"Anthony's shot was brilliant. We saw how the US players created an opening with just a few simple passes. That's the talent of US players, truly unstoppable."
"After a few passes, our players didn't know who to guard. They descended into chaos during cross-swaps and rotations. For stars like Kobe and LeBron, such an opportunity is like a free score."
In the broadcast booth, the commentators were no longer as relaxed as before, their witty remarks silenced. Now, aside from discussing tactics, no one dared to speak carelessly.
After all, this was the Olympic finals, with a global viewership exceeding the Spring Festival Gala. Many had harbored dreams of defeating the US, and if they lost now, many would find it unacceptable.
Anyone who spoke out of turn at this moment would be attacked, and might even end up taking the blame.
"We were too smooth sailing for a while," Coach Zhang glanced at the other commentators. "Initially, we thought advancing would be the best outcome. But after the group stage started, we realized, 'Wow, we're actually this strong!' As we played, our mindset shifted."
"Looking at the lineup and deployment for this game, we were a bit careless and underestimated the gap in strength. We can't guard them one-on-one. We need to revert to the defensive strategy of the first game, lock down key areas, and have Tang Long push forward alone, setting up the first line of defense and relying on his individual ability to steal the ball."
This was the strategy from their first encounter, and it was Tang Long's aggressive defense at the last moment that stabilized the situation and led to their victory.
Yang Yi strongly agreed with Coach Zhang's assessment. After all, even they, the commentators, were getting a little carried away; how much more so the players on the court, basking in the thunderous cheers?
"It all depends on how Jonas changes his tactics next. If we continue like this, it will be difficult to change the tide of the game."
...
"I said it long ago, our strength is far inferior to that of the US. Without proper youth training, and only pursuing short-term gains, how can we develop?"
With the score falling behind, the voices of the "rational observers" once again dominated.
But gradually, the tone of the comments began to shift.
"The way China plays basketball is simply not good. Players produced through this state-sponsored system are a drain on the people's resources. Countries like the US and Europe have many amateur enthusiasts, and their professional athletes can't even beat their amateurs. It's a waste of resources."
"To be honest, China's players are just not good enough. Yao Ming is just a big, dumb guy. Tang Long, with a little talent, gets arrogant. I don't see people like him lasting long."
"I've said it for years that China's teams are no good. You actually expected these guys to win Olympic gold? You're all fools."
With the score falling behind, all sorts of negativity emerged.
...
"I won't say any more. This is the finals. Whether you get gold or silver is up to you."
Captain Guo high-fived each player individually.
He also understood that there was a gap in talent and physical condition between the two sides, which couldn't be bridged by pep talks or hard work alone.
Being able to defeat the US in the group stage was already an honor in his coaching career.
The players from both sides returned to the court. China's lineup switched from a 1-3-1 formation to a zone defense.
Jonas clearly realized they had been a bit too arrogant before, playing an evenly matched game with the US. Now, they switched to a zone defense, attempting to fortify the paint as much as possible.
As for the perimeter, they could only gamble, hoping the opponent's shooting percentage wouldn't be high.
...
Seeing the change in China's strategy, many trolls became agitated.
"What kind of tactical genius is Jonas? He calls a timeout and switches to a zone? Which of these US superstars has a low shooting percentage? Leaving them unguarded like this, my grandmother could coach this team."
"What do you mean unguarded? Isn't Yao Ming there? Don't you consider the world's number one center? Haha..."
"The perimeter is going to be bombed now. And yet there are still people hyping up the 'strongest China combination.' I don't know how they have the face to boast."
"Just wait and see. See how Kobe and LeBron tear these guys apart."
...
"I'm telling you, LeBron, you're really going to attack me, huh? Aren't you afraid I'll defend you until you question your existence?"
As the two teams returned to the court, LeBron received a pass from Kidd and appeared at the center line, guarded by Tang Long.
"That's a bold statement. You have to be able to defend me first."
"I'm telling you, LeBron, you're getting arrogant."
Tang Long said as he reached out to intercept. LeBron had anticipated this and shielded the ball with his body, feinting several times to try and shake Tang Long. Seeing that Tang Long didn't fall for it, LeBron's eyes lit up, and he prepared to try the same move again.
This time, he was truly making his move.
"Down you go."
The moment LeBron started his drive, Tang Long flashed past like a cold glint, and then Tang Long also made his move.
*Slap.*
Just as the ball bounced off the floor, their hands landed in almost the same spot at the same time.
LeBron was shocked. By the time he tried to use his shoulder to push Tang Long away, Tang Long had already slipped through like an eel. Not only did he dodge LeBron's block, but he also exploited the moment LeBron exerted force on his shoulder, powerfully snatching the ball from LeBron's hands.
[Hyper-Speed Dribble]
LeBron spread his hands and looked at Kobe helplessly.
This guy's speed was too fast; falling a step behind meant he couldn't catch up.
47-55.
Kobe was also troubled.
Tang Long's play was indeed something he couldn't defend, and his ability to steal the ball was unmatched in the league. So many stars had suffered at his hands.
"Anyone else?"
Tang Long pounded his chest and started provoking again.
Coach K subconsciously glanced at the stands.
Fortunately.
This time, some of the US's former high-ranking officials were not present. Otherwise, faced with Tang Long's provocation, these guys would have surely come up with bad ideas.
"Here we go again."
Anthony walked over, staring intently at Tang Long, who was interacting with the crowd. "Let me try. I don't believe anyone is truly this formidable."
"I'd advise you not to bother."
LeBron was genuinely trying to help. He understood Tang Long.
Besides, there was no need.
The US still held an 8-point lead, and they still had possession. They just needed to stick to their game plan and didn't need to get into a contest with Tang Long.
"Let's try two-on-one. We have so many people, and we can't even beat one Tang Long?"
Anthony acted immediately. As soon as Kidd brought the ball past half-court, Anthony reached out to ask for it.
Kidd hesitated for a moment, but then passed the ball to Anthony.
Another star was going to go one-on-one against Tang Long?
The crowd at the arena became excited.
Star-on-star matchups meant not only a feast of individual brilliance but also another opportunity to witness Tang Long's dominance against the US stars.
Attending the game today was definitely the right decision.