After being named Western Conference Player of the Week for the first week, Kai Chen set his sights on the Player of the Month award.
On November 4th, the Los Angeles Clippers hosted the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center.
After losing Rondo and Cousins in the offseason, the Pelicans entered a rebuilding phase.
With Anthony Davis sidelined due to injury, their biggest star was Jrue Holiday.
Kai Chen, having just made history as the first-week Western Conference Player of the Week, received loud cheers from tens of thousands of fans upon entering.
"The fans' cheers are the best measure of a player!"
"Clearly, Kai Chen deserves Player of the Week!"
"Yes, the new Clippers have gained even more fans in LA because of Kai Chen!"
Amidst the roar of the crowd, Kai showed no mercy against a team that had already lost three straight games this season.
In the first quarter alone, Kai played 10 minutes and 20 seconds, shooting 8-of-11 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, scoring 20 points without a single free throw.
"Kai Chen delivers another 20+ point quarter, and the Clippers are unstoppable!"
"The Pelicans have no answer for Kai Chen's offense; their defense is shattered!"
Even with Coach Will Green calling timeouts to adjust defenses, it was all in vain.
Anthony Davis's absence allowed Brook Lopez to dominate the interior against Wood.
Having held back in previous games due to Kai's perimeter dominance, Lopez finally unleashed his full abilities.
Wood being dominated by Lopez mirrored the Pelicans' overall struggles.
Kai once again checked out after three quarters, playing 26 minutes with 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping the Clippers achieve a four-game winning streak to start the season.
After the game, Kai offered little to reporters. Instead, Anthony Davis approached him directly.
"Kai, congratulations on the win," Davis said. "I wonder if there's a chance we team up in the future?"
The Pelicans hadn't strengthened in the offseason, and Cousins and Rondo had departed, fueling Davis's desire to leave New Orleans.
"Perhaps, it's possible," Kai replied, slightly surprised. In his memory, Davis had aimed for the Lakers. Could fate already be turning?
"Let's exchange contacts," Davis continued. "If you and I team up, we'll be the Shaq and Kobe of this era. I think we could surpass them."
Kai Chen nodded, ready to indulge the grand vision. After all, who knows what the future holds?
On the other side, Coach Rivers, interviewed postgame, shrugged.
"Regarding today's win, there's nothing to celebrate. This was a game we had to win. Beating a rebuilding Pelicans team is expected. Our goal is the playoffs—if we can't beat them, why bother?"
He added, "I'm already studying our next opponent—Boston. They're a tough team."
Despite the Clippers' four-game winning streak, many experts questioned their strength.
Aside from the Los Angeles derby against the Lakers, their early opponents weren't top Western Conference teams.
"The Clippers' early streak hasn't faced a truly strong team yet."
"Exactly. Sacramento, New Orleans, Utah—they won't threaten the West. But next game is different."
On November 7th, the Clippers would travel to Boston to face the Celtics at TD Garden.
Boston's roster—Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum—plus Rozier, Morris, Smart, and other impact players—remained strong, even slightly improved.
For Kai Chen and the Clippers, a true super team had arrived.
"Fans consider this a preview of future NBA Finals," one commentator said.
"Kai Chen will challenge Boston's star-studded roster at TD Garden!"
"Kai Chen and Jayson Tatum, two super rookies from Duke, are already proving to be the league's future faces."
On the TNT courtside desk, Smith and Barkley discussed the matchup, agreeing that Kai and Tatum would be future rivals.
"I have very good memories of Duke," Tatum said in a pregame interview.
"Kai Chen is strong—you all know that. But I always wondered why he was only the third pick. With his talent, he should've gone first overall."
Jayson Tatum praised Kai openly.
"Last season, he played at an All-Star level! Who else could face LeBron in the Conference Finals as a rookie?"
Kai Chen, in turn, gave Tatum high praise before the game.
==========
Thank you for the support.
100 power stones = Bonus Chapter
Check my P@treon for 25+ advanced chapters
[email protected]/JustTranslate