The Western Conference All-Star starters were pretty much as expected: forwards Anthony and Duncan, center Yao Ming, and guards Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul. The Cavaliers were the only team with two players selected as starters.
The Eastern Conference All-Star head coach was Doc Rivers of the Celtics, while the Western Conference All-Star head coach was Byron Scott of the Hornets.
Tang Long was once again facing off against Byron Scott. Who would have thought Byron Scott would become the head coach of the Cavaliers in 10 years?
However, given the current performance, as long as the Cavaliers remained competitive, Mike Brown might not necessarily be fired.
After the Slam Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest, the Eastern and Western Conference stars officially took the stage.
"First to appear are the Eastern Conference All-Stars. This season, he's averaging 25 points, 11 rebounds, 6.8 steals, and 10 assists. A combination of strength and speed, he's unstoppable on the court. Many players dread hearing his name. He is the Cavaliers' player, Tang."
As the announcer's voice elongated, announcing Tang Long's name, spectacular fireworks ascended, and cheers and roars filled the arena.
The camera panned to Tang Long, who stood in the first position, waving to the crowd.
"Tang..."
The cheers grew louder.
Following that, the announcer began introducing the second player. After a long string of names, the camera focused on LeBron James.
Garnett had a dark expression.
His face was already dark, but the eyes of the "Wolf King" now flickered with discontent and anger. He was supposed to be introduced second, but because of this guy Tang Long, the order changed, and LeBron James was introduced instead.
However, soon after, when the camera cut to Garnett, he didn't forget to wave to the crowd. But as the camera panned to Wade, Garnett glared fiercely at LeBron James and Tang Long.
"Why do I feel like this guy is looking at us with such hostility?"
"Are you mistaken?"
Tang Long hadn't noticed any of this. Since many celebrities were present at the All-Star game, including Swift, Scarlett, and Gal Gadot, their cheers were the loudest when the camera focused on Tang Long. He waved back to them, completely oblivious to Garnett.
LeBron James pondered for a moment, then dismissed it, possibly thinking he was mistaken. However, if the Cavaliers were to reach the NBA Finals against a Western Conference team this season, their ultimate opponent would clearly be the Celtics.
...
"The camera is on Yao Ming. Our Great Yao is waving to the crowd," Yu Jia's voice became excited in the broadcast booth. "We already have two players in the All-Star lineup."
"And they are both centers, which is extremely rare," Yang Yi chimed in. "I wonder what kind of sparks will fly when Tang Long faces off against Great Yao later."
"That will surely be interesting."
After all, this was an All-Star game, not a regular season match. Everyone focused more on the performance. Tang Long wouldn't have to hold back against Yao Ming and could showcase their individual offensive styles.
"The first half should be quite exciting, but the West has lost several All-Star games in a row, haven't they?" Zhang Zhidao took over the conversation. "By the fourth quarter, when both sides get serious, Tang Long and Yao Ming will probably bring out their competitive spirit."
Although the Western Conference had more stars and a better record against Eastern Conference teams, they had coincidentally lost several consecutive All-Star games. This time, the West had sent Byron Scott to compete, clearly aiming to regain some pride.
"Byron Scott's strategy is more about pick-and-rolls and "run-and-gun" tactics. I suspect Yao Ming will be used primarily as a blue-collar player. On the other hand, Tang Long of the East might receive some tactical favoritism. For one, Doc Rivers is very familiar with the Cavaliers' offensive schemes, and secondly, Tang Long is the leading vote-getter this year, so he will undoubtedly be a focal point of the tactics."
"Another interesting point today is that the NBA, in its promotional efforts, is deliberately catering to Chinese audiences. In China, the promotion is about a 'double dragon showdown.' This is something unthinkable in the past, but now, the arrogant Americans are also starting to pay attention to China."
"That's true."
The three commentators in the broadcast booth all felt a sense of pride as they discussed this.
After all, it was Chinese players performing brilliantly in the NBA and receiving enthusiastic reception, leading the league to increasingly value the Chinese market. This was clearly a virtuous cycle.
"I can't wait to see the peak confrontation between Tang Long and Yao Ming."
"Yes, the game has started. The East has possession. It seems the Eastern All-Stars led by Tang Long are initiating the offense first."
...
"With the referee's whistle, the game officially begins. We can see that the East is launching the first offense."
"We can see Wade with the ball crossing half-court. The players on both sides have spread out, clearly giving Wade an opportunity for a one-on-one."
"Wade drives to the basket. Kobe extended his hand but didn't really contest. Yao Ming in the paint is also not planning to defend much, just raising his hands to give Wade a chance to perform."
"Wade rises up for a dunk, a beautiful slam... Oh no... Wade might have been too excited; the ball actually hit the rim."
The announcer broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, his reaction was quick; otherwise, he would have blurted out that the ball went in.
Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, preparing to talk about the West taking possession, he saw a figure appear flexibly under the basket like a swimming dragon.
"Oh, Tang actually grabbed this rebound! As expected of Tang, who averages 11 rebounds per game. No matter the game, rebounds are always his to contend for."
"Tang Long has the ball. Let's see how he attacks. Is it a dunk or a direct shot... Oh, did Tang Long let go? Is he passing or not passing... shooting or not shooting... I apologize, everyone, I didn't grasp Tang's intention. This is just like Tang."
Wade completed a beautiful alley-oop, and the Eastern team scored first.
"Dwight, well done."
Tang Long came over to high-five Wade, who was beaming. "You made a great pass."
While speaking, Wade also glanced at LeBron James. He was beginning to understand how the Cavaliers managed their 30-game winning streak. LeBron James's effort had decreased this season, but his scoring average continued to increase. With a teammate like Tang Long responsible for playmaking and protecting the boards at both ends, how could his stats not be good?
Wade even thought that if the Heat had Tang Long, they might be leading the Eastern Conference right now.
"Tang, how about you come to the Cavaliers? Your salary can be the same as mine."
Tang Long's salary wasn't much different now, but Wade's hint was clear: coming to the Heat would mean being on equal footing with Wade.
Chapter 185
United States of America.
Texas.
Block Five.
"That's great, congratulations on finally finding a job!"
Sophia cheered excitedly, happy for Lin Xiaotian.
Lin Xiaotian echoed her enthusiasm while also taking in Sophia's figure.
Western women were indeed open.
And they had hot bodies to boot.
Looking at her jumping with excitement, he felt like waves were surging one after another before his eyes, making him stare.
"Lin, where are you looking?"
Sophia playfully punched Lin Xiaotian.
This Eastern man was humorous, had mouth-watering cooking skills, and was a gentleman, but his eyes always wandered.
Lin Xiaotian was also helpless.
Could he be blamed for this?
Your collar was almost to your navel. Any man who saw such a sight would inevitably look, right?
"Alright, stop fooling around. CNN is the biggest news channel in the entire United States. If I can get an internship there, we have to celebrate."
As he spoke, Lin Xiaotian unconsciously glanced at his phone.
He had already booked a restaurant, complete with flowers and a string quartet, and was waiting for nightfall to confess to Sophia under the gentle breeze and romantic night sky.
"I'll treat you."
Sophia patted Lin Xiaotian on the shoulder.
"Treat me after you get paid."
Sophia, like an older sister, thoughtfully considered Lin Xiaotian.
It was as if when Lin Xiaotian first arrived in the United States and was homeless, it was the kind Sophia who took him in.
For the first two months, Sophia even paid his rent. Knowing he had no money, she not only shared her earnings from working but also secretly brought him food from her part-time restaurant.
In a foreign land, finding a kind-hearted girl of similar age, Lin Xiaotian naturally didn't want to miss out.
However, Lin Xiaotian was a bit reserved and had never expressed his feelings.
Of course.
He only thought this way.
The look in one's eyes when they like someone cannot be hidden.
Sophia could tell from Lin Xiaotian's gaze; his eyes would light up every time he looked at her.
She didn't mind.
In fact, she disliked him being so reserved.
She even overheard Lin Xiaotian secretly calling to book a restaurant and a band.
That's why she planned to treat Lin Xiaotian to a meal.
It was to save him some money.
"That won't do. In our country, why would a girl pay for a meal?"
"I also heard that in your China, you have to give a betrothal gift when you get married. How much are you planning to give me as a betrothal gift..."
Oops.
Sophia quickly covered her mouth.
How did she accidentally reveal her feelings?
I was still waiting for this reserved guy to confess to me publicly.
"Right, I just remembered."
Saying that, Sophia took out a phone from her bag and handed it to Lin Xiaotian. The Sophia who had been beaming moments ago now wore a serious expression as she took out the phone.
"What is it?"
Lin Xiaotian thought Sophia was going to give him a new phone. When he opened it, he saw it was clearly a used phone with a video inside.
The video depicted a drug addict being bribed by a street ruffian to frame LeBron James. In addition, it included information about seeking revenge on Tang Long.
In the clip, besides the street ruffian, the profile of a prominent figure could be vaguely seen.
This person was well-known to many, whether in Texas or the United States.
Lin Xiaotian gasped. If this video were leaked, the United States would likely be shaken.
"Sophia, where did you get this phone?"
"I found it on the street."
Sophia found the phone on the roadside on her way home from work. She initially intended to turn it in, but seeing that the phone seemed valuable, she quietly hid it. It wasn't until she got home that she discovered the video.
"Sophia, you must forget about this matter immediately."
Lin Xiaotian looked at Sophia with a serious expression.
"I understand."
Lin Xiaotian pondered for a moment. "I'm sorry, Sophia, I can't accompany you for dinner today. I have to go to New Orleans."
"Are you going to find that Tang?"
Lin Xiaotian nodded.
Tang Long was the pride of China. As a fellow countryman, how could Lin Xiaotian not pay attention to Tang Long's news? Furthermore, his field of study gave him at least an impression, if not complete knowledge, of well-known figures in society.
This year's All-Star game was held in New Orleans. If he went now, Tang Long would definitely still be there. 138 Reading Network
...
"Dwight, aren't you afraid LeBron will come after you?"
Tang Long was also helpless. Who told him he was too outstanding? Every star player on the team wanted to team up with him.
"Hmph, who's afraid of him?" Wade patted Tang Long on the shoulder. "Tang, I'm serious. Think about it carefully."
"Dwight, while it's a great pleasure to be your teammate, I'm sorry, I'm happy at the Cavaliers and have no plans to switch teams for now," Tang Long gestured towards Wade. "However, I don't think the Heat is the right fit for you. A great player like you should have a broader stage. Come to the Cavaliers, and we'll sweep the entire league together."
Wade stared blankly at Tang Long.
This guy really dared to dream.
But thinking about it carefully, if he, along with LeBron James and Tang Long, were on the same team, it would indeed be difficult to find an opponent in the NBA.
Thinking of such a scenario, Wade's heart inexplicably felt restless.
"Hey, what are you guys doing? Defense!"
LeBron James yelled at them from half-court. The Western Conference had already inbounded the ball, and these two were still chatting on the opponent's half-court. Even if this was an All-Star game, they shouldn't be so lax.
"Dwight, I'm serious too."
Tang Long said, then quickly ran back to his own half-court. As he crossed the half-court line, Kobe was already rising up for a three-pointer from the top of the arc.
Swish.
Kobe excitedly waved to the fans, and the Western Conference stars also high-fived each other in celebration.
Garnett stood under the basket with a dark expression, holding his money, and angrily looked at Tang Long. "Hey, what are you guys doing? Can you be a bit more serious? If you don't want to perform, you can let Howard come in."
"You can't talk to me about this. Go talk to the coach."
"Hmph."
Garnett snorted, and the ball was directly passed to Kidd.
The veteran Kidd dribbled the ball while observing the court. Garnett seemed to have some friction with Tang Long, but Tang Long was on the same team as LeBron James and had been very close with Wade just now.
He thought about it and passed the ball to LeBron James.
"Kidd, what are you doing?"
Garnett roared at Kidd again.
"LeBron is in a better position."
Kidd casually explained and walked over to Tang Long.
LeBron James also rose up for a three-pointer, and the ball went in steadily.
Restoring a three-pointer for the West.
Doc Rivers hadn't missed what was happening on the court. His brow was furrowed, clearly contemplating who to substitute.