"Dwight, let me show you what low-post offense is all about!"
Tang Long received the ball in the paint, and Larry Hughes directed the other Cavaliers players to spread out, giving him space.
"Kid, don't think you can do whatever you want and bully me just because you scored a few points on me!"
Howard was also angry, feeling repeatedly bullied by this Dragon Country kid.
Even a clay Buddha has a temper, let alone the mighty "Superman"!
Tang Long remained silent, simply dropping the ball and pushing back forcefully.
This time, he wasn't using his full strength. After all, he had promised to rely on skill to outplay Howard, so he couldn't just rely on his physical prowess again!
Howard felt that Tang Long's strength wasn't as formidable as before, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
This kid must be tired!
This is not good, the fourth quarter hasn't even reached its crucial moments, and he's already tired!
This is a golden opportunity, watch me block him!
Howard's excitement grew with each thought. He used all his might to hold Tang Long back, preventing him from getting any closer.
Seeing this, Tang Long turned and drove towards the basket, easily blowing past Howard.
He held the ball with both hands and faked a shot.
Howard, who was concentrating intensely, saw Tang Long's move and jumped without hesitation.
As a result, by the time he was in the air, he realized Tang Long was still firmly planted on the ground!
There was nothing he could do but watch Tang Long score.
"Superman, what's wrong with you! Don't just be a jumper!"
Tang Long adopted a lecturing tone as he spoke to Howard.
Howard was so angry his nose was practically crooked.
This guy, who had barely played a few games in the NBA, was lecturing him, a young player?
It was a complete joke. Could anyone lecture him now?
And he was acting like an elder!
Howard opened his mouth, ready to retort.
But he didn't know what to say. He had indeed been schooled by Tang Long.
Without a physical advantage, he had been driven back and then easily scored against.
For a moment, Howard could only stand there awkwardly.
It wasn't until his teammate Nelson spoke up, "Hey, what are you standing around for? Go inbound the ball!"
Howard finally snapped back to reality and walked to the baseline.
Van Gundy, on the sidelines, held his forehead, utterly speechless.
What was wrong with Howard today? He was so off his game!
Could Tang Long really have this much of an impact?
Fortunately, Nelson was playing well. After bringing the ball up the court, he still looked for opportunities on the perimeter.
He had also noticed Howard's unusual state today, so he wanted to break the ice from another angle.
Lewis stepped up to set a screen for Nelson, who, after utilizing the pick-and-roll, decisively took a shot.
Swish! A three-pointer was made!
This three-pointer truly breathed life back into the Magic, and the deficit was cut back to three.
The difference between three and four points was significant, meaning the game could be brought back to suspense with a single possession!
The scales of victory seemed to be tipping towards the Magic. LeBron James's three-point attempt missed, and the score remained at three!
Nelson was incredibly reliable. He dribbled the ball up the court and chose to shoot from a step inside the three-point line!
Larry Hughes, who was defending him, didn't expect Jamal to be so bold and couldn't react in time.
Swish!
The ball found the back of the net!
"Jamal is on fire! The Magic have tied the game!"
"Incredible! Jamal stepped up at the most crucial moment, helping the Magic get back on track!"
"Dwight Howard has been completely off today. Fortunately, he has a good teammate!"
Jeffries shouted exaggeratedly. He had expected the fourth quarter to quickly turn into garbage time, with the Magic eventually losing the game.
After all, Howard's form was terrible, and the Cavaliers were playing incredibly hot!
But Jamal Nelson dared to say no, hitting a three-pointer that was enough to make Magic fans celebrate New Year's!
Van Gundy's brow finally relaxed, and he slowly sat back on the bench.
Mike Brown, on the other hand, felt a sense of unease and nervously rubbed his hands.
"Tang, this isn't working! Set a screen for me!"
Tang Long nodded. He didn't want to lose the game.
LeBron James dribbled the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt and executed a beautiful pick-and-roll with Tang Long.
Tang Long's massive frame made for a high-quality screen.
For a moment, no one could catch up to LeBron, and they could only watch as the Cavaliers scored two points.
"Tang, great screen! Keep it up!"
Tang Long gave a thumbs-up and returned to his defensive position.
"We need to contain their three-point shots! You guys switch on the perimeter. If anyone breaks through, I'll give them a huge block!"
The Cavaliers players had long since gained confidence in Tang Long's defense and all nodded in agreement.
Larry Hughes stuck tight to Jamal. With Tang Long's assurance, he only needed to focus on disrupting the opponent's shots!
The Cavaliers' perimeter defense was excellent, making things very difficult for the Magic.
The Magic players drove past their defenders several times, but the Cavaliers' help defense was superb, always squeezing the Magic's shooting space.
Of course, such defense would inevitably lead to open lanes, but they were lanes for driving to the basket.
The Magic players noticed, but they dared not exploit them.
There was a Tang Long waiting inside!
And so, the Magic players circled the ball on the perimeter for a long time, unable to find a shooting space.
With time running out, Lewis could only force a shot.
Clang!
The ball hit the rim and bounced out cleanly.
Tang Long, having activated [Absolute Rebound], secured the ball.
"Tang! Frontcourt!"
LeBron James was sprinting fast, already in the Magic's half, shouting to Tang Long as he ran.
Tang Long didn't hesitate and launched a long pass to LeBron.
The latter slammed home a dunk!
Van Gundy on the sidelines stood up again, his backside barely warm before the score difference widened to four points again!
Jamal was also extremely anxious, wanting to shoot from a step beyond the three-point line again.
However, Larry Hughes wasn't a fool. Having learned from his mistake, he managed to bother Jamal.
Tang Long easily secured another defensive rebound and, without a word, threw it ahead to LeBron.
LeBron drove for another tomahawk dunk, scoring two more points!
"The synergy of the LeBron-Tang combination is too powerful! In just twenty seconds, LeBron has scored 4 points on fast breaks!"
"Howard has completely lost the ability to fight for offensive rebounds! He can't contend with Tang Long!"
"Rebound, fast break, rebound, fast break. The Magic just can't defend this simple strategy!"
Jeffries shouted excitedly, thoroughly enjoying commentating on such a game.
Van Gundy, infuriated, called a timeout. These disappointing players!
"Don't rush, don't rush, don't rush! Must you be in such a hurry?"
"We're behind, but there's still plenty of time! Can you relax?"
"Settle down and focus on your shooting percentage! Don't be afraid of that Tang guy. Can't you do a floater if you drive in? Do I really need to teach you such basic skills?"
"Play well, especially you, Dwight. Grab some offensive rebounds for me!"
Happy Boy nodded with a troubled expression. Facing Tang Long in a battle for rebounds, he had absolutely no confidence.