CHAPTER 555: CHAPTER 273: ALL-STAR WEEKEND HOLIDAY

"124 to 120, Cavaliers surprisingly defeated Heat Team on the road."

"After the game, the statistics read, Hansen scored 60 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists; JR scored 20 points, and Irving added 17 points with 5 assists."

"Durant scored 36 points along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists; Big Gasol scored 20 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and had 6 assists; Wade contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists; Deng scored 13 points, grabbed 5 boards, and 2 assists; Vucevic scored 14 points and collected 7 rebounds."

"The game had ended, but many fans were still reluctant to leave the stadium."

"This result was difficult for them to accept."

"By this time, the post-game handshake ceremony was taking place."

"When Durant and Hansen shook hands, Durant spoke with reluctance, "This is just a regular game."

"Yes, indeed it was only a regular game, despite Hansen’s record-breaking fourth consecutive 50+ points game, achieving a historic 60+ triple-double."

"At this, Hansen couldn’t help but laugh."

"What are you laughing at?" scowled Durant."

"Do you remember what you said during the playoffs in The West years ago? ’I am not LeBron.’"

"What’s that supposed to mean?" Durant did remember because he hadn’t forgotten the trash talk Hansen had directed at him, declaring he didn’t need to rely on refs to win games like James."

"You should know what LeBron’s fans say when they lose."

"Hansen didn’t elaborate, but Durant instantly understood."

"Being well aware of surfacing trends, he knew exactly what Hansen was alluding to."

"Or perhaps he hadn’t even realized that the expression he used had already been guided by those sentiments."

"From a psychological perspective, everything you see ultimately influences your behavior in diverse ways."

"At the post-game press conference, Hansen and JR attended together."

"The press conference marked JR’s first appearance since joining Cleveland, and he seemed quite excited."

"Of course, almost every question tonight was directed at Hansen."

"A 60+ triple-double, unique in history!"

"Many fans still didn’t comprehend its significance, but the reporters had the detailed statistical sheets."

"Tonight, through scoring and assists, Hansen contributed 96 points to the Cavaliers, a number even more terrifying than Kobe’s 81 points."

"Yet, Hansen appeared relatively calm answering the reporters’ questions."

"Just like Kobe’s 81 points against the Raptors, it was much related to the defensive strategies of the opponent."

"American Airlines Arena is my lucky place," Hansen said with a smile."

"That was a reply he had given during last year’s finals too, but it still hit the mark."

"Because all three of Hansen’s championships were clinched at American Airlines Arena, and even his career-high 61 points, also against the Heat Team, before today’s 60+ triple-double."

"It seemed that whenever he played in this arena, good things happened."

"The reporters bombarded Hansen with questions, but after responding to a few, he handed the microphone to JR, signaling that they could ask JR questions."

"JR was eager and hopeful, but no one asked him anything."

"For most reporters, and perhaps the world, only Hansen’s performance mattered."

"As for JR, he had just had a good shooting night."

"Compared to his play, the reporters actually preferred covering his antics on the court like untying shoe laces or pulling headbands, as that still made for good material."

"The atmosphere turned slightly awkward, but Hansen quickly defused it by taking the microphone and playing the role of a reporter."

"Smith, you scored a season-high 20 points tonight, how do you feel?"

"Hansen’s maneuver stunned everyone, including JR, who froze for a moment before responding."

"Then his eyes quickly reddened."

"Great, I feel great," JR’s voice choked up."

"Hansen reached out, patted his shoulder, and signaled him to relax."

"After Hansen’s intervention, the quick-reacting reporters followed suit and began asking JR questions."

"Thank you, boss," JR said as they left the post-game press conference, his gratitude coming from deep within."

"Hansen had done more than just help him out tonight."

"More importantly, during the game, Hansen passed him the ball for all his five three-point shots, which were excellent opportunities."

"Having the team leader trusting you enough to pass easy shots means everything for a role player."

"Hansen frowned."

"You’re thanking me, but who taught you to call me boss? Conningham?"

"JR, don’t ever use that nickname again," Hansen didn’t want to turn into Kobe.

"Then, he placed his hand on JR’s shoulder."

"Respect is earned by one’s own actions; what I did was just treat you fairly, like Coach Malone."

"JR nodded vigorously."

"He couldn’t deny his problematic past, and most people looked at him through that lens, but Hansen’s willingness to see him as a regular person and trust him was already a blessing."

"The same night as the Cavaliers-Heat game ended, the League released a promotional poster of Hansen’s performance, captioned: ’The best active player.’"

"And soon after, the League also announced the voting mechanism for the 2016 All-Star Game, including clear regulations on global fan votes, stating any official website votes from any region would be considered valid."