"The Cavaliers' starting lineup is out, and we can see some changes in their roster from before."
"It's Tang Long, James, point guard Larry Hughes, but the power forward is now Varejão, and Delonte West is also in the starting lineup."
"The Celtics are sticking with their previous lineup, with Garnett and Pierce on the forward line, and Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen at guard, with Kendrick Perkins playing center."
"We just saw the cameras focus on NBA Commissioner Stern; this game is an unusual one for both sides."
"Mike Brown has to win this game, or he wouldn't have made adjustments to the lineup he's used all season."
In the broadcast booth, Yang Yi looked at Director Zhang and asked, "Director Zhang, we can see the Cavaliers have made adjustments to two positions. So, Director Zhang, what's the difference between Varejão and Gooden in their positions?"
"Varejão is more offensive-minded, and his offensive capability is a bit better than Drew Gooden's. I think Mike Brown made this adjustment considering that Tang Long and James were too restricted last game, thus lacking offensive explosiveness!"
"It's somewhat related to being on the passive side. By bringing in Varejão and West, who can drive and shoot, if Tang Long is contained, these two can share the offensive burden."
Director Zhang paused, "From a positional standpoint, this lineup is more conducive to offense, but Tang Long's defensive pressure will increase significantly."
"Last game, Tang Long played power forward for a quarter. Director Zhang, do you think Tang Long's position will change again this game?"
Director Zhang thought for a moment, "I don't think so, unless the Cavaliers are leading by a large margin. Otherwise, Mike Brown definitely won't easily change Tang Long's position."
"Last game, we already saw the Cavaliers become a two-point guard offense, with messy ball movement and much worse rebounding protection than before!"
"If Tang Long comes out from under the basket, rebounding will lack protection. This is also why there are rumors about Wade joining the Heat. For a team to go further, especially to achieve something in the playoffs, a strong center is essential!"
...
"The fans are exceptionally excited today; they gave us a warm welcome as soon as we came out."
Not only were the Cavaliers' home fans welcoming, but the Celtics' players were met with furious boos as they entered the court. Garnett received the most boos, and his face was blacker than the bottom of a pot.
Anyone could guess that it was because this guy not only committed many dirty plays on the court but also engaged in verbal sparring with Cavaliers players during post-game interviews. Naturally, the fans disliked him.
"It's mutual. If we don't win this game, we'll be bashed as badly after the game as the fans cheered for us before."
"You think I don't know that? Why are you telling me?"
James gave Tang Long an annoyed look. "I just saw it. Those beautiful girls like Svit and others are here to watch you play again. You're too lucky, man. Taylor is a dream goddess for so many people right now."
"LeBron, you're being too shallow," Tang Long said dismissively. "She's a goddess to many, but aren't I a male god to many fans? You can't be a sycophant."
"Sycophant? What's a sycophant?"
"It means seeing a woman and treating her like a goddess, thinking you're not good enough for her, and then showering her with caring gestures. That's sycophantic behavior."
James paused, feeling Tang Long was wrong, but upon reflection, it seemed to make sense.
As they were chatting, the referee blew his whistle, signaling the players to take their positions.
Tang Long and Garnett stood on the jump ball line once again.
Enemies meet, and their eyes burn with hatred!
Especially with the recent heated exchanges between the "court villain" and the "court gentleman" among the fans.
As the "court villain" who was being mocked by fans, Garnett hated Tang Long seeing him.
Others might not know, but having played against Tang Long for so long, he knew Tang Long wasn't a gentleman at all.
Those comments must have been fabricated by Tang Long's hired trolls!
"Hey, Kevin, you seem a bit resentful today."
"Shut up."
Garnett glared fiercely at Tang Long. Before the game, he had warned himself not to fall for Tang Long's tricks and to focus on playing.
But seeing Tang Long's cheerful demeanor, Garnett's temper couldn't help but flare up.
"Kevin, I'm just saying you seem a bit resentful today. What's wrong? Tell me, maybe I can help ease your troubles. I'm telling you, I'm the 'big brother' who understands everyone on our team."
Garnett turned his head away, too annoyed to bother with him.
Although he was acting composed, his heaving chest was enough to show that Garnett genuinely wanted to beat Tang Long to a pulp right now.
"You, just play the game properly, okay? Stop talking so much nonsense."
Even the referee was getting fed up with Tang Long. He glared at Tang Long before tossing the ball high into the air.
Despite pretending to ignore him, Garnett was constantly observing the referee's movements.
The moment the referee blew the whistle, Garnett leaped up as if he had springs in his feet, like a beast spotting its prey!
Tang Long, unwilling to be outdone, collided with him in mid-air.
As a center, Tang Long's physique was naturally much sturdier than Garnett's.
Tang Long clearly had the upper hand in their aerial battle, pushing Garnett aside. The ball landed in West's hands.
The moment West caught the ball, he accelerated sharply. While the Celtics players were still retreating, he had already rushed to the basket!
A fast-break layup for two points.
"Kevin, your physique isn't good. You're too weak; you need nourishment. I know a Chinese medicine doctor who's very skilled in that area. I can introduce you. What do you think?"
"Paul, stop me, or I'm afraid I won't be able to resist beating this guy up."
Pierce understood and quickly grabbed Garnett, giving him an out.
"This guy's mouth is really annoying. I don't know where he gets so many words from."
Pierce patted Garnett's shoulder. "Kevin, you have to hold on. This guy is deliberately provoking you. Don't fall for it."
"I know, but I can't control my temper when I see him."
Garnett often used dirty plays and trash talk to annoy opponents, but after encountering Tang Long, he had met his match.
When these two met, it was always a head-on confrontation.
"The game is important. We can't lose."
Garnett nodded. Everything was for the sake of victory.
Garnett shot Tang Long a furious glare and said angrily, "Kid, you just wait. Sooner or later, I'll beat you down. I'll kick your ass today!"