Anthony's individual characteristics were prominent, but most of his offensive tactics were around the basket. His excellent physical condition often allowed him to drive to the opponent's basket for scores.
However, against Tang Long, Anthony's offensive strengths were limited.
Tang Long accurately read his explosiveness and dribble penetration, and Anthony's physical advantage was clearly not superior to Tang Long's.
After two consecutive possessions, the first time Anthony could barely advance past the free-throw line and had to resort to a pull-up jump shot. He made the shot, bringing the score to 47-57. But in the second possession, Anthony couldn't even break through the three-point line. Facing Tang Long from beyond the arc, the ball was stolen.
Tang Long then responded with a three-pointer.
The score became 50-57.
Anthony refused to accept it and tried to repeat his move, but was again stopped outside the three-point line. This time, he wasn't stolen, but his pull-up three-pointer missed.
Sun Yue seized the opportunity and scored two points.
52-57.
Then Kobe arrived.
The players from the United States seemed to be challenging him.
Compared to their passive approach last time, this time the players genuinely seemed to want to compete with Tang Long.
Tang Long was in a difficult situation.
He regretted agreeing to one-on-one challenges with these guys.
Facing Kobe's fast-paced offense, Tang Long could only match him with speed. Such rapid transitions between offense and defense were extremely taxing.
Especially since the American players were all challenging him, and without timeouts, he couldn't replenish his energy drinks. Kobe had played two possessions, and then LeBron James returned.
Tang Long understood what they were trying to do: exhaust his stamina first.
But since the players couldn't call timeouts, he had to continue.
With three minutes left in the second quarter, the score became 55-61. Although the deficit had narrowed, Tang Long was already breathing heavily, and his breakthrough speed had slowed down.
...
"Tang Long's stamina is failing. You 'Tang fans,' keep bragging. What 'Tang Bull'? Why isn't he a bull anymore? Can't he brag anymore?"
"See? Tang Long's stamina is running out. Next up is Yao Da Sha, waiting to be toyed with by the United States."
"I said long ago that basketball is just not good enough, and you keep hyping it up. The increase in 'haters' is all due to you guys hyping him."
A portion of the audience watching the live stream online finally found an opportunity to criticize Tang Long, and the public chat was filled with comments disparaging Tang Long and the Chinese players.
When they won, everyone was harmonious, but in times like these, it could only be mutual attacks. The public chat was chaotic, but with the score falling behind, the haters had emerged, showing an arrogant and triumphant demeanor.
The fans and supporters of the national team wanted to retort, but with the score falling behind, they could only clench their fists and breathe heavily in anger.
...
Once again, a star player went one-on-one. This time it was Wade.
The Flash was faster, and with Tang Long's stamina already depleted, Wade found it easier to drive past him than others.
Wade started with a change of direction. Although Tang Long anticipated the direction, his reaction was a second too slow, and he fouled Wade on the arm.
The referee's whistle blew.
Tang Long was called for a foul.
Wade made both free throws, extending the United States' lead to seven points.
"Tang Long, perhaps we should have Yi assist you."
Yao Ming walked over and patted Tang Long on the shoulder.
It was clear that Tang Long was having stamina issues at this point. It was the first time he had seen Tang Long struggle with his stamina.
But it made sense. Tang Long had played a full season, started training immediately upon his return, and played through the Olympics without much rest. It was natural for his stamina to be affected.
Tang Long glanced back at Yao Ming and shook his head, "No need. I'll give them a surprise in the second half."
Yao Ming looked at Tang Long with confusion and was about to ask, but the referee urged for the ball to be inbounded. Yao Ming had to make the play.
After the ball was inbounded, Yi Jianlian and Da Zhi and a few others clearly played more desperately.
Even Tang Long, who was usually iron-willed, was gritting his teeth and persevering. What reason did they have not to go all out?
If they couldn't make the shot, they would run for open positions.
After several consecutive cross-court movements, they finally created an open space. Sun Yue cut into the left paint area unguarded. At this moment, Yi Jianlian passed him the ball.
Clank.
The play was well-executed, but the shot missed.
Fortunately, Yao Ming secured the offensive rebound under the basket.
54-59.
On the ensuing possession, Wade attacked again. This time, Wade intended to use his classic one-handed change of direction to break through Tang Long's defense. As he feigned a move, Tang Long directly blocked his path.
"Yeah!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Tang Long had stolen the ball again.
But as the cheers still echoed across the court, Wade, upon contact with Tang Long, managed to maintain his balance and, in a bizarre posture, carried the ball past him.
This drive was truly spectacular.
After the drive, Wade quickly charged to the basket and, with another one-handed change of direction, slipped past Yao Ming's defensive range to the other side, then went up for a reverse layup.
"Good play!"
"Too beautiful!"
The American players were so excited that they were already preparing to high-five Wade.
Swish.
In a flash, a figure streaked to the basket and blocked the shot.
Tang Long.
It was Tang Long again.
At a crucial moment, Tang Long had blocked Wade's layup.
Wade's face darkened further, with a hint of resentment.
What was the meaning of this guy blocking his shots but not others'?
Remembering being reprimanded by the coach for his earlier frontcourt press, Wade's gaze became even more resentful.
"Don't look at me like that. The ball is still yours."
Tang Long couldn't stand the guy's look, his skin crawling.
Wade glared at Tang Long and initiated the inbound pass.
However, with less than ten seconds left, Anthony took a hurried shot, which also missed. James then secured the rebound and scored on the put-back.
Because Tang Long was showing signs of fatigue, the American players decided to specifically target him. When other players came to double-team, they created more offensive space, making it easier for the opponents to score. Tang Long, however, refused the offer of help defense and insisted on bearing the burden himself.
The second quarter ended with China trailing by eight points, 61-69.
Tang Long had accumulated three fouls.
This advantage was not significant compared to before, but the entire American team was extremely excited. Especially their head coach, K, who specifically instructed during halftime to continue targeting Tang Long in the second half. If they could take Tang Long out of the game, then the United States could easily defeat China.
Meanwhile, on the Chinese side, Jonas and Coach Guo were frowning.
Both were hesitant about whether to let Tang Long rest.
If Tang Long rested, the team would be in an even more passive situation, but if he didn't, he might be forced out of the game in the third quarter.