Chapter 57 Taikong Yi vs. China Tang

"Tang, can you give your opinion on another player from the Dragon Country, Yi Jianlian?"

The current hot topic was the Dragon Country derby, and reporters were asking questions related to it.

"Yi is an excellent inside player. He might still be adjusting to the NBA and his physicality might be a bit lacking, but I firmly believe he will quickly overcome these challenges and establish himself in the team."

Although Tang Long had only recently become a consistent starter this season, his evaluation sounded like that of a seasoned league veteran of twenty years.

However, with Tang Long's current explosive statistics, he was fully qualified to evaluate Yi Jianlian.

On the other side, reporters were also asking Yi Jianlian about Tang Long.

"I have to say, although Tang Long is younger than me, his performance on the court is much more outstanding than mine. He has improved a great deal in his year in the NBA. I will work hard to catch up to him and strive to achieve his brilliant results!"

Yi Jianlian was very humble. After politely thanking them, he walked onto the court.

The fans inside the arena cheered for Yi Jianlian.

This big man with yellow skin had already won over many fans.

Seeing Yi Jianlian emerge from the player tunnel, Tang Long followed him.

"Brother Yi, long time no see!"

Upon seeing Tang Long, a smile spread across Yi Jianlian's face, and he gave Tang Long a big bear hug.

In a foreign land, facing people of different complexions every day, waking up each morning thinking only of self-improvement and survival in the brutal NBA.

The strong and reserved Yi Jianlian had always kept his vulnerability hidden. But seeing Tang Long, a wave of warmth surged through him.

This was his compatriot!

"Tang Long, you've improved so much in just over a year! Truly, a gentleman should be re-evaluated after three days apart. Look at your arms, they're thicker than mine by a whole circle!"

Yi Jianlian held Tang Long's arm, his heart filled with pride.

The younger brother who once trailed behind him had finally grown up, and was even more accomplished than himself!

Tang Long chuckled and said, "If you're willing to work hard and train, how can you not improve! Brother Yi, you keep working hard, especially for this game, you have to play well!"

Yi Jianlian nodded heavily, then chatted with Tang Long for a while longer before heading to the Bucks' half to warm up.

Tang Long, during their embrace, had handed Yi Jianlian Bob Lanier's jersey. If all went as expected, his performance tonight would be a notch higher!

Dragon Country.

The television broadcast naturally didn't miss the footage of the two Dragon Country players interacting. They captured the moment, preserving it in history.

Soon, the game began.

"Chongyang Television!"

"Chongyang Television!"

"The match between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks has officially begun!"

"The Bucks, playing at home, have the following starting lineup."

"Point Guard Maurice Williams, Shooting Guard Michael Redd, Small Forward Desmond Mason, Power Forward Yi Jianlian, Center Andrew Bogut!"

"Perhaps due to the Dragon Country derby, or perhaps because of Yi Jianlian's excellent recent performance, he has been placed in the starting lineup!"

"We look forward to his brilliant performance in this game!"

"The visiting Cavaliers' starting lineup is as follows."

"Point Guard Larry Hughes, Shooting Guard Sasha Pavlovic, Small Forward LeBron James, Power Forward Drew Gooden, Center Tang Long!"

"Tang Long has long secured his position as the Cavaliers' starting center. Even if Big Z returns from injury, he might not be able to reclaim his spot!"

"This is the second Dragon Country derby of the season, following the meeting of Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian!"

"If you support the Cavaliers, please text 'a' to 10688329033. If you support the Bucks, please text 'b' to 10688329033. Fans who guess the correct outcome might win a special gift package we've prepared!"

"The tip-off is about to begin!"

"Tang Long maintains his undefeated record in tip-offs, securing the first possession from Bogut and tipping it to Point Guard Larry Hughes!"

"Currently, in all Cavaliers games where Tang Long starts, the Cavaliers have possession at the start of the game!"

Zhang Weiping and Su Qun excitedly called the game.

Returning to the court.

Larry Hughes dribbled the ball forward. Upon reaching the frontcourt, he directly passed the ball to Tang Long in the paint.

"The Cavaliers' strategy is very clear: they are going to attack through Tang Long from the start!"

"Bogut's defense is very strong. His awareness and ability to draw fouls are both high. I wonder if Tang Long will fall for any tricks?"

"Although his physical attributes aren't as good as Tang Long's, his top-notch shot-blocking awareness might pose some trouble for Tang Long!"

Zhang Weiping was a bit worried about Tang Long, fearing he might get fouled unfairly, as Bogut was known to play dirty.

However, before he could finish speaking, Tang Long had already exerted his strength and pushed backward.

His powerful core strength made Bogut stumble, nearly falling.

Seeing this, Tang Long didn't hesitate. He seized the opportunity, turned, and slammed home a dunk!

A block?

That kind of thing was useless against a powerful, forceful dunk!

Tang Long used ninety percent of his strength in this post-up, aiming to give Bogut a warning.

To let him know not to use dirty tactics during the game, or he would suffer significant consequences.

"Wow!! China Tang starts with a thunderous dunk, showing no mercy to the Bucks!"

"Our number one draft pick, Bogut, looks as fragile as crumbling tofu in front of China Tang. He can't withstand it!"

"However, Tang's hard-nosed basketball isn't a one-off occurrence. We hope the Bucks can respond on the offensive end!"

Possession changed hands, and Williams brought the ball upcourt.

Upon reaching the frontcourt, he signaled for his big man to set a screen.

Mason, on the left, immediately moved over. After a perfect screen, the defenders on both sides switched.

Williams passed the ball to Mason, indicating he should drive and draw a foul.

This was also a regular tactic for the Bucks, using Mason's physical prowess to drive against the opposing point guard.

Larry Hughes's defense was decent, but facing Mason, he was struggling to keep up.

Mason faked a shoulder move and drove directly from the right into the Cavaliers' paint.

Tang Long anchored the paint, his long arms effectively covering Mason, denying him an easy layup.

The two guards on the perimeter were tightly defended, and Mason couldn't find an opportunity to pass.

"Hey! Over here!"

Mason heard the call and looked. It was Yi Jianlian.

Seeing that he was about to be trapped, he immediately passed the ball to Yi Jianlian.

Yi Jianlian caught the ball, faced Drew Gooden, backed him down a step, and turned for a jump shot.

The basketball smoothly dropped into the net.

2:2

As soon as this basket was made, Zhang Weiping and Su Qun, all the way in Dragon Country, erupted!

"Both Yi Jianlian and Tang Long have scored their team's first baskets of the game!"

"Truly a Dragon Country derby, with the first two baskets being scored by our Dragon Country players!"

"Tang Long's dunk, Yi Jianlian's mid-range jumper!"

"This is incredibly exciting!"

"We look forward to Yi Jianlian and Tang Long continuing their brilliant performances throughout this game."

After they finished speaking, on the big screen in the studio, congratulatory text messages from fans across the nation were scrolling continuously.