"Where are Tang Long's fans? Why aren't they patrolling anymore?"
"Still the league's number one center, completely dominated by Gasol. I really don't know how Long's fans have the nerve."
"Tang Dash a is just not good at playing. Even Yao Ming is just a big dummy in the NBA, and Tang Long still thinks he's capable. He needs to admit the gap in racial physique."
"It's hilarious. I don't know if everyone saw Tang Long's expression! Tsk tsk tsk. I wonder if he still has the face to come to the forum to brag. Tang Long's fans are also really disgusting, talking about happy troubles. Are there any troubles now?"
While the forums in Long Country were fiercely debating, the Staples Center was still engaged in a desperate battle.
Seeing Gasol temporarily resting, Tang Long guessed that the Zen Master would definitely send Odom to play in the paint. Odom's abilities were decent, but compared to Gasol, he was clearly much inferior.
The Cavaliers had a chance.
Tang Long narrowed his eyes. As the referee blew the whistle, he pulled Pavlovic over.
"Pavlovic, you need to guard Vujacic like a hawk. I don't care if you foul him or not, but you absolutely cannot let him shoot easily."
"Tang, no problem."
"LeBron, create opportunities for me. I'll go first."
"Brother, just rest assured, I've got this," James said, patting his chest.
"Larry, you need to dribble more to control the tempo, and even try to drive. Create space and then pass the ball to LeBron. If you play as soft as you did in the first quarter again, I'll make you eat the ball!"
Larry Hughes nodded awkwardly.
He knew he had played too soft in the first quarter.
"Take them down! We are the champions!"
The Cavaliers launched another offense.
Previously, with Gasol guarding the basket, players needed to rotate and provide help defense. After switching to Odom, even with Ariza joining the help defense, the threat was significantly diminished.
Tang Long received a pass from James. Odom pressed against Tang Long's shoulders. At this moment, Ariza came over to help, and Tang Long turned and shot.
35-16.
The Lakers still led by nineteen points. Kobe brought the ball past half-court, made a drive, faked out a defender, and headed straight for the basket. Tang Long came out to block him. Kobe made a behind-the-back pass to Vujacic.
Pavlovic was tightly guarding Vujacic. As Vujacic jumped, Pavlovic's hands also reached out.
*Thump!*
The ball hit the rim and bounced out. Tang Long grabbed the rebound and passed it to Larry Hughes.
As the ball crossed half-court, Tang Long came up to set a screen for Larry Hughes. Larry Hughes drove from one side, drawing the defenders' attention.
At this moment, Tang Long moved into position. Larry Hughes, who had drawn the Lakers' attention, directly tossed the ball to Tang Long.
Tang Long had already reached the free-throw line. With Odom and Ariza in the paint, Kobe also ran over to defend as he saw Tang Long driving towards the basket.
"Oh man, Tang Long is too reckless on this play. He should have passed the ball to James behind him! He played great all season, and now he's choking at a crucial moment!"
"Players from Long Country are still not good enough. Facing a triple-team, he's definitely going to get blocked. What a great opportunity for the Cavaliers to catch up."
The commentators sighed, feeling a bit sorry for the Cavaliers.
"Tang... he actually faked out Kobe! Pass, quick, pass to James! *Fuck*, he actually jumped. Odom already jumped ahead of him to block him. He still dares to dunk!"
The cameras were also excellent, providing close-ups. The Finals were broadcast globally, clearly aiming to capture Tang Long's moments of brilliance for the world to see.
In the blink of an eye, a thunderous roar, accompanied by the trembling of the rim, silenced the entire arena.
35-18.
The scoreboard showed the basket was good.
"Whoosh!"
Immediately after, shouts of astonishment erupted from the fans.
Odom was sent flying by Tang Long in mid-air. He staggered backward upon landing. If not for the cameraman next to him, he would have fallen into the stands.
Supported by the cameraman, Odom got up and shoved Tang Long, roaring, "Damn it, are you looking for trouble?"
Tang Long shoved back at Odom, his face grim. "You're the one looking for death, so I'll oblige you!"
"*Fuck*, you mother—"
Seeing the two of them escalate from shoving to physical conflict, the referees quickly intervened and pulled them apart.
At this moment, the big screen began replaying the incident.
In reality, both players jumped simultaneously. They collided under the basket. Odom's hand had already touched the ball, but Tang Long, disregarding it, skillfully spun the ball behind his back, switched hands to his left, and then slammed the ball ferociously into the hoop!
Odom, enraged, directly aimed a knee at Tang Long. Tang Long, while protecting his chest, elbowed Odom in the chest.
"This play..."
The commentators at the scene didn't know what to say.
The big screen clearly showed that Odom had extended his knee first, and Tang Long's arm was merely protecting his chest. No one could accuse Tang Long of deliberately elbowing Odom. 138reading.net
Tang Long had always disliked players making underhanded moves on the court. Usually, if someone struck first, he would retaliate. It was just a fight, who was afraid of whom?
Tang Long stared fiercely at Odom.
His entire being was brimming with fighting spirit, and surging power ignited his body's potential.
[Triggering 'Fight While Dribbling' skill, all stats boosted]
The system's voice was truly beautiful!
The referees had also reviewed the replay. They gave both players a technical foul, one on each.
Odom shot first, with Tang Long glaring at him menacingly.
"Lamar, you've angered me. Just you wait, I'll blow you away!"
"Hmph, you're down by nineteen points. No, if I make this shot, it'll be twenty. Unless a god comes to help you, you might as well start crying!"
"Lamar, then hold the ball steady. I think your hands are trembling. I'm telling you, you're definitely going to miss this shot. Your team losing is also because of your free throws."
Seeing Odom about to retort, Kobe quickly stopped him.
"Lamar, ignore that guy."
Tang Long shrugged, even making an exaggerated gesture for rebounding.
Kobe said exasperatedly, "This isn't a rebound, why are you getting ready to rebound?"
"Oh, right, thanks for the reminder."
Odom was bewildered.
Taking a deep breath, just as he was about to shoot, he saw Tang Long subtly making small movements to disrupt his free throw. Several female fans even stood up and started dancing.
Odom wanted to concentrate, but the more he tried, the more flustered he became.
*Clang!*
As expected, he missed. Odom couldn't hold back.
When it was Tang Long's turn to shoot, Odom hadn't spoken yet, but Tang Long had already confidently taken his shot.
35-19.
With this free throw made, the Lakers played more cautiously. Ariza and Odom occupied Tang Long in the paint. Kobe took advantage of the situation to drive to the basket, and Tang Long came out to defend.
Kobe passed the ball to Vujacic again.
Tang Long, who had been anticipating Kobe's move, reacted as soon as the ball left Kobe's hands!