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The Supersonics defeated the Lakers and solidified their position as number one in the Western Conference.
Yu Fei's MVP calls reached their peak after that night.
Just as George Karl said, Yu Fei had beaten Kobe in every aspect. If Kobe was the biggest MVP contender, then Yu Fei was the MVP.
Even though Kobe, backed by LA, had some advantages in public opinion, the actual matchup defeat indeed decided the MVP ownership.
After this game, Kobe could no longer compete with Yu Fei.
Perhaps too triumphant, the Supersonics, returning to their home court, faced the strongest team in the league—the Boston Celtics.
Last time they defeated the Celtics at the North Shore Garden, but this time they met their opponents were completely suppressed at their home court.
Compared to the last time, the Celtics had two new members.
They were PJ Brown who had stood up Yu Fei and the veteran Sam Cassell, whose contract was bought out by the Clippers.