The Taoyuan Pearl Coast International Music Festival kicked off today (1st) with its first-ever basketball event, hosting an "International Professional Basketball Stars Exchange Game" at the Zhuwei Fishing Harbor. Two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion Zach LaVine was invited as a special guest, drawing a massive crowd of fans. Taiwan Beer Yongfeng Cloud Leopards star Gao Jinwei not only shared the court with LaVine but also opened up about his first impression of the NBA star, calling him humble off the court despite his incredible skills. When asked which star he'd wish to see in Taiwan next year, Gao didn't hesitate: "Stephen Curry — he's my idol."

　　Gao praised LaVine for being down-to-earth: "I haven't spent much time with him, but from watching his games, you can see he plays with explosive energy. When I asked him a few questions yesterday, he answered very humbly — I got a really good impression of him." He added that while most people remember LaVine for his dunks, his three-point shooting is elite too: "I recall a game where he hit over 10 threes — he's such a complete player." LaVine has indeed put on several scoring clinics, once draining 13 three-pointers for 49 points, and last season knocking down eight threes against the Heat to lead the Kings to a long-awaited victory.

　　With NBA stars visiting Taiwan in the offseason, Gao believes it's a huge boost for local basketball: "It gives fans more to do during summer break — not just pro games, but also hearing firsthand experiences from NBA players. That helps the sport grow here." And when asked who he'd like to see next year? "Curry, because he's my idol."

　　The three-point contest had the crowd on the edge of their seats. "Team LaVine," featuring LaVine and Gao alongside a lucky fan, faced off against "Team Leopards," made up of Lin Hsin-kuan, Lu Chi-erh, and Chang Chao-chen. Both sides traded clutch threes, but Team Leopards edged out the win with sharp chemistry, setting the stage on fire.

　　Then came the dunk contest at the Zhuwei Fishing Harbor Sky Dome — pure adrenaline. Six local high-flyers battled for the title. In the final round, Tsai Chia-shu leaped over opponent Fang Li-kai's head for a two-handed monster jam that had the judges — including LaVine — all flashing perfect 50s, securing the championship trophy.

　　To close the event, LaVine, who was originally just a judge, answered the roaring crowd's calls and stepped up for a surprise showcase. The two-time dunk champ unleashed two jaw-dropping aerial slams, sending the Cloud Leopards players scrambling for their phones to capture the moment. The energy hit a fever pitch.

　　After landing, the dunk king grinned and joked, "My knees are a little sore." That down-to-earth, hilarious reaction won over everyone in the house, putting a perfect bow on the Taoyuan Pearl Coast International Music Festival.

相关阅读：ZachLaVineGaoJinweiStephenCurryTaoyuanPearlCoastInternational