"You guys at Fox Sports want to interview China Tang?"
Gilbert raised an eyebrow as he looked at Xiao Gen.
Fox News Channel was decent enough, with millions of viewers, but in the sports sector, they were clearly far behind others.
Gilbert had no interest in a television station with such low viewership.
Moreover, the league had its own plans. The Cavaliers were currently on a winning streak, focusing on Tang Long's spectacular dunks, and would later arrange for the Cavaliers and Tang Long to do charity work to expand their influence.
Finally, of course, the Cavaliers would play in Longguo for promotion and organize some events.
These small programs, in pursuit of traffic, would only come up with things that attract attention. For Tang Long now, it would not only be unhelpful but might even affect his image.
A successful businessman couldn't just focus on immediate benefits; they had to consider long-term returns.
So, without a second thought, Gilbert rejected Xiao Gen outright: "I'm sorry, Tang is focusing on training right now and doesn't have time for an exclusive interview."
"Mr. Gilbert, our Fox Television..."
"I said, Tang is focusing on training right now and doesn't have time for an exclusive interview. Please leave."
With that, Gilbert had already shown her the door.
Xiao Gen pursed her lips. Sensing that Gilbert had no intention of continuing the conversation, she could only sigh helplessly and leave the office dejectedly.
Alas, her chance for a permanent position was gone.
"Hey, beautiful, are you a new staff member?"
Hearing the whistle, Xiao Gen realized the Cavaliers players were walking out.
Xiao Gen's eyes lit up. Weren't the ones walking at the front Tang Long and LeBron?
Xiao Gen thought for a moment and mustered up the courage to walk towards them.
"Tang, hello."
"Hello to you too." Tang Long remembered her.
"Tang, who is this? I notice your luck with the ladies has been pretty good lately!"
James slung an arm around Tang Long's shoulder and teased.
The other players also whistled in unison.
"What are you talking about? This is a reporter from Fox Sports Channel. Don't you remember her from the sideline interview last time?"
Last time, Xiao Gen had stopped Tang Long for an interview, and James and Larry Hughes were teasing from the sidelines. But these two guys had forgotten her.
James slapped his forehead. "Oh! I remember now."
Tang Long gave him a look, then glanced at Xiao Gen: "Ignore him. What can I do for you?"
"It's like this, I want to do an exclusive interview with you."
Xiao Gen blurted out her interview plan directly, also telling Tang Long that the producer had forced her to come and that if she couldn't get Tang Long's exclusive interview, she wouldn't get a permanent position.
Tang Long, seeing her pitiful expression, was about to agree when James quickly interjected: "Tang, don't fall for it. This is all intentional by those guys, finding a beautiful woman specifically to provoke your protective instincts. You'll know how much of a trap it is if you accept. Many times, they don't stick to the prepared questions. I advise you to be cautious."
"That's not true," Xiao Gen quickly waved her hands. "I can guarantee that we just want to do an exclusive interview with Tang and won't create any sensational topics just for attention."
"Tang, I think you should ask Coach Brown first."
Although Larry Hughes didn't say it explicitly, he clearly didn't recommend Tang Long accept this interview.
"Alright!"
Tang Long couldn't let down his teammates' good intentions, so he looked at Xiao Gen tactfully: "How about this? If we can keep this winning streak going until we beat the Pistons, I'll accept your exclusive interview."
"Really?" Xiao Gen excitedly grabbed Tang Long's hand.
"Of course, it's true."
"That's great, Tang! I'll pray to God for every game, praying that you can defeat your opponents."
"What a silly girl," Big Z sighed.
"I say, Big Z, you don't think we can keep winning?"
"Winning is certain. I'm just worried she'll be disappointed."
"She won't be. As long as we win against the Pistons, I'll accept his exclusive interview."
Big Z was speechless.
He had seen it all. Beating the Pistons would elevate the Cavaliers to second place in the Eastern Conference.
A 27-game winning streak would definitely attract the attention of the entire league and even the world.
At that time, there would be a flood of interviews with high ratings and big names waiting for Tang Long, and he might not even have the time to participate if he wanted to.
Moreover, at that point, not only would the league have arrangements, but the team would too, and they wouldn't allow Tang Long to participate in exclusive interviews with low-rated television stations.
"That's all secondary. The most important thing for the next few games is to continue our winning streak. Otherwise, even if we beat the Pistons, if we lose the previous games, our ranking still won't surpass the Pistons."
James nodded. He felt very happy that his teammates had such ambitions.
The championship rings were getting closer!
After a day of rest, the Cavaliers hosted the Bulls at home.
The Bulls were ranked eleventh in the Eastern Conference. This season, their offense relied solely on Ben Gordon and Luol Deng.
Their frontcourt scoring ability was lacking, and their backcourt defense was weak. They also didn't want to tank, so the Bulls had a very struggling season.
LeBron opened with a three-pointer to get off to a good start, followed by Tang Long scoring repeatedly in the paint.
After the first quarter, the Cavaliers led by eight points. In the second quarter, with the combined efforts of the starters and reserves, the Cavaliers easily extended their lead to fifteen points.
After the third quarter, they were leading by twenty-five points.
In the fourth quarter, Mike Brown simply didn't field the starting players. Even Big Z and Varejão from the second unit were substituted out, allowing two young players to gain experience.
As a result, the young players also performed very well, and the team won against the Bulls at home with a score of 130:105.
24 consecutive wins.
After playing the Chicago Bulls, they immediately played the Bobcats in a back-to-back game.
The Bobcats were ranked behind the Bulls and were considered a weak team in the Eastern Conference. Despite it being a back-to-back game, the Cavaliers still won without much effort.
25 consecutive wins.
Then, on the road against the Trail Blazers, the Cavaliers were immediately hit with a 6-0 run, almost stunned by the Trail Blazers at the start.
Although the Trail Blazers were ranked tenth in the Western Conference, the Western Conference teams were much stronger than the Eastern Conference teams. Moreover, the Trail Blazers were also a solid defensive team.
Their defensive ability was second only to tough teams like the Pistons, Mavericks, and Celtics. This made it difficult for the Cavaliers, who were accustomed to an open, free-flowing game, to play at the start.
Especially Tang Long, when facing defensive teams, he often had to fight with several opposing players, expending a lot of energy.
Defensive teams also protected their offensive rebounds very well. In the previous few games, Tang Long had grabbed at least seven or eight offensive rebounds by halftime.
Against the Trail Blazers, he only managed three offensive rebounds in two quarters, which made Tang Long have to look at these defensive teams with new respect!
...