to give him a technical foul, but they couldn't because they didn't know what it meant, so they had to endure it.

Beasley was furious, but Yang Mo didn't mind. In his view, it would be strange if Marion didn't start. After all, he was the highest-paid player on the team and the second most experienced. Coach Spoelstra, the Filipino, wouldn't dare to bench him. As long as he had the ability, he wouldn't worry about getting playing time.

However, the Heat's roster was indeed crowded at the swingman position (both small forward and power forward). Michael Beasley could play both positions, Udonis Haslem was a power forward who could also play small forward, Shawn Marion could play both positions, and Yang Mo could play small forward, power forward, and even center. Each player had their strengths, and the gap in their abilities wasn't significant.

In contrast, the center position was very thin. Magloire was old, and Joanthan was not up to the task. Who else was left? It was actually the 1.94-meter-tall Yang Mo!

It seemed that once the trading window opened, other teams would definitely offer their surplus centers to Miami. For example, Michael Jordan, who was in charge of the Bobcats, had almost gone crazy after Yang Mo played two passionate games. He had no interest in his favorite golf and was eagerly waiting for the trading window to open so he could trade for Yang Mo at any cost. Even if it meant trading Okafor and taking on Marion's large contract, he was willing. Now, he wanted only Yang Mo.

This game was not originally scheduled for national broadcast, but due to the pre-game trash talk between Garnett and Yang Mo, it suddenly became a hot topic. TNT decisively canceled the broadcast of the Thunder vs. Cavaliers game and switched to this one.

In the past few days, the combined brilliance of Durant and James, who had over $200 million in endorsement deals and were David Stern's godsons, couldn't match Yang Mo's. After all, Yang Mo had an off-court boost. Could they get the attention of the girls from Girls' Generation singing "GEE/GEE/GEE"? Could they elope with Christina? Obviously not, so it was no wonder they were overshadowed by Yang Mo.

As everyone knew, Kevin Garnett was probably the least friendly superstar to rookies in NBA history. Even his teammates could lose teeth in practice. He was also the best at trash talk in the league, and his defense was the most annoying.

So, would the fiery Yang Mo be provoked? Would they come to blows?

For the latter question, if it happened, Garnett would definitely be beaten to a pulp, which was almost a consensus. No fans had confidence in Garnett's fighting ability. In his few on-court conflicts, he had only once sneak-attacked Tim Duncan with a headbutt; otherwise, he had always lost, even against point guards.

Yang Mo, on the other hand, could make Lopez bleed with a dunk and almost cause a concussion with a block on Randolph. His fighting ability was definitely not to be underestimated.

While fans had no confidence in Garnett's fighting ability, they also had little hope for Yang Mo's performance on the court. After all, he was facing Kevin Garnett, the highest-rated player in 2K9. If Yang Mo were in 2K9, a score of 50 would be a blessing.

All of this was speculation. Whether Garnett would be beaten to a pulp by Yang Mo or whether Yang Mo would be humiliated by Garnett on the court would have to be seen in the game.

Amidst the anticipation, the game finally arrived.

When the Heat appeared at the North Shore Garden, a deafening chorus of boos erupted, even more intense than when the Nets played.

This was definitely the worst of the three away games Yang Mo had experienced.

Soon, the game began.

The Heat's starting lineup was: Udonis Haslem, Shawn Marion, Dorell Wright, Dwyane Wade, and Mario Chalmers. This lineup disappointed both the live audience and the TV viewers.

"Why is Yang on the bench? He's the main event of this game. Filipino, did you stuff your head in pig shit?"

...

[Fourth update delivered, seeking recommendations. It's not early, it's almost three o'clock. I've been organizing the subsequent plot outline. The fifth update will be delayed until tomorrow morning. PS: Thank you to all the old friends for your support. It's been three years, and it hasn't been easy. There aren't many three-year periods in life, and I'm honored that you still remember me. This time, I won't let you down.]

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