The fans were worried for Lin Feng. If the defensive intensity continued at this level, both sides would suffer! Even if Billups was stifled, Lin Feng would likely be exhausted.
"Lin! Do you have the stamina to withstand this kind of pressure-based defense?" Kobe asked, concerned that Lin Feng, now a key player, might not have the endurance. Normally, this kind of demanding defensive work was done by blue-collar players, a thankless task that often went unreflected in statistics. Some players preferred to conserve energy.
Lin Feng shook his head. "Kobe, in terms of physical strength, Chauncey is no match for me. I know that."
"Okay, as long as you feel you can handle it." Kobe didn't press further, though he shared Billups's feeling that Lin Feng didn't seem tired at all. Not a drop of sweat. The guy was a physical monster!
The first quarter ended in a tense stalemate. In the last two minutes, both teams scored four points each. In this defensive battle, every field goal was a luxury. The Lakers' final four points came from free throws: Kobe made both, and Lin Feng made both. The score was 15-13, with the Lakers leading by a narrow two points. The intense defense resulted in low shooting percentages for both teams. Even Kobe made only two of six shots, scoring eight points plus his two free throws. Lin Feng had six points, and Odom contributed the other point from a single successful free throw out of two attempts. Bynum and Chris Mihm remained scoreless. Chris Mihm was filling in for Brian Cook, who had to return home for an emergency.
The second quarter began with both teams maintaining the same lineups and relentless intensity. As the defense tightened further, players started making more physical contact.
Kobe received the ball outside the right three-point line and was about to drive for a layup when McDyess pulled him down mid-air. He landed awkwardly on his side, writhing in pain.
Seeing Kobe fouled so aggressively, Lin Feng lost his composure. Kobe had become a friend, a brother. Moreover, before his time travel, Kobe Bryant was Lin Feng's idol, his Mamba mentality a deep influence. McDyess was a nobody; how dare he commit a flagrant foul on Kobe? This was intolerable. If he let this slide, he wouldn't be worthy of embodying Sakuragi Hanamichi's spirit.
"Fuck! You're looking for death!" Lin Feng activated his "court dominance" skill, rushing over to grab McDyess by the collar, his eyes cold.
"Beep…" The referee's whistle blew, resulting in technical fouls for both Lin Feng and McDyess. Players from both teams converged; Odom restrained the furious Lin Feng, while Dale Davis pulled back the cowardly McDyess.
"Lin, calm down. We can't afford to lose you in this game. If you get ejected and the boss is injured, our winning streak is over!" Odom urged, his composure crucial in that moment.
McDyess, feeling humiliated by the threat from an Asian player, pointed and cursed at Lin Feng. A dog that barks but doesn't bite. He had been intimidated by Lin Feng's gaze but now, with teammates and the referee present, his arrogance returned. "Fuck, you damn Asian monkeys, this is America, try to touch me? If you dare, I'll make sure your whole family can't survive here!" He puffed out his chest, his shouting growing louder.
If it weren't a basketball court, Lin Feng would have undoubtedly fought him. But remembering Odom's words, he suppressed his anger. He couldn't risk ejection, especially with Kobe injured. The winning streak, and the hidden reward for ten consecutive wins, flashed in his mind. He knelt beside Kobe.
Kobe gritted his teeth, a burning pain in his already injured shoulder. This collision had been brutal. "Fuck! I'm fine, I can still go on!" he insisted, pushing himself up.
Seeing Kobe's pain, Lin Feng mentally accessed the system mall, recalling the "White Jade Paste." It could quickly relieve pain and even strengthen bones and nerves, but it cost 200 points. For Kobe, it was worth it. Lin Feng exchanged for the plaster, materialized it, and gently applied it to Kobe's injured shoulder.
Countless onlookers were stunned. Albert and Jerry Allen voiced their surprise. "What? Look, what did Lin put on Kobe's shoulder? Is it for pain relief?" "Yeah, it seems so." A fan replied. "Oh my god, A-Lin is incredible! He even has painkillers ready? We've been commentating for years and never seen anything like this!"
Kobe looked at the plaster, bewildered. "Lin! Is this another magical medicine from your ancestors? I suddenly don't feel any pain anymore."
"Yes, Kobe. A family heirloom. How is it? Feeling better?"
"Yes! Much better, Lin! Thank you, my good brother!" Kobe was relieved, realizing Lin Feng was not only a key player but also a personal miracle worker. This medicine was far more effective than Judy Seto's physical therapy.