The Golden Age of Basketball-Chapter 1644 - 10: The Forum (Part 2)

Moreover, a woman who is wholeheartedly devoted to her husband and children can be even more ruthless in her actions than most men.

"If I really had another family outside, I might become big news, and you would be the next Simpson."

"I can’t bear to lose you. For you, I’ve been juggling things for over a decade, shattering many people’s hopes. Yet, those who like you are still as endless as fish swimming across a river. I’ve come to understand someone as great and exceptional as you shouldn’t be monopolized by one woman but shared with the entire world, let other sisters enjoy, maybe leave behind some genes to improve our nation’s gene quality~"

Gan Guoyang has heard this kind of basic talk countless times before—if he were to believe it, he’d be fooled for life.

The two joked a bit more before Wang Fuxi suddenly turned serious: "We got a call from Washington today, saying that some policies and reports unfavorable to U.S.-China relations might come out soon, and asked us to make some preparations."

"The situation will definitely worsen, and I’ve already mentally prepared myself. But don’t worry too much; across the Pacific Ocean, there will be cooperation and competition for a long time. Trust me, everything will work out."

Since the incident on May 7th, Gan Guoyang’s position in the American society’s public opinion has become increasingly nuanced, especially after scoring 74 points against the Spurs. It made Americans sharply aware of the elephant in the room: as a basketball nation, their best and greatest player is a foreigner.

"I know. I am fully prepared in terms of media relations, brand endorsements, and friends in Congress. But I am worried... will the President turn his back on us?"

"Your worries are unnecessary; he definitely will turn his back. But, it’s just a play—just perform it well. Americans love drama, love watching it; just perform for them."

On the phone, they didn’t delve deeper; they were using satellite-encrypted phones from the start.

Gan Guoyang was sure that after May 7th, there was a high probability that he was being monitored or eavesdropped on by the FBI or American Intelligence Department.

Therefore, during usual phone calls, and daily conversations, he had to be very cautious, not giving the American minions and censors any reason to catch hold of him.

The Trail Blazers and the Lakers rested for one day, and the fourth game quickly reignited the battle—undoubtedly, this game would determine the direction of the series.

If the Lakers can win back a game, both sides will head to Portland for the pivotal game five, but if the Lakers fail, this game might be the last NBA game held at the Great Western Forum Arena.

No matter the win or loss, the initiative remains with the Trail Blazers, who will go back to preparing for a gentleman’s sweep of the Lakers if they win, or go home to fight for match point if they lose, making it no worse.

The Trail Blazers, moving forward light-heartedly, gained an advantage as the game started, with Gan Guoyang once again implementing his "mortal plan," demanding himself to score more points in the first quarter, to widen the gap while his physical condition was good.

During the second and third quarters, he reduced shooting, creating opportunities for teammates, focusing his energy on defense, and then exerting effort in the final quarter.

By controlling the tempo of the game at the beginning and end, he influenced the direction of the match.

Executing well at the start, the Lakers’ defense lacked focus, and their initial double-teaming on Gan Guoyang was not proactive.

As a result, Gan Guoyang continued to score with hook shots, and secured 15 points in the first quarter, helping the Trail Blazers lead the Lakers 27:22 by 5 points.

In the second quarter, the Lakers adjusted, Del Harris initiated a comprehensive assault strategy, with extensive ball handling and breakthroughs from the outside, taking turns attacking the Trail Blazers’ inside.

O’Neal primarily followed up, scoring easy baskets under the rim or seizing offensive rebounds for second-chance points, achieving certain effects but not remarkably.

After all, the defensive lineup with Gan Guoyang, Sabonis, and Little O’Neal was as solid as a fortified wall, making it difficult for the Lakers to shake the Trail Blazers’ sturdy under-the-basket defense even with O’Neal.

Clearly, by the fourth game, both sides returned to primitive tactics—pitting individual abilities and challenging inside positions.

Most series take this shape, using the fourth game as a watershed; the first three games test tactics, rotations, surprise players, and unexpected moves.

Starting from the fourth game, as the series progresses, each team holds fewer cards and coaches have fewer strategies to utilize, prioritizing raw strength, individual player capabilities, and on-the-spot performance.

However, at such times, it doesn’t mean coaches lose their impact; on the contrary, their roles might amplify.

As the series progresses into deeper waters, coaches must pay attention to aspects beyond technical tactics, including player mentality, morale boosting, and controlling on-court and off-court public opinion.

Great coaches excel in these areas, with legends like Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, and Chuck Daly possessing the ability to decide games beyond the tactical board.

Del Harris evidently lacks in this regard; during his seasons with the Lakers, he always performed well in the regular season, but falters in the playoffs when situations require decisive action.

He neither possesses Phil Jackson’s method of controlling hearts nor Pat Riley’s ruthless and unyielding aura.

On the Trail Blazers’ side, Larry Bird sits firmly in command, with his advantage rooted in his superstar origin, granting him an extraordinary intuition for games.

Bird’s disadvantage is insufficient calculation power, leading to incorrect judgments at key nodes, but Gan Guoyang’s presence adequately compensates for this flaw.