"What if the strategy is wrong?"
Tang Long stared intently into Mike Brown's eyes.
"Who is the coach, you or me?"
Mike Brown gazed back at Tang Long, refusing to yield. From his stubborn gaze, Tang Long detected a hint of something different.
At this moment, Mike Brown was much like a director filming a blockbuster, only to realize halfway through that continuing would lead to a flop.
However, with so many stars, extras, and industry insiders watching, even if mistakes were made, he had to push through. Otherwise, how could he continue in the business?
Understanding this, Tang Long's anxiety subsided.
He patiently explained, "Of course, you are the coach. But don't you always say we are the soldiers on the battlefield? We understand the front lines better!"
"Coach Brown, Tang just wants to win. He's not happy when we're behind, and I don't think Tang has any intention of arguing with you," James interjected, smoothing things over. The other players, seeing this, also spoke favorably of Tang Long, and Mike Brown's expression began to soften.
Frankly, if Tang Long had truly forced him into an impossible situation, there would have been little he could do.
Fortunately, Tang Long was not a black star who, after achieving fame, lost all sense of propriety.
Following James's lead, he used the offered stepping stone and didn't directly confront Mike Brown.
...
"When the camera cut to us just now, did you notice? I felt like Tang Long looked a bit unhappy. And Mike Brown's expression wasn't great either!"
"I think I noticed it too. Tang Long was probably unsatisfied with the tactical arrangements. The Cavaliers were too passive in the first half!"
"Fans of James upstairs, have some decency! Blaming Mike Brown again? Players should unconditionally follow the tactics the coach devises."
The Cavaliers' poor performance in the first half finally gave some detractors an opportunity to retaliate.
Instantly, countless naysayers emerged on the forum, stirring up trouble.
At this point, a user with the ID 'Dong Ge Lan' posted an article.
The insider information was that Tang Long and James were dissatisfied with Mike Brown, and the Cavaliers owner was planning to change coaches.
This user also included an English screenshot from Twitter, claiming to be an analyst for an institution that had reduced the odds of Mike Brown being fired. Now, the odds of Mike Brown's dismissal were only around one point something.
Tracking the shift in coaching dismissal odds, Mike Brown went from being secure in his position to being the coach with the highest risk of being fired.
This made the Cavaliers' forum even more lively.
Lakers fans and Cavaliers fans clashed with the naysayers, and countless people stirred up trouble on the forum, generating more heat than the media outlets.
Some industry media personnel also flocked to the Cavaliers' forum to repost the user's content.
Good heavens!
In a short while, the news of Mike Brown's impending dismissal spread like wildfire across the internet, with major media outlets and even portal websites reposting it.
This brought the news to the attention of even more fans. Especially with the Cavaliers having reached the finals and leading 2-0, changing coaches at this juncture immediately thrust Tang Long into the spotlight.
Everyone speculated about the conflict between Tang Long and Mike Brown, wondering what had led to such an internal struggle at such a critical moment!
Some people immediately jumped out, accusing Tang Long of holding the team hostage and being a scourge to the team, tarnishing the image of Chinese players!
The comment sections of various websites were quickly filled with reflective users.
Those who had friends abroad immediately messaged them to inquire if the news of Mike Brown's dismissal was true.
As more and more Chinese people inquired, many people in the United States also became aware of the news.
They then flocked to Twitter and live streams, asking for insider details about Mike Brown's potential dismissal.
While the outside world was in a chaotic uproar, the players on both sides were still battling for the championship at Staples Center!
As the third quarter began, both teams tacitly fielded their starting fives.
Upon taking the court, the Cavaliers still adopted a conservative approach, with the game mostly becoming a back-and-forth battle.
However, the Lakers played more decisively.
Kobe's three-point attempt missed, and Gasol, double-teamed, directly batted the ball away.
The ball flew over the heads of the players towards Kobe. At this moment, most of the Cavaliers players were near the basket. Kobe, with the ball, drove directly to the left side of the basket.
The Cavaliers players scrambled to double-team Kobe. As Gasol moved to the right side, Kobe's pass had already broken through the defensive crowd and reached Gasol.
The catch was perfect. Gasol leaped up for a dunk.
With a fluid series of plays, the Lakers' morale was completely boosted.
The fans at Staples Center rose to their feet, cheering and singing without regard for decorum.
Although they were the visiting team, losing 0-2 to the Cavaliers had left the Lakers fans brimming with pent-up anger.
Now that the Lakers were thoroughly outplaying the Cavaliers, the fans were naturally ecstatic.
Tang Long stood at the free-throw line, looking at Mike Brown. Continuing to defend like this would only make the game harder.
Mike Brown also noticed the meaningful look from Tang Long, but he gave no indication of a response. Only the referee urged Tang Long to inbound the ball quickly.
Tang Long was utterly helpless!
After the Cavaliers initiated their next offense, Tang Long quickly ran to the three-second area, extending his hand to receive the ball. LeBron James passed it to him without hesitation.
Tang Long backed down Gasol, trying to shake him off. After two attempts, he couldn't create space. Just as Gasol expected Tang Long to pass to an outside shooter, Tang Long executed a step-back jumper.
He smoothly sank the two-point shot!
This basket stabilized the Cavaliers' increasingly flustered situation.
At least it made the Cavaliers players feel that with Tang Long anchoring the interior, scoring was not an issue.
Immediately after, Kobe responded.
"Larry, guard Kobe for me!"
Mike Brown shouted from the sideline. The Cavaliers' primary strategy was defense. If they couldn't stop the opponent's offense, and their own offense lacked rhythm, losing this game would undoubtedly invite endless criticism from the media.
Larry Hughes glanced at Mike Brown on the sideline. He wasn't Tang Long or LeBron James, so he could only nod in resignation.
The Cavaliers' offense continued to be very determined. Tang Long received a pass from LeBron in the low post. As Gasol prevented Tang Long from turning, Novakovic came to double-team him.
With Tang Long being double-teamed, LeBron strategically moved to the left to receive the pass. As the ball reached him, Larry Hughes skillfully set a screen for him.
LeBron crossed over and passed, and the ball found its way back to Tang Long.
Tang Long, who was already prepared, leaped high from the ground like a soaring dragon. His body stretched out under everyone's gaze as he powerfully slammed the ball into the basket!
"Clang!"
"Roar!"
Tang Long successfully dunked. After landing, he let out a loud roar, venting his pent-up frustration.
And the air at Staples Center seemed to freeze at that moment!