r18novel Chapter 1119 This time, it really is the strongest American team in history!
Chapter 1119 This time, it really is the strongest American team in history!
"I am proud to have such a group of teammates! We are together, we are always united, and we always stay rational."
"But the more I love their performance and the more proud I am of them, the more I hate the calls and referees tonight."
"This matter will not be left unresolved. We will immediately collect all kinds of information and evidence after we return. We will compile competition videos and video analyses from various angles, and then we will send these materials to the organizing committee for their decision."
"Whether we win or lose, I will fight to the death to protect the respect we deserve! It's not about the outcome of the match, but about the most basic respect."
"I 100% support Lin! My coaching staff is already working on it, and tonight we'll send the finished video to the organizing committee so they know our stance!" Old Nelson also expressed his support for Lin Tian at this moment.
"If we are not satisfied with the ruling, we will consider withdrawing from the competition! Again, if you don't want us to win, if you hope we get at most a bronze medal, then we can accept that."
"If you just tell us in advance, we can just withdraw from the game. There's no need for everyone to fight tooth and nail on the court, risking injuries and sweating it out. We are willing to compromise, we accept everything."
"I also fully support Tang and our coach!" Lin Tian added at the end, and then stood up decisively.
The press conference has ended.
He also believes that the referee will not blow the calls like he did tonight in the next game.
Unless they can completely ignore public opinion, public sentiment, reputation and everything else.
As long as they still have any shame, the Chinese team will definitely not suffer from the referee's calls in the next game!
Of course, Lin Tian and Old Nelson will likely also face a hefty fine.
It doesn't matter to them; they don't care about such a small amount of money. They'll just consider it an extra meal for the organizing committee.
The important thing is that the team can successfully win the upcoming final!
……
Several tens of minutes later, Lin Tian, who had showered and changed his clothes, reappeared in the stadium. Although the fans present had changed, they still cheered wildly upon seeing Lin Tian.
"Caesar! Caesar! Caesar! Caesar!"
"MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Although many of the fans at the event came from all over the world, to receive this level of cheers and shouts in a basketball wasteland like the UK, there is probably only one Lin Tian in the world who could achieve this.
Lin Tian waved to the fans on the sidelines, interacted with them, and even stole some of the limelight from the two teams that were locked in fierce battle on the field. Then he quickly found the area where the Chinese team players were gathered and sat down there.
"How is it?" Lin Tian asked casually after sitting down.
He wasn't asking about the score, of course; it was clearly displayed on the big screen.
27: 19.
Team USA led by 8 points with 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter.
"Quite strong." Yao Ming knew what Lin Tian was asking and immediately replied, "The American team's firepower is stronger than we imagined, and it's not the old formula we're used to."
"The old US team was all about high press, fast breaks with steals, transition offense and defense, and unstoppable individual skills."
"But this year's US team is a true cohesive unit. Their offensive coordination is beautiful, the team plays very evenly, and it's hard to tell who the leader or the core player is. It's like a college team."
"Coach K's transformation and refinement of this team has reached its peak."
As Yao Ming spoke, he kept shaking his head, clearly impressed by the American team in the first quarter.
This is certainly not the first time the Chinese team has watched the American team's games this year. Over the past few months, they have watched countless recordings and analysis videos of the American team's games at this year's Olympics and warm-up matches, as well as the World Championships two years ago.
The Chinese team is not taking their first hypothetical opponent lightly; they have been preparing for a long time.
But there's a clear difference between watching videos and watching live, especially at the semi-final level. Facing an equally in-form Argentina, the US team's continued dominance is undeniably nerve-wracking.
"It's a pity I can't play." Yao Ming finally sighed.
He had a clear advantage against Howard, but now that he can't play, the team's chances of winning have increased dramatically.
Old Nelson added, "Argentina controlled their turnovers very well. They only made two turnovers in the first quarter: one was Scola traveling, and the other was Ginobili going out of bounds."
"Neither of these two turnovers has resulted in a fast break, or rather, the US team has only scored 4 points on fast breaks so far! Although compared to other teams, 4 points on fast breaks in half a quarter is a lot, but this is the US team!"
"It's no small feat that they can maintain their pressure and inexhaustible energy even when facing top opponents who have excellent error control."
"Without the risky steals that the US team used to love, they were quite united and aggressive in their positional defense. Everyone integrated themselves into the team. The US team is now so far ahead of Argentina, not because of individual ability."
"It's about the team as a whole! Just as Yao said, this US team is like a college team. Coach K's transformation and refinement of this team has truly reached its peak."
"They are definitely stronger than every previous US team!"
"Even stronger than the team you coached before?" Lin Tian couldn't help but tease, "Could the problem be with the coach?"
"Go to hell." Old Nelson rolled his eyes, too lazy to pay any attention to Lin Tian.
At that moment, Durant had just hit a three-pointer, and the score between the two sides had exceeded 10 points for the first time!
Argentina is in a very bad situation!
After all, the way the American team widened the score gap and took the lead was not the kind they were used to, but a new, more reasonable, but less exciting way.
In previous FIBA competitions, the US team mostly showcased their talent and played with a performative mindset. Most of the time, they could win the game with just a little effort, so they lacked exquisite teamwork, selfless dedication, and a true system.
Most of the time, they can defeat almost any opponent by relying on instinct, talent, and hard skills.
To teams other than China, the American team is like a pack of ferocious, bloodthirsty tigers. But ultimately, they are individual tigers, not a unified whole.
Perhaps under the leadership of some exceptionally strong and charismatic "Tiger Kings," the American team could also develop some teamwork, share the ball, and demonstrate their selflessness.
But ultimately, they don't have a truly complete system.
But now, these 12 tigers of the American team have become a team of tigers, truly becoming a clan, a whole. They have adopted effective tactics, they are united, they cooperate and dedicate themselves to each other, and they can entrust their backs to their partners.
As Yao Ming said at the beginning: They played like a college team.
A college team where every individual possesses overwhelming power, is virtually omnipotent, yet is incredibly united.
"Old K is a real pro." Lin Tian watched the game for a while. The second quarter had already started, and the Argentine team hadn't given up. Led by Scola and Ginobili, they were quite tenacious.
However, facing the powerful American team, Argentina's resistance gradually became increasingly futile.
"He has patience, a commanding presence, and the ability to keep the big names on the team in check, so they integrate into the system and fight for the system and the team, rather than for their own spotlight and personal stats."
"Actually, it's not that Coach K is intimidating, it's that you are," Yao Ming suddenly said. "Without your intimidating presence, without your sudden willingness to make sacrifices, Coach K couldn't have done all this."
"They're not convinced by Coach K, nor are they willing to give up their own style and individuality; they're afraid of you."
"Oh my, am I that amazing?" Lin Tian grinned and chuckled. "Aren't you exaggerating a bit?"
"Go to hell!" Yao Ming cursed, joining in with Don Nelson. Neither of them paid any attention to Lin Tian.
That bastard deserves a beating.
The game on the court continued at a fast pace. In the second quarter, the US team did not pull away too much, maintaining a lead of around 15 points and keeping the game close with the Argentine team.
Lin Tian noticed that no matter how they substituted players, how they rotated, or what tactics they used, the intensity on the court was always maintained. The American players on the court always maintained full fighting spirit and almost constant intensity.
This is also the biggest advantage that the US team has when facing any team in the world.
Other teams may have one or two, or even three or four, NBA star-level core players, but the US team has 12 players of that caliber! Each of them has the ability to become an absolute core player on any other team in the world.
Other teams might be able to compete with the US team with their starting lineups, but as time goes by and their physical condition declines, it becomes difficult for the substitutes of other teams to maintain the same level of intensity and performance. The US team, on the other hand, not only did not decline in performance, but they also maintained their physical condition at an extremely high level.
There's no chance of winning.
But Argentina is one of the world's top teams after all. Their resilience, teamwork, and strength are not much different from Spain's. Despite being dominated by the United States, they still found an opportunity at the end of the second quarter.
Ginobili hit a three-pointer, then the US team missed a shot. Scola then used his signature Dream Shake to shake off Howard, making a layup while drawing a foul on Howard.
After this 6-0 run, Argentina narrowed the gap to 9 points again.
Although the US team regained their composure and scored, Argentina's momentum had completely taken hold.
Delfino, hailed as the team's new generation standard-bearer and Ginobili's successor, suddenly erupted, hitting two three-pointers in 21 seconds, including a super long-range buzzer-beater just past the midcourt line!
With his sudden outburst, Argentina finally found an opportunity to launch a scoring wave at the end of the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 5 points.
55: 50!
Argentina's performance reignited hope and suspense in the match.
"What do you think?" Lin Tian asked Yao Ming, "Can Argentina catch up?"
"It's difficult." Yao Ming shook his head and said, "They relied on their sudden accuracy to hit six consecutive shots, which allowed them to narrow the gap. The US team just happened to lose their touch at this time, which allowed the Argentine team to catch up."
"If there were no halftime break, anything could happen. Argentina might have been able to capitalize on this momentum and take the lead. But unfortunately, there's a halftime break, giving the US team 20 minutes to rest and regroup."
"In the second half, it became very difficult for the Argentine team to withstand the American team's offensive."
"My opinion is different from yours," Lin Tian shook his head.
"You think Argentina can win?" Yao Ming stared wide-eyed at Lin Tian in disbelief. The outcome of the first half was already quite clear: Argentina was only barely keeping the game afloat thanks to some amazing shots and good touches.
Only fans or die-hard Argentine supporters would think Argentina has a chance at this point. But in the eyes of these professionals, it's not impossible for Argentina to win, but the probability is so small as to be negligible.
That would only be possible if a miracle happened.
Old Nelson was also watching Lin Tian with great interest. He wanted to hear what Lin Tian was thinking and what he and Yao Ming had seen that Lin Tian hadn't.
"Even if the halftime game wasn't over, even if it were the start of the second quarter, the US team could withstand Argentina's counterattack. It would just be a matter of a timeout. Argentina simply couldn't pose any threat to this US team."
"They're doomed to lose."
"What's the difference between that and my opinion?" Yao Ming said, "Didn't we all think Argentina was doomed to lose?"
"There is a difference," Lin Tian said matter-of-factly. "Do you think Argentina could have taken the lead if it weren't for halftime? I don't think so. I think they've been completely outmatched."
"The fact that the gap isn't widening now is just good luck, not a sign of strength. The normal point difference between the two teams would definitely be more than 30 points, but thanks to this run, Argentina might only lose by 20 points."
"This American team is really that strong!" Old Nelson said. "I'm getting more and more worried. How are we going to beat them the day after tomorrow?"
"I'm here." Lin Tian patted the old man's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, just leave everything to me."
"At worst, I'll just score another 100 points; that'll definitely be enough to beat them."
"Why do I feel like it's easier for you to score 100 points than for me to score 20?" Yao Ming couldn't help but ask, "Why are you so confident?"
"Because I really can do it." Lin Tian patted Yao Ming on the shoulder again and said, "Just focus on recovering. We can win even without you."
"I didn't come here for a silver medal!"
As the three chatted casually, halftime came to an end, and amidst the cheers of the fans, the players from both teams returned to the field.
"The US team has changed their starting lineup. This choice is so un-NBA-like," Don Nelson said with a smile, glancing at the court. "They've really become an NCAA team."
Lin Tian also glanced at the lineups of both sides. Argentina hadn't changed their lineup, still featuring Ginobili, Delfino, and the same old players. However, the US team had changed one of their starters compared to the first half.
Tony Allen is in!
Team USA replaced Wade with the league's top defensive specialist, the biter. Needless to say, Team USA will have Allen guard Ginobili.
"They might use this tactic against you too." Yao Ming looked at Allen, who immediately went up to fight Ginobili, and said, "They'll wear you down, torture you, and then maintain high-pressure defense and crazy physical contact with you the whole time."
"Whatever, but we all know this trick won't work on me." Lin Tian said, standing up and stretching. "I'm not watching anymore, it's boring, I'm going back to sleep."
"There's still half a game left! Isn't this just the most exciting part?" Yao Ming asked curiously.
"Seeing Coach K make this tactical change, I already know what kind of team we're facing. That's enough. As for the rest, there's no need to waste time on the field."
"Instead of watching the game, I'd rather go back to sleep."
"Isn't he my nephew? Come on, come with me." Lin Tian said, while casually ruffling the head of Guo Ailun, who was sitting in the second row behind him, inviting him to go back to the Olympic Village accommodation together.
"But I want to watch it, bro! The match is so exciting! If I miss it, I won't be able to watch it again anytime soon."
"Well, you see," Lin Tian said. "If you're in the mood, you can comfort Ginobili. He'll probably walk off the court crying."
As Lin Tian spoke, he waved and walked towards the players' tunnel. He was really gone.
According to him, he clearly believed that the American team would win easily and take the game by a large margin.
"I refuse to believe Argentina won't put up any resistance." Yao Ming, watching Lin Tian's retreating figure, suddenly turned around and looked at the court, saying, "I want to take a good look. I refuse to believe Argentina won't put up any resistance!"
……
"How was it?" Two hours later, Lin Tian, who was already comfortably lying in his room, saw his roommate Guo Ailun walk into the room looking dejected.
"They're too strong! The American team is too strong!" Guo Ailun shook his head, looking dejected. "Bro, I don't think I can break through their tight defense at all. They'll mark me like crazy. I don't think I can even pass the ball down the court."
"What are you thinking, nephew?" Lin Tian looked up and comforted him, "That kind of thing can't possibly happen!"
"I can break through their tight grip? Dude, do you think I can outrun Clifford Paul with my speed?"
"You're overthinking it," Lin Tian said. "What I mean is, you won't be playing in the finals at all. You'll just be cheering me on from the sidelines, so you don't need to worry about anything like pressing or making mistakes."
You don't have that chance.
"Brother, are you comforting me?"
"Otherwise what? Otherwise what am I doing?"
……
Guo Ailun fell silent, completely silent.
He didn't know what to say.
The comforting words had no effect whatsoever, but they were all the truth, each one a veiled wound.
What can Guo Ailun do?
He could only carefully explain the upcoming events of the match to Lin Tian.
Allen immediately locked down Ginobili one-on-one upon entering the game, and did almost nothing else besides defending Ginobili.
Ginobili, who played at full power for 18 minutes in the first half with almost no rest, quickly exposed his lack of stamina due to Allen's entanglement. This was a problem he had during his peak, and now he is at the tail end of his peak.
In addition, the US team has Howard, James, and Durant, three tall, fast, incredibly good at help defense, and with explosive athleticism, who are practically lining up to wait for Ginobili.
Whenever Ginobili drives into the three-point line, at least one of these three players will emerge from his blind spot to help defend and double-team him.
Ginobili, who was able to maintain efficiency and avoid mistakes in the first half, basically only did two things in the third quarter.
Missed shots and mistakes. (End of Chapter)