The facts were just that, the Cavaliers played consecutively and made the Magic look a bit pathetic in the first half.
Howard could only score by catching lobs when open. If he truly engaged in a low-post battle with Tang Long, he couldn't hold his ground.
In his early days, Howard's low-post footwork was crude. Although he was a top-tier center in the league, he mostly relied on his physique to play.
Unlike Yao Ming, who was adept at various post-up techniques.
To a certain extent, Tang Long was also relying on his physique at this stage.
However, having fused with Murasakibara Atsushi, his fundamental skills were stronger than Howard's.
After being blocked twice by Tang Long, Howard had developed a mental block.
"Hey! Dwight, you need to pull yourself together. You can't be defeated by that tall guy from China. He's just a rookie, but you're a top-tier interior player!"
Magic head coach Van Gundy was chattering in Howard's ear.
Howard's expression was somewhat grim, losing his usual happy-go-lucky demeanor.
"Damn it, Coach Van Gundy, I don't think that kid is just a simple rookie. Didn't you notice how vast his defensive range in the paint is?"
"We were all swatted by him. A rookie can't have such defensive coverage."
As Howard finished speaking, Turkoglu and Lewis chimed in with agreement.
"Coach Van Gundy, Dwight is right. That kid is indeed a bit peculiar. His lateral movement is too fast. Even when you feel you're far from him after a drive, he can be in front of you in the next moment and swat your shot. Even prime Shaq couldn't do that."
Van Gundy frowned. He had deliberately downplayed Tang Long to encourage his players, but he hadn't expected Tang Long's few "absolute defense" plays to leave such a deep impression on the Magic.
"Don't panic. I'll take charge of the offense from now on."
At this moment, Jameer Nelson spoke up.
"Okay, that's the only way. You manage the team's offense, and I'll leave all the problems to you."
Van Gundy had no choice but to try his best.
As both teams entered the third quarter, the Magic started shooting wildly from the perimeter, generally avoiding drives to the basket.
This was due to their extreme caution around Tang Long's absolute defense.
Point guard Jameer Nelson orchestrated the offense, taking shots when he had an opportunity.
Or, if he saw a teammate open, he would immediately pass the ball to Turkoglu or shooting guard Evans.
This style of play, with a perimeter-shooting-heavy lineup, showed some promise.
The Cavaliers, who had been trailing, found themselves on the verge of a comeback.
"Yes, this is our rhythm, keep it up!"
"As long as you guys shoot well, that kid from China can't do anything to you."
"No matter how good he is, he can't possibly defend five players at once!"
Van Gundy shouted excitedly.
At this point, Evans and Turkoglu were on fire, hitting two consecutive three-pointers.
Jameer Nelson attempted a mid-range jumper, but it missed.
Tang Long, who had activated "Absolute Rebound," immediately saw where the ball would land.
Howard feigned boxing out, but Tang Long ran over and executed a classic "step-on-head" rebound.
"Dwight, does boxing out help? It might work against other centers, but it's completely useless against me."
Tang Long grabbed the defensive rebound and immediately passed it to Larry Hughes.
This classic "step-on-head" rebound shocked everyone again.
Commentators Jack and Fries exclaimed, "Wow... Incredible, Tang with another one of those rebounds! I remember he pulled this off against KG and Perkins when playing the Celtics."
"It feels like interior players facing someone like Tang shouldn't bother boxing out, as it's ineffective against him!"
As the two were speaking, Larry Hughes brought the ball up and initiated the offense.
He drove to the short corner on the strong side, and LeBron James immediately came to receive the pass. Hughes passed him the ball with a bounce pass.
James faked twice after receiving the ball, drawing jumps from Turkoglu and Evans, and then calmly scored two points.
"LeBron's fake and layup is a very effective and beautiful move. The Magic were just about to tie the score, or even take the lead, but the Cavaliers have once again suppressed their momentum."
"The current score is 55:52, with the Magic trailing by only three points."
The Jumbotron at the Amway Arena constantly displayed the score.
"Come on! Defeat the Cavaliers, who have won six in a row. They are not invincible. Our goal this year is to contend for the championship, so how can we lose to mere Cavaliers?"
The Magic fans shouted their throats raw.
In a sea of blue, the Cavaliers felt somewhat submerged.
Boos mixed with taunts constantly assaulted Tang Long, LeBron, and the others.
"It's just a small scene, Tang, don't be nervous!"
LeBron smiled slightly and said to Tang Long.
These boos were typically directed by home fans at visiting players.
To disrupt the visiting players' mindset, home fans loved to create an atmosphere in the arena.
LeBron had been in the NBA for several years and was accustomed to such scenes. It didn't affect him at all. He was worried Tang Long might not be used to it.
Tang Long, having played a lot of 2K games before his transmigration, knew what these boos meant.
He shrugged, indicating his composure.
Next, the Magic scored a valid two-point shot.
The possession changed. The Cavaliers' offense. Tang Long received the ball and drove for a layup, but Howard yanked him down.
Seeing that he had lost his position and couldn't defend Tang Long, Howard decided to send Tang Long to the free-throw line.
Howard was notoriously bad at free throws, with a shooting percentage comparable to Shaq.
Kobe once remarked that when it came to free throws, Howard was worse than O'Neal.
O'Neal might miss them often, but in crucial moments, he could withstand the pressure and make those damn free throws.
Howard couldn't do that. Whether it was in regular games or crucial moments, he would always miss.
In his opinion, Tang Long, as a center playing the same position, must also be terrible at free throws.
As for the previous games, no one had used the "Hack-a-Tang" strategy. They usually let Tang Long play one-on-one in the post.
Tonight, against the Magic, he wanted this kid from China to experience the "Hack-a-Tang" tactic!
First, there was "Hack-a-Shaq," and now there was "Hack-a-Tang." Howard grinned, anticipating Tang Long missing the shots.
"Hey! Dwight, you're smiling so happily. Do you have some ill intentions? Are you looking forward to my free throws?"
Tang Long looked at Howard and said casually.
"Tang... I'll bet you that you'll miss this shot."
"Oh? What if I don't miss? What do you say? Is a fifty-thousand-dollar bet not enough? I just signed my contract extension, so I'm not short on cash."
Tang Long's words completely choked Howard.
Fifty thousand dollars?
This amount was nothing to Howard either. He immediately responded, "Alright Tang, I'll bet you fifty thousand dollars. If you dare, make it and show me!"