Chapter 232: Chen Yan's Basketball Philosophy, Pre-Game Trash Talk!
The Phoenix Suns had swept the Denver Nuggets 4–0 in the regular season, a clean, dominant performance that made most fans expect an easy first-round victory. But inside the Suns' locker room, no one was underestimating their opponent.
The Nuggets were fully healthy and hungry. With Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson—both top-five scorers in the league—Denver had one of the most explosive offensive duos in basketball. Their firepower could torch anyone on a good night.
After a full day of rest, the Suns officially submitted their 12-man playoff roster on April 18.
Centers: Amar'e Stoudemire, Sean Marks
Power Forwards: Boris Diaw, Brian Skinner, Matt Barnes
Small Forwards: Grant Hill, Kelenna Azubuike, Gordan Giricek
Shooting Guards: Chen Yan, Raja Bell
Point Guards: Steve Nash, J.J. Barea
D'Antoni's rotation would likely stay at eight or nine players—the rest were there for bench support, celebration duty, and moral encouragement.
---
TNT Playoff Coverage
The TNT studio buzzed with anticipation as analysts broke down the upcoming series.
"The Suns shouldn't have much trouble with Denver," Kenny Smith said, flipping through his notes. "But the second round—if it's San Antonio—that's a different beast."
Charles Barkley nodded. "Exactly. We all know the playoffs are about defense. That's the Spurs' game. I love Phoenix's offense, don't get me wrong. It's fast, it's flashy, it's fun to watch—but I don't see it winning a championship."
"So, you're saying the Spurs are stronger?" Kenny asked.
"Absolutely," Barkley said without hesitation. "The Spurs are built for the playoffs. They know how to slow the game down, control the tempo, and punish mistakes. I'm not hating on the Suns—I just think they're a great regular-season team, not a championship team."
Reggie Miller immediately leaned forward. "Charles, that's a load of crap," he said, half-laughing. "The Suns are one of the most dangerous teams in the league this year. They've beaten the Lakers and the Spurs in the regular season. And let's not forget—Chen Yan has changed everything for them. That kid isn't just a scorer; he's a closer."
Reggie raised his voice, smirking at the camera. "You remember his regular-season stats? Twenty-eight points, five boards, seven assists, almost two steals per game. That's Michael Jordan rookie year numbers right there."
Kenny shook his head. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down. Comparing Chen to Michael already? Let's see what he does in the playoffs first."
Barkley agreed. "Exactly. The playoffs separate the stars from the superstars. Chen's regular-season performance was outstanding, but this is new territory. He's got to prove he can handle that intensity."
Fans watching at home were shocked. These were the same guys who'd been hyping Chen all season—now they were doubting him?
Of course, everyone in the business knew how it worked. These shows were half basketball, half theater. The so-called debates were designed to spark controversy and keep fans talking.
Chen Yan watched the segment that night but didn't take it seriously. He didn't care about debates or soundbites. To him, the show was just entertainment—retired players arguing for ratings.
The playoffs, however, were no joke.
Chen knew that what Barkley said was true in one sense: the postseason was a different world. The defenses were tighter, the pressure heavier, and every possession mattered.
But instead of frustration, Chen felt excitement.
He lived for this.
His basketball philosophy was simple: Don't argue. Prove it.
If they doubt you, make them believe. If they question your worth, silence them with wins.
That was Chen Yan basketball.
---
April 19 – Phoenix, Arizona
At the pre-game press conference, cameras flashed as reporters surrounded the rookie sensation.
"Chen, this is your playoff debut," one reporter asked. "Are you confident heading into Game One?"
Chen smiled slightly. "That's my only reason for stepping on the court tonight," he said calmly.
The reporters laughed—his confidence was disarming.
Then came another question. "How long do you think this Suns-Nuggets series will last?"
Chen's grin widened. "We just need to keep doing what we did in the regular season."
The room went silent for a second before the reporters exchanged looks—four games. A sweep.
The rookie had just dropped his first pre-game bombshell.
Chen chuckled. "Come on, what's the NBA without a little trash talk?"
The cameras clicked nonstop. The press conference had officially turned into a show.
---
The Nuggets' Response
Minutes later, at the Nuggets' own press conference, a reporter mischievously twisted Chen's words and passed them along to Allen Iverson.
Iverson smirked. "I respect Chen. He's had a great year… but that was the regular season. I'll show him what playoff basketball feels like. He'll learn fast."
His voice carried a quiet intensity—more a warning than an insult.
---
Game Night – America West Arena
By the time warm-ups began, the arena was already a roaring sea of orange. Every fan wore a matching playoff shirt, chanting in unison as the lights dimmed.
Taylor Swift was there too, sitting courtside in her orange tee, cheering with the rest of the crowd. It was Chen's first playoff appearance, and she wouldn't miss it for the world.
Chen didn't stop to talk to her this time. His focus was absolute. This wasn't a regular-season game—it was war.
A highlight reel played on the jumbotron: thunderous dunks, game-winners, no-look passes. When Chen's four buzzer-beaters flashed across the screen, the building shook.
Anthony and Iverson paused mid-warmup, glancing around as the floor trembled under the sound of twenty thousand fans.
Even veterans like them could feel the weight of the moment.
---
In the Nuggets' locker room, Iverson gathered his teammates. "Listen," he said, his tone sharp. "Don't treat that kid like some rookie. You do that, and he'll burn us alive."
Camby and Kenyon Martin nodded. Anthony listened quietly, focused.
Only J.R. Smith rolled his eyes. "Man, please. If I got the same touches, I'd be putting up his numbers too."
A few teammates chuckled. J.R.'s confidence bordered on delusion—but that was part of who he was.
"Let's go out there and kill them!" J.R. yelled, throwing his fist into the middle of the huddle.
"Kill them!" the team echoed, their voices overlapping as they broke the huddle and walked toward the tunnel.
On the other side, the Suns were already waiting.
As the lights dimmed and the intros began, the crowd erupted once again.
The 2008 NBA Playoffs had officially begun.
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