"Dragon Country and the United States have some differences. The United States emphasizes individual honor more, while Dragon Country has a collective consciousness. So I will definitely go back."
"What if... what if we make it to the finals? If we reach the finals, then right after the game ends, you'll have to go back to compete, with no time to rest."
"More or less, but you know, my stamina has always been excellent."
Speaking of this, even James envied Tang Long. Tang Long, a center, played at least a third more minutes than him, yet Tang Long was full of energy in every game, almost like a robot.
If Tang Long weren't his teammate, and they didn't train together almost every day, James would suspect the guy was on performance-enhancing drugs.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. It's a rare day off, what do you plan to do?"
"Of course, I'm going on a date."
James put his arm around Tang Long's shoulder, "How about it, want to come along?"
"I think I'll pass. I plan to get a good night's sleep and recover my energy to prepare for the playoffs."
"You're really boring. Then you sleep your sleep, I'm going on a date."
Tang Long shrugged helplessly. After discussing the training camp with Yao Ming, he truly fell asleep.
...
"Younes, you still need to give me the twelve-man roster as soon as possible. There isn't much time left before the deadline to submit it."
Guo Qiang walked into Younes's office and handed him the prepared roster.
When Younes took over, the roster for this generation of players had not changed much. However, with the emergence of Tang Long, the original twelve-man roster would definitely need adjustments.
In addition, the issue of Tang Long and Yao Ming coexisting needed to be resolved, as their positions in the NBA overlapped.
"Let me wait a bit longer. I need to review it again."
Younes couldn't make a decision immediately.
Yao Ming was undoubtedly the fixed center. His height and ability made him the undisputed choice for center. Besides, having Yao Ming play power forward was not practical. Positionally, Tang Long would have to adapt.
This would depend on the players' abilities and their willingness to cooperate.
Furthermore, Younes had some reservations about the Basketball Association's heavy-handed approach, which might affect the overall morale at this stage. Hence, he was hesitant.
"Alright then, please make a decision as soon as possible. Once confirmed, we will discuss it."
Younes nodded. After Guo Qiang left, he took out the videos of Tang Long playing in the NBA and analyzed them again.
He had to admit that Tang Long's stamina and talent were truly exceptional.
For some reason, Younes thought of his own country's team.
If Dragon Country were to face the "Little Broken Bowl," he wondered if they could withstand the combined might of Tang Long and Yao Ming's Dragon Country.
...
After two days of tactical training, the Cavaliers welcomed the first game of the playoffs against the Hawks.
In their previous encounters, the Hawks had indeed been a tough opponent.
Meeting in the playoffs, the Hawks were playing with an even greater intensity.
From the outset, the Hawks delivered a strong message to the Cavaliers. Al Horford's two mid-range shots in the opening minutes established a four-point lead.
Having previously played against the Cavaliers, the Hawks had clearly analyzed Tang Long's defense in the paint. Both of Horford's shots were taken in the space between Tang Long's ability to defend close to the basket and his venturing out.
This strategy was clearly effective.
"Tang, this guy seems to have found your weakness."
At the start of the game, James was still relaxed, walking over and joking.
Tang Long raised an eyebrow slightly, "A center who doesn't play in the paint but only shoots mid-range jumpers is an insult to us centers."
Tang Long snorted, deciding not to let this guy score so easily. Otherwise, if other teams copied this, he would be left doing constant back-and-forth runs, and protecting the defensive rebounds would also become an issue.
After the Cavaliers scored, the Hawks came back with renewed aggression. The Hawks planned to repeat their previous success. Mike Bibby drove past Drew Gooden and passed the ball near the free-throw line to Al Horford.
Al Horford immediately took the shot.
Still trying that?
The moment Tang Long saw Mike Bibby's passing lane, he knew the Hawks intended to repeat their strategy. So, as the pass was made, Tang Long had already entered his "zone" state and charged out from the paint.
*Swish.*
Al Horford jumped to shoot, only to see Tang Long's massive frame loom over him. The bright stadium lights seemed to dim considerably under Tang Long's presence. He was now half a step too slow.
Tang Long swatted the ball away with his palm. The force of the block was almost god-like, sending the basketball soaring out of bounds.
Larry Hughes sprinted and recovered the ball with a behind-the-back grab.
Pavlovic, at a crucial moment, displayed the skills of a starter and successfully received the pass from Larry Hughes. Without hesitation, he dashed to the Hawks' basket in the blink of an eye.
He leaped and slammed the ball home in one fluid motion.
Al Horford looked at Tang Long with annoyance. This guy wasn't playing according to the script.
"Dragon Countryman, you just wait. I'll get you back."
Al Horford issued a challenge to Tang Long.
*Mm-hmm.*
"Since you like it, then I'll indulge you."
Tang Long decided to teach Al Horford what a fancy block looked like.
Specifically, what it looked like to be on the receiving end of a fancy block.
After being blocked repeatedly near the basket, Al Horford finally relented.
"Well, still want to challenge me?"
Tang Long shrugged at Al Horford.
"Hmph, basketball is a team sport. What's the use of having outstanding individual abilities?"
Al Horford was now just putting up a brave front.
"What do you mean? Are you suggesting your team is more harmonious than ours?"
James walked over, put his arm around Tang Long's shoulder, and provocatively taunted Al Horford.
"Of course."
Al Horford confidently replied to James.
"Alright, don't waste words with them. Stay focused."
Joe Johnson stepped in to stop Al Horford from bickering with Tang Long. As the undisputed leader of the Hawks, Joe Johnson's words carried weight.
"That guy, he's quite cute."
Tang Long glanced at James, "Are you talking about Joe Johnson or Al Horford?"
James thought for a moment and said, "Both are quite cute."
He clearly didn't take either of them seriously.
Tang Long couldn't hold back his laughter.
While they were talking, the Hawks drove to the basket again. Joe Johnson exploited a lapse in the Cavaliers' defensive positioning and, in an instant, drove into the lane.
Tang Long was about to move out to defend when Joe Johnson smoothly pulled up for a jump shot, and it went in.
Tang Long wasn't too worried about this game. As long as the scoring wasn't happening in the paint, the impact wasn't that significant. The Hawks' shooting touch wouldn't remain this hot for the entire four quarters.