"Are you sure?"
Pavlovic looked at Tang Long, then at head coach Mike Brown.
Normally, players followed the tactics set by the head coach, but it wasn't unheard of for players to make adjustments based on the flow of the game when trailing.
If they won, it would be fine, but if they lost, they would be benched by the head coach.
They might even be sent down to the development league. So, despite Tang Long's suggestion, Pavlovic still hesitated.
"Of course, I'm sure. Besides, it's not like I'm asking you to do it now. It's when we're trying to catch up. Trust me, if we win this game, you'll be the biggest contributor."
Seeing Pavlovic's continued hesitation, Tang Long dangled another bait: "Think about it, if we win this game, we'll have a 28-game winning streak, a league historical record. You'll be the one who decisively stepped up to lead the team to victory, making this a legendary chapter. Imagine how much attention you'll get!"
Tang Long continued to pump Pavlovic up: "By then, not to mention fan praise and media interviews, even contract negotiations will surely lead to a big contract. Don't you think so?"
Pavlovic was tempted: "Tang, you can't lie to me!"
"We're teammates, how could I lie to you?"
Tang Long patted his shoulder. He wasn't lying; it was just a matter of having him execute the Hack-a-Shaq strategy.
Of course.
Ever since Don Nelson inherited the tradition of Hack-a-Shaq against centers, he had made restrictions on O'Neal. Later, Popovich perfected the Hack-a-Shaq strategy.
They had used Hack-a-Shaq on O'Neal within five seconds of the opening tip, and it had been highly effective.
It just wasn't aesthetically pleasing.
Later, O'Neal even stated in an interview that Popovich used a less honorable tactic.
"What are you two talking about?"
James saw them chatting for a long time and getting more and more cheerful. He hadn't intended to gossip, but he couldn't resist and joined in.
"It's a tactic against that guy Shaq."
Tang Long didn't hide anything and told James O'Neal's weakness.
"That's too devious," James shivered. "It's terrifying to have you as an enemy. You can even come up with such a tactic."
Pavlovic nodded, "Was it just because you were mocked a couple of times before the game? Is it that big of a deal?"
"What, are you guys trying to tell me to be magnanimous?"
Honestly, Tang Long didn't pay much attention to O'Neal's pre-game interview.
Besides, he wasn't brainless. He would definitely watch the video and understand the context. When he found out it was Catherine who asked the questions, Tang Long knew that woman was up to no good.
"Alright, get ready, we're about to go out."
Mike Brown deliberately glanced at Tang Long. He had heard their conversation.
But he didn't stop them, as players should have their own will to adapt to changes on the court.
The two teams walked out from the player tunnel, and the Phoenix fans immediately stood up to cheer for their players.
Especially when "The Son of the Wind" Nash appeared, the fans' cheers grew louder and louder.
James nudged Tang Long's shoulder and nodded in a certain direction.
Following James's gaze, Xiao Gen's face was flushed as she looked over. When she noticed Tang Long looking at her, her face turned even redder.
She had deliberately worn a deep V-neck dress today, which was eye-catching without being overly revealing or suggestive.
The size was just right, paired with a cinched waist dress, exuding a mature charm beneath her youthful appearance.
James couldn't help but tease, "Tang, you're in for a treat tonight."
"LeBron, you're getting a bit naughty too."
"I'm just saying. I'm not like you, I don't actually go for it."
"Get lost."
Tang Long gave James an exasperated look and nodded slightly at Xiao Gen.
"Tang..."
As soon as Tang Long emerged from the player tunnel, cheers erupted in Phoenix.
There were many Chinese-American fans from Long Country, as well as away fans of the Cavaliers.
"Tang, you're more popular than me now."
James sounded a little jealous.
Of course, he was just saying it.
Currently, the league's centers were destined to lean towards defense, as centers mostly focused on the inside. But for players like James, their aggressive and visually appealing style of play...
Plus, being a local player, he wasn't worried about centers stealing his fan base.
If we were to explain this using future user profiles, it would be that although the fans of both sides overlapped, they each had their own distinct fan base.
"Stop messing around. The cheers are even louder when you sprinkle anti-slip powder, remember?"
Tang Long teased James and then joined his teammates, slowly walking onto the court.
Stoudemire and Tang Long contested the tip-off.
O'Neal stood next to Stoudemire, his dark eyes looking at Tang Long with interest.
"Hey, Shaq, aren't you going to contest the tip? Don't you want to prove that you can still jump over time?"
"Kid, I've heard you've got a sharp tongue," O'Neal grinned at Tang Long, "But this is a basketball court, not a place for talk. Let me teach you how a center should play!"
Beep.
The referee blew the whistle, and the ball was tossed up. Just as Tang Long was about to jump, he heard O'Neal's voice: "Kid."
He landed and looked at O'Neal, confused.
"Heh heh, kid, let me give you a tip. When a center jumps, watch out for opponents extending their legs."
"Shaq, you know best."
Tang Long was amused by O'Neal's actions and gave him a thumbs-up before quickly retreating to his own half.
Nash received the pass from Stoudemire and rapidly pushed the ball to the Cavaliers' three-point line.
The Cavaliers were not yet in position. Tang Long had just retreated to the basket when Nash jumped and shot from three-point range.
3-pointer.
The opening three-pointer ignited the enthusiasm of the Phoenix fans. A raucous home crowd could easily pressure visiting teams with fragile mentalities.
Fortunately, Tang Long and the others had strong hearts. Larry Hughes, under immense pressure, brought the ball across half-court and passed it directly to James.
James dribbled past his defender, then jumped with the ball in his arms, charging towards the basket like a black whirlwind!
Boom.
James delivered a powerful slam dunk right away.
The court immediately erupted with cheers from the Cavaliers fans.
"Kid, be careful."
O'Neal nudged Tang Long.
Both of them were using their hands during their positional battle.
"You too."
Tang Long retorted, not backing down.
While they were talking, Nash had already brought the ball up the court. In three to four seconds, he had attacked the Cavaliers' basket again, followed by another three-pointer.
Nash's shooting touch was exceptionally hot today.
Two consecutive three-pointers at the start, both hit steadily.
"Larry Hughes, you can't let him bring the ball across half-court this easily. You need to stop him from shooting threes!"