"Rebound, what are you spacing out for."
Chris Paul, imitating Kobe, attempted a long-range three-pointer. Unfortunately, the shot hit the backboard. No one was particularly fighting for rebounds at the moment, and the ball landed right near Tang Long.
Just as he was about to grab the ball, Garnett rushed over and snatched the rebound from above Tang Long's head without a word, even managing to block him.
Tang Long raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing that something was a bit off with this guy.
"LeBron, what's up with Garnett?"
James shook his head. "You feel it too, don't you? I told you earlier, the way he's looking at you is a little strange."
"It's not the finals yet, it shouldn't be like this."
"Who knows."
James said, then sprinted towards the opponent's half.
Garnett went one-on-one against Yao Ming, seemingly looking to drive for a layup. Big Yao put up a show of resistance, pushing back as Garnett drove in.
However, under the basket, Garnett spun, jumped, and then delivered a powerful dunk.
"Roar."
It was a spectacular dunk, and the fans erupted in cheers.
Yao Ming's expression, however, was somewhat displeased.
What was the meaning of this?
He gave you an opportunity, you still wanted to play as a team, shouldn't that be enough? And you had to go for a dunk.
Didn't he have any self-respect?
Yao Ming was a little annoyed. After Anthony's impressive drive and layup, he once again stood under the basket. This time, he clearly had no intention of holding back.
Garnett called for the ball at the top of the arc. Wade glanced at the player positions, then at Garnett, and passed him the ball.
Garnett caught it and shot.
Yao Ming stepped up to block, but his footwork was a bit slow. Garnett had already shot, and the ball floated past Yao Ming's outstretched hand.
Clang.
The shot missed.
Tim Duncan grabbed the offensive rebound and immediately passed it to Carmelo Anthony. Anthony drove straight to the basket for an easy layup.
Normally, such an easy offensive opportunity wouldn't happen, but now, everyone was cooperating with implicit understanding.
The score was close at the end of the first quarter, with the Eastern team leading by a slim two points, 40-38.
In the second quarter, the reserves came in, and the game became even more entertaining. Tang Long and James sat together, chatting happily, with Wade occasionally chiming in.
Ever since Tang Long passed him a comfortable assist for a basket, Wade felt like he had woken up from a dream. He felt that playing with someone like Tang Long was true brotherhood basketball; not only was it comfortable to play, but there were also honors to be gained.
"Wade, what are you doing after the game?"
"Do you have any good plans?"
Wade's eyes lit up, and he stared intently at Tang Long.
Usually, the person who speaks first has already made some arrangements, so they would definitely go out and have some fun after the game.
Did Tang Long already have something planned?
Everyone knew that the women around Tang Long were like Scarlett and Swift. Many NBA players didn't envy Tang Long's basketball skills, but they did envy his charm among women.
"Of course, after the game, we can all get together for a meal. I'll treat you to some absolutely delicious Chinese food."
The All-Star Game was the perfect opportunity.
At other times, where would they find so many celebrities? Moreover, they weren't familiar with each other, and even if they invited them, they might not come.
Today was different, as they were considered teammates.
"Tang, is this the kind of gathering I'm imagining?"
Wade asked uncertainly.
"Should... be?"
Tang Long wasn't sure what Wade's "gathering he was imagining" entailed, but whatever it was, he wanted to get him to agree first.
"I don't think I have time."
Wade intended to refuse.
A gathering?
What was the point of that?
"Wade, don't be so quick to refuse. This gathering will also have many movie stars and directors. It's not an exaggeration to call it a film and sports mixer. Are you sure you want to refuse?"
"Movie stars?"
Wade looked at Swift and Scarlett waving at Tang Long, then at Emma Watson sitting next to Swift, and couldn't help but nod.
Since the release of Harry Potter, the magical genre had seen a resurgence, and this had brought immense fame to Emma.
Next to Gal Gadot sat Sandra Bullock, who was undoubtedly one of Hollywood's top actresses at the time. Sitting in the same row were Adam Sandler, and before that, he had seen Nicolas Cage. This was truly half of Hollywood.
Wade quickly said, "I remember now, I have time tomorrow."
"Wade, I'm not talking about tomorrow."
"It's fine. I've reviewed my schedule, and I have quite a bit of free time."
"Alright then, let's do it tomorrow. I'll book a venue tomorrow and treat everyone to Chinese food."
"It's settled then."
Wade affectionately slung an arm around Tang Long's shoulder.
Tang Long didn't mind and looked at Jason Kidd. Before Tang Long could even speak, Kidd said, "No problem, I'm free anytime."
A celebrity mixer? What a lively event. How could Kidd possibly miss it? Moreover, the ever-shrewd Kidd wouldn't dare offend the rising star of the NBA.
After all, the league was a small circle. Eventually, they would meet again, whether as assistant coaches or in other capacities, all related to the league. Offending your peers would make it difficult to advance your career.
Tang Long took the opportunity to invite Billups and Caron Butler. Bosh and others were still on the court, so he didn't have a chance to invite them yet, but he'd ask later.
The second quarter was even more exciting, especially Ray Allen's three-point shooting, which left the Western team players in a state of shock. Despite being reserves, by the end of the second quarter, the Eastern team was leading 68-63, a five-point advantage.
"Garnett, Kidd, Howard, Wallace, and Hamilton will play next."
Doug quickly arranged the lineup for the third quarter, shuffling the players from the first two quarters, giving those who hadn't played a chance.
Normally, the first three quarters were exhibition matches, and the real competition would begin in the fourth quarter.
However, unexpectedly, as soon as the third quarter began, the tension gradually escalated.
The main reason was that everyone still believed it was an exhibition stage, but Garnett played on both offense and defense as if it were the playoffs. Caught off guard, he blocked two shots in a row, and the Western players became increasingly annoyed.
What was the meaning of this?
Everyone else was performing, and it wasn't time for a showdown yet, but you were already playing full defense. We were even holding back on defense for you.
As a result, the Western All-Stars also tightened their defense and brought Yao Ming onto the court to strengthen it.
Less than three minutes into the third quarter, the two teams were already locked in a fierce battle, showing signs of competition.