The reporters, having received satisfactory answers, turned their microphones towards Anthony. Everyone knew that "Sweet Melon" was not to be trifled with, and he was expected to say something provocative during the pre-game interview.
Anthony did not disappoint the reporters. Before they could even ask a question, he took the microphone himself.
"I heard that Tang from the Dragon Country has a very wide defensive range and excellent help defense. I'm really eager to test it out. Also, if he can block me once in this game, I'll treat him to hot pot in Chinatown after the match!"
With that, he led a group of Nuggets players towards the court.
On the other side.
James and Tang Long were also undergoing pre-game interviews.
"LeBron, do you think the Cavaliers will continue their winning streak in this game? Many media outlets are favoring the 'Golden Twin Towers', seeing it as a matchup between the inside and the outside."
James shrugged and replied firmly, "The Cavaliers will definitely continue their streak. Tang and I are not to be underestimated! As for the inside versus outside matchup, this game won't tell us anything. Tang and I will definitely be better than them!"
The reporters nodded and turned to Tang Long.
Like Anthony, Tang Long didn't wait for the reporters to ask questions and snatched the microphone.
"I have a great idea that can help you get a raise and promotion."
The beautiful female reporter was stunned. Why did Tang Long suddenly say something like that?
Gazing into Tang Long's eyes, the female reporter's face instantly turned red.
Completely unlike her usual confident demeanor, the female reporter whispered, "Tang... I'm very curious, what's this great idea?"
"It's very simple. Start writing your post-game report now, saying the Cavaliers defeated the Nuggets, 'China Tang' and LeBron once again got double-doubles, leading the team to a nine-game winning streak!"
"So, what do you think? Isn't that a good idea?"
The female reporter didn't respond, just stared blankly at Tang Long.
This guy was too confident!
She really liked confident men like this!
The female reporter made up her mind to write the report exactly like that.
She believed in Tang Long's strength!
On the court, players from both sides were warming up.
A big man in a Nuggets jersey broke away from his team and walked towards the Cavaliers' side.
It wasn't Iverson or Anthony, but Kenyon Martin.
"Tang! Hello!"
Tang Long was easy to spot. Amidst a crowd of black and white players, an Asian person's skin tone stood out.
Tang Long looked towards Kenyon Martin upon hearing him.
"Tang, I watched your first two games, you're so cool! Can we exchange jerseys after the game?"
In sports like football and basketball, actively exchanging jerseys after a game signifies admiration for the opponent and a desire to befriend them.
Kenyon Martin proposing it before the game was clearly a sign of outright adoration.
Tang Long was surprised. He hadn't even played many games in the NBA and had already gained a little fan.
He was naturally very happy and said, "Okay, no problem!"
After receiving a positive answer, Kenyon Martin excitedly returned to his team, as happy as a child.
Returning to warm up, Tang Long's face was full of smiles. LeBron, standing beside him, couldn't help but ask, "What did Kenyon say to you?"
"Nothing much, just gained a little fan."
LeBron burst into laughter and patted Tang Long on the shoulder, "Well done, young man! I don't even have any little fans on the court yet!"
Tang Long also laughed heartily.
Soon, the game began.
The Cavaliers' lineup remained unchanged: Larry Hughes + Aleksandar Pavlović + LeBron James + Drew Gooden + Tang Long.
The Nuggets' lineup also continued from the previous game.
Point Guard: Anthony Carter.
A small player standing only 1.85 meters tall, he was on the bench last season, averaging just 3 points per game.
This season, Nuggets head coach George Karl put him in the starting lineup, and he had performed adequately so far.
Averaging 9 points, he was within the average range.
Shooting Guard: Allen Iverson.
Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony.
Power Forward: Kenyon Martin.
Center: Marcus Camby.
This 2.11-meter center was the third pick in the 1996 draft, averaging 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Although not a superstar like Howard, nor a megastar like Shaq, he was perfectly sufficient as a puzzle piece for the team.
With Iverson and Anthony on the Nuggets, Marcus Camby was the equivalent of Mutombo on the 76ers back then.
As the referee tossed the ball high into the air, the game began.
Tang Long did not disappoint the home crowd, out-jumping Marcus Camby to secure possession of the ball, which he passed to Larry Hughes.
Hughes slowly advanced the ball to the frontcourt and then passed it to James.
James, holding the ball, faced Anthony. The two, who were good friends off the court, would not go easy on each other on it.
After a probing move on the right side, James decisively chose to drive left.
Anthony reacted quickly and kept up, but his defense was average and didn't provide much interference.
Tang Long established position in the paint, preventing Marcus Camby from interfering.
James easily scored two points.
2:0
Possession changed.
Sweet Melon held the ball at the top of the arc. Known as a "scoring chameleon," he had a hundred ways to score.
Facing James, he directly opted for an outside pull-up three-pointer!
The ball traced a beautiful arc through the air and went into the net!
2:3
It was an immediate shootout between the two star players!
After making the three-pointer, Anthony provocatively placed his index finger to his lips, signaling the entire crowd to be quiet.
This gesture naturally drew boos from the Cavaliers fans.
Larry Hughes dribbled to the frontcourt and was about to call a play when he suddenly saw Tang Long requesting the ball in the post.
Without hesitation, he immediately passed it over.
The fans immediately got excited, shouting, "Tang! Take him! Teach Marcus Camby a lesson!"
"That's right! Show the Nuggets what you're made of!"
"Show them your power! No team can stop our winning streak!"
Tang Long smiled slightly upon hearing the fans' words. That was exactly what he intended.
Without any fakes, he used his full strength to back down!
Seventy percent of his strength was enough to make Marcus Camby struggle, let alone his full strength!
Marcus Camby was nearly pushed out of bounds in two moves, and could only watch as Tang Long slammed home a dunk.
"Tang's strength is too much! Marcus can't resist at all!"
"Even Howard would struggle! Let alone Marcus!"
"Tang has once again showcased his signature dunk! He's given the Nuggets a fierce warning!"
Joe Tait, the Cavaliers' dedicated commentator, roared excitedly.
He absolutely loved the Dragon Country center who had recently risen to prominence for the Cavaliers!
His excellent physical abilities and explosive playing style quickly captivated Joe Tait, who was very happy to be commentating this game.
Seeing Tang Long's explosive performance right from the start made him even happier!
"Kid, don't get too arrogant! Watch me dunk on you later!"
Sweet Melon Anthony walked over and provocatively said to Tang Long.
Tang Long shrugged indifferently and then beckoned Anthony with his finger, "Come on over! I'm still wondering what to have for dinner tonight!"