Stern’s Sly Maneuver

The Eastern Conference's victory sparked a jubilant celebration among Lian Dao and his teammates. In the heat of the win, Lian Dao forgot the earlier snub from LeBron James and barely thought about his stats. In the fourth quarter, the East's players had shelved personal glory for collective triumph.

But the numbers didn't lie. James led with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. Lian Dao posted 27 points, 9 rebounds, and a staggering 23 assists—shattering Magic Johnson's All-Star record of 22. Chris Bosh had 20 points and 10 rebounds; Dwyane Wade, 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists; Dwight Howard, 14 points and 15 rebounds.

For MVP, it was a coin toss between James and Lian Dao. Their near-triple-doubles outshone the rest, though James' game-high scoring carried weight with voters who prized points. Lian Dao's record-breaking assists, however, made a compelling case.

Post-game, players from both teams exchanged hugs. Kobe Bryant, passing by, gave Lian Dao a shoulder pat and a nod of respect. The awards ceremony followed, with David Stern slipping out of the stands, a sly smile tugging at his lips—unnoticed by most.

Voters grappled with the MVP decision, unable to crown a clear winner quickly. Meanwhile, CCTV pulled Lian Dao for an interview. Stepping into their broadcast booth, he spotted Yao Ming. "Didn't see you after the game, Brother Yao," Lian Dao teased. "Hiding out here?"

Yao grinned, clapping him on the back. "Great job, Xiaodao. You're on track to do what I never could."

"Don't sell yourself short, Brother Yao," Lian Dao said, smiling. "You'd crush it if you wanted."

Yao chuckled, warmed by the flattery but knowing the truth: interior players like him struggled for All-Star touches without willing passers. Perimeter stars like Lian Dao had the edge. Lian Dao mused about teaming up with Yao—his playmaking and shooting paired with Yao's inside finesse and rebounding would unleash a storm in China.

After greeting Yao, Lian Dao waved to the camera, addressing Chinese fans fluently. With the All-Star Game falling on the second day of Lunar New Year, he and commentator Zhang Lili exchanged New Year wishes, and Lian Dao sent festive greetings to viewers at home.

Zhang Lili, beaming, posed a question: "Your first All-Star Game, and you broke Magic Johnson's assist record. MVP's likely between you and James. How's it feel to be in the running?"

Lian Dao deflected with a grin. "James was dominant on both ends. I just played my game, giving it all I had. Never dared dream of MVP. It's up to the voters now."

Back on the court, a temporary podium was set, the MVP trophy gleaming under the lights. Cameras zoomed in, and fans buzzed with anticipation. Stern ambled up, envelope in hand, greeting the crowd with a practiced smile. His opening remarks dragged, testing Lian Dao's patience. Get on with it, old man, Lian Dao thought, stifling a yawn.

Finally, Stern tore open the envelope, pausing for drama. "The AMVP winner is…" Another beat. Lian Dao resisted the urge to storm the stage. "Lian Dao, Sickle!" Stern announced, reading both his Chinese and English names.

Lian Dao's face lit up—until Stern added, "And, LeBron James!"

A shared MVP. Lian Dao nodded, unsurprised. The precedent was fresh: Kobe and Shaq split the 2009 All-Star MVP, their "OK" reunion stealing headlines. The NBA, a commercial juggernaut, thrived on such moments. Stern, ever the showman, knew a dual award maximized buzz. Why pick one when both could shine? It was All-Star Weekend—entertainment trumped all.

Lian Dao and James hoisted the trophy together, the crowd roaring. Only one physical trophy existed, and James, with two AMVPs already, graciously let Lian Dao keep it, knowing the league would send him a duplicate.

Media went wild:

"Sickle, the 2010 All-Star Weekend's Biggest Winner: Rookie MVP, Dunk and Three-Point Titles, and AMVP with James!" — New York Times

"2010's Brightest Star: Sickle!" — Yahoo Sports

"From NCAA MOP to All-Star AMVP, Sickle's Rise Stuns!" — Los Angeles Times

In his Dallas hotel, Lian Dao surveyed his haul: NCAA MOP, NBA Player and Rookie of the Month awards, and now Rookie Challenge MVP, Three-Point and Dunk Contest trophies, plus the AMVP. Pride swelled. Guo Yuwei, cradling the AMVP trophy, gazed at him with awe. That scrawny streetball kid I shielded is now an NBA All-Star.

"Let's build a trophy showroom back home," she suggested.

Lian Dao nodded, loving the idea. His collection—spanning college and pro honors—deserved a shrine. Post-retirement, it'd be a legacy to savor. But right now, the soft, radiant Guo beside him was far more tempting than any trophy.

During the All-Star break, they toured Dallas' attractions, their sweet moments splashed across tabloids. The brief escape fueled Lian Dao's off-season dreams of more time with Guo. Wenrou Township's the real endgame.

On February 16, the Knicks faced the Chicago Bulls in their first post-All-Star game. Lian Dao, still sizzling from Dallas, dropped 38 points (15/26 FG, 6/10 3P, 2/4 FT), 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, leading a 109-101 road win over Derrick Rose's Bulls.

The next night, February 17, the Knicks hosted Chicago in a back-to-back. Rose, hobbled by Jrue Holiday's defense or fatigue from All-Star duties, struggled, shooting 28 times for just 24 points (31% FG). The Bulls' grueling schedule and Rose's physical playstyle took their toll.

Danilo Gallinari stole the show, erupting for 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Lian Dao added a double-double (26 points, 11 assists), and Holiday chipped in 8 points and 13 assists. The Knicks squeaked out a 98-94 win, both teams' offenses sputtering but New York's defense holding firm.

Chicago's woes handed the Knicks the edge. Rose's All-Star exertions, with no rest, exposed his vulnerability—a warning for the grind ahead.