Chapter 129 This Game Is a Bit Tough

"Dirk, the Cavaliers are on a 22-game winning streak. They're in great form. Do you have the confidence to end their streak? We've received word that Tang is ready to defeat the Mavericks and extend their winning streak to 23."

At the press conference before the Cavaliers' home game against the Dallas Mavericks, Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson, along with Nowitzki and Devin Harris, attended the event.

Catherine, the beautiful reporter who had been previously rebuffed by Tang Long, was known for her petty nature in the sports world. Even before the game began, she was already trying to incite animosity towards the Cavaliers.

Before Nowitzki could speak, Devin Harris quickly interjected, "We are the Dallas Mavericks. Tell that Tang to prepare for his winning streak to be broken."

Nowitzki slightly raised an eyebrow, not because Harris had stolen his thunder, but because it was obvious the reporter was trying to stir up trouble, and Harris was falling for it. This forced him to frown. It was truly a foolish act.

"Alright, Harris, I'll pass your message on to Tang."

Catherine's face lit up with joy. She had secured news traffic and managed to provoke Tang Long again – a win-win situation that naturally made her happy.

...

"Tang, against Dirk, you can't just stay in the paint. You need to come out and cooperate with your teammates. Never give Dirk an easy shooting opportunity, especially for his mid-range shots. Also, be wary of Josh Howard; his penetration and leaping ability are very strong."

"LeBron, Devin Harris is very fast. You can't let him easily drive to the basket."

Mike Brown began to lay out the game plan, specifically instructing Tang Long and James, as the synergy between "Zhan Long" (James and Tang) was crucial for the team's outstanding performance on both offense and defense.

"If we defeat the Mavericks to achieve our 23rd consecutive win, I'll give everyone a day off."

Mike Brown presented his ultimate motivational tactic.

"Fantastic!"

The Cavaliers players erupted in cheers. Such a day off was rare during the season, indicating that Mike Brown placed great importance on this game. It was evident he knew this match was a litmus test for the playoffs.

The Cavaliers' starting lineup remained James, Tang Long, Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, and Sasha Pavlovic.

The Dallas Mavericks' starting lineup consisted of Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Devin Harris, Josh Howard, and Erick Dampier.

When Erick Dampier joined the Dallas Mavericks, he had boasted that Shaquille O'Neal was the number one center in the West, and he was second, even claiming to be able to dominate Yao Ming. Unfortunately, after his grand pronouncements, he was soon proven wrong by Yao Ming. His scoring ability was truly lacking; he averaged seven rebounds a game, but with only 6.1 points per game, it was somewhat unacceptable for a center.

"Tang, your 22-game winning streak ends here!"

At the tip-off, it was supposed to be Tang Long versus Nowitzki, but Devin Harris walked over and taunted him.

"Kid, I'll show you the consequences of pissing me off. I will definitely get our 23rd consecutive win over your heads."

Tang Long stared fiercely at Devin Harris. Although he didn't know what this guy's problem was, Tang Long never backed down from anyone who dared to provoke him; he intended to teach him a lesson on the court. Little did Tang Long know that Devin Harris's deliberate provocation was an attempt to show off his prowess in front of Catherine.

"Tang, you're overconfident!"

Although Nowitzki was not pleased with Devin Harris's behavior, as a teammate, he still had to stand by Harris.

"I can't stand people like you. You don't stop Harris from showing off, but now you're putting on a pretense of being forced into it. Don't you find that hypocritical?"

"Tang, what do you mean by that?"

"Whatever you understand it to mean, that's what it means."

Nowitzki's face darkened. "Since you say so, then I won't hold back."

"That's best. Winning will be more satisfying."

"Alright, we'll see."

*BEEP!*

With the referee's whistle, the ball was tossed high into the air. Tang Long jumped first, his vertical leap far superior to Nowitzki's, and his speed more agile. He slapped the ball towards his teammate.

Pavlovic dribbled the ball up the court and passed it to Larry Hughes in the opponent's half.

Hughes dribbled while observing his teammates' positions. Erick Dampier was currently matched up against Tang Long, with both players entangled. LeBron, on the other hand, had some distance from his defender.

This play should have been passed to LeBron, but Hughes pondered for a moment before passing the ball to Tang Long in the paint. He had to give it to Tang Long so he could teach these guys a lesson.

Tang Long received the ball, his back to the basket. Erick Dampier, behind him, leaned an arm on him, preventing an easy turn, while his other hand constantly poked at the ball. Tang Long observed the positions of the other Mavericks players. Everyone was in man-to-man coverage, clearly not employing a zone defense. This indicated he was expected to go one-on-one. Understanding this, Tang Long faked, drawing Dampier's attention, then turned and shot a hook shot.

Two points. The ball smoothly dropped into the basket.

The Mavericks immediately launched a fast break. Devin Harris drove the ball to half-court. Pavlovic stepped up to defend. The ball smoothly found its way to Nowitzki.

*SWISH!*

Nowitzki's mid-range shot was incredibly solid.

2-2.

The Cavaliers continued to feed the ball to Tang Long, who was matched up against Erick Dampier in the paint. This time, Tang Long didn't opt for a hook shot. He pulled back a step and took a mid-range jump shot.

The Mavericks clearly had their own defined strategy: to feed the ball to Nowitzki for isolation plays.

Tang Long scored two points, and Nowitzki responded with two points of his own. In the first three minutes of the game, both teams had made five shots, all of them successful.

10-10.

"The Cavaliers have met their match this time. If they can't limit Nowitzki's mid-range jump shots, it will be difficult for the Cavaliers to pull away."

"This is the strength of the Mavericks. Nowitzki is just getting started. Howard and Harris haven't exerted themselves yet. The Mavericks' core players are not to be trifled with."

In the broadcast booth of the Chinese sports channel, Zhang Weiping and Yang Yi wore serious expressions. The commentary was no longer as relaxed as before. The Mavericks had Howard and Erick Dampier in the interior, and perimeter shooters like Nowitzki and Harris. Not only did they have diverse offensive tactics, but their defense was also among the top teams in the Western Conference. If LeBron and Tang Long's stamina waned, and the opponent's offensive intensity increased, the Cavaliers' winning streak might indeed be broken by the Mavericks.

"Director Zhang, what do you think the Cavaliers should do now?"

"The Cavaliers are playing reasonably well as they are. After all, their roster depth is evident. Unless, like before, Tang Long can go on a scoring spree and overwhelm the opponent!"

Zhang Weiping shared his opinion. For the Cavaliers to win, Tang Long needed to enter that "god-slayer" mode. This was also the "zone" state that Tang Long personally anticipated! Once he entered the "zone," any Nowitzki, any "second center," would be trampled under his feet!

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