James also stepped forward to comfort Wade.
Wade stared blankly at his two teammates, who showed no blame towards him, and felt a warmth spread through his heart.
"That's right, we can definitely beat them."
Wade clenched his fist, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.
...
"There are only ninety seconds left, the East still has a chance. As long as they play good defense and score on their own end, tying the score is not impossible."
In the broadcast booth, Yang Yi stared excitedly at the screen.
When the point difference widened to twenty-five points, everyone in the broadcast booth no longer paid much attention to the outcome of the game.
With a twenty-five-point deficit, and with star players going head-to-head, it was as difficult as ascending to heaven to make up the score.
But just when everyone thought the game was entering garbage time, the Eastern All-Stars began to push back the Western All-Stars, their impenetrable defense quickly forcing the Western players into isolated plays!
This was the downside of having an entire team of superstars who couldn't constrain each other.
If they had utilized Yao Ming as a focal point, the score wouldn't have reached this point. However, after Tang Long entered the zone and blocked Yao Ming's offense twice, the Western players stopped passing to Yao Ming.
Now, Yao Ming was relegated to constant running back and forth, while also freeing up Tang Long for more defensive coverage.
Two steals had already helped the team score five points, and Tang Long himself had recorded a steal and an assist.
How could a Western team playing as individuals withstand the united Eastern All-Stars?
On the offensive and defensive transition, the West descended into accusations and blame.
"It all comes down to this possession."
Coach Zhang spoke casually, but his palms were already sweating, his eyes fixed on the screen.
At this moment, Wade dribbled the ball towards the basket.
Kobe, unable to direct his teammates, had to step up to defend Wade.
Wade attempted a drive, and was almost stripped by Kobe again.
With the game at this stage, Wade dared not take any more risks.
He held the ball and surveyed the court. Bosh and Tang Long were battling Yao Ming and Duncan in the paint, while Anthony was glued to James.
Only Kidd in the corner was unguarded.
Wade feigned a drive, successfully drawing Kobe's attention.
Utilizing this opening, the ball was passed to Kidd.
Kidd did not hesitate and chose to shoot.
Clang!!
The ball hit the rim.
"Oh, so close."
The commentator sighed in annoyance, his disappointment evident.
"Duncan got the rebound... Tang, it's Tang again! That was beautiful! Just when the game was about to lose all suspense with Kidd's missed three-pointer, it was Tang Long who brought the suspense back!"
"We can see that Duncan was a little careless. He and Yao Ming had established their positions waiting for the rebound, but they didn't jump. At this moment, Tang Long, leaping between the two, put the ball into the basket."
"Who else can stop Tang Long? Who can defend him?"
The commentator shouted excitedly.
That play was simply spectacular. Tang Long, with Yao Ming and Duncan around him in the paint, managed to drive to the basket and score.
The East was now trailing by only five points, with eighty seconds remaining.
"We have to get this stop, we absolutely have to defend this possession. Foul if necessary."
James shouted excitedly.
"We can't foul Yao Ming, his free throw percentage is too high."
Tang Long added, "Tim."
The others were shooters, and a foul would be giving away points for free. The Hack-a-Shaft strategy could only be used against players with lower free throw percentages.
Duncan was also tall, but compared to the players on the court at the moment, the Hack-a-Shaft strategy was more applicable to him.
Duncan shot an annoyed look at Tang Long.
What did he mean?
Were they discussing tactics without him?
Then I just won't touch the ball!
Duncan felt that he just needed to not handle the ball and run forward. As long as this possession was successful, that was all that mattered. So, after Yao Ming inbounded the ball, Duncan had already sprinted to the frontcourt.
At this moment, the Eastern players employed a full-court press.
Chris Paul was surrounded by two players, making it incredibly difficult for him to pass or find passing lanes.
Kobe came over to provide an outlet, and James also clogged the passing lane.
Kobe's court vision was excellent, and he immediately spotted the unguarded Duncan halfway down the court.
"Tim."
Kobe called out, and at the same time, the ball floated towards Duncan.
"Oh my god, at a crucial moment, the Eastern All-Stars have made another mistake! Duncan is still on their side of the court with no defender, how could the East be pressing full court at this moment?"
The commentator shouted in frustration.
Some loyal fans covered their heads in disappointment, and some fans, no longer wanting to see Duncan have the ball on offense, stood up to leave.
"My God, what happened?"
"Tang, it's Tang again!"
Before anyone could react, Tang Long appeared between the ball and Duncan. At this moment, Tang Long was like an eagle soaring in the sky, his outstretched arms his wings!
*Smack.*
Tang Long swatted the ball away directly, and LeBron James, who had been waiting for the ball, leaped into the air!
A three-pointer.
Swish.
131-133.
The East was now only trailing by two points.
"Fantastic!"
The commentator couldn't help but pump his fist in excitement, and the arena roared with cheers for James.
James immediately celebrated with Tang Long.
There was no other reason than that this strategy was orchestrated by Tang Long.
They deliberately let Duncan get open, then applied a full-court press, forcing the opponent to pass to the unguarded Duncan. If they could steal the ball and score, they might still have a chance in this game.
In fact, Tang Long's gamble paid off.
"Tang, you rascal, it's a shame you won't be a coach after retirement."
"Two points left."
Wade excitedly hugged Tang Long.
With sixty seconds remaining, they still had enough time.
At this moment, the entire crowd was chanting: "Defence!"
*Beep!*
Simultaneously, Byron Scott finally called a timeout. The entire crowd was cheering for these guys from the East; their momentum was simply too strong.
"Everyone, we can't be like before, we need to be united. If you lose to the East after leading by twenty-five points, you'll be mocked by the Eastern players in the future. Do you want that?"
Byron Scott scanned the players: "We must cooperate. Duncan, set a screen for Kobe. If you have an open shot, take it. If not, create opportunities for Yao."
Saying that, Byron Scott looked at Yao Ming: "Yao, you have to make these two points, otherwise we'll be in a very passive situation."
Yao Ming nodded seriously.
To be honest, Yao Ming was not convinced that this game could be turned around.
Byron Scott continued to lay out offensive and defensive tactics, while on the other side, the referee blew the whistle again.
Paul brought the ball across half-court. According to Byron Scott's strategy, they would first drain some time, then pass to Yao Ming to score these crucial two points!