After integrating the Raptors card from the NBA 2018-2019 season, Link discovered that in the "physical movement" category, only the potential value for [Lateral Movement] increased from 60 to 93, meaning [Speed] potential increased by 5, from 81 to 86.
All other attributes remained unchanged, which means that the other attributes of the Raptors card were not greater than Link's current potential.
In the "Shooting and Finishing" potential, only the [Post Fadeaway Jumpshot] potential increased from 88 to 95; the potential values for other attributes did not increase.
The only category with a significant increase was "Defense and Organization": [Steal] potential increased from 87 to 97; [Block] potential increased from 8 to 85; [Perimeter Defense] potential increased from 73 to 97.
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At the same time, Link was surprised to find that all the sparring partner cards awarded this time, whether for All-Stars or other star players, were exclusively Joel Embiid.
"Oh for crying out loud... Did I just stumble into a nest?" Link muttered to himself.
The Hundred-Point Battle with Joel Embiid was truly torturous; he could even fall by himself while attempting a layup. The time it took to play two Hundred-Point Battles with other star players was roughly enough for only one with Joel Embiid.
After clearing the All-Star version of Joel Embiid, the floor of the virtual basketball court was polished to a brilliant shine, and Link received the following rewards:
Three-star reward: [Catch and Shoot (bronze)] already owned, converted into badge experience.
Four-star rewards: [Box-Out Master (bronze)] and [Backdown Punisher (bronze)], these badges were also already owned, again converted into relevant badge experience.
Five-star rewards: [Dream Shake (bronze)] (already owned), [Rim Protector (bronze)] (new), and [Drop Step Master (bronze)] (new).
This time, by clearing the All-Star version of Joel Embiid, Link obtained two new badges.
[Rim Protector (bronze)] allows for better detection of opponent's fake moves under the basket.
[Drop Step Master (bronze)] provides a slight increase in Speed and power when performing drop step moves.
With only one day left until the Playoffs, in addition to training and repeatedly studying Philadelphia 76ers games, Link was also pondering how to obtain Kawhi Leonard's "Personality Badge."
"Stoic..."
"That's right..."
"Leonard is like a Cold-Blooded Killer. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow..."
Link thought to himself.
In just a few days, due to Leonard's exceptional potential on defense, intense training in the Virtual Space, and Training Experience Cards, all combined.
[Perimeter Defense] base attribute +4, increasing to 76 (97); [Steal] base attribute +3, increasing to 90 (97); [Block] base attribute +2, increasing to 72 (85).
As for offensive attributes, the room for improvement for Link was too small, and it was estimated that it would be difficult to see results in a short period.
On the other hand.
Link's rookie season was almost perfect, averaging 25+5+5, extremely dominant, and he even became an Eastern Conference All-Stars starter as a rookie, making it to the All-NBA Second Team.
However, anti-fans outside always found problems from various angles.
[Playoffs and Regular Season are two completely different types of games. The Playoffs are the stage for superstars. How good is Link's superstar quality?]
[The Playoffs amplify opponents' weaknesses infinitely. Is Link just a Regular Season star?]
[Link, he is a shooting-focused player, and he might find it difficult to adapt to the playoff intensity.]
Where there are haters, there are supporters.
Some rational Washington Wizards fans and Link fans were not greedy.
Facing last year's Eastern Conference champions, the Philadelphia 76ers, many Washington Wizards fans believed that winning one game would not be a significant loss, and winning two games would be enough.
If they could break through the first round, it would be a huge gain.
Although the Washington Wizards ranked third in the East, this team was a mix of old and young.
Let alone Michael Jordan, who still had some of his former glory, even prime Jordan would find it difficult to make a significant impact in this year's Playoffs.
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The time came to April 22, 2022.
The Washington Wizards' home court!
The MIC Center Arena.
The 2001-2002 season was the last year the NBA used a best-of-five format for the first round; starting from the 2002-2003 season, it changed to a best-of-seven. However, from the second round onwards, it was always a best-of-seven.
Current home-court advantage distribution:
Before the Finals, it was always 2-2-1-1-1. The team with the better record would play two home games first, then two away games, and if a decisive game was needed, they would alternate.
The Finals, however, were 2-3-2.
Washington Wizards fans, returning to the Playoffs, were very excited, and the entire home arena was almost packed.
Furthermore, Link was pleased to see that about 58% of the Washington Wizards' home fans were wearing his #7 jersey. It's worth noting that Link's jersey sales currently ranked third in the league.
Next were Michael Jordan fans wearing #23, accounting for approximately 31%.
Allen Iverson's popularity was indeed high; many Iverson fans wearing Philadelphia's #3, with cornrows and dreadlocks, traveled thousands of miles to Washington to cheer for their idol.
Seeing this scene, Michael Jordan's mind raced, already preparing how to retort to Link. After all, knowing Link's personality, this guy would definitely show off in front of him.
"Should I shut him up with my six championship rings..."
"Or should I mention that I broke xxx playoff records..."
Just as Michael Jordan was fully prepared, he was surprised to find that Link was completely expressionless.
No...
What's this rhythm?
"What? Link... what's wrong with your face?" Michael Jordan asked curiously.
"Nothing," Link said expressionlessly.
Looking at the uncharacteristic Link, Michael Jordan became even more confused.
"No way..."
"Is this rookie scared?"
"Impossible, how could this guy be scared!!!"
"He's a guy born for big moments, a natural big heart—well, just slightly worse than me."
Michael Jordan thought to himself.
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Starting lineups for both teams:
[Philadelphia 76ers]: Eric Snow, Allen Iverson, Aaron McKie, Derrick Coleman, and Dikembe Mutombo.
[Washington Wizards]: Link, Michael Jordan, Richard Hamilton, Christian Laettner, and Brendan Haywood.
Laettner, who was injured at the end of the season, chose to return for the Playoffs. Of course, Laettner was merely "nursing a minor injury" all for the sake of the Playoffs.
"Beep!"
The referee's whistle blew, and both teams jumped for the ball.
Link's first playoff game of his career began.