Chapter 405: Fortunately, You're My Teammate

I can't attribute it to an accident; that would seem disrespectful to the opponent. All our players gave their all, and they found an unprecedented chemistry and confidence.

Fan Xi, after the game, smiled in a media interview and said: "I know this is an unprecedented experience for the Zhongguo men's basketball team. But now we've gone through it, and we will create new experiences."

"Spain is certainly a very strong opponent; they deserve respect."

Fan Xi said seriously.

When asked whether Fan Xi knew domestic fans were already celebrating wildly, Fan Xi said: "I know you're happy, but hold off on the celebration; something even happier is coming."

Fan Xi made a victory sign to the camera.

Then he concluded the interview.

Next, Guo Ailen and Ding Yuyuhang were interviewed; they were the second and third best performers of the game.

Guo Ailen posted 17 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, while Ding Yuyuhang had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.

Achieving those numbers against Spain's formidable wing‑and‑guard defense proves their individual ability, in addition to Fan Xi's huge influence.

"Going undefeated in the group stage was already part of our plan; I think we gave about eight points of effort against Spain. It's not that Spain isn't strong, it's… we're just too powerful." Xiao Guo is now a bit cocky.

He picked up bad habits in the United States.

Back home he was a bit smug, but not this smug.

Still, this kind of smugness is endearing.

In professional sports, being inexperienced is the original sin; smugness is not.

"Fourth place in Group B is Russia?" Guo Ailen continued: "Hmm, a good opponent. I hope we can beat them, because I'm already eager to reach the Final Four."

Compared with Guo Ailen's pride, Ding Yuyuhang was more low‑key: "I struggled a bit in this game; I haven't fully adapted to European players' defensive intensity. In the U. S. I trained with American‑style players like Leonard and Butler. Brother Fan Xi helped me. All my achievements now are Brother Fan Xi's achievements."

Xiao Ding's remark shows high emotional intelligence.

It instantly broadened the scope.

Guo Ailen beside him quickly added: "Yes, Brother Fan Xi will always be our spiritual leader!"

Hmm?

That comment sounds a bit odd?

Compared with the Zhongguo team's "Heng Ha Er Jiang", the two Spanish players interviewed by CCTV were far more sincere.

Ibaka gave a thumbs‑up: "They played excellently; Jie Ke truly belongs to another realm. He dominated the game, playing effortlessly through the first three quarters, and he helped the youngsters grow. When we just showed our fangs, he ferociously hit three consecutive three‑pointers."

"I used to see on the media how lucky it was for Jie Ke to win the championship, but after experiencing it myself, I have to tell those armchair strategists: shut up, you don't understand Jie Ke's terror at all."

"Also, Dream Team, good luck to yourselves!"

"The real shark has arrived."

Ibaka made a soaring‑shark gesture in front of the TV camera; he was truly conquered.

In contrast, Pau Gasol was much calmer.

"Congratulations to the Zhongguo team for taking first in Group A; I hope we still have a chance to meet again."

"Jie Ke is a truly great player; I'm sorry Kobe didn't join the Dream Team this year—if he were there, the game would certainly be more interesting."

Then the reporter asked Pau Gasol why he was so nostalgic about Kobe.

Gasol said confidently: "Because Kobe is the only player in my mind who can suppress Jie Ke on the aura level. The only one!"

He emphasized it again.

Pau Gasol is a die‑hard Kobe Bryant fan; in his heart, the two leaders of Los Angeles are the two most lethal players in today's basketball world. Some might say Rosa's drives are more violent, Durant's scoring is unstoppable, and Le Bu Lang Zhang Si is virtually invincible.

After the Spanish team's interview aired domestically, local fans became even more excited and joyful.

Because the national team had never so thoroughly conquered such a strong opponent, Fan Xi even led the team to make the two Spanish stars wholeheartedly submit, and he called out to the Dream Team.

Oh my god, is this elevating the Zhongguo team to the same level as the Dream Team?

…

"We have taken note of that news, but when it reached our locker room, we remained very calm."

The Dream Team said this before the next day's game.

This is the Dream Team's final group match, Dream Ten versus Lithuania.

This game will decide who will be first in Group B.

Because Lithuania is also unbeaten in four games.

Lithuania fields many tall players; although they lack the Dream Team's perfect lineup, they are very formidable. Led by Keleiza, the Lithuanian team is like a meat grinder.

Fan Xi also sat in front of the TV watching this marquee match, with Lao Wang, Lao Yao, Xiao Ding and Xiao Guo beside him.

The game started quickly.

The Dream Team, though confident before the game, got into rhythm very slowly.

Lithuania, however, relied on exquisite coordination to repeatedly produce perfect tempo, once leading the Dream Team by six points.

An ESPN commentator even said: "This might be the Dream Team's scheme; they don't actually want first place in the group, they intend to target the Zhongguo team in the second round."

According to the tournament format.

If the Zhongguo team defeats Russia, their semifinal opponent will be the winner of second place in Group B versus third place in Group A.

"Does the Dream Team really think that?"

Yao Ming, who understands English, asked Fan Xi.

Fan Xi shook his head and said: "The Dream Team works hard, but their interior is weak and the perimeter hasn't solved the transition issue. Kevin Durant, James Harden and the like aren't trusted; instead, Cameron Anthony, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si and Wade are the main actors."

"Keleiza was Anthony's opponent during his Nuggets days; he knows Anthony well. Anthony is playing the power forward spot tonight; his offensive ability is still a lethal weapon in FIBA, but his defense is terrible…"

Fan Xi said: "Lao Wang, if you face Anthony, just run a few more circles and he won't be able to hold up."

Fan Xi analyzed to Wang Zhiji: "Look, Lithuania plays smart; this power forward is very crafty, always slipping through the back door, and can even shoot from beyond the three‑point line."

Fan Xi's perspective on the game is completely different from the commentators'.

Under his insightful analysis, every player benefited greatly; Fan Xi's Global Vision gave them a brand‑new game experience.

They began to understand why the Dream Team players acted that way, why they took those positions, and what their flaws were.

In the past, when the China team faced the Dream Team, they never expected to win, and their pre‑game study of the Dream Team's tactics was shallow. Or rather, from the start they assumed the Dream Team was certain to win, even playing with an idol halo.

The game was played very tightly.

The Dream Team's interior was torn apart by Lithuania, leaving it ragged; strictly speaking they only had two true big men, Tyson Chandler and this year's top pick Anthony Davis, while Kevin Love was just a big shooter.

In the NBA, some people gave him the dirty and tiring work; he could happily grab boards, often pulling down twenty‑plus rebounds in a game, but in FIBA no one catered to him.

The newly crowned top pick Anthony Davis, though infinitely talented, is too young; he can occasionally flash a brilliant play, but James is still young and strong, and rarely gives the youngster many chances to find those sparkles.

So the Dream Team lost the rebounding battle to Lithuania.

And the Dream Team tasted a second bitter fruit.

They didn't bring Westbrook and Derek Rose.

Chris Paul's current penetration killing ability is far below that of 2008, and Deron Williams is even worse.

The Dream Team lost the tearing ability they relied on to survive.

Their defensive fast breaks were not as sharp as imagined; although the transition tempo was fast, their finishing ability was diminished.

Dwyane Wade also no longer has the 2008 Dream Team MVP aura.

James is still a superstar in the FIBA system, but not as comfortable as in the NBA, because the referees occasionally blow the whistle to call his traveling.

The Dream Team once placed its hope on James Harden.

James Harden is considered to have the triple‑threat star potential of passing, cutting, and shooting, but he has been too exhausted lately, still in a honeymoon with Kylie Kardashian.

So the game remained tied through the fourth quarter.

The more frightening event occurred in the latter half of the fourth quarter: their only center Tyson Chandler twisted his ankle on a dunk landing, limping off the court.

Although the injury didn't look severe, he never returned, even when the game reached its most critical moment.

Tyson Chandler clearly didn't want a single Olympic game to ruin his career; a major reason American pros are lukewarm about playing for the country is fear of injury.

"The Dream Team really won't lose to Lithuania, will it?"

Yao Ming, seeing this, felt a bit worried.

At this moment, more and more China team members sat around, witnessing the Dream Team's embarrassment.

In their hearts, intense thoughts began to arise.

"I think taking down the Dream Team isn't a pipe dream!"

Guo Ailen said it out loud.

Fan Xi, however, did not press the advantage further.

In the final five minutes, the Dream Team launched a ferocious attack; Le Bu Lang Zhang Si went on a rampage, along with his peerless duo Carmelo Anthony.

The two of them took over the game.

They turned the tide in the closing moments.

They finally beat Lithuania 99–94.

The win kept the Dream Team undefeated in the group stage.

But the victory didn't make ESPN cheer, because for a long time they had been saying this might be the Dream Team's tactic: the Dream Team wanted to meet the China team early and slaughter Jieke Fan in the semifinals.

And there was nothing brag‑worthy about the win.

The Dream Team won in a very messy fashion.

Compared with their earlier slaughter, this game forced them into a corner.

Some new thoughts arose unnoticed: Could the Dream Team really lose to the China team? The China team has Jieke Fan, and Yao Ming!

For American fans, this was a strong worry.

For Chinese fans, however, it was boundless yearning.

If the China team ultimately defeats the formidable Dream Team, it would be the most prestigious gold medal for the Chinese delegation at this year's Olympics.

It could even contend for the most prestigious gold medal in Olympic history.

In fact, after watching the game,

The Chinese national team players' inner fire has begun to blaze; thoughts they never imagined are now spreading uncontrollably…

Defeat the Dream Team, seize gold!

What a glorious honor this would be!

Many have already imagined the hometowns beating drums and gongs.

This is a true triumphant return home.

And if the men's basketball team wins gold, every player, even those on the far bench, will see their market value skyrocket uncontrollably.

Domestic real‑estate developers will likely line up to give them houses, endorsement deals will pour in nonstop,

Snort!

Fan Xi felt that when they left the room, their eyes were all blood‑red, a wild, unstoppable surge of drive.

"If Tyson Chandler really is injured and can't play, we have a sliver of a chance to win." Yao Ming, staying until the end, said this to Fan Xi.

His expression was also exhilarated. Defeating the Dream Team is the ultimate dream of every non‑American player.

Now there's a chance to fulfill it; who can hold back the excitement?

Fan Xi nodded, but he still seriously said, "From this situation, Tyson Chandler's injury doesn't seem severe, maybe he isn't even hurt. He just twisted slightly, it won't keep him from the next game."

"Alas!" Yao sighed, having heard Fan Xi's analysis, feeling a bit disappointed.

Fan Xi, however, smiled.

He still had some confidence inside.

He said, "Let's not worry about the Dream Team now. Talk about Russia; we don't want to stumble in the next game and have a hard time explaining back home."

"Now the domestic fans' appetite has been whetted."

"We got first place in the group stage; if we don't win a medal, it will disappoint many people."

Fan Xi said.

Yao Ming nodded. He said: "Playing against Rosa should be no problem, but if we meet Tunisia in the semifinals, we think it's also very risky."

Fan Xi opened the computer and checked the standings of the two groups.

He said: "Tunisia is very likely unable to beat the France team; the France team is not as weak as imagined."

The France team is third in Group A; they will directly face Tunisia in the quarter-finals.

Although the France team actively surrendered when facing the Zhongguo team, this might actually be their tactic.

As the saying goes, using brine to coagulate tofu — one thing subdues another.

Yao Ming heard Fan Xi's analysis, he nodded. Then he seemed to suddenly realize, and he said: "Fan Xi, this is what you planned, right? From the start you planned it this way; you optimized a smoothest path for the national team's advancement. Just like how we played in the playoffs this year?"

Fan Xi did not argue, he nodded.

Yao Ming couldn't help but exclaim: "Your mind is too nimble. You're simply terrifying!"

"Fortunately, you're my teammate, not my opponent."

…