"This isn't the Lakers' signature triangle offense? This play is so interesting."
The slow-motion replay showed Tang Long isolating Anthony, shaking him off with a step, and then launching an attack. He drove to the basket and, under pressure from Howard, managed to make the shot.
Pushing the slow-motion replay back a few seconds, one could see that Da Zhi, Ah Lian, and Tang Long's positions almost perfectly replicated the Lakers' most potent triangle offense.
41-43.
The tenacity of the Dragon Country team exceeded not only the expectations of everyone domestically but also stunned the coaching staff of the Flower Country.
Coach K rarely showed a serious expression since taking over as head coach, but at this moment, he was terrifyingly grim.
Several former Flower Country dignitaries were also dejected. They wanted to leave but feared their crestfallen expressions being captured by the media, so they had no choice but to brace themselves and continue watching.
At this point, they were contemplating going down to lecture Coach K.
They had come expecting the Flower Country to dominate on their opponent's home turf, planning to boast about it later in high-level meetings. Instead, they had only witnessed the stubborn fight of the Dragon Country players and Tang Long's individual brilliance.
If they lost this game, not only would they have nothing to boast about to the Dragon Country's leadership, but not being ridiculed would be considered a testament to their deep Confucian cultural upbringing.
"I have some good news for everyone. We just received the viewership data from the studio. Over two hundred million people are watching this game, and the number is still climbing."
In the broadcast booth, Yang Yi could no longer contain his excitement. Typically, viewership figures wouldn't be released during a game, but this number rivaled that of the Spring Festival Gala.
"I suspect everyone thought we weren't a match for these Flower Country stars before the game. Apart from the fans, many people's enthusiasm wasn't particularly high. But seeing our team go back and forth with the Dream Eight, even dunking over Flower Country stars, has truly ignited everyone's patriotic fervor."
Old Bai was also very excited.
He hadn't expected this game to be so sensational, almost to the point of emptying the streets.
"This stretch of play has been truly magnificent. I haven't tallied the statistics, but Tang Long's personal score must have exceeded fifteen points. The key to this game truly lies with Tang Long."
Tang Long had already accumulated 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in this game, and it was only past the midpoint of the second quarter. He was facing the Dream Eight team, which boasted five superstars. It would be difficult for his stats to decrease.
"If Tang Long leads us to victory against the Flower Country in this game, calling him a national hero wouldn't be an exaggeration."
"I think we shouldn't raise the audience's expectations too high, nor should we put so much pressure on the players. Let's maintain a normal mindset; playing this well is already our best achievement."
Coach Zhang, having a background in basketball himself, understood the gap in strength and the pressure involved more clearly. If the goal was set too high, winning would be expected, and losing would result in overwhelming criticism.
Coach Zhang's reminder was timely, as the Dream Eight players, noticing the Dragon Country's offense shift from primarily Yao Ming to Tang Long, made tactical adjustments almost without K's explicit instruction.
LeBron James could not afford to give Tang Long any space to operate. As soon as Tang Long received the ball, James was in tight man-to-man defense. Their understanding was also remarkably high; James was familiar with Tang Long's offensive maneuvers, preventing Tang Long from reacting as quickly as before after receiving the ball.
The Dragon Country team's offensive rhythm slowed down once again.
While Tang Long's effectiveness was being stifled, and although Yao Ming could still force his way to the basket, the Flower Country had also intensified their defense at this crucial juncture.
With the advantages of other players neutralized, their offense became extremely difficult.
Kidd brought the ball up the court to organize the offense. Kobe dodged Sun Yue's defense, received the ball, drove to the free-throw line, and executed a fadeaway jump shot.
Two points made.
41-45.
On the Dragon Country team's possession, James continued his tight defense. Ah Lian couldn't find enough space to set a screen for Tang Long.
The Dream Eight players seemed accustomed to this strategy; their positioning directly blocked passing lanes.
Immediately after, Anthony joined the double-team, completely cutting off Tang Long's passing routes. Anthony continued to harass him, forcing Tang Long to hold the ball high to evade their interference.
Time ticked by, and the ball couldn't be passed out. James seized an opportunity to contest.
Fortunately, Tang Long reacted quickly. As James's hand extended, he used the moment to pass the ball to Da Zhi on the left. As James closed in for the help defense, Ah Lian stepped up for a screen. James anticipated Da Zhi's driving lane and intercepted him.
Da Zhi quickly transferred the ball to Ah Lian, who took a jab step and then attempted a jump shot.
The ball kissed the rim and bounced out.
Yao Ming secured the offensive rebound. Kobe and Howard converged to double-team him, preventing him from turning around. He had to pass the ball out again.
"Time, watch the clock!"
Coach Guo yelled anxiously from the sidelines.
Tang Long knew there were only a few seconds left without even looking at the scoreboard, so he decided to take the shot directly.
It missed.
Howard boxed out Yao Ming. Kobe secured the defensive rebound.
The Flower Country's defense in this sequence was exceptionally well-executed. These superstars weren't incapable of defending; they simply preferred to focus on offense.
Kobe carried the ball all the way to half court. Sun Yue was on the other side, so Tang Long switched positions with him to defend Kobe.
Kobe slowed down his attack, maintaining a distance of about a step and a half from Tang Long as he dribbled leisurely.
This distance was calculated; it was precisely a step and a half.
If Tang Long stepped up, Kobe could use that time to quickly drive to the basket.
Having played against Tang Long from the regular season to the finals, Kobe was well aware of his capabilities on both ends of the court.
This guy not only possessed excellent physical attributes, stamina, and speed but also possessed keen judgment, which was a major strength. His ability to secure offensive rebounds often stemmed from his accurate prediction of where the ball would land.
The face-off between the two superstars instantly hushed the arena. The audience held their breath, not daring to blink, for fear of missing a moment of this clash of titans.
As the defender, Tang Long didn't overcommit. His responsibility was to contain Kobe, and his teammates would handle the rest. If Kobe wanted to use up time, Tang Long was happy to oblige.
They maintained their positions for over ten seconds before Kobe made his move.
Tang Long's eyes lit up. Kobe's initial move seemed like a drive to the basket, but his eyes simultaneously swept towards Kidd on the right.
They both made their move almost simultaneously.
A potential pass, and Tang Long intercepted.
The ball brushed past Tang Long's fingers as it was passed.
"Ah!"
Countless sighs erupted from the crowd. The ball had been so close to being stolen.