The NBA's Twilight Star System

After the game against the Warriors, both J.R. Smith and Timofey Mozgov had fully settled into the Cavaliers' system.

The entire team was grinding toward one goal: a championship.

During practice, Jay Sun noticed Matthew Dellavedova working on his defense. A mischievous idea popped into his mind.

"Hey, Matt. I've got a way to help you improve your defense and steals. Want to try it?" Jay asked, grinning.

Dellavedova perked up. "Me? Of course! What's the secret?"

Dellavedova respected Jay's defense—Clamps and Pickpocket badges weren't just for show. If anyone could help him, it was Jay.

Jay leaned in, his tone conspiratorial.

"Back where I played before, there was a guy named Jose Alvarado. He's not big, but his defense is relentless. And he's got a signature move."

Jay's eyes gleamed as he explained the "sneaky steal" technique, where a defender hides in the blind spot of the ball handler, waiting to pounce the moment they relax.

Dellavedova listened attentively at first, nodding along.

But the more Jay explained, the more Delly's expression twisted into one of disbelief and discomfort.

"Wait, you want me to... hide behind players and sneak up on them?"

"Exactly!" Jay grinned. "It works like a charm. Fans call it the Old Six move."

Delly scratched his head, skeptical. "Isn't that... dirty? And won't I get punched?"

Jay shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe. But if they punch you, they'll get hit with a technical foul. Just run fast after the steal."

Delly wasn't sure if Jay was messing with him, but Jay looked completely serious.

"Well... I'll try it. But if I get punched, I'm blaming you."

Jay clapped him on the shoulder. "Trust me, Matt. Jose Alvarado averages 1.3 steals per game with that move. And he's just a role player. Fans love it! He's even gone viral a few times."

Pausing, Jay smirked. "Just, uh... don't try it on Chris Paul. You might get hit with a State Farm-certified punch."

After the game against the Warriors, the league announced the December Rookie of the Month awards.

As expected:

Western Conference: Andrew Wiggins. Eastern Conference: Jay Sun.

However, something new had happened—Jay had overtaken Wiggins on the Rookie of the Year leaderboard.

Wiggins, ever the careful player, had leaned into a "load management" approach after Jabari Parker's injury, prioritizing health and efficiency.

Jay, meanwhile, kept grinding, putting up consistent fourth-quarter heroics that were impossible to ignore.

As January rolled on, news broke: LeBron James was returning.

After missing seven consecutive games—the longest injury absence of his career—LeBron would suit up against the Phoenix Suns on January 14.

Without LeBron, the Cavs had gone 4-3, struggling against elite opponents.

It was clear: The Cavs were a playoff team without LeBron—but a championship contender with him.

LeBron's return brought stability back to the team. Over the next few games, the Cavs regained their rhythm, holding onto the top spot in the East.

However, one game against the Lakers stood out.

Despite his advanced age, Kobe Bryant played over 30 minutes and gave the Cavs a serious challenge.

In the fourth quarter, Kobe went into full Mamba mode.

Jay found himself one-on-one with the Black Mamba, feeling both excitement and nerves.

Kobe's footwork was immaculate. His pump fakes were deadly.

But Jay activated his Closer and Defensive Anchor badges, locking in.

In the game's final possessions, Jay locked down Kobe, forcing him into tough, contested shots.

The Cavs escaped with a narrow victory.

After the game, Jay approached Kobe with a jersey and a marker.

"Can I get your autograph, Kobe? And swap jerseys?"

Kobe chuckled, signing his name. "I don't usually do this, but... you've earned it, kid."

Jay grinned. "Thanks, legend. Gotta get it now—next season, it's gonna be impossible to get your stuff."

Kobe raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Smart man."

He gave Jay a parting word of advice. "Keep working on that defense. I see a lot of promise in you."

Meanwhile, All-Star voting was heating up.

Jay wasn't expecting to make the All-Star team in his rookie year—though the thought was tempting.

The real question was: Who would be this year's All-Star vote leader?

LeBron James had led most of the way, but a certain Warriors point guard was closing in fast.

Steph Curry's MVP-level performances had captivated fans, giving him a real shot at overtaking LeBron.

On January 23, the NBA announced the 2015 All-Star starters.

To everyone's surprise:

Steph Curry was the vote leader.

2015 NBA All-Star Starters

Eastern Conference:

John Wall (WAS) Kyle Lowry (TOR) LeBron James (CLE) Carmelo Anthony (NYK) Pau Gasol (CHI)

Western Conference:

Stephen Curry (GSW) — Vote Leader Kobe Bryant (LAL) Anthony Davis (NOP) Blake Griffin (LAC) Marc Gasol (MEM)

With Tyronn Lue and Steve Kerr named as head coaches for the All-Star Game, things were heating up.

But before the All-Star break, another marquee matchup loomed.

January 26: Cavaliers vs. Thunder.

LeBron vs. Durant.

Kyrie vs. Westbrook.

Love vs. Ibaka.

And, perhaps most intriguingly...

Jay Sun vs. Dion Waiters.

Since being traded to OKC, Dion Waiters had averaged 14 points per game.

But he wasn't thrilled about the trade.

In his mind, Jay Sun was the reason he was shipped out.

He believed the Cavs didn't need him anymore because of Jay's emergence.

Waiters, ever stubborn, refused to acknowledge his own flaws. Instead, he blamed Jay.

Jay, for his part, was unfazed.

"I've seen this kind of behavior before," Jay mused. "Blaming everyone but yourself? Classic denial."

Thanks to the Wade card fusion, Jay was now averaging 18 points per game with a 41.3% three-point percentage.

On a lesser team, he could have easily averaged 20+ points, but Jay had no interest in wasting his talent on a rebuilding squad.

January 26.

The Thunder arrived in Cleveland for a highly anticipated showdown.

The Quicken Loans Arena was buzzing with energy.

But while Durant and Westbrook drew the majority of the media attention, Dion Waiters stood on the sidelines, feeling ignored.

"Looks like nobody cares about me," Waiters muttered bitterly.

Jay, noticing Waiters' frustration, chuckled.

"Dion, nobody's here to see you, man. Let's see what you've got on the court."

With a sharp whistle, the game tipped off.

The next chapter of Jay Sun's story had begun.