Post -Match Impact

At the end of the game, the Miami Heat received grim news about Jermaine O'Neal's injury. A hospital examination confirmed that O'Neal had sustained severe head injuries, leading to a moderate concussion. The diagnosis left the Heat with a significant loss, as they realized the impact this would have on their season.

When the news reached the Knicks, the reaction in the locker room was one of mixed emotions. While the players were concerned about O'Neal's well-being, they couldn't help but look at Lian Dao with a newfound respect. What had once been admiration for his talent had now transformed into something deeper—an acknowledgment of his toughness and leadership.

Lian Dao was no longer seen as just a rookie; in their eyes, he had earned the right to be called the boss of the Knicks. Although his reputation as a fierce competitor had been established in the NCAA when he dunked on an opponent so hard it resulted in a rib fracture and a concussion, witnessing his physical dominance firsthand in the NBA was a different experience altogether. The level of respect he commanded from his teammates grew immensely.

In the NBA, players often face a harsh reality: those who are too nice can find themselves taken advantage of, their careers marred by injuries if they lack protection from their teammates. A team with a strong leader—someone willing to stand up to any challenge—can ward off such dangers, and Lian Dao was proving to be that kind of leader for the Knicks.

...

Meanwhile, at the NBA League Headquarters in the Olympic Tower Building in New York, Commissioner David Stern was reviewing the report his assistant had handed him. He had watched the Knicks' game live, eager to see how much potential this rookie, Lian Dao, truly had and whether he could be integrated into the league's future business plans.

Lian Dao's performance had been exceptional, but the incident with Jermaine O'Neal going to the hospital was concerning. However, Stern wasn't overly worried about O'Neal's condition. At 31 years old, O'Neal's physical abilities had already begun to decline, and he was no longer the All-Star he once was. In Stern's eyes, the league's future didn't rest with players like O'Neal but rather with emerging stars like Lian Dao.

Stern had also reviewed footage of Lian Dao's previous games and had a good understanding of his character: "I won't attack unless I'm attacked." This was a mentality Stern respected, especially considering Lian Dao's importance to the New York market. The Knicks had long been a sleeping giant, and Stern had handpicked Lian Dao as a key figure to rejuvenate the New York basketball scene.

Seeing the elbow O'Neal had thrown at Lian Dao earlier in the game made Stern uneasy. Lian Dao was central to the league's plans for New York, and if he were seriously injured, it would be a significant setback. Stern decided it was necessary to ensure that referees would protect Lian Dao in future games. The rookie status should no longer mean tolerating cheap shots that could derail his career and the league's plans.

Stern also knew that the league needed to think about the future. With Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles also at 31, even though still at his peak, the league needed to prepare for the next generation of stars. Stern saw the potential in players like LeBron James in Cleveland and now Lian Dao in New York. However, Cleveland's small market was not fully capitalizing on LeBron's star power, and with James' contract expiring at the end of the season, Stern began contemplating a move that could maximize LeBron's potential.

As Stern considered the possibilities, a satisfied smile crept across his face. The future of the league was bright, and with the right moves, the NBA could usher in a new era of greatness.

Los Angeles, Staples Center.

The Lakers had just wrapped up their home game against the Clippers, securing a 99-92 victory. Although Ron Artest, who started the game, only posted modest stats with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, his defensive presence was key in shutting down the Clippers' offense.

Speaking of the Clippers, Blake Griffin's saga continued to be marred by injuries. Just like in history, Griffin's rookie season was cut short before it even began. The day before the game, Griffin was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left kneecap. After multiple examinations and consultations with the medical team, it was decided that he would undergo surgery to repair his knee, effectively ending his season.

While many had speculated that Lian Dao, with his aggressive style of play, might be prone to injuries, no one expected the highly-touted Griffin to fall first. The Clippers' management was now filled with regret, especially after witnessing Lian Dao's spectacular debut. Watching Griffin's season come to an abrupt halt while seeing Lian Dao thrive on the court made the Clippers' decision to pass on him even more painful.

Despite this setback, there was a silver lining for the Clippers. Based on Griffin's preseason performance, it was clear that he wasn't going to be a bust. However, this was little comfort to the team's owner, who grew increasingly dissatisfied with head coach Mike Dunleavy. The owner's frustration only deepened upon learning that the New York Knicks, thanks to Lian Dao, had secured significant sponsorship deals with Chinese companies. The influx of revenue into the Knicks' coffers made the Clippers' missed opportunity sting even more.

At the Lakers' post-game press conference, Ron Artest, one of the infamous figures from the Palace of Auburn Hills incident, was fielding questions. Naturally, the topic of Lian Dao's recent on-court altercation with Jermaine O'Neal came up.

"Ron, what do you think about Sickle causing Jermaine O'Neal to suffer a moderate concussion?"

Artest, who had just learned of the incident, responded with a diplomatic tone. "Right now, my focus is on the court. I do, however, condemn unsportsmanlike behavior and wish O'Neal a speedy recovery."

His official response left reporters unimpressed. Many found it ironic that Artest, with his own history of on-court violence, was condemning another player's actions.

However, one reporter pointed out, "But it was O'Neal who made the first move by pulling Sickle out of the air."

Artest, remaining calm, replied, "Everyone is responsible for their actions, and so is O'Neal."

It was clear from Artest's responses that his relationship with O'Neal had soured since their days in Indiana, especially after the Palace of Auburn Hills incident. While the reporters had hoped for a more dramatic or vengeful response from Artest, they instead received a series of carefully measured answers—indicative of a player who had learned the hard way about the consequences of speaking recklessly.

However, Kobe Bryant, who was sitting beside Artest, was particularly intrigued by Lian Dao. Kobe had followed Lian Dao's games back in the NCAA and had been impressed by the young player's potential. Now, seeing him explode onto the NBA scene, Kobe was eager for their eventual matchup.

At the American Airlines Arena in Miami, the atmosphere was tense during the post-game press conference. Reporters were eager to get Coach Erik Spoelstra's take on the Knicks' rookie, Lian Dao.

"Coach Erik, how would you evaluate the Knicks rookie Lian Dao?" a reporter asked.

Coach Spoelstra couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache at the mention of Lian Dao. The impact of Lian Dao's performance was undeniable, and the Heat were now facing a tough stretch ahead. With Jermaine O'Neal sidelined due to injury, the burden would fall entirely on Dwyane Wade, which was likely to lead to a dip in the team's record.

How should he evaluate Lian Dao? Should he call him a butcher or an executioner? But reflecting on the incident, Spoelstra knew that O'Neal hadn't exactly played cleanly either.

Forcing a smile, Coach Spoelstra replied, "Sickle is an exceptional player. His offensive skills are remarkable, and his physical fitness is outstanding. To achieve a 40+20+10 triple-double in his debut—something we haven't seen since the Big O—is incredible. It's rare to see a player this good right out of the gate."

He added, "Losing by 35 points in our opener is something we won't forget easily."

Coach Spoelstra knew that labeling the Knicks as dirty wouldn't change the outcome, and acknowledging Lian Dao's talent helped soften the blow of the loss.

The reporters then turned their attention to Wade. "Dwyane, do you feel the same way?"

Wade, who had been the Heat's top scorer with a near triple-double of 37 points, 9 assists, and 11 rebounds, couldn't help but be overshadowed by Lian Dao's performance.

"Even though I hate to admit it, that guy doesn't play like a rookie. He's so composed and experienced. Dropping more than 40 points on me was like a nightmare," Wade said, shaking his head with a rueful smile. He hadn't expected the rookie to be so formidable.

...

Meanwhile, at the Knicks' press conference, Lian Dao was the center of attention, surrounded by a sea of reporters. Anticipating the spotlight, Lian Dao had come prepared, donning sunglasses to shield himself from the barrage of camera flashes.

"Sickle, how would you rate your first game?" a reporter asked.

With a stat line of 40+20+10, Lian Dao had shattered numerous records, and his debut was being compared to that of legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.

Lian Dao had set the record for the best debut ever, becoming the youngest player to record a triple-double and the youngest to score 40 points in a game.