Three Men, One Show.

Howard missed a post-up attempt against Randolph at the basket.

The arena buzzed with murmurs of surprise—nobody expected the All-Star Game to open with a series of bricks.

As Kobe crossed half-court, the fans began to cheer, hoping to see him take a shot.

However, Kobe passed the ball to Han Sen instead.

It was clear that Kobe had no intention of putting on a show in this All-Star Game.

This was understandable. Kobe's play during the regular season had noticeably been more restrained—he was saving his energy for the playoffs.

Chris Paul, despite previously stating that he intended to stay in Los Angeles, had not signed an extension with the Lakers this season.

With his contract expiring this summer, no one could predict whether he'd remain with the Lakers.

If Paul chose to leave, considering the resources the Lakers had spent acquiring him, the team's future might look as grim as the Thunder's.

The Lakers urgently needed to win this year's championship, and Kobe was clearly conserving his strength for that goal.

Han Sen, now holding the ball, chose not to pass it off this time. Instead, he glanced at Wade and started a post-up play.

As soon as he began backing Wade down, he motioned for his teammates to clear out.

The best way to develop talent was on the court. While the intensity of an All-Star Game didn't match that of a regular-season game, the competition level was still high given that the players were all All-Stars.

But as Han Sen set up his post move, the fans in the arena erupted into laughter and cheers.

After the earlier scene of Han and LeBron passing the ball to each other in awkward moments, the crowd interpreted this as Han 'teaching LeBron' how to properly post up.

Wade, hearing the crowd's cheers, became more focused.

While he and Han had a good relationship off the court, Wade had no intention of becoming a background prop during the game.

Using his body, Han began to press into Wade. Despite Han being lighter than Wade after his weight loss, the latter still felt the added strength from Han's enhanced footwork.

After two forceful back-downs, Han executed a small hop to reset his pivot foot.

At that moment, Han felt grounded, a direct result of his improved lower body strength.

He faked a spin toward the free-throw line, then quickly pivoted back toward the baseline for a fadeaway jumper.

Wade's defense was solid, but the speed of Han's spin combined with his size advantage left Wade unable to contest the shot effectively.

Wade's expression showed his shock.

He had just faced Han during the Christmas game and had seen Han post up Ray Allen, but the difference between what he saw then and what he experienced now was night and day.

While saying Han's post moves had surpassed Kobe's might be a stretch, the gap between them had clearly narrowed.

The arena erupted in cheers, especially the Chinese fans, who were visibly ecstatic.

When both teams struggled to score, it was Han Sen who broke the ice with the game's first basket—and in such a dazzling manner.

It was a moment of pride, especially for the Chinese fans.

Han, too, couldn't hide his excitement.

Executing a fadeaway jumper after a spin wasn't just visually appealing to spectators—it also felt incredibly satisfying for the player.

This kind of move had an inherent connection to Michael Jordan. When the NBA first gained traction in China, it was during Jordan's peak years, embedding this move deeply into fans' hearts.

Rajon Rondo then assisted Carmelo Anthony for a mid-range jumper to get the East on the board.

Han, now on the offensive end again, backed down Wade and called for the ball.

The cheers grew even louder than before.

"LeBron, if you didn't catch it earlier, watch carefully this time," Barkley quipped from the commentary table, fully embracing his role as Han's mouthpiece.

Nobody understood how to create entertaining commentary like Barkley.

Kobe passed the ball to Han. Watching Han hop to catch the ball, Kobe immediately recognized that Han had learned from Olajuwon.

They had trained under the same mentor—it was easy to see.

Han didn't rush his move after catching the ball. First, he pressed his back against Wade, using it to feel Wade's defensive stance.

Sensing that Wade was giving him significant resistance, Han faked a spin toward the baseline before pivoting toward the free-throw line for a drive.

Resetting his pivot foot with a hop gave him the option to continue his move, as the ball was still 'live.'

Wade momentarily lost balance from overcommitting, but his elite speed allowed him to recover and stay with Han.

However, after taking a step forward, Han abruptly stepped back for another fadeaway jumper.

Wade, still recovering, couldn't provide much of a contest against the shot.

Clank!

Unfortunately, the shot didn't go in.

This kind of move required more game experience to execute consistently.

The crowd let out a collective groan of disappointment.

Despite the miss, the fluidity of the sequence drew more attention than the outcome itself.

Durant, growing increasingly frustrated, called for the ball in the post against LeBron.

LeBron didn't switch off, feeling confident in his ability to guard Durant.

Against Han, LeBron admitted he couldn't keep up with the footwork, but he trusted his strength and skill against Durant.

Two rivals squared off once again.

Han, watching the scene from a short distance, mentally prepared himself for the spectacle. If he could, he'd have set up a table with tea to fully enjoy the show.

Durant's post-up moves were graceful, blending his height with the agility of a guard.

However, he also missed his shot, with LeBron's intense defense forcing a difficult attempt.

When LeBron chose to lock in defensively, his combination of elite physical attributes and strength made him a formidable opponent.

Stopping Durant's post move seemed to restore LeBron's confidence.

On the other end, he demanded the ball in the post against Durant.

Kobe passed it to him, setting up LeBron's second attempt.

This time, LeBron made his move decisively, spinning and jumping into a quick shot.

But... the aesthetic didn't quite land.

Han, Durant, and even Kobe—despite his lower scoring intent tonight—executed post moves with a sense of finesse and artistry.

LeBron's attempt, by contrast, seemed awkward and clunky, especially with his instinctive wide-legged stance during the motion.

He missed again.

"I bet LeBron has dirt on the sponsors, and that's why they chose him as the face of the league," Barkley joked, not holding back from roasting him.

While Barkley didn't outright say it, many had silently wondered the same thing.

Though fans loved dunks and three-pointers, at its core, basketball was about beauty and artistry, and LeBron's move lacked both.

The crowd burst into laughter.

Han's earlier moves set a high bar, and LeBron's subsequent attempt looked like a caricature in comparison.

"Give it up, LeBron. You're better suited for dunking," Durant couldn't resist taunting.

"Shut your mouth. Not until you've scored," LeBron fired back.

Han Sen watched with great interest. He noticed that LeBron seemed particularly adept at trash-talking when facing Durant.

That blockbuster trade last summer had given the 'Big Joker and Little Joker' a strangely compelling dynamic.

If there ever came a day when they played on the same team, it would undoubtedly make for a fascinating story.

Durant wanted to respond, but Rondo chose not to pass him the ball.

With Ray Allen gone, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce aging, Rajon Rondo had become the main star of his team.

Rondo attempted a floater on a drive, but it missed. Fortunately, Howard grabbed the offensive rebound and slammed it home, drawing a foul on Randolph.

A substitution happened at this point—Harden came in to replace Kobe.

The substitution seemed early, but it was entirely understandable. After all, this was Houston's home court.

Yesterday, Jeremy Lin had been met with thunderous applause during the Skills Challenge. It only made sense for Harden to come in earlier tonight.

Especially since Kobe showed little interest in scoring and the Western team lacked a true playmaker in the backcourt, Harden's presence was necessary.

As Harden stepped onto the court, he exchanged a glance with Han Sen.

With so many Chinese fans in attendance tonight, how much of their support Harden could earn would depend on what he did next.

Howard, showcasing his 'reliable' free-throw ability, missed both attempts.

Griffin secured the rebound, and the Western team quickly pushed the pace with three players sprinting up the court.

Griffin passed to the closest player—Harden—who took the ball and drove down the middle. Han Sen and LeBron spread out to the left and right.

The Eastern team only had Wade and Rondo back on defense, making it a three-on-two situation.

LeBron waved furiously for the ball.

Although Harden's trade meant they hadn't ended up as teammates, technically, they had spent a few days on the same team.

Compared to Han Sen, who had repeatedly defeated the Thunder in the past, Harden had no reason to pass to him.

And LeBron had just exchanged trash talk with Durant, so he desperately needed this possession to score.

Most importantly, as the NBA's all-time fast-break leader, if LeBron got the ball, he could guarantee an assist.

Harden glanced at LeBron.

Just when LeBron thought the pass was coming, Harden lobbed the ball to the other side of the court instead.

It turned out that Harden had only been using LeBron to draw Wade's defensive attention. His true goal was a no-look pass.

BAM!

Han Sen and Harden completed a soaring alley-oop in Houston's Toyota Center, igniting the crowd.

On his way back to defend, Han Sen and Harden exchanged a high-five.

In truth, if Harden had a choice, he'd fit best on the Clippers.

If Chris Paul could elevate Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, Harden would likely take them to new heights.

Meanwhile, LeBron's expression was sour, as if he'd swallowed a fly.

Although he didn't understand why Harden refused to pass to him, it was clear that Harden and Kobe were different—Harden and Han Sen were on the same team!

To make matters worse, Durant, on the next possession, made an off-ball cut, received the pass, and hit a three-pointer.

Now, of the three rivals with grudges on the court, only LeBron had yet to score!

As the Western team advanced again, LeBron waved to Harden, asking for the ball.

Harden ignored him and instead passed to Han Sen.

Harden looked at Han Sen as if he were eyeing a voluptuous woman at a nightclub—utterly irresistible.

Han Sen received the ball and once again posted up against Wade.

Wade focused all his attention on defense.

Even though the All-Star Game was meant to be a showcase, Han Sen repeatedly backing him down was making him feel like a mere prop.

Han Sen posted up, reset his pivot foot with a small hop, and sensed that Wade wasn't applying as much pressure this time. He immediately spun toward the baseline.

Wade hesitated to jump but, seeing Han Sen's body leaning back, lunged forward, knowing Han Sen could pull up for a fadeaway at any moment.

At that moment, Han Sen spun back and used a subtle hooking motion with his off-hand to slightly delay Wade's momentum.

Don't ask why—just know that Kobe did it too.

The seemingly minor move disrupted Wade's contest enough for Han Sen to glide to the basket with fluid footwork.

As he rose to shoot, Durant had already rotated over to help.

Tonight, Durant was practically guarding two players alone: LeBron and Han Sen. He was overwhelmed.

But if he had to pick one to defend, it would always be Han Sen.

After all, 'a man who steals your wife is your eternal enemy.'

With Durant charging toward him like an avenging spirit, Han Sen adjusted mid-air, pulling the ball back in, and floated to the side, banking the shot in off the glass.

The Toyota Center erupted in cheers once again.

Beating Wade, avoiding Durant—this basket showcased Han Sen's immense talent. It was an undeniable highlight for the All-Star Game.

As the play concluded, the arena's LED screen displayed Han Sen's stats for the night:

4-of-6 shooting, 6 points—the game's highest scorer so far.

Fans began to realize that Han Sen was gunning for the All-Star MVP.

And with Harden clearly feeding him the ball, if Harden wasn't aiming for the award himself, he'd certainly help Han Sen get it.

Durant continued to demand the ball and, upon receiving it, faced up against LeBron.

He refused to let Han Sen outshine him.

LeBron's response was fascinating.

On the previous possession, he'd defended Durant intensely. This time, however, he barely put up a fight.

Durant easily drove past him for a pull-up jumper, scoring with ease.

This was classic LeBron—if he couldn't win the MVP himself, he'd rather disrupt the game for others.

After all, it was just the All-Star Game. Relaxed defense was the norm, and nobody would call him out for it.

Han Sen didn't mind LeBron's behavior—after all, he wasn't the one being targeted.

Han Sen missed a three-point attempt on the next possession, but Randolph grabbed the offensive rebound and passed it back to him.

Han Sen took a step in, pulled up from mid-range, and drew a shooting foul from Wade.

Both teams made substitutions at this point. For the West, Marc Gasol replaced Griffin. For the East, Bosh came in for Anthony.

This created an intriguing setup: the West now had the Grizzlies' core trio, plus Harden and LeBron, while the East fielded the Heat's Big Three alongside Rondo and Howard.

Durant and Bosh ran a pick-and-pop, and Wade found Durant for an open mid-range jumper—nothing but net.

After scoring, Durant turned toward LeBron and shouted, "Hey, was anyone even guarding me?"

LeBron wanted to stop Han Sen from winning MVP, but Durant's ambitions extended far beyond just stealing the spotlight from Han Sen. He wanted to crush him on every level.

(To be continued)