The half-time ended.
The Cavaliers led the Wizards by thirteen points, 53-40.
With James handling the offense and Tang Long anchoring the paint, the Cavaliers seemed to have awakened their god-like potential tonight, leaving the Wizards with no room to fight back.
As the third quarter commenced, both teams fielded their starting lineups.
James soared for another powerful dunk, then did his signature "King's Walk" upon landing.
This was James's iconic celebration, exuding power and dominance.
Loyal LeBron fans particularly loved to see his violent dunks.
"Hey, guys, we're winning this game with no pressure. Most of the credit goes to Tang. With him here, our defensive intensity will rise by several levels."
James had realized that compared to low-post offense, Tang Long's tenacious defense was even more terrifying.
The defensive intensity of Big Z couldn't compare to Tang Long's.
Moreover, in 2007, the league wasn't in a small-ball era; all teams placed great importance on defense.
In the Eastern Conference, teams known for their tough defense included the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons.
Previously, the Cavaliers' defensive strength couldn't match these two teams, but with Tang Long now on board, their defense could rival that of the Pistons and Celtics.
"Tang! I really appreciate you. From now on, you'll be in the starting lineup. Don't worry, with me around, I'll sort things out with management."
James walked over to Tang Long with a smile.
Tang Long looked at him and chuckled, "LeBron, with your words, I'm reassured. I definitely need to start, but later on, you guys need to brief Big Z to avoid any bad feelings from him."
"Oh my god! You're so thoughtful. Don't worry, Big Z won't complain. His value is to help the team win, and we'll communicate with him."
James made a promise to Tang Long.
Tang Long nodded slightly and said nothing more.
In reality, for a rookie, being a regular rotation player off the bench would already be good.
The Cavaliers management wouldn't trade Big Z just because of his stellar performance in one game.
After all, in 2007, Big Z was still in his prime.
Without him, the Cavaliers' rise wouldn't have happened.
The game resumed.
The Wizards finally picked up their spirits and went on a 5-0 run, narrowing the score slightly.
Arenas fired from beyond the arc, hitting an extremely difficult three-pointer despite Larry Hughes's tight defense.
After shooting the three-pointer, Arenas habitually showed off.
Without even looking at the ball, he raised his hands to interact with the fans.
He was a showman who tended to be selfish in crucial moments, playing a style similar to Kobe Bryant and Stephon Marbury.
As long as he had an opportunity, he would shoot without hesitation.
This crucial three-pointer boosted their morale, and Arenas, known for his flair, earned the adulation of the Washington fans with his habit of celebrating before the ball even went in.
"God! Arenas is our God! He's back! He shot from three-point range and it was a swish! Larry Hughes has become his background!"
The Washington fans cheered enthusiastically, rising to their feet and raising their hands in celebration with the showman Arenas.
This was "The General," this was "Agent Zero."
When he put on a show, all other players paled in comparison.
"Counterattack! We won't give up easily! Defend their next possession!"
Arenas's crucial three-pointer ignited his teammates' spirits.
The tactic proved effective, and the Cavaliers' high-intensity defense resulted in a turnover.
James's drive and pass was anticipated by the Wizards, who intercepted it mid-air.
This led to a fast break. Arenas drove, then passed to Stevenson, who had followed.
Stevenson caught the ball and casually took three steps for a layup. The Wizards scored again.
James's expression turned grim; the turnover was his fault.
Tang Long spoke up, "It's okay, we're still leading. Just score on the next possession. LeBron, when I get into position, give me the ball. I'll go at Haywood."
"Okay." James had no objections. He dribbled at the top of the arc, waiting for Tang Long to set up.
He also wanted to see how capable Tang Long was with the ball in his hands on offense.
The outcome did not disappoint him, nor did it disappoint the Cleveland fans.
Tang Long drove to the post and easily overpowered Haywood.
With 100% fusion with Murasakibara Atsushi, his low-post technique was refined, his footwork was agile, and most importantly, his upper and lower body strength completely surpassed Haywood's.
The two commentators on site exclaimed, "Oh my god! It's that Chinese kid again! He's still dominating Haywood in the post. Let's see how China Tang finishes this one!"
"He's posting up and using his back to the basket. This is the right rhythm. Even though China Tang is just a rookie, his post-up rhythm is very skilled."
"How so?"
"China Tang backs down Haywood, turns, and directly assaults the rim!"
"God! Is he really Chinese? His playstyle is so much like Shaq's, 'If you don't agree, just fight!'"
"Haywood is once again relegated to being a background player. He definitely can't stop China Tang's low-post offense!"
Within the host's attribute values, Tang Long's low-post offense was a staggering 90. How could a mere second-rate center like Haywood stop him?
[Ding!]
Just then, a system notification sounded.
[Congratulations to the host for activating the new skill: Hammer of Destruction!]
"What? Murasakibara's ultimate finishing move, Hammer of Destruction?"
Tang Long was overjoyed by the system notification in his mind.
Hammer of Destruction was undoubtedly Murasakibara Atsushi's ultimate finishing move.
On the Kuroko's Basketball court, once Murasakibara Atsushi used the skill "Hammer of Destruction," no one could stop him.
If Murasakibara Atsushi had also entered the "Zone," he would have been even more formidable and invincible, even overwhelming Kagami Taiga.
Now that he had activated Murasakibara's ultimate finishing move, Tang Long knew his killing power in the post would be even more terrifying from now on.
"Haha..."
Tang Long couldn't help but laugh out loud. Haywood immediately became angry.
He instinctively thought Tang Long's laughter was mocking him.
Enraged, Haywood picked up the basketball on the floor and threw it violently at Tang Long.
"Slam!"
The ball was thrown with great force, hitting Tang Long squarely in the back.
He was about to retreat to his own court when Haywood ambushed him from behind.
Tang Long felt a slight pain in his back. He turned around and glared at Haywood, who had attacked him.
Being hit by a basketball wouldn't hurt too much, but it was a matter of pride.
He ran to Haywood and shoved him forcefully, knocking him to the ground.
The other players on the court rushed over to break up the altercation.
James pulled Tang Long back, his eyes filled with a complex expression.
This tall man from China not only had explosive skills but also a fiery temper!
He directly resorted to physical action at the slightest disagreement, shoving Haywood heavily to the ground.
Tang Long, held back by James, Larry Hughes, and others, was still furious. As a spirited Chinese man, how could he be bullied by these Americans?
He pointed at Haywood and shouted angrily, "If you can't beat me with skill, you resort to dirty tricks, is that it? Fine, I, Tang Long, will play along. If you really want to fight, let's settle it outside after the game. I'm asking if you dare!"