The inbound pass came again, this time with only ten seconds left on the shot clock.
Tang Long did not take the inbound, leaving that task to Pavlović.
To prevent the Cavaliers from getting the ball easily, the Spurs players pressed them intensely, leading to increasingly fierce physical play and constant little tricks.
Frankly, Tang Long actually enjoyed it when people resorted to minor fouls. While blocking and rebounding were common in his zone state, his "Ball Handling and Fighting" skill was left to gather dust in the corner.
Unfortunately, the Spurs were not a dirty team. Although they used minor tactics, they were mainly to disrupt the opponent's rhythm, not to intentionally cause harm.
Pavlović held the basketball, scanning his teammates, finding no clear passing lanes.
Seeing this, Tang Long stopped wrestling with Duncan and quickly dashed out from under the basket to receive the pass. Duncan chased him from the paint, but just as he closed in, Tang Long had already jumped.
"You punk, if you've got guts, let's keep fighting under the basket!"
Swish!
Watching the ball sink through the net, Duncan tried to provoke Tang Long.
"Hmph, do you think everyone is like you? Disgracing the center position, a center who plays in front of the basket, what kind of center is that? I despise you."
Despise me?
Duncan was stunned.
He, a rookie, had actually been despised. Duncan felt a surge of anger.
"The Cavaliers really struck gold this season. With Tang, their inside game is as solid as a rock. More importantly, Tang can revitalize the entire team's offense. I'm really looking forward to the Cavaliers' playoffs now!"
In the ESPN broadcast booth in the States, the host spared no praise for Tang Long.
"We can see that whenever the Cavaliers struggle offensively, it's always Tang who steps up. I can even say that the Cavaliers can do without LeBron right now, but they cannot do without China Tang."
"Isn't that a bit of an overstatement?!"
The host was initially responsible for setting the atmosphere, but upon hearing the guest's statement, he retorted.
"If LeBron wasn't drawing two or three defenders, how would Tang have such easy passing opportunities? Besides, the Cavaliers only have one superstar, and that's LeBron James."
"I disagree with your point," the commentator maintained his stance. "LeBron is indeed one of the league's geniuses, but the games where the two of them lead the team also reveal some clues. Especially when Tang leads the bench unit, they often have a significant lead over other teams."
"You said it yourself, that was against other teams' bench units."
The host and commentator argued incessantly. Fortunately, this was the States, and expressing differing opinions was commonplace.
However, such discussions could subtly affect the team's unity.
If intentionally amplified by those with ulterior motives, it could easily spark internal discord.
If the two leading figures quarreled, it would undoubtedly impact the team's morale and hinder their synchronized play.
In the ESPN broadcast booth, Catherine stood in the control room, a smug smile already gracing her lips.
The Cavaliers were getting attention now, weren't they?
Well, good. People would surely be interested in this kind of news.
The post-game interview would be interesting!
Catherine took out her phone and sent a message to the commentator, urging him to keep up the good work later. Then, she left the control room and headed straight for the main arena.
This kind of matter certainly warranted an interview with LeBron after the game.
The Cavaliers maintained their ten-point lead throughout the third quarter.
"LeBron, Tang, you two will rest for the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, let Z and Daniel play."
Tang Long initially didn't want to rest and considered using a potion to replenish his stamina. However, he reconsidered and sat back down.
If he did something too extraordinary, the league might investigate him for performance-enhancing drugs.
While the system's items might not be obtainable, it was better to accumulate more points if possible, especially since his current goal was the Black Jade Water.
"Want to go out and have some fun tonight?"
After playing the Spurs, they wouldn't be on the road against the Hornets for another two days. As per tradition, if they won tonight, there would be a celebration.
When it came to enjoying life, the Black players had it down.
"Maybe not?"
Tang Long was no longer very interested in such things. After all, no matter how luxurious a nightclub was, it was all the same. He was more interested in hosting a gathering with more celebrities, aiming for a Qingfeng Daiki template.
With that in mind, Tang Long nudged LeBron's shoulder. "I'm hosting a dinner at my place tomorrow. Bring some friends along."
"Dinner again?"
LeBron looked as if he were being invited to a community potluck at his grandmother's house. They lived in a big city; how could they have such a retirement mindset?
"If you want to live out your retirement early, don't drag me into it."
LeBron quickly waved his hand.
"Alright then."
Tang Long didn't insist. After all, he had already gained LeBron's experience points.
But who else should he invite?
Tang Long realized his social network wasn't as extensive as he thought. Besides some league players, there were only people like Scarlett Johansson.
No, he needed to expand his resources.
Just as he was contemplating how to expand his network, the Spurs team erupted in cheers.
Ginóbili passed to Matt Bonner, but Varejão, in a rash attempt to block, failed to intercept the ball. Bonner's three-pointer still went in.
A three-point play.
Spurs fans saw a glimmer of hope for their team to catch up.
Bonner took his free throw, sinking it cleanly.
He was ecstatic, as a three-point play wasn't a common occurrence.
Immediately after, the Cavaliers launched an offense, but a turnover led to another Spurs steal. Ginóbili jumped from the free-throw line.
Two points!
In less than thirty seconds, the Spurs had closed the gap by six points.
Seeing this, Mike Brown quickly called a timeout and put Tang Long and LeBron back on the court.
This game not only concerned his winning streak but also his chance for redemption, so he naturally took it very seriously.
Once Tang Long and LeBron returned to the court, the passive situation on the court immediately changed.
Offensive capability in the frontcourt was guaranteed, and rebounding in the backcourt was relatively stable, maintaining a five-point difference between the two teams.
Until one minute remained in the fourth quarter, Parker hit a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to two points.
95-93.
The Cavaliers initiated an offense.
In the final minute, the tired Duncan gritted his teeth and stared intently at Tang Long.
"Tim, why are you staring at me? You should be watching LeBron."
"No, my job is to stop you from scoring."
"Tim, you're an excellent center, why aren't you acting like one?"
"I..."
Just as Duncan was about to retort, Tang Long received a pass from LeBron and calmly sank a hook shot into the basket.
"Tang, you're too sneaky."
Duncan stared furiously at Tang Long, completely blindsided by being distracted.
He nervously glanced at Popovich.
As expected, Popovich's face had darkened considerably!