The feeling was akin to a big corporate boss having a slight fall from grace, with some poor relatives already thinking he had no more skills and starting to divvy up his remaining assets.
Fortunately, it was only a small minority.
Players like Pavlovic, Dragic, and James still firmly supported Tang Long.
"Coach Brown, I think Tang is frequently making mistakes, his stamina must be an issue. I think we should put Big Z in."
As soon as he came off the court, Larry Hughes began complaining about Tang Long.
"Larry, what are you talking about? You'd better show some respect."
James stepped forward, glaring at Larry Hughes.
Despite America being a representative of Western civilization, in competitive sports, it was surprisingly similar to traditional Chinese team dynamics.
A team had its traditions, and the boss's word could directly bench a player who dared to disagree.
Other players on the team would then distance themselves from such a player, and many players were traded precisely because of disharmony in the locker room.
Larry Hughes's imposing demeanor faltered slightly, but he stubbornly straightened his neck and said, "Did I say something wrong?"
"You..."
James moved to discipline him, but Tang Long pulled him back.
"It's fine, LeBron. Let's see how the coach arranges it."
"This guy just needs a good scolding," James grumbled indignantly.
"All of you, shut up!"
Mike Brown couldn't take it anymore and finally lost his temper.
At such a crucial moment in the championship race, such internal issues were arising within the team, and it was being broadcast globally. Countless fans were witnessing the instability within the Cavaliers.
What would the viewers watching on television think?
Moreover, this atmosphere was truly impacting the team.
He had to make a decision quickly, or if this continued, the team would soon be in chaos due to infighting.
He scanned the players, about to make a decision, but hesitated again.
This Cavaliers team definitely had Tang Long and James as its main core, but in the fourth quarter, he had clearly seen Tang Long's speed slow down.
He couldn't fathom how a superstar, who had had a stellar season and ranked in the top ten in minutes played in the league, would suffer a stamina collapse in the final quarter.
It wasn't just Tang Long; LeBron was also affected.
After receiving the ball, LeBron failed to break through the defender multiple times, and his shooting form and skill level looked like that of a blue-collar player.
His once fluid movements now appeared stiff, and he was nearly stripped of the ball.
It could be said that the Lakers' momentum in the fourth quarter was restored precisely because of the poor performance of their two main offensive players.
In contrast, Big Z and Larry Hughes, who had performed excellently, were on fire in the third quarter.
The paint guarded by Big Z was like an impregnable dam, unable to be shaken no matter how fiercely the surging tide of the Lakers crashed against it!
Larry Hughes was the same; in the third quarter, whether it was his passing vision or other aspects, Mike Brown saw the shadow of a star in him.
The current problem was indeed critical. The starters were performing poorly, while some players had a good outing in the previous quarter. At this point, he needed to make a choice.
Was it to choose victory, or the team's future?
Damn it!
Mike Brown couldn't help but curse inwardly.
...
"Guys, our chance has arrived. The Cavaliers are having internal strife."
Compared to the dejected Cavaliers fans, the Lakers fans were far more jubilant at this moment.
"Hmph, don't get too arrogant. We're still leading in the score."
"Only temporarily leading. Your Tang and LeBron are out of stamina."
The Lakers fans grew more smug.
Everyone was a seasoned fan and could see the team's basic on-paper strength.
A team in internal conflict winning was a pipe dream, not to mention that the Cavaliers' core duo was at the limit of their stamina. For them to make a comeback would require a divine intervention.
"Even if we lose this game, we're still leading in the series overall."
The Lakers fans scoffed, "Haha, only temporarily leading. You guys should solve your internal disputes first."
The Cavaliers fans glared fiercely at the Lakers fan. If fighting wasn't forbidden in the arena, he would have used the foulest language to curse the guy.
"Buddy, don't be too sad. You've already been very fortunate to reach the Finals. It's your honor to lose to us... Hahaha."
"Fuck."
...
"Drew, you need to take more shots from the mid-range later. As long as you can score, you can share the pressure with Tang and LeBron."
"Varejao, you and Joe Smith need to increase your running distance. If there's an open shot from the baseline, take it decisively."
Although Mike Brown hadn't made any personnel changes, his tactical deployment spoke volumes.
He had to prioritize Tang Long and LeBron, even if the team lost.
"This isn't fair."
Larry Hughes's eyes were red with both grievance and anger.
He was playing well, so why wasn't he given a chance to play?
"Larry, there's no such thing as fairness, only suitability."
Mike Brown's face darkened. Besides Larry Hughes questioning his arrangements, his troublemaking at this critical juncture was extremely irritating.
"You'll regret this."
Larry Hughes snorted angrily and turned to leave.
"Stay."
Tang Long had not bothered with him until now, as he assumed Larry Hughes was unaware and thought he was playing well but was inexplicably not allowed to play.
However, this guy was about to walk off the court at this very moment, which would push the team into the spotlight.
"What do you want?"
Tang Long said sternly, "If you dare to walk off today, believe it or not, I'll make sure you can't play anymore."
"You..."
Larry Hughes was furious.
Not only was he not allowed to play, but he was also forbidden from leaving.
He had thought Tang Long would be a good brother, but who knew he would turn on him so quickly.
Seeing Tang Long's serious expression, Larry Hughes knew that if he dared to walk off today, Tang Long, whether for pride or other reasons, would definitely settle the score with him later.
Besides, he had signed with Tang Long's agency.
"Hmph."
Larry Hughes snorted and sullenly sat back down.
Tang Long glanced at him and sighed, hoping that winning the championship would alleviate his frustration.
BEEP!
At this moment, the referee blew the whistle to resume the game, and the players from both teams returned to the court.
The Lakers also did not adjust their lineup, still fielding their starting five.
As the players reappeared on the court, the expressions of the Lakers players had clearly changed.
Confidence and determination in their eyes!
Especially when Tang Long received a pass from LeBron and went to post up Gasol in the paint, Gasol could calmly perform defensive maneuvers while also provoking him!
"Tang, is your team having internal conflict? Although you're not the team leader and your relationship with your teammates isn't harmonious, you're Chinese, and the market behind you is huge! What are you afraid of? If anyone doesn't follow your instructions, just don't let them play. How powerful is that."