"Good morning NBA fans!"
In the TNT Sports live broadcast room, Ernie Johnson delivered the opening remarks: "Today, I'm very happy to invite Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal to join me in commentating on the game between the Clippers and the Boston Celtics!"
This matchup between the Clippers and the Boston Celtics had been heavily promoted by major sports streaming platforms days in advance.
"Compared to the previous games, this one presents a huge challenge for Kai Chen."
"This year's Boston Celtics, with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back, are clearly stronger than last season."
"Their defensive efficiency and average points are ranked among the best in the league!"
Just as Kenny Smith said, fans were well aware that this would be a tough battle for Kai.
"The Boston Celtics might have the best starting lineup in the entire league!"
"Giannis and Embiid both struggled against them—let alone Kai Chen!"
"Sigh, just play your own game."
In the live stream, most fans were predicting more hardship than success.
Putting emotions aside, the Boston Celtics really were ridiculously strong this season.
"Kai Chen and Jayson Tatum will both become faces of the league in the future!"
Meanwhile, inside Duke University's basketball gym, Coach K had Kai Chen's juniors watching the Clippers–Celtics game. "Watch carefully and learn well. Both of them are role models you should emulate."
They weren't the only ones paying attention. Deandre Ayton of the Suns, Dončić of the Mavericks, and the "New York Mayor," Trae Young, were all watching as well.
Even the Warriors' twin stars, Stephen Curry and Durant, who had no game that day, were tuned in.
Ayton, Dončić, and Trae Young simply wanted to see what kind of performance Kai Chen would deliver against a top-tier team.
As for Curry and Durant, they were studying Kai Chen's performance to see how to crack the Celtics' defense.
With Boston being a potential championship opponent, preparing methods to defeat the Celtics early was, in their view, crucial.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the camera returned to TD Garden!
"Boo—!"
"Boo—!"
During pre-game warm-ups, whenever Kai Chen practiced shooting, the crowd erupted in relentless boos.
They knew that if the Celtics wanted an easy win tonight, they had to contain Kai.
On the TNT courtside set, Kenny Smith said, "It's unexpected that Kai Chen is getting booed at TD Garden. Everyone knows Boston fans never boo nobodies."
"Historically, only a handful of players have received this treatment here."
"From that alone, you can see how much Kai Chen worries opponents!"
By the time Kenny finished glazing Kai Chen, pre-game warm-ups were already over.
Both teams' starters took the court.
Boston Celtics starting lineup: Irving, Brown, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward, and Horford.
The Clippers' starting lineup remained unchanged: Beverley, Carmelo, Jeff Green, Lopez, and Kai Chen.
"Kai, enjoy this wonderful night!"
The players met at midcourt, and Jayson Tatum greeted Kai Chen with a smile.
Kai Chen returned a faint smile, said nothing, and stepped onto the court.
"Beep!"
Both centers lined up at midcourt as the referee blew the whistle.
The game between the Clippers and the Boston Celtics officially began!
Horford used his physical advantage to secure the opening tip for Boston.
At the top of the arc, Irving came off Horford's screen, shook free from Beverley, and pulled up for a jumper.
Lopez was a step late on the rotation and couldn't contest.
"Swish!"
The ball traced a perfect arc and dropped cleanly through the net.
2–0!
The Celtics struck first.
Possession switched to the Clippers.
Kai Chen caught Beverley's pass on the left wing beyond the three-point line.
Jayson Tatum guarded him personally, his expression serious, eyes locked in with full vigilance.
On courtside, Kenny said meaningfully, "Kai Chen versus Jayson Tatum on the opening possession! Both are Coach K's disciples—let's see who stands out more."
Facing Tatum's defense, Kai's fighting spirit surged.
He dribbled rhythmically, probing for an opening, while Tatum stayed planted, staring him down.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, Kai exploded to the right with a burst of quick dribbles, pulling Tatum a step forward—then snapped back, crossed to the left, and drove straight into the paint.
Tatum's footwork couldn't keep up. He could only turn and watch as Kai blew past him, spun around Gordon Hayward's help, and finished at the rim through Horford's outstretched arm.
"What?!"
Scoring after slicing through three defenders, the entire TD Garden erupted in shocked gasps.
Boston's defense had struck fear into Giannis and Embiid this season—yet Kai Chen tore it apart with pure individual skill!
"Yes! Just like that—kick the Celtics' ass hard!"
"Hmph, three people can't stop Kai Chen? What kind of five-star lineup is this?"
"Damn! Kai Chen is playing against the elite!"
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