Beep!
The referee's whistle blew.
Kidd committed a foul.
But it was still in the frontcourt, and Paul hadn't made a shot. He only got two free throws.
"Paul, do you think you can make your free throws?"
"Chris, if you miss, what would you have to say about it?"
The Eastern fans were clearly still teasing Paul about the awkward questions he faced during interviews.
Every time a reporter asked a brainless question, Chris would have a questioning look and then a dazed expression.
Honestly.
It really messed with Paul's mindset.
Paul tried bouncing the basketball a few times, but his heart pounded so fast that he couldn't calm down.
This was messing with his head.
Paul took a deep breath and slowly raised his arm.
"Chris, look at me."
The fans heckled and made all sorts of funny faces.
If the fans had started this at the beginning, Paul's mindset might have been more stable, but after being teased by the fans, these actions made his previously calm state restless again.
"Hey, Chris, are you going to shoot or not?"
Tang Long also seemed to notice Paul's current predicament and urged him on from the side.
Clearly, Tang Long was also messing with Chris's mindset.
Paul glared at Tang Long angrily, took a deep breath, and shot the ball.
Clang.
The ball hit the rim of the side net and bounced straight out.
"Yeah!"
The Eastern fans cheered with their arms raised, incredibly excited at this moment.
"Chris, have you thought about what you're going to say during the interview later?"
The fans realized they could affect Paul's mindset, so why hold back? They started teasing Paul.
Paul's face turned ashen, as black as the bottom of a pot.
"Chris, don't let these voices affect you. As long as you make one free throw, we'll still maintain our lead."
Yao Ming spoke to comfort him.
His comfort was effective.
Indeed, as long as he made one free throw, the West would still maintain the lead, and the opponent would only have eight seconds of offense left. If they could defend successfully, victory would still be theirs.
After thinking this through, Paul gradually relaxed.
After bouncing the ball a few more times, Paul decisively took the shot this time.
Swish.
Nothing but net.
138-139.
The West took the lead again.
...
"There are eight seconds left on the clock, and the East has one last offensive opportunity. If they make this shot, they win, but the West will definitely heavily guard the paint."
In the broadcast booth, the three commentators held their breath, their eyes fixed on the screen, afraid of missing the play if the referee's whistle blew.
"This game has been incredibly exciting. I think it doesn't matter who wins or loses anymore, as both teams have already given us a spectacular match."
If there was only one star player from Dragon Country, the commentators would be analyzing how to play this shot now. But with Tang Long in the East and Yao Ming in the West, Dragon Country was in an invincible position regardless of who won. At this point, there was no need to excessively support a particular side.
"The ball is inbounded. The West sent Anthony to pressure him in the frontcourt, with Wade and Bosh responsible for receiving the pass."
"Kidd passed the ball to Wade. Anthony is defending closely. It's clear the West wants Anthony to defend the perimeter."
"Tang Long ran to the basket, calling for the ball. However, Yao Ming and Duncan were clearly prepared, forming a pincer on both sides to prevent Tang Long from receiving the ball."
"Anthony anticipated Wade's path and blocked him. Oh my, Paul also stepped up to contest. The two of them trapped Wade, and the East is about to turn the ball over."
"Tang Long came out from the baseline again. Wade passed the ball to Tang Long. Duncan and Kobe arrived almost simultaneously. Tang Long doesn't have a chance to shoot."
"Pass it quickly, there's no time!"
The commentator yelled excitedly, staring at the game clock.
Two seconds... one second...
Tang Long shot!
Everyone stopped what they were doing and intently watched the basketball slowly floating towards the basket.
Beep.
As the LED lights on the backboard lit up, the basketball smoothly went into the hoop.
"It's in, it's in!"
The commentator shouted excitedly, followed by the deafening roar and cheers of the fans.
140-139.
The Eastern All-Stars secured victory in the final moments.
"Oh my god, what am I seeing? Tang truly has a clutch heart."
The players on the bench rushed over. Even LeBron James and Dwyane Wade ran over to excitedly hug Tang Long. Before Tang Long could react, the players were already piled on top of him.
"Amazing!"
"Tang, from today onwards, you are my idol."
Many Western fans were completely conquered by Tang Long's performance today.
Compared to the celebrating Eastern players, the Western stars looked less than pleased.
They sat dejectedly in their seats with their heads down. Some looked helplessly at the celebrating Eastern team, their clenched fists enough to convey their anger and unwillingness.
They were leading by twenty-five points. They were all stars from their respective teams, players chosen by the fans' votes and recognized for their strength. Yet, they lost so badly.
...
"Congratulations on your victory, but this victory has nothing to do with you."
The East and West coaches walked over together. Byron Scott had a dark expression, clearly upset about the loss.
"It has nothing to do with me, it has to do with you then." Doc Rivers feigned realization and covered his forehead, "That's right, you lost this game."
"Hmph."
Byron Scott snorted and glanced at Tang Long, who was being lifted by his teammates and celebrating with the fans.
If Tang Long had been on their side, the East would have had no chance of a comeback.
This made him envious as he watched Tang Long. If Tang Long had been on the Hornets, along with Paul and West, then the Hornets would have been a team that gave all their opponents headaches in the league.
...
"Congratulations to Tang Long, congratulations to the East. They have won this season's All-Star championship. Who says the East is weaker than the West? The Eastern All-Stars, with their tenacious spirit and fighting power, have defeated an arrogant opponent and won their victory. Let us cheer for Tang Long and the Eastern All-Stars."
"This game was truly spectacular, especially the fourth quarter. When Tang Long and LeBron were on the court, the West had very few scoring options. This is the effect Tang Long has on the court. With him on the inside, it's an insurmountable barrier for all guards and centers."
Yang Yi excitedly looked at Coach Zhang, "Coach Zhang, Tang Long once again had a big triple-double in the All-Star game and turned the tide at a critical moment. Do you think the Cavaliers have a good chance of winning the championship this season?"
"Based on today's game, I believe the Cavaliers already have the strength to consistently contend for the championship. Tang Long and LeBron's默契 (mòqì - tacit understanding) cooperation is in no way inferior to teams like the Celtics. I think the Cavaliers can challenge for the championship this season!"