The post-game press conference was packed and buzzing, with over a dozen major and minor media outlets present.
Cameras and microphones were aimed at Yao Ming and Link, who sat side-by-side. An ESPN reporter started by directing a question to Yao Ming.
"Yao, first, talk about this game. You had the lead at one point, but you were ultimately reversed. Where do you think the turning point was?"
Yao Ming picked up the microphone, a tired but composed smile on his face, and answered in fluent English.
"The Lakers played an excellent game, especially in the second half. Kobe is a great closer; he hit the key shots. And Link's surge..."
He turned his head to look at Link beside him. "...was the X-factor in the game. His three-pointers changed the momentum on the court, and we have to give him credit."
Yao Ming's answer was flawless, acknowledging the opponent while pointing out the crucial moment.
Next, the question was tossed to Link.
"Link, congratulations on the win. When T-Mac was scoring and the momentum shifted back to them, how did you adjust your mentality and respond right away?"
Link took a deep breath and answered calmly in English, "Thank you. I didn't think too much in that moment. I just focused on executing the plays, running to my spot, and trusting my training."
"In basketball, you can't change the last possession. All you can do is focus on the next one. My teammates trusted me and passed the ball to me. I'm just happy I could make those shots to help the team."
Link's reply was humble and cool-headed, crediting the team and preparation, earning nods of approval from the reporters present.
A reporter from the Houston Chronicle then asked Yao Ming a more topical question: "Yao, how would you evaluate Link, this young player? What do you see in him?"
Yao Ming paused for a moment. This time, he answered in , as if to more precisely convey his thoughts to Link and the media present.
"Link is a very smart player. Not only is his shooting accurate, but what's even rarer is his basketball IQ and court vision. He knows how to be in the right place at the right time."
The atmosphere subtly shifted when a reporter stood up to ask a question, addressing Yao Ming with respect.
"Yao Ming, we all know how hard you work, traveling between the NBA and the National Team every year. As the flag bearer for basketball in the NBA, what does the emergence of a new generation of players like Link mean for basketball?"
This question made Yao Ming sit up a little straighter.
He glanced at Link, who seemed slightly nervous beside him, and a warm, signature smile appeared on his face.
"First, I am genuinely happy to see more faces, or players with our heritage, establishing themselves in the NBA." He paused, organizing his thoughts, his voice steady.
"This, in itself, is progress. Link is excellent. His style of play is intelligent, and it proves that we, too, can adapt, survive, and even shine in this league."
Yao Ming didn't focus solely on Link but looked at the bigger picture.
"This will bring hope to many young players back home, showing them more possibilities. The path for basketball can only get wider."
Yao Ming's response was statesmanlike and full of the magnanimity of a senior player.
He then turned his gaze to Link and added in a conversational tone, "Link, stay healthy and keep improving. This league needs more Asian faces and more diverse stories."
Link felt the immense weight in Yao Ming's words. He took a deep breath, met Yao Ming's gaze, his eyes clear and serious.
"Thank you, Big Bro Yao. Don't worry, I'll work hard!"
The reporter then turned his attention to Link: "Link, congratulations on your great performance. As a -American player who grew up in the States, what are your hopes and thoughts regarding basketball back ?"
Link took a deep breath.
This was a question he had to treat seriously.
He knew clearly that when he transmigrated, the original owner of this body, although ethnically , had grown up in the American cultural environment and only had vague ideas about that distant Eastern homeland, let alone cultural identification.
But he was different.
His soul came from twenty years in the future, and he had grown up on Eastern soil. Those times and memories, those laughs and tears, were etched deep into his bloodline.
Link could feel Yao Ming's warm gaze on him. He picked up the microphone and answered with a serious expression.
"Thank you. Even though I grew up in America, I've always followed the developments back home through various channels."
"I know that's where the most passionate fans in the world are, and where the professional league is constantly getting better. I'm honored to be playing in the NBA as a representative of the community! If my performance can inspire even a little bit of motivation in some of the younger players, that will be my greatest honor!"
Link and Yao Ming exchanged a knowing smile. A bond that transcended the game's outcome flowed between them.
The interview ended on a harmonious note. Link and Yao Ming stood up as guided by the staff, nodded to each other, and headed toward different tunnels.
Back in the locker room, the noise died down, and fatigue began to set in.
As Link packed his things, the team's PR director walked over with a smile and handed him an elegant envelope.
"Link, this is for you. The team got a ticket to the Christmas Day game for every player. You can invite family to celebrate the holiday!"
Link paused, taking the envelope.
The Christmas Day Game? He suddenly realized that his first Christmas since crossing over was less than a month away.
The NBA always treats the Christmas Day schedule as a huge deal, usually arranging the most highly anticipated matchups!
Link opened the envelope. Inside was a ticket with great seating—the game was the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Miami Heat.
Link's eyes narrowed, and his breath hitched slightly.
Shaq Diesel is coming back to Staples Center!
That fact alone was enough to make this game explosive and dramatic.
Kobe and O'Neal, the former "OK duo," always generated major headlines every time they faced off formally since their famous breakup.
The media was already gearing up to play up all the drama and bad blood.
And that wasn't all.
Dwyane Wade, the 2003 Draft's fifth pick, was already showing more polish and maturity than LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony.
"The Flash" had already cemented himself as a top-tier shooting guard in the league.
His matchup with Kobe was a challenge from the new generation of superstar guards to an established legend—a beautiful collision of power, speed, and skill.
The level of attention on this game was undoubtedly one of the league's biggest, and the hype and TV ratings were going to be absolutely massive!