"Keep double-teaming! The next time Tang Yi gets the ball, double-team him! Don't give him any opportunities!"
George Karl issued a strict order to Kenyon Martin, determined to double-team Tang Long.
Iverson still had the ball, and this time he chose to run a pick-and-roll with Anthony.
After the pick-and-roll, Anthony chose to roll to the basket, but when he received the ball under the hoop, he was directly facing Tang Long.
"What, still want to get blocked?"
Tang Long grinned, he loved sending people to the 'hot pot' the most!
Anthony was annoyed, but he didn't dare to rashly attack.
He could only dribble to the perimeter, continuing to look for an opportunity.
Tang Long followed him closely to the perimeter, switching defensively with James.
James's physique was strong enough to occasionally help out against centers without too much trouble.
"If you're defending me on the perimeter, you won't be so lucky!"
Anthony signaled for the players to spread out; he wanted to go one-on-one against Tang Long.
The inside was Tang Long's territory, but on the perimeter, Anthony believed he had a hundred ways to get past him.
After a series of dribbles to shift Tang Long's defensive focus, Anthony directly accelerated to the right for a drive!
Tang Long reacted quickly, keeping pace with Anthony, firmly establishing his defensive position, applying significant physical pressure while moving swiftly.
But Anthony immediately spun around, his movements incredibly fast, so much so that Tang Long didn't even react in time!
This was precisely one of Anthony's signature moves!
The explosive spin!
A smile already appeared on Anthony's face as he effortlessly extended his arm for a layup.
Just as the ball was reaching its apex, a large hand suddenly appeared from behind!
With terrifying static athleticism and exaggerated leaping ability, Tang Long rapidly caught up to the ball and fiercely swatted it away!
Anthony was stunned for a moment!
This shot was supposed to be a sure basket!
"What kind of monster is this! Is this even human-like leaping ability?"
In Anthony's eyes, Tang Long was now like a Super Saiyan!
The kind that could fly!
"Wow!! This shot was actually blocked!"
"Carmelo's drive was absolutely beautiful, even if Wilt Chamberlain himself were here, he couldn't block this shot!"
"Is this still within the realm of human capability? That terrifying burst of speed off the ground!"
"This is a battle of skill versus talent! Melo's skill is no match for Tang Long's talent!"
J.J. Watt was also stunned for a few seconds before erupting in a shout.
He had studied basketball his entire life and had never witnessed such a terrifying block!
Perhaps this was the limit of talent!
"Tang, didn't you say you couldn't fly or tunnel underground?"
James was stunned.
Tang Long laughed heartily and patted his chest.
"Sit down, everyone, sit down. This is just a regular play!"
This play also caused George Karl to call another timeout.
The defensive pressure from the young man from Long Country was simply too terrifying. Anthony's play had been flawless, yet it was still blocked by Tang Long.
His explosive physical abilities were giving opponents nightmares!
"Listen up, guys, when facing Tang, never go one-on-one!"
"Allen's approach in the last possession was excellent, directly passing to an open teammate!"
"Given Tang's defensive range, the success rate of isolation plays is simply too low!"
Everyone nodded in agreement. Anthony, as the person directly involved, would likely remember this play forever.
The game resumed, with the Nuggets still in possession.
This time, Anthony handled it well, driving to the basket to draw a double-team from Tang Long, then passing to an open Anthony Carter on the perimeter.
Carter seized the opportunity and hit a three-pointer!
The Nuggets had a great shooting touch today, with both their star players and role players capitalizing on open looks.
It was the Cavaliers' ball. James held the ball at the top of the arc and drove directly to the basket.
However, Anthony matched his physicality, preventing James from easily driving inside.
James used his brute strength, forcefully pushing Anthony aside, and hit a tough bank shot.
The bulldozer-style layup!
James's signature move!
Tang Long's heart stirred, and his desire for the jerseys in the system store grew even stronger.
With his physique and speed, he probably had enough to dominate every player!
Those faster than Tang Long weren't as strong, and those stronger than him weren't as fast!
In the second quarter, the Cavaliers primarily relied on isolation plays from Tang Long and James, with few connections to the role players.
The Nuggets were similar, with Iverson and Anthony carrying the offensive load, most of their shots coming from these two.
At halftime, the Cavaliers led the Nuggets 53:48. The score difference had narrowed considerably compared to the first quarter.
This was mainly because the Nuggets' role players consistently made open shots, helping their team close the gap.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, were not performing as well. Larry Hughes's shooting touch was off.
And Pavlovic's confidence had been shattered by Iverson, leaving him lacking belief.
During the halftime break, Mike Brown watched the Cavaliers players with a furrowed brow.
Unlike their previous opponents, the Nuggets' offense was exceptionally fluid, and most of their plays were initiated by their guards.
Tang Long could only provide help defense and couldn't directly contest them.
This made the game more challenging.
Dwight Howard of the Magic would be overwhelmed by Tang Long, and both Garnett and Big Baby Davis of the Celtics would also be overwhelmed.
But Iverson and Anthony wouldn't, and Tang Long couldn't be in two places at once.
Mike Brown pondered for a long time before making a decision.
"Double-team Allen! Forget about the role players for now! Let them shoot if they make it!"
"Carmelo will be guarded by LeBron. Do you have any issues with that?"
James nodded readily. He didn't like defense, but if he was told to guard someone, he absolutely could!
Disliking it didn't mean he was incapable!
After receiving James's affirmative reply, Mike Brown continued to lay out the defensive strategy.
"Tang doesn't need to provide too much help defense. Protecting the boards is the most important thing! Double-teaming Allen's drives will neutralize his threat significantly."
"Larry Hughes and Pavlovic, you guys need to step up! Don't miss even open shots!"
The two nodded sheepishly; their performance today had indeed been subpar.
On the other side, in the Nuggets' locker room.
George Karl was also devising a new strategy.
"Continue to double-team Tang, no problem!"
"Also, Carmelo and Allen will run the dual-guard offense, and J.R., you'll play small forward. This change in lineup will catch them off guard!"
"Other positions remain unchanged! Both offense and defense have been playing well, so let's maintain that!"
George Karl was very satisfied with the second quarter.
After the break, the game resumed.
Both teams had substituted all their starters; the starters who had battled for two quarters were exhausted.
On the sidelines, Mike Brown's brow remained furrowed. This game was proving to be unusually tough tonight; the Cavaliers had rarely encountered such a formidable opponent.
Even their bench players were inferior to their opponents. After giving up two consecutive mid-range jumpers, the score became 55:54.
Two minutes later, the Nuggets continued to surge forward, taking the lead!
The score now stood at 57:60!
Mike Brown grew anxious and shouted, "We need to put the starters back in! Tang and LeBron, both of you get ready!"