"Gentlemen, after the first three quarters, do you have any thoughts?" Yang Yi asked Lao Bai and Director Zhang, tentatively.
Lao Bai and Director Zhang exchanged glances, their mouths opened, but neither spoke.
This game was like a roller coaster. Every time they fell behind by a large margin, Tang Long could claw back a little.
They even held an advantage in certain areas, which was beyond everyone's expectations.
If tactics were employed correctly in the fourth quarter, they might actually have a chance to win this game.
But neither he nor Lao Bai dared to say this.
Because there was a genuine gap between the two sides. Every time Tang Long sparked an advantage in localized play, the USA team would quickly adjust and then fully leverage their superior lineup to regain control.
This led to the current hesitant situation, with no one knowing what would happen in the end.
Finally, Lao Bai spoke, "If you ask me, with the game at this point, I think it's still very difficult for us to win. However, if we lose, the point difference shouldn't be too large."
Director Zhang glanced at Lao Bai. His initial lip movements clearly indicated something else, but Lao Bai had held back a little.
"It still depends on how both sides adjust in the fourth quarter."
Director Zhang said, "We currently have two advantages: Yao Ming has an edge against Howard, and Tang Long has an advantage in one-on-one matchups against any USA player. If we can utilize these two points, perhaps we still have a chance in this game."
Director Zhang was also being a bit conservative.
Just moments ago, the director had informed them via earpiece that the viewership for this game had already surpassed 400 million. The pressure on the commentators was comparable to hosts of the Spring Festival Gala. Learning from an experienced person like Lao Bai was definitely the right move.
Yang Yi looked at the two of them and said, "We indeed have a chance. As long as the other players step up a little, I think we have a shot at winning this game."
Lao Bai and Director Zhang looked at Yang Yi in surprise.
He dared to say that. He was truly young.
With 400 million people watching live, if they lost, who knew how much they would be criticized.
"I think the opponent will continue to focus their defense on Tang Long in the fourth quarter. As long as the ball can get inside, we have opportunities on offense. What we've lacked each quarter is defense. The opponent's physical advantage is too significant. It's not that we're not trying our best on defense, it's just that we genuinely can't stop them!"
"So, we can only focus on offense. Regardless, the fans watching this game are definitely in for a treat!"
"That's true. The fact that there's still suspense at this stage of the game is already beyond all of our expectations."
As they were talking, the broadcast cut back to the court. The cheerleaders were leaving, and the players were back on the sidelines.
"Huh, Tang Long seems to be talking to James. Judging by his expression, James looks a little unhappy."
"Don't say it, it really does look that way."
...
Just as the commentators were wondering what Tang Long had said to make James unhappy, James was currently complaining to Tang Long, "Wade's already..."
Kobe was still positioned in the frontcourt to receive the ball. Anthony was also subbed in for Deron at this moment, strengthening the USA's offense.
Tang Long naturally didn't go over because he had called his teammates over.
"Guys, there's only one quarter left. Before the game, no one expected us to win. The USA media has probably already prepared their victory articles."
"They defeated a Chinese team by a large margin on their home court. Our ancestors could drive out the foreign devils from the 38th parallel under harsh conditions. Are we going to disgrace our predecessors in this new era?"
Tang Long roared, "We must defeat them! This is our home court, and victory will ultimately belong to us."
The others exchanged glances. Although they felt a surge of excitement, it hadn't quite reached its peak. Just as they were hesitating whether to join Tang Long's roar, they suddenly felt a rush of adrenaline, as if an inexplicable force had motivated them!
"Let's get 'em!"
"Yeah!"
[Earth War Song Activated]
Everyone on the court was inspired by the war song. On this land, we can defeat all invading enemies.
Beep.
The referee's whistle blew. The USA was on offense.
Tang Long did not cross half-court. Kidd easily advanced the ball.
Kobe was orchestrating from the high post. James was waiting at the three-point line to receive the pass. Howard was just one step away from Yao Ming in the paint, a distance that clearly allowed him to charge forward.
Kidd signaled for Kobe to cut inside. As Kobe started his move, the basketball was passed to him.
Kobe's physique and speed made him unstoppable when he charged. Just as he was driving to the basket, a figure blocked his path.
This guy, fearless against the 'Little Flying侠' (Little Flying Hero), actually stopped Kobe's charge.
Kobe was greatly surprised and quickly shifted the ball to Howard in the paint.
Howard caught the ball, his muscles bulging, and went for a dunk!
Bang!
Howard and Yao Ming met in the air, engaging in a duel.
Howard faked a pass and then swung the ball towards the basket, but felt like he hit a wall in mid-air. His charging momentum hadn't shifted Yao Ming's position one bit.
With the ball still more than ten centimeters away from the basket, it was impossible to slam it in!