Indeed.
Once this report was released, let alone the American sports world, even people who didn't usually watch basketball were shocked. The level of shock was comparable to our table tennis team losing to an African team.
The first reaction was that they had thrown the game, fearing that they would be too strong and no one would dare to play anymore?
Following that, they saw that the content stated the "Great Demon King" was playing and that they hadn't thrown the game.
Everyone had the same expression.
How could this be possible?
Even playing with one hand, they wouldn't lose to their African brothers. This was simply a fantasy.
Thus, the media fiercely criticized the American players.
The American players, far away in China, also knew that if they lost the next game, the people of America would likely drown them with their spittle.
At this time, Tang Long was considered a hero of the team by America. People constantly compared Tang Long to them.
Tang Long became the "player from another family" in America.
His unwavering spirit in adversity multiple times moved countless people.
Tang Long was unaware that his image in America had once again been elevated. At this moment, his head was spinning.
Facing the chatter of three women early in the morning, it was difficult not to have a headache. Moreover, these three women seemed to be in a competition.
Swift wanted to taste the delicacies of Beijing, Scarlett wanted to see giant pandas, and Gal Gadot wanted to go to Wangfujing. They each refused to back down, and ultimately, they all pushed the problem onto Tang Long.
"Tang, tell us, who exactly do you want to go out with?"
"I..."
Tang Long was distressed.
Comforting one person would immediately offend the other two. How could he make such a choice?
"We can't go anywhere," Tang Long shrugged helplessly. "My fame in China is even higher than your American president's. If I go out now, there's nothing else to do but take photos."
"Hmph."
The three of them snorted lightly, but as public figures, they could understand.
Moreover, Tang Long had led the team to victory against America, and the media was now hyping the "Tang Long spirit" everywhere. It was difficult to hide his identity.
"How about this, I'll recommend a director to you. They can arrange your itinerary for the next couple of days. What do you think?"
"Let's forget it. I want to watch you play." Scarlett said, her eyes widening. "Tang, you wouldn't refuse such a small request, would you?"
"No problem, it's on me."
With his current status, getting a few front-row tickets was not a problem.
After finally appeasing the three women, Tang Long returned to the hotel in the afternoon. Jonas gathered all the players to watch Spain's game.
In the previous game, Spain played against Greece. In the first half, both teams' offense was quite lackluster. In the second half, Spain's offense exploded, and they defeated Greece by 23 points.
Previously, China had lost to Spain six times.
This time, when the two teams met, Jonas and Guo Qiang clearly had the intention of avenging their past losses.
"Initially, the Spanish men's basketball team was very dismissive of us in their interviews. But after we defeated America, I believe Spain will field their strongest lineup."
"Don't think that just because we defeated America, we can do whatever we want. In fact, Spain's lineup strength is not inferior to America's, and their 'Bull Horn' tactics have troubled many strong teams."
"Also, please note that the tournament rules are slightly different from the rules you play by in the NBA. Among the twelve participating teams, Spain's players' utilization of game rules is definitely ranked first, far exceeding these NBA stars!"
"Therefore, when playing against Spain, you need to understand the game rules as much as possible and avoid getting caught in Spain's rhythm."
After watching Spain's game against Greece, Jonas began to explain Spain's "Bull Horn" tactics.
In addition to requiring the point guard's ability, Spain's two centers were positioned at the two apexes of the paint. This tactic could be used for penetration, pick-and-rolls, or passing after a pick-and-roll to execute further plays.
Unlike America, Spain's offense also relied heavily on half-court sets. Playing half-court sets was China's strong suit, especially when Yao Ming was still in his prime, the best center in the league. This was also why the Chinese men's basketball team led by 11 points in the first half of the Olympics back then.
However, the Chinese team at that time also had its problems.
Their stamina was insufficient in the second half, and there was a gap in strength in other positions compared to Spain. The head coach of Spain admitted in a post-game interview that they had indeed underestimated the Chinese team at the time and had not let Calderón play at the beginning.
However, after China defeated America, Spain clearly would no longer underestimate the Chinese players.
On the 12th, the players from both sides attended a press conference.
For the Chinese side, reporters mostly asked the same old questions, such as their feelings after defeating America and how they planned to play the next game.
When it came to interviewing Spain, the reporters started to ask unconventional questions, especially the foreign reporters who directly asked Garcia if Spain was prepared to lose to China after China defeated America.
This made Garcia extremely annoyed. He immediately declared that Spain was definitely not America, and the Spanish players would not be sleepwalking on the court. He and his players were prepared to defeat China.
This was actually okay up to this point, but an American reporter followed up with another question.
"Coach Garcia, we all know that in the NBA, Tang Long and Yao Ming are currently competing for the position of the league's top center. Although Gasol's height is similar to Yao Ming's, everyone thinks Gasol's play is not tough enough. What do you think about this?"
This question directly infuriated Garcia.
He suddenly stood up, intending to leave the pre-game press conference immediately. However, as he reached the door and was about to exit, Garcia turned back and glared at the reporter, saying, "I will show you that Gasol is the number one center."
Garcia stormed out of the press conference, and the media immediately began to sensationalize the match. Especially the American reporters, who aimed to provoke Spain and use them to have a bloody battle with the Chinese team!
Among the twelve participating teams, only America had the depth of roster to support a second lineup, and even make significant adjustments on the court. However, while Spain and China had excellent starters...
If Spain won, the American reporters could shift the focus and also provide an excuse for the American players. If Spain also lost, then after a hard-fought battle, it would be even better for America.
After the media's hype, when the players from both sides met in the tunnel that afternoon, Tang Long could feel a palpable tension emanating from the Spanish players!
This kind of pressure, if used well, could indeed motivate players on the court, especially for players like Gasol. If not provoked, he basically wouldn't engage in physical play.
"Paul, we meet again. It's a pleasure to see you."
Gasol snorted, "But I am not happy to see you at all."