US Airways Center.
When the Suns defeated the Rockets to secure their 22nd consecutive win of the season, the home crowd erupted in overwhelming cheers, like a roaring tide crashing down.
For most fans, a 22-game winning streak was more than enough reason to celebrate wildly. However, many of them did not fully understand the deeper meaning behind those 22 wins.
Still, even if some fans did not understand it, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Jeremy Lin certainly did.
After the game, Jeremy Lin was the first to walk up to Blake Su. He congratulated Blake Su on reaching the 22-game winning streak and surpassing Yao Ming.
"Blake Su, I hope you keep improving. The future is yours."
Jeremy Lin said it with a smile. After a quick hug, he turned and left.
Soon after, Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian walked over.
"Yi, Yao."
Blake Su greeted them with a smile. He had interacted with Yi Jianlian a few times before, but this was his first proper meeting with Yao Ming.
Even so, just looking at Yao Ming, Blake Su could tell he was easygoing.
"Hello, Blake Su."
Yao Ming smiled.
That familiar, almost meme-like expression nearly made Blake Su lose composure. He cleared his throat and smiled back.
"I did something pretty impressive tonight."
"Haha."
Yao Ming laughed.
"That's true. Back when I played with Tracy McGrady, we reached 22 straight wins. And now you've basically led the team to the same mark on your own.
Blake Su, honestly, you've done even better than I did."
"Blake Su, you've worked hard. You really played well."
Yi Jianlian also smiled as he praised him.
Blake Su scratched his head and laughed.
"Yeah, I feel that too. It really wasn't easy getting here. There were a few times we were right on the brink.
Luckily, we got through it every time. I guess I should enjoy this 22-game streak."
"Exactly."
Yao Ming nodded.
"Whether it was the Lakers, the Spurs, or earlier games against the Bulls and the Thunder, none of those wins came easy.
Getting to 22 straight wins and reaching the second-longest streak in history was always going to be tough.
But you made it through all of that. Blake Su, I didn't expect you to rise this fast, but I'm really looking forward to what comes next for you.
Keep going.
Stay focused in training, don't get complacent, and keep putting in the work. I believe you'll become even better."
Blake Su nodded seriously. He would.
Yao Ming smiled and nodded as well, about to leave. But just as he turned, he seemed to remember something. He looked back at Blake Su, his expression turning serious.
"Blake Su, I naturally want to see you grow stronger and better. But you must remember this.
No matter what happens, your body is your foundation. You have to protect it and stay healthy."
He paused and let out a quiet sigh. His expression dimmed slightly before he continued.
"You should know that reaching the quarterfinals at the 2008 Olympics was our peak.
But stopping there is still a regret.
Under normal circumstances, that quarterfinal finish would likely remain our best result for the next decade or even longer. But now, with you, things could change.
With you, with me, with a steadily improving Yi Jianlian, and with our younger players, we would have had a real chance to push past that record in 2012.
But unfortunately, with the fracture in my left foot, I may not recover to my best form. I might not even be able to play in the 2012 Olympics.
If only you had come earlier. If only I were a bit healthier. Then everything might have been possible."
He looked directly at Blake Su.
"There are still about two years until the 2012 Olympics. Can we make an agreement? If I recover well enough, can we go for a better Olympic result together?"
Yao Ming's expression was completely serious.
As the leading active figure in Chinese basketball, he carried more than just talent. He carried responsibility, a mission to elevate Chinese basketball.
The 2008 Olympic quarterfinals.
The 22-game winning streak during the Yao McGrady era.
All-Star starter, fan vote leader, and more.
He had already given everything he could. But now, because of Blake Su, there was another chance to push the Olympic record further. Even if his chances of recovery were slim, he did not want to give up.
"Yeah!"
Yi Jianlian spoke up with conviction.
"With Blake Su, we definitely have a chance to go further."
Thinking back to the 2008 Olympics, he felt both pride and regret.
"Mm."
Blake Su nodded gently, almost without hesitation, and spoke with firm resolve.
"Yao, Yi, I will. I'll play in the 2012 Olympics.
We'll work together to rewrite that quarterfinal record."
"Mm!"
Yi Jianlian nodded heavily.
Yao Ming smiled.
"Then it's settled. Make sure you stay healthy and make it there."
With that, Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian left, satisfied.
But the moment they turned away, Yao Ming's brow tightened, and his expression darkened.
"Blake Su, you'll be able to go in good health. But me… my injury might keep me from fulfilling that promise."
At the same time, the smile on Blake Su's face faded as well.
For Yao Ming, it was just the feeling that his injury might be hard to recover from.
But Blake Su knew the truth. Yao Ming would not play in the 2012 Olympics.
Injuries had ultimately taken their toll on him.
Blake Su also understood something clearly.
To defeat the fully stacked U.S. Dream Team at the Olympics, his strength alone would never be enough.
Yao Ming needed him.
And he needed Yao Ming just as much.
But right now, Yao Ming's condition left little room for optimism.
Just as he had said, if Blake Su had appeared earlier, during the 2008 Olympics when Yao Ming was still healthy, or if Yao Ming had been just a bit healthier and could have stayed that way through 2012.
Unfortunately, there were no such possibilities.
Tonight, Blake Su scored 29 points in a single quarter and led the Suns to their 22nd straight win, tying the Rockets' record. He received praise from countless fans.
Yet after his conversation with Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, he felt no joy at all.
The source of that feeling was clear.
Injuries.
...
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