The Magic's head coach Stan Van Gundy decisively called a timeout.
It was a nightmarish start.
"Dwight, are you alright?"
As head coach, it was crucial to constantly care about the players' mental well-being.
Looking at the dazed Howard, Van Gundy couldn't help but worry.
Tang Long's impact was simply too immense. Countless people believed he would be dominated by Howard.
But now, everything had been reversed.
Howard was utterly defenseless against Tang Long!
He could only stand there and be a backdrop for Tang Long!
After a long rest, Howard finally snapped back to reality.
It must have been his underestimation!
That's right!
It had to be the reason.
He had faced the great Shaq O'Neal many times. While he wasn't dominant, he was never this disheveled.
This kid Tang Long had some skill, and he had underestimated him.
As long as he treated Tang Long like Shaq, he could definitely regain his pride.
It was all due to his underestimation.
If only Tang Long knew Howard's inner thoughts, he would surely praise his "Ah Q" spirit.
Believing he had found the reason, Howard raised his head again, a fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes.
Seeing Howard improving, Van Gundy finally relaxed and turned to the other players, saying, "Guys, this is just the beginning. We're only down by two points. Keep playing, and victory will be ours."
The Magic players all nodded and returned to the court.
Seeing Howard return, Tang Long approached him and joked, "Everything okay, buddy? Should I recommend a therapist?"
Howard merely glanced at Tang Long this time, saying nothing.
Tang Long got no reaction and returned to his defensive position, silently activating Absolute Defense.
He had already given Howard a taste of his power on offense. Now, it was time for defense.
Nelson brought the ball up.
Upon reaching the frontcourt, he made a tactical hand gesture.
Howard and Lewis quickly moved up, setting a pick-and-roll in the high post.
Nelson faked left and drove to the right.
Halfway through his drive, he tossed the ball high towards the basket.
A blue blur flashed in the air – it was Howard.
The alley-oop dunk was Howard's specialty!
But just as the ball reached his hands, a large, fan-like hand appeared out of nowhere, fiercely swatting the ball away.
And that person was Tang Long…
With Absolute Defense activated, Tang Long had seen through the Magic's offensive strategy at a glance. He had been waiting on the passing lane, delivering a thunderous block on Howard!
"A volleyball block! Tang Long continues his excellent defensive performance from the previous play, giving Howard a massive rejection!"
"If anyone doubted China Tang before this game, they should be doing some serious self-reflection right now."
"Look at Dwight's eyes! He's completely stunned!"
"He dunked on Dwight and now rejected him! I really hope Dwight doesn't have a mental breakdown because of this!"
The commentators babbled on.
Before the game, Jack and Fries had predicted it would be exciting.
They just hadn't expected it to be this explosive.
A Tang Long like this in NBA history could only be compared to the great Wilt Chamberlain.
That's right, the Wilt Chamberlain who scored 100 points in a single game and supposedly slept with 20,000 women.
As a player from ancient times, Fries had never seen Wilt Chamberlain play.
But he felt like he saw Wilt's shadow in Tang Long!
Absolute dominance on the court, capable of doing whatever he pleased on both ends.
Howard's fragile mental defense, which he had just rebuilt, crumbled again.
Tang Long didn't forget to add insult to injury, saying, "Don't you know? The paint in Cleveland is a no-fly zone!"
Meanwhile, in Boston, Kevin Garnett was watching the game live.
Tang Long's terrifying performance was naturally caught in his sight.
Garnett couldn't help but feel a chill of fear, and he was grateful.
Hadn't Tang Long been holding back against him?
Garnett believed his strength couldn't compare to Howard's.
And Tang Long had directly dunked on Howard.
And then followed up with a huge block on the next possession!
Compared to Howard, Tang Long's treatment of him had been absolutely gentle.
If Tang Long had unleashed his full power, two of him wouldn't have been enough for him to handle.
Back on the court.
Tang Long finally didn't trouble Howard anymore.
James drove and kicked to Larry Hughes on the perimeter.
Hughes adjusted slightly and hit the three-pointer.
Gradually, the Magic found their rhythm again. Nelson and Lewis stepped up, leading the team in a comeback.
Soon, the first quarter ended.
The Cavaliers held a temporary six-point lead at 33-27.
Tang Long had already amassed a terrifying stat line of 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the first quarter!
Extremely efficient, to say the least!
Howard, on the other hand, only scored four points in the first quarter and a meager three rebounds, all of which were defensive boards.
The performance of the two players was a complete reversal of the pre-game predictions.
In China, on CCTV5 in Beijing.
Su Qun and Zhang Weiping were the commentators for the live broadcast.
"It's unbelievable that Tang Long is completely dominating his matchup against Howard!"
"Howard, known for his physical prowess, can't establish position against Tang Long, nor can he compete in physicality!"
"I'm afraid even Yao Ming wouldn't fare much better against Tang Long!"
"Howard is probably going to lose a lot of face in this game!"
"He's already lost a lot of face!"
Shocked but also very happy, Su Qun and Zhang Weiping saw Tang Long's performance.
For China to have such a center was a gift from heaven.
When paired with Yao Ming in the future, they would form an unstoppable twin towers in the paint.
At the same time.
The servers of China's Sina forum were on the verge of collapse.
All Chinese fans who could watch the game were posting their comments online.
"I said it long ago, Tang Long would definitely make a name for himself!"
"So cool, Tang Long! I declare Tang Long my idol for life!"
"His physique is so strong! He completely dominated Howard!"
"That Fox guy, Jefferson, shut up! Doesn't your face hurt!"
"How dare you not believe in our Chinese talented center! Get lost!"
"The Cavaliers got an incredible deal! They got a year of Tang Long's services for a mid-level exception. I'd say he's worth a max contract at least!"
"..."
In Cleveland, in the Cavaliers' office.
Owner Gilbert was leisurely sitting on the sofa, swirling his red wine glass.
"I'd say watching China Tang play is a pure enjoyment. I absolutely love this kind of violent aesthetic!"
Danny Ferry next to him took a sip of red liquid, looking unusually relaxed.
"I really think the Cavaliers have a shot at the championship! LeBron has finally found a top-tier partner!"
With Tang Long, the Cavaliers would be aiming for the championship!!