Back to the Cavaliers' basket, Tang Long gave Nate Robinson another monster block.
Immediately after, the Cavaliers stormed the Knicks' basket. Tang Long caught the ball and made a mid-range shot, the ball swishing cleanly.
The pace of offense and defense was incredibly fast, with a full possession completed in less than ten seconds.
At this point, the Cavaliers' teamwork advantage began to show.
Tang Long was unstoppable in the paint. To limit his continuous scoring, the Knicks were forced to send help and double-team him.
However, Tang Long was not one to force plays. After drawing their attention, he would unselfishly pass to teammates who had better scoring opportunities.
Gradually, the Knicks began to falter.
With just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, the score stood at 100:101.
The Cavaliers not only tied the game but also took the lead.
Seeing this, Thomas called for a timeout.
After a brief huddle to strategize, Nate Robinson was subbed out and replaced by Marbury at point guard.
However, Marbury couldn't maintain his previous hot streak, missing several shots in a row. The Cavaliers then went on a 6:0 run, instantly pulling ahead of the Knicks by seven points.
This run effectively extinguished any hope of a Knicks comeback.
At the end of the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 125:115, handing them their 22nd consecutive home loss.
In this game, Tang Long recorded 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, achieving another triple-double.
As the game concluded, a beautiful reporter intercepted Tang Long as he was heading to the locker room.
"Hi, Tang, the Cavaliers have won 22 in a row. We all know winning streaks in the regular season are one thing, but the playoffs are another. What are your thoughts on the playoffs?"
"My thoughts? Of course, I'll see them with my eyes." Tang Long's dry humor left the reporter stunned.
What kind of answer was that?
Just as the reporter was about to press further, Scarlett, Taylor Swift, and Gal Gadot approached.
"Excuse me, I need to greet my friends now and don't have time for your interview."
Tang Long truly detested the reporter's thoughtless questions.
The Cavaliers were on a triumphant 22-game winning streak, and the reporter's opening remark that such streaks were "easy" and her question about the playoffs clearly indicated a lack of confidence in the Cavaliers' playoff potential.
Possessing some looks and being a sports reporter, she'd likely become a bit arrogant from the adoration of her "simps." Her questions were so annoying that Tang Long certainly wasn't going to indulge her.
"Tang, you're the first star I've ever met who doesn't give reporters face."
Gal Gadot teased Tang Long, her eyes sparkling even brighter.
They wouldn't dare offend a reporter; in America, offending a reporter was practically equivalent to offending all media outlets.
From then on, forget about traffic and attention; if they misspoke, these media outlets would blow it out of proportion.
So, seeing Tang Long not backing down from the beautiful reporter, Gal Gadot was both envious and delighted.
Envious because Tang Long was currently a focal point of the NBA, and that reporter wouldn't dare cause him trouble.
Delighted because this unique guy was her friend.
And, most importantly, he was currently single.
The NBA was officially promoting Tang Long, and the team had achieved a 22-game winning streak, accumulating accolades and buzz.
Anyone who became Tang Long's girlfriend at this moment would undoubtedly be showered with countless spotlights.
For those who frequented the entertainment industry, they knew exactly what this meant.
"She asked such a stupid question. Answering it would make me sound like an idiot."
With that, Tang Long, unwilling to continue the topic, said, "Wait for me, I'll go to the locker room to shower, and then I'll fulfill my promise and treat you to dinner."
"Okay, you said it." Taylor Swift winked playfully. "We get to choose the place then."
"No problem," Tang Long agreed readily.
Back in the locker room, everyone's expressions were a bit peculiar. Some winked at him, others greeted him with envy, and even LeBron James seemed unsettled.
"Tang, I heard you gave that ESPN reporter, Catherine, a hard time?"
"Catherine? Who?"
"My God, you don't even know the female reporter who interviewed you? She's the famous ESPN reporter, Catherine. Let me tell you, that woman holds a grudge."
"So what? My conscience is clear."
LeBron James paused, not quite understanding Tang Long's meaning.
"I'm not talking to you guys anymore, I have a date."
Tang Long quickly jumped into the ice bucket, planning to soak for a bit before leaving.
"Tang, you're not going on a date with Scarlett, are you?"
Larry Hughes looked at Tang Long with envy.
Many in the NBA admired Scarlett, including Kevin Durant, who was rumored to drink her bathwater. Larry Hughes also had a crush on her.
Of course, his admiration was purely for her beauty.
"I think it's Gal Gadot."
Drew Gooden, leaning over the ice bucket, looked on with a mix of envy and hatred.
"I really don't know what's so special about you, kid, that even someone like Gal Gadot is willing to have dinner with you."
Drew Gooden still admired Gal Gadot's long legs.
"I think you're all wrong. I think it's Taylor."
Vlade Divac shot a dismissive look at Drew Gooden.
"Open your eyes and take a good look. Taylor is the real beauty, isn't she?"
Saying this, Vlade Divac patted Tang Long's shoulder with a hint of melancholy, "Tang, I'm truly envious of you, being able to have dinner with Taylor."
"Look at you all, so pathetic."
Tang Long didn't want to demoralize them, but these guys had the potential to be total simp. Without caring if he was making enemies, he dropped a bomb.
"What if I told you I'm having dinner with three beautiful women? Would your fragile hearts shatter?"
Everyone present froze.
Even the air seemed to stand still for a moment.
Then, Larry Hughes gave him the middle finger. "Damn it, Tang, you're dreaming. Having lunch with three beauties? Do you think you're a Hollywood mogul?"
"Yeah, at least make your lies believable."
Drew Gooden joined the chorus of criticism.
Tang Long couldn't be bothered to respond. He glanced at LeBron James. "LeBron, what do you think?"
LeBron knew Tang Long had a good relationship with Scarlett, but the idea of three stunning women joining Tang Long for dinner struck him as a bit of an exaggeration.
Tang Long sighed in disappointment. "Looks like you don't believe your brother either!"
"It's just that your story is too outrageous."
"What if I really am having dinner with three beautiful women?"
"You get the next game, we'll all set screens for you."
Tang Long suddenly sat up from the ice bucket. "Alright, you guys said it."
In the next game, the Cavaliers would host Dirk Nowitzki's Dallas Mavericks at home. The Mavericks' defensive intensity would test the Cavaliers' ability to go deep into the playoffs!