The Suns and the Lakers.
The Suns once again defeated the defending champions. With a 10-game winning streak, they stood proudly above the league and once again made fans feel the strength of this season's dark horse.
The Suns were truly powerful.
Especially their "super rookie," Blake Su, whose strength was becoming more and more terrifying.
The next day, newspapers, media outlets, and online platforms were once again filled with discussion about the Suns and Blake Su. Of course, Curry, the steadily improving second option, was also gradually entering the fans' spotlight.
The heated discussion around Blake Su continued until 10 a.m., when the NBA officially announced the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for the previous week.
In the East.
"Superman" Howard beat out "King James" LeBron to win Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Last week, Howard averaged 28.7 points, 16.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.7 blocks.
He led the Magic to four straight wins, while the Magic themselves extended their winning streak to six games.
"Superman's" dominance in the paint was still as astonishing as ever.
The Eastern Conference nominees also included the Heat's "King James" LeBron, the Bulls' "D-Rose" Derrick Rose, and the Knicks' Stoudemire.
In the West.
The nominees included Kevin Durant, one of the Thunder's "Three Young Stars," the Lakers' "Black Mamba" Kobe Bryant, and the Spurs' "Parisian Torpedo" Tony Parker.
As for the Player of the Week winner, it once again went to the Suns' "Monster Rookie," Blake Su.
Last week, Blake Su averaged 40.3 points, 11 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 5.3 steals, and 3.3 blocks, leading the Suns to three straight wins. The team was now also riding a 10-game winning streak.
Scoring, steals, and blocks.
As a rookie center, Blake Su continued to sit atop all three statistical leaderboards. His terrifying averages left countless fans stunned.
"Another three straight Player of the Week awards!"
"That's truly ridiculous!"
"Blake Su is just a rookie, but those terrifying stats make him look like a superstar already. This is insane!"
"When it comes to Player of the Week, the East takes turns, but in the West, Blake Su stands alone!"
"Hey, has anyone noticed? The Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week are both centers again, Blake Su and Howard. This has happened several times already."
"Yeah."
"One plays on the perimeter, the other dominates inside. Two centers with completely different styles, yet both have pushed their dominance in their own areas to the extreme.
"So the question is, is a center stronger on the perimeter or in the paint?"
"No question, in the paint. The closer you are to the basket, the easier it is to score. That's a truth that never changes. How do you not know that?"
"Heh, that's ridiculous. My Blake Su has played so many games, created and broken so many records, and delivered so many brilliant performances.
"At the same time, he's led the team to the best record in the West.
"Just based on that alone, it's obvious that when a center truly has perimeter scoring ability, that's when he becomes completely unstoppable. That's true power."
"Uh..."
"Stop arguing. Once the Magic play the Suns and Howard officially matches up with Blake Su, I think it'll be obvious who's stronger and who's weaker."
"Exactly."
"But seriously, when are these two teams actually playing? Eastern and Western Conference teams only meet twice a season, sure, but we're already past the halfway point. They still haven't played?"
As soon as that was said, the fans who had been arguing immediately checked the schedule. Soon, one sharp-eyed fan reported back first.
"After beating the Lakers, the Suns' next opponents are the Clippers, Mavericks, Spurs, Timberwolves, and Magic.
"And after the game against the Magic, it's All-Star Weekend.
"That means before All-Star Weekend, we'll get to see the Suns face the Magic, and Blake Su go up against Howard!"
"Wow! That's perfect!"
"Nice!"
"I'm seriously looking forward to it!"
"I'll be waiting for that day, waiting for my Blake Su to slap everyone in the face and tell the entire league that traditional centers are about to be phased out. Perimeter centers in the 'small-ball era' are the real way forward!"
"Heh, 'Superman' Howard will use his strength to tell the whole league that the era of traditional interior monsters is definitely not over yet!"
"..."
Before Blake Su appeared, "Superman" Howard was the strongest center in the league, without question, and that was recognized across the entire league.
After Blake Su appeared, the debate over which of the two was the strongest center never stopped.
But no matter how much people talked, nothing compared to an actual battle. Now, the showdown between the Suns and the Magic for the title of "the league's best center" was about to arrive.
...
At the same time.
At the Suns' practice facility.
Although the Suns had beaten the Lakers last night and extended their winning streak to 10 games, no one relaxed. Led by Curry, Blake Su, and George, most of the players still came to the facility for their daily training.
Paul George, who was practicing threes with Curry, was called into Alvin Gentry's office.
"Coach, is something wrong?"
George asked.
Alvin Gentry did not beat around the bush. He said seriously, "Paul, our team is lacking defense right now, and with your physical gifts, you have a very high defensive ceiling.
"Whether it's now or in the playoffs, we need your defense.
"So from now on, I hope you'll train even more seriously and strengthen your defensive ability. At the same time, don't neglect your offense either.
"Blake Su is very strong.
"But I believe that if you work hard, you can absolutely become a superstar in this league in the future."
Buzz.
George's mind rang for a moment. Then he nodded heavily and said, "Don't worry, Coach. I'll definitely train hard and do my best to contribute to the team."
"Good. Go train."
"Yes."
George nodded firmly again, then left.
A coach's affirmation of a rookie was like a teacher praising a student. Just a few words were enough to make anyone with ambition feel extremely happy.
They would train and study even harder.
George was the same. Besides, with Blake Su, a fellow rookie from the same class, right beside him as an example, he felt even more obligated to work hard and improve himself.
"I'll definitely train hard. I won't let Coach down!"
Full of fighting spirit, George returned to the training court.
"Beep."
Just then, his phone rang. He opened it and saw a news notification. The headline read:
[Blake Su: 3.2 Million Votes, Crowned the All-Time Leading Vote-Getter!]
...
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