There wasn't much news about basketball during their training camp in Macau; most of the reports were about the nightlife.
Anthony, in particular, was photographed by paparazzi emerging from a notorious establishment after spending two hours inside. He looked listless and exhausted, his every step unsteady, and the media captured it all.
Although Tang Long wasn't in Macau, he had seen plenty of news about these guys.
Now that James had said the four of them wanted him to be their guide, it was likely they'd heard about places like "Heaven on Earth" from someone.
"I'm telling you, this isn't Macau. You guys be careful about getting reported."
If these guys got reported during a match, according to the Law of Public Security Administration Punishments, the Dream Team might lose several key players.
"Tch, I knew you only cared about your own enjoyment."
As they were chatting, the players from both sides began to appear in the players' tunnel. Kobe saw Tang Long and Yao Ming and enthusiastically waved them over to say hello.
Only Howard looked a bit uneasy, though tinged with a hint of eagerness.
*Before, when we were all in the NBA, you, Tang and Zhan, were the dual cores, and you had the upper hand. Now that our lineup is strong, after we beat you, I'll be the league's top center.*
...
"Dear viewers, this is C5. The match between Dragon Country and Flower Flag Country is less than five minutes away. This game will be commentated by myself, Coach Zhang, and Old Bai."
"In the previous matches, these traditional powerhouses have mostly won as expected. Great Bear defeated Persia, and Germany beat Angola 95-66. The only real upset was Kangaroo losing to Croatia 82-97. What are your thoughts on this, gentlemen?"
As soon as Yang Yi finished speaking, Old Bai chimed in, "It was expected that traditional powers like Germany and Spain would win. What perhaps surprised everyone was that Angola, who gave us so much trouble, was completely outmatched by Germany. This clearly shows the gap between us and these teams."
"There is definitely a gap, but it's not entirely without hope," Coach Zhang interjected. "In this match against Flower Flag Country, aside from testing our level, in the center and power forward positions, we are not inferior to our opponents; in fact, we might even have a slight edge."
Old Bai added, "We shouldn't place too much importance on whether we win or lose this game. The main thing is that it's a highly anticipated match. Not only will we see the Flower Flag Country's All-Stars, but the duel between Tang Long and James is also eagerly awaited by countless fans. Tickets are practically impossible to get, and it's no exaggeration to say the whole city has come to a standstill."
"We can see that the atmosphere here is incredibly enthusiastic... The cameras have panned to two former presidents of Flower Flag Country and Kissinger. It seems the political circles of Flower Flag Country are also taking this match very seriously."
"The players are entering the field..."
...
As the players emerged from the tunnel, thunderous cheers echoed through the arena. Feeling the passionate roar of the fans, the players waved in response.
However, compared to the relaxed demeanor of the Flower Flag Country players, the Dragon Country players were all solemn. Even Tang Long wore a serious expression.
Before the game, they could still adjust and de-stress, but when truly facing these Flower Flag Country players, beyond their fame, there was an aura of pressure emanating from these stars that made many players subconsciously feel inferior.
At the tip-off, Tang Long and Howard stood opposite each other again.
"Tang, you better be careful this time, James is on our side."
Howard's meaning was clear: without James helping you this time, what will you do to compete with me for the title of top center?
"Shut up."
James glared at Howard, annoyed.
He understood Tang Long too well.
Normally, he would be the one distracting other players, and here this kid was practically offering himself up.
As expected.
After Howard's provocation, Tang Long narrowed his eyes and looked at him, "Dwight, I bet you won't score ten points in this game."
"I don't care. You won't score ten points either, you bet?"
"Oh? Your temper is getting quite bold."
"That's because before..."
"Don't talk, focus on the ball."
Seeing Howard still provoking Tang Long, James stepped in and pulled him aside. Only then did Howard quiet down.
*BEEP.*
With the referee's whistle, Howard and Tang Long jumped almost simultaneously.
Tang Long's fingers touched the ball first. Just as Tang Long tapped the ball towards Yao Ming, James darted out and intercepted it mid-air.
Immediately, several Flower Flag Country players surged towards the Dragon Country basket with lightning speed.
James understood Tang Long perfectly.
Mainly because he knew the strength of Tang Long and Howard.
If Tang Long didn't want to, no one could compete with him.
But the strength of the Dragon Country players was evident. Even if Tang Long secured the first tap, the second tap would likely go to Yao Ming. So, he didn't even bother with the first tap but positioned himself near Yao Ming, ready to snatch the ball as it flew over.
James drove to the basket and passed to Base, who then shifted it to Kobe. At this point, Howard extended his hands under the basket, calling for the ball. Kobe quickly surveyed his surroundings and passed it to Howard.
Howard shouldered Yao Ming aside and slammed the ball through the hoop with both hands.
"Whoosh..."
The fans gasped. That Flower Flag Country offense was brilliant.
"My goodness."
"What happened?"
"So cool!"
"Well done, Tang Long, fantastic."
Just as everyone expected Flower Flag Country to draw first blood, Tang Long appeared from behind out of nowhere and swatted the ball off the backboard.
Howard had an open dunk but missed it. By the time he landed, Tang Long had already passed the ball to Sun Yue.
Sun Yue rapidly advanced with the ball. Facing Kobe's defense, Sun Yue showed no fear. After a fake move, he took two steps forward and passed to Yi.
Yi then shifted it to Da Zhi. At this moment, the Flower Flag Country players were drawn to the perimeter, with only James guarding Yao Ming one-on-one in the paint.
Da Zhi wouldn't miss such an opportunity. He cleanly passed the ball to Yao Ming.
Yao Ming responded with a slam dunk!
Dragon Country drew first blood, taking the first two points.
Turning back, Flower Flag Country initiated their offense. Their tactical objective was speed: score quickly, then use the accelerated pace to force turnovers from the Dragon Country players.
It had to be said that Flower Flag Country's strategy was very effective. Coach K certainly had some tricks up his sleeve.
Kidd delivered a long pass that precisely found Howard, who was cutting towards the baseline. The pass was both beautiful and perfectly placed. Howard leaped high and finished with an alley-oop.
2:2.
The Flower Flag Country players were playing with great energy, their faces seemingly reflecting their intention to put on a spectacular performance.