As Los Angeles fell into the dead of night, the sun was high in the sky in China on the other side of the Pacific.
The Cavaliers' preseason matchup against the Lakers was broadcast live nationwide by CCTV. Su Xi's triple-double performance on the court instantly triggered a nationwide debate, which raged even more fiercely on the internet.
In this era, most people who could afford to be online were relatively well-off and knowledgeable.
"A triple-double! And a steal-based one, the most valuable kind! If he had gotten a few more rebounds, he could have gotten a quadruple-double. We'd have struck gold! There have only been a few of those in the entire history of the NBA."
"Su Xi is on the path to becoming a top-tier defensive player. His defense today looked a lot like Gary Payton, but he's stronger than Payton and can hold his ground better. I have a feeling he could make an All-Defensive Team..."
