-Chinese fan’s view of the Raptors and 76ers Game 7
Why this article is here？
This was one of the final outcomes of Journalism 3010 and my initiation into journalistic writing, and I’ve been experimenting with similar Xmas tree writing in my media work since.
Branch 1 – Intense atmosphere
The atmosphere in the mass communication class was slightly dull. But my friend and I looked nervous, and both of us were unconsciously sweating cold.
We had to keep an eye on the professor on one side to avoid him catching us using our phones secretly. On the other hand, we need to keep a close eye on the G7 live broadcast between the Raptors and 76ers and not miss a single detail.
Scene 1 – The game started in the early morning
Toronto Raptors and 76ers game will start at 7 am BST(Beijing Standard Time). To watch this game, Chinese fans will have to do more than just open a bag of popcorn and sit on the couch. I woke up early and watched the game while I washed up. At this point, Siakam was holding the ball while I was preparing my breakfast. The first few rounds were strong defense, because it is the playoffs, the intensity is pretty high. I watched the game and felt a little bored because both 76ers and Raptors didn’t score a single point for a long time, but I still didn’t dare take my eyes off the screen.
“Siakam fakes and he down the lane!” I watched TV so focused and forgotten I have an egg in the wok.
Branch 2 –NBA in China
“Only a fool would believe that the Raptors can win, the Raptors simply have no one who can guard Embid” My friend Cai sent me a message via WeChat.
Since Yao Ming entered the NBA, the NBA has spread rapidly in China, with hundreds of millions of viewers. Every NBA star who comes to China is surprised to find that he or she has tens of millions of fans across the Pacific Ocean. The NBA has hundreds of millions of viewers in China.
But in China, the team’s fan base is very small. Except for teams like the Houston Rockets or Los Angeles Lakers, which have a stable fan base, many Chinese basketball fans follow their favorite stars and watch their teams play.
“Leonard on to the lane. Joe, he rejects Kawhi, six and full!”
My friend Cai is a typical example, he is an avid Embiid fan and he even has a full set of Embiid jerseys from his 76ers days. These people will follow their favorite stars to watch different teams’ games. That’s why so many NBA stars come to China in the off-season. For those stars with branded deals, China’s rabid fan economy is something they can’t ignore.
Scene 2 –Sports radio at midfield
I drove to class and turned on the radio in my car. It was broadcasting the live news of the Raptors-76ers game. Sounds like Kawhi is targeting Embiid. It takes 15 minutes to drive from my apartment to the university and I don’t want to miss any news. I don’t have a way to listen to the live game directly on the radio, I need to used my phone with a Bluetooth link to play the Raptors game broadcast.
“VanVleet from downtown!”
“VanVleet hit a three-pointer with the help of a cover”
“Still remember the last time Lin came to Shanghai.”
As you can hear, at this point in the game, the 76ers and Raptors are low on points and rounds, and it’s a defensive melee that’s unfolding on the court.
Anything connected to the internet becomes magical, and I can choose between the original ESPN broadcast or a version with local Shanghai dialect commentary.
Scene 3 –Section 3, evaluating VanVleet on the Social Media
“VanVleet holds the ball and hits a three-pointer.”
“He seems to be a different person since the baby was born.” After stopped the car, I wrote in a post on HUPU. This sports social media app has a lot to discuss about the NBA finals.
“He played even better, he still stole Lin’s seat, how dare you speak for him you *** traitor.” One person replied to me.
I’m selfish, I’ve commented on countless bad reviews about VanVleet on the forum. Because the Raptors still had Jeremy Lin, and as a Chinese, it was hard not to root for Jeremy Lin. But I have to admit that in the series with the 76ers, VanVleet played well.
Branch 3 – Chinese Sports Social Media and North American Sports Social Media
VanVleet has a nickname called Fan Jordan, which originated from the Chinese NBA social media HUPU, which is similar to Reddit. Before only a few people discussion about Raptors. But this season Raptors were the star team because they have become a championship contending team. I think people go to discuss the Raptors not because everyone likes the Raptors. Some of the basketball fans are there because they’re Leonard fans or Jeremy Lin fans, but a bigger part of them supports the Raptors because people are tired of warriors; people want to see G.I. Joe stories.
Scene 4 – The Final shot
In the fourth quarter, the Raptors and 76ers had an unusually anxious game, with both sides going back and forth. By this time the professor had already entered the classroom and I could only secretly use my phone on my knees to watch the game.
“Slam dunk, Kawhi Leonard.”
I looked up and the professor was talking about Freud’s theory of the subconscious.
“Nothing but net”
The professor spoke about pre-consciousness.
“That’s when Leonard threw the last shot, bing, bing, bing.”
My phone almost fell to the floor.
“Kawhi at the top, look at the clock, turn to the corner, to the winnnnnn… got it! Kawhi Leonard!”
Although I don’t know if my mass communication professor noticed, my tablemate and I was acting like two high psychos in this slightly dull classroom. My tablemate Cai did Laugh than cry even more sad.
Branch 4 – Golden State Warriors
To be honest, I liked the Raptors from this moment on and I like the resilience of this team. But I’m not sure the Raptors can win the world championship.
“Who is Raptor’s next enemy?” I asked Cai.
“Warriors”
Bowei's Personal Blog 