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Chapter 130 Lifelong Enemy? Adu's Misunderstanding of Scarlett

The Thunder's home court is the Ford Center.

Nearly two hours before the Thunder vs. Lakers game, the stadium was already packed.

The high attendance surprised the Thunder's management.

In previous regular season home games, the average attendance was just over 50 percent.

But with the Lakers as the opponent, the attendance reached 100%, and tickets were scarce.

This wasn't unique to the Thunder; other small-market teams also saw increased ticket sales when playing against the Lakers at home.

This showed the Lakers' widespread popularity, guaranteeing high attendance wherever they played.

Furthermore, the NBA had scheduled the game for national live broadcast.

For a small-city team like the Thunder, without superstars, national live broadcasts were rare.

Out of 82 games in a season, only a few Thunder games received national broadcast.

A large-market team like the Lakers, with top superstars, would have many more nationally broadcast games each year.

The league scheduled this game for national broadcast primarily due to the matchup between Jiang Chen and Durant.

As rookies from the same year, their development after entering the league differed significantly.

Durant entered as a highly favored player and the team's core.

His rookie season average of 20.3 points earned him Rookie of the Year and placed him as the second player, after James, to average 20+ points in their rookie season.

His future looked bright.

As an undrafted player, Jiang Chen's rookie season was unremarkable. He lacked playing time and faced uncertainty about his NBA future.

Comparing the two was unthinkable.

However, Jiang Chen's sudden rise made him a top small forward, prompting media and basketball experts to compare him to Durant.

Both were scoring-focused small forwards from the same draft, potentially becoming lifelong rivals.

The upcoming regular season marked their first significant matchup since their rise to fame.

The game was highly anticipated.

At this time, core players from both teams were giving pre-game interviews.

Lakers interview room.

"Jiang, the main focus of this game is your duel with Durant. Many experts see you as future contenders for the strongest small forward, even lifelong enemies. What are your thoughts?"

A reporter asked.

"Durant is a very talented player. Being compared to him is an honor, especially considering I wasn't even eligible for comparison last season."

Jiang Chen said seriously.

The reporters were puzzled.

So humble?

This didn't seem like Jiang Chen's usual style.

Indeed.

Before the reporters could process his words, Jiang Chen continued, "But unfortunately, my strength has surpassed Durant's, so there's no comparison."

No comparison?

Did he mean Durant wasn't worthy of comparison?

This seemed extreme.

The reporters exchanged shocked and doubtful glances.

While Durant's performance hadn't matched Jiang Chen's this season, Durant was still playing well. Jiang Chen's performance was just exceptionally explosive.

No player in the league could match Jiang Chen's start to the season.

Was it too early for Jiang Chen to say this?

Maintaining such performance for an entire season seemed impossible.

"Kobe, what do you think of Durant and Jiang Chen, two small forwards from the same class?"

Reporters turned to Kobe.

Perhaps they could get a more balanced answer, instead of Jiang Chen's bold claims.

"I completely agree with Jiang Chen. They're not on the same level."

"Durant will become a superstar, but compared to Jiang Chen, he's a level below."

Kobe said seriously.

As Jiang Chen's teammate, Kobe knew his strength and potential.

The reporters were stunned.

This seemed like excessive teammate support.

The reporters asked more questions and ended the interview.

Thunder interview room.

Reporters focused on Durant.

The main highlight of the game was his duel with Jiang Chen.

The game's outcome was considered certain.

As a rebuilding team, the Thunder were far weaker than the Lakers.

An upset was unlikely.

"Durant, the internet is comparing your strength to Jiang Chen's. What do you think?"

A reporter asked.

"It's funny! I didn't know who Jiang Chen was last season. Now, suddenly, he's being compared to me!"

"Honestly, it surprised me."

"However, Jiang Chen has shown great strength. I look forward to playing against him to see if he's as good as they say!"

Durant said casually, seemingly unconcerned.

"Are you confident you can limit Jiang Chen in the game?"

Another reporter asked.

"Of course! I'm confident in my defense. I'm the best player from the 2007 class, and that won't change."

Durant said seriously, with a determined look.

The players from both teams entered the court and began warming up.

The big screen focused on Scarlett, who was in the front row.

This caused cheers and screams.

Scarlett wore tight jeans and a white T-shirt, highlighting her figure.

Unlike her previous elegant dress, this playful outfit showcased her youthful beauty.

Durant noticed Scarlett on the screen. He became nervous and excited, glancing in her direction.

"Oh my god! Scarlett came to the Ford Center to watch the game."

"Is she here to watch me?"

Durant thought, his heart racing.

He was the Thunder's star player.

It was the Thunder's home court. Who else would she watch?

Durant was energized and determined to perform well.

He felt Scarlett's eyes on him.

This confirmed his assumption.

Scarlett was there to watch him.

Durant, in his happy mood, ignored Jiang Chen warming up nearby.