But since things have come to this.

Garnett can only puff out his chest and face that "little demon" who exhausts him every time they face off.

"I will guard him one-on-one," Garnett said with a bitter smile before the Supersonics headed to Oakland, "If I fail, it would only prove that 'Big-Yao' and Tim have overestimated me."

Is the Supersonics really going to rely on the soon-to-be 37-year-old Garnett to guard Qin Yue one-on-one in the upcoming Western Conference Semifinals?

The answer is clearly no.

On May 1st, just a day before Carlisle was set to unveil how the Supersonics would limit Qin Yue in the upcoming Western Conference Semifinals, the NBA officially announced the winners of the regular season awards for the 12/13 season.

Qin Yue became the first player in NBA history to win the regular season MVP for four consecutive years.

He was also named Defensive Player of the Year this year.

MVP plus DPOY.

This is both a recognition of Qin Yue's ancient stats in this season's regular season.

And the most undisputed selection in the league in recent years.

It is worth mentioning that on the day Qin Yue was named MVP for the fourth consecutive time and DPOY for the fourth time in his career, ESPN commented on his award with: "GOAT, worthy of the name."

Additionally, this year's Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Coach of the Year were awarded to Lillard, JR Smith, Dragic, and Carlisle, respectively.

And the results of the 12/13 season's All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams are as follows:

All-NBA First Team: Yao Ming, Qin Yue, Durant, Kobe, Paul.

All-NBA Second Team: Howard, Nowitzki, Anthony, Wade, Westbrook.

All-NBA Third Team: Little Gasol, Love, Griffin, Harden, Parker.

All-Defensive First Team: Howard, Qin Yue, Ibaka, Allen, Paul.

All-Defensive Third Team: Chandler, Noah, Wallace, Kobe, Conley.

With the release of the award results, some are happy while others are naturally disappointed.

For example, shortly after Qin Yue's transition, even with a regular-season plus-minus of -54, LeBron James was still able to make the All-NBA Team in the 24/25 season thanks to commercial marketing.

This season, the Chosen One, officially reduced to a player with no team, not only lost a "greatness speaks for itself" continuous All-NBA Team appearance record.

Moreover, during end-of-season discussions with the Wolves management, James learned a piece of news that drove him utterly insane.

That if the Wolves manage to get the lottery pick they desire, and select the draft's hot favorite, nicknamed "Qin Yue Nth", Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Wolves management hopes James will recognize himself and assist Towns in becoming the new Wolf King next season.

James couldn't believe it; in the Wolves management's mind, a young player who might become the team's new core is currently held in higher regard than him.

He also couldn't believe that in this negotiation, it seemed more like the Wolves were issuing orders rather than negotiating with him.

However...

For James at present.

He doesn't even have a way out of his current predicament.

Undoubtedly, this is the fact that leaves James feeling utterly hopeless.

In contrast to James, whose life becomes increasingly unsatisfying, his former teammate became the biggest winner in this year's All-NBA Team selections.

Including Westbrook, a total of four of James' former teammates were selected for this season's All-NBA Team.

Of course, aside from the Top 5 Embarrassments MVP already in hand, James didn't come away empty-handed from this year's award selections either.

Because in ESPN's "Most Disappointing Player of the Season" award, James was overwhelmingly voted the most disappointing player of this season.

What, you say this award doesn't have any value?

What do you mean?

So this means the "honor" James earned through his ability is not really "honor"?

"Brown, what should we do now?"

"Don't say anything, just let me have some peace."

When the commercial marketing myth named "Chosen One" officially comes to an end.

The hopeless and confused Chosen One really needs some peace at this moment.

May 2nd.

The Warriors, playing at their home Oracle Arena, welcomed their first matchup against the Supersonics in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Before the game, to celebrate Qin Yue being named the regular season MVP for four consecutive years, the Warriors' official team not only prepared a meticulously crafted 30-minute tribute video for him, but the home fans also donned gold t-shirts emblazoned with "GOAT" on the chest in perfect unison.

Although, even now, Qin Yue insists he will only acknowledge his ability to rival Jordan if he wins the championship this year.

But in his heart, Qin Yue was overjoyed with everything the Warriors had done for him.

After the tribute video ended.

In the Oakland arena, as the home crowd roared with cheers like a tidal wave, Qin Yue walked to the center of the court, his emotions undeniably stirred and excited.

Yet, in his excitement, Qin Yue still maintained his rationality and clarity.

After all, before achieving a four-peat, Qin Yue understood better than anyone that everything he currently enjoys, strictly speaking, is merely "challenging" Jordan.

Only championships.

Continual championships can allow this new GOAT to ascend to the throne with far-reaching momentum that surpasses the old GOAT, as expected by all.

"I'm thrilled to be named MVP again."

"But you know, I'm always someone who keeps his word."