Chapter 404: Sorry, I Was Too Loud Just Now

The atmosphere on the Spanish bench was somewhat dull, and the air was filled with a sense of frustration.

Fan Xi's sudden two three‑pointers shattered their lofty ambitions, and some people whose resolve was not firm even began to mutter: Our luck is really terrible.

Of course, some would think: Luckily it wasn't a group stage against Zhongguo, because with Jieke Fan's ability he could single‑handedly take down a team. The NBA's youngest Finals MVP in history is truly terrifying.

But Yibaka was still excited there, saying: "I don't believe anyone can keep hitting three‑pointers continuously; our strategy isn't wrong. We should keep sticking to our strategy!!"

Pau Gasol looked at him and said: "You're still young, you haven't experienced a real terror. Jie Ke is the kind of person who can crush an opponent's mental defense; from now on we must stay steady, play solidly, and only then have hope!"

There wasn't much game time left, less than about four minutes.

Although the FIBA pace is a bit slower than the NBA, catching up that score is still possible.

But Yibaka was stubborn; he said he would keep playing full‑court offense and defense, and he rallied his teammates, having come this far—why be afraid of Jieke Fan? Just because Jieke Fan hit two consecutive three‑pointers, should we stop playing?

His words had a great effect.

When people fail, they often refuse to accept it, like a gambler who always believes an all‑in will win everything back.

Pau Gasol watched the swelling sentiment and said: "Then let's gamble another round; if Jieke Fan makes a third three‑pointer, we'll play steady!"

They had no objections.

Because if Fan Xi really hits a third three‑pointer, the game would hardly be suspenseful.

It would just be a matter of seeking a dead heart.

…

Compared with the tangled emotions on the Spanish bench, the Zhongguo bench was wildly excited.

The national team players' confidence fully erupted in this game.

In this match, the national team almost dominated Spain; each time Spain clawed back a few points, they were suppressed. Previously it was Guo Ailun and Ding Yan Yuhang, now it's Fan Xi's turn.

The national team played with heavy punches in this game, whereas Spain was somewhat timid.

"I never expected us to be this strong; Spain in '08 was an insurmountable peak for us, and now I feel they're just a bunch of younger brothers." Zhu Fangyu, who participated in the 2008 Olympics, couldn't help but reflect on the contrast.

"That's because I was too young in 2008 to compete." Guo Ailun said confidently; he's an atypical Chinese player, his personality actually resembles that of the American 'Nagada'.

His playing style is similar.

However, in the United States there are many players of his type; without one or two signature moves it's hard to stand out. Fortunately, he has now met Fan Xi.

"Could it be possible that it's because we have Fan Xi?" Lao Wang asked Xiao Guo.

Xiao Guo replied: "We can't rule out that factor."

Hahaha.

Everyone laughed heartily.

He's still a goof.

Fan Xi laughed along, but he felt everything was just too dreamy, too lucky.

Earlier this evening Spain had been tightening their defense, playing conservatively. When they first showed their fangs, Fan Xi found his rhythm, or rather caught a gust. Usually even a gusty player gets a gust only once a season, but Fan Xi happened to catch it at this moment.

So, luck stacked up.

Seeing his teammates' confidence surge, Fan Xi resolved that he must secure this victory.

Winning this game will make the upcoming matches much easier.

Previously Fan Xi worried the team's confidence was insufficient, not flamboyant enough. Now it's fine; Spain is practically delivering a massive experience gift package.

Beep!

The whistle blew, and the game continued.

Pau Gasol returned to the court, substituting his younger brother Ma Ke Jia Suo Er.

His offensive level is far higher than his brother's, so in the full‑court tempo he can pose a greater threat.

Pau Gasol, while moving, received a pass from Lu Bi Ao, quickly fed it into the paint; Yibaka caught the ball, leapt explosively, and completed a dunk.

After the score, he roared fiercely, shouting at Fan Xi.

He intended to prove his own existence, to tell the world he can crush Fan Xi and take the victory.

But Fan Xi stayed silent, letting a teammate pass the ball to him, and immediately launched a fast break.

He surged forward like lightning; Lu Bi Ao was still defending, but Fei Er Nan De Si kept watch nearby.

Fan Xi stepped one foot inside the three‑point line, and their spirit seemed to slacken a bit.

But immediately, Fan Xi performed a step‑back; he jumped… knowing Fei Er Nan De Si was lunging, he still jumped, soaring far higher than Fei Er Nan De Si, using an incredibly graceful step‑back jump shot, releasing the ball; Fei Er Nan De Si's frantic block couldn't affect him at all.

The basketball traced a beautiful arc.

Swish!

It fell into the hoop.

The three‑pointer pierced Spain's hoop again.

The Spanish players were stunned.

Before meeting Fan Xi, they didn't believe such a fierce opponent existed in the world.

Three consecutive three‑pointers, plus leader Gasol's earlier feeling of facing a great enemy, drove their spirit into extreme tension.

Amid the cheers of Chinese fans throughout the arena.

Their mindset underwent a fundamental change.

Fan Xi remained calm as he ran forward.

Guo Ailun followed behind him, shouting loudly: "Brother Fan Xi, did you learn that move from a movie? Superheroes never look back at explosions!"

Fan Xi gave Xiao Guo a blank look: Defense!

Xiao Guo hurried to dive in.

Xiao Guo stayed tight on Fei Er Nan De Si… this defensive style is actually the common logic of Chinese guards: they press upward, rarely using lateral movement to block the opponent's offensive routes.

Therefore, they are at a disadvantage on the international stage, and even more so in the NBA.

This is also why many players defend well domestically, but on the international stage they are easily beaten directly by opponents.

After being taught a lesson by Leonard Butler, Xiao Guo has actually improved a lot.

Fernandes got the ball, he played steadily, under Guo Ai Lun's entanglement he did not force a shot, he passed the ball to Gasol, Gasol passed to Zhang Zhaoxu, but when going for a layup, Lao Wang rushed in and interfered a little, the ball bounced off the rim, Zhang Zhaoxu grabbed the rebound with his height advantage and passed it to Fan Xi. Read books, ah

Fan Xi immediately dribbled and sprinted wildly.

The Spanish defenders collectively closed in on Fan Xi, Fan Xi simply tossed the ball to the other side easily, Xiao Ding got an absolutely open opportunity, he dribbled straight into the paint and finished a two-handed dunk.

The point difference further widened.

Spain had no way to turn things around.

But they still persisted in fighting.

They could still score.

However, looking back, the Chinese team could always cover their scoring. Fan Xi was double-teamed, so Fan Xi started passing, Lao Wang led the show, using his veteran actor-like fake move to deceive Ibaka, Ibaka jumped like a clueless rookie, Lao Wang easily stepped back and scored.

Afterwards, Xiao Ding and Guo Ai Lun also scored frequently.

In their state of bursting confidence, these two could always perform at a high level.

That is to say, their ability to fight bandits and tyrants might not yet be learned, but letting them punch the southern mountain nursing home, they could still beat ten.

Spain soon lost.

Everything was as natural as water flowing to its channel.

Spain might not have expected to lose so painlessly, as if they had just had a dream.

Yet they were convinced in heart and mouth, feeling that after obtaining Fan Xi, the Chinese team had truly become a super-strong squad. As Pau Gasol himself put it: "We Spaniards are at most an NBA playoff fringe team, while Jie Ke is a two-time Finals MVP; it's only normal for him to dispose of us."

Such words could especially comfort the Spanish players.

Ibaka even walked over to shake Fan Xi's hand and apologized to Fan Xi: "Jie Ke, sorry, I was too loud before."

Fan Xi patted this 'little brother' on the back of the head, saying: "I like your passion."

This praise made Ibaka especially happy, he even felt Fan Xi truly was a broad-minded big figure, basically not taking his offense to heart.

His heart filled with admiration for Fan Xi.

Rubio also came over to shake Fan Xi's hand, and even held the game ball for Fan Xi to sign.

He immediately became Fan Xi's teammate. He told Fan Xi: "This might be the last time we are opponents."

Fan Xi liked this high-emotional-intelligence 'kid', and Rubio's big-picture view, passing thought, and defense shown in this game all made Fan Xi appreciate him. He felt the Clippers' point guard position for the new season was not weakened, but strengthened.

Fan Xi then shook hands with each Spanish player one by one.

It could be seen that the Spanish players were full of admiration for Fan Xi.

In this game, Fan Xi completely conquered them.

But they did not know how nervous Fan Xi's heart was tonight, how careful he was.

He really felt fortunate, if not for Spain's first three quarters staying back, the national team would not have had so many chances to show off.

If Spain had led by ten points after the first three quarters, even if Fan Xi went crazy and shot accurately in the fourth, there would still be a good chance they could not win the game.

Most importantly, the national team teammates would not be as confident as they are now.

After defeating Spain, the national team's hearts were ignited with a belief: our next opponent is only the Dream Team.

This is what Fan Xi wanted.

Fan Xi wants to take on the Dream Team.

Although this is impossible.

Even saying it would invite ridicule.

But saying something that would be ridiculed makes the dream more valuable to achieve.

Fan Xi has always been the kind of player who knows there are tigers on the mountain yet heads straight for tiger mountain.

Since the Dream Team has been chattering beforehand about wanting to slaughter the Chinese team, good! See you in the final!

Victory to the king, defeat to the bandit.

…

The national team's victory plunged the divine land into an unprecedented frenzy, although every day Olympic athletes win gold medals, the national team's performance is very good.

However, the men's basketball team's perfect group stage record is especially uplifting for the nation.

This is an unprecedented miracle.

On the day the Chinese team defeated Spain, domestic basketball websites directly crashed, countless fans flooded in, and in their joyful discussion the servers could not hold up.

As the Chinese team advanced as group leaders, they had already gained overall strategic advantage.

Their next opponent is the fourth place from Group B.

If they defeat the fourth place from Group B.

The next opponent will be one of the second or third place teams from Group A and Group B.

After that, it's on to the finals, facing the strongest!

…