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Chapter 403 - 189. Now that we’re here, we must definitely compete!

Chapter 403: 189. Now that we’re here, we must definitely compete!

During the All-Star weekend, the media had tossed out a topic that sparked heated discussion among fans—what "ironclad records" could Bad Boy Jack break before he turned 19?

Fans listed many possibilities, among which the triple-double was a popular topic.

James had gotten his first triple-double the month he turned 20, holding the youngest triple-double record previously set by Magic at 20 years and 3 months.

When fans discussed it, they analyzed that at Zhang Yang’s current age, his energy and physical strength were not enough to support an all-rounded performance, like averaging 5+ assists per game, unless he reduced his shots and focused on passing; otherwise, it was completely impossible, even averaging 3 assists per game was tough enough.

Forget about averaging 5 assists, even averaging 25 points seemed unlikely now, apart from that streak of averaging 30 points over about 10 games, Zhang Yang’s average in other games was only 23.3 points, and after playing against the Timberwolves, Zhang Yang’s scoring average had slipped to 25.1 points.

However, given Zhang Yang’s age and the talent he displayed, fans weren’t in a hurry. Securing an average of 20+ points at 18 was almost certain; 25+ was just a matter of time, and 30+ in the future wasn’t impossible either.

In terms of triple-doubles, during times when Zhang Yang was heavily defended, the occasional game with double-digit assists was very possible; he had shown great passing talent, just not enough energy and focus.

Moreover, his rebounding had always been decent. In his rookie year, averaging 28 minutes, he managed to grab 4.5 boards. This season, because they had the rebounding Point Guard, Rondo, his rebound efficiency decreased. His playing time increased to an average of 32 minutes, the second highest in the team, but his rebounds were even fewer than in his rookie year. However, he also had games with eight or nine rebounds, so getting a triple-double was still highly anticipated.

If Zhang Yang couldn’t do it this season, securing a triple-double next season would still break James’ record, but fans hoped he could break the record this season, ideally before April.

Because he would turn 19 in June, as long as the draft rules didn’t change, any record he broke before April at the age of 18 years and 10 months would be an unbreakable "ironclad record."

Halfway through the third quarter, Zhang Yang had already secured his 10th assist, along with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Although the game wasn’t televised, by the time he was benched, reporters at the scene had already spread the news, significantly increasing text broadcast views and radio listeners.

Many fans were yelling at their computers, listening to radios and cursing Bickerstaff for not putting Bad Boy Jack back in the game.

These fans weren’t just Zhang Yang or Knight fans; more were those who disliked James. Among James’ fans, a small handful of "top ten haters" used various "youngest" records to provoke fans of other stars, indeed attracting a lot of negativity toward James.

With another one of James’ "records" about to be surpassed, those who disliked James were even more excited than Zhang Yang’s fans.

When Zhang Yang grabbed his 10th rebound, major basketball forums were collectively flooded, including the Knight fans’ forum...

Zhang Yang really did it!

23+11+11, at 18 years and 8 and a half months, Zhang Yang became the youngest player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double!

KING record down by one...Bad Boy’s ironclad record up by one!

Seeing the media frenzy over the news of "Youngest Triple-Double Mister Bad Boy Jack", fans celebrated Zhang Yang creating another unbreakable record, while the KING team sobbed miserably.

If only we had known, now every time Zhang Yang breaks a "youngest" record, James gets trampled on again by hostile fans in a way that’s indisputable and undefeatable...

But it’s too late for regrets now, even ESPN, which has a good relationship with James, couldn’t pass up the huge traffic from the "youngest" gimmick. During the game between the Knight and Toronto Raptors, every rebound Zhang Yang grabbed, ESPN’s website headline would refresh with a new story, saying simply, "Bad Boy Jack grabs his 8th rebound," "Bad Boy Jack grabs his 9th rebound"...

What frustrated and rendered the KING team helpless was what Zhang Yang said at the post-game press conference—"Ah? This counts as a record? I thought only averaging a triple-double as the youngest counted as a record."

...

On Zhang Yang’s side, he was happy about getting the triple-double, but he really didn’t care about the "youngest triple-double"; having it was nice, but no big deal if not.

He thought this was truly the least valuable "record," not even as good as scoring 40+ or 30+ in a game.

Scoring depended on his own abilities. To get assists, unless his role was like Rondo’s—a pure organizational core playing to pass the ball into the hands of teammates with shooting opportunities—he didn’t reflect his role as a scorer.

In contrast, defeating the Toronto Raptors itself pleased him more.

The Nets were underperforming, and as long as the Raptors kept up their current performance, they could lock the first place in the Atlantic Division, ensuring a top-four position. His team, the Knight, was very likely to meet the Raptors in the second round.

This season, they only faced the Raptors three times in the regular season, and having won the first two encounters, already had the upper hand.

The day after defeating the Raptors, he traveled south with the Knight to Motor City, Detroit.

After resting awhile at the hotel, he went to Felton’s room to participate in the Big Brother Group’s team building.

To Zhang Yang’s surprise, Millsap had also come! Accompanied by the veteran Muhammad.

Heaven be praised, Fat Big Brother had finally seen the light!