At this moment, teammate Scola snatched the microphone and corrected, "Manu played outstandingly. To be honest, if it weren't for him, we might not have even secured third place in the group!"
The reporters gasped. It seemed Ginobili's status within the team remained high, with Scola still regarding Manu as the team's leader.
Another Chinese reporter asked, "This time you will face the Chinese team. How do you think of your opponents?"
Ginobili pondered for a moment and replied, "The Chinese team is very strong. I used to know they had Yao Ming. He's a very unique center, with an excellent shooting touch and many offensive moves, and he's very impactful on defense."
"However, our Argentina is faster, so we didn't fear the Chinese team much before. But in this Olympics, with Li Feng, the situation is different. I believe both teams are on the same level, it all depends on the performance on the day."
Ginobili's assessment was fair. He affirmed Yao Ming's role, articulated Li Feng's strengths, and concluded by stating both teams were on an equal footing, without sounding self-deprecating.
The Chinese reporters were satisfied with his answer, smiling and nodding in approval. They then turned their attention to Scola.
"Mr. Scola, you were teammates with Yao Ming. Do you have anything you'd like to say about him?"
Scola's face broke into a smile for the first time. "Yao Ming is a great person. We are best friends. His center skills are unparalleled, a role model for many center players. Playing with him was the happiest time of my life!"
This was high praise, not only commending Yao Ming's skills but also his character and personality.
The reporters were already well aware of Yao Ming's character, but hearing Scola's account gave them a new perspective on Da Yao.
An Argentinian reporter asked, "Mr. Manu, what do you think are Argentina's chances of defending their title this time?"
Ginobili replied, "Very high, because we are very good at playing elimination games, and because our willpower is the most resolute. Once we reach a critical juncture, every player can unleash tremendous energy. I believe we can win the Olympic gold medal again!"
The "Demon Blade" was full of confidence, stemming from his countless experiences of fighting through adversity. While many reporters didn't fully believe him, they were moved by his attitude.
Everyone applauded again, cheering for Ginobili's confidence.
After the pre-game press conference, the players from both sides began to enter the court for warm-up activities.
Upon entering the court, Yao Ming saw Ginobili, and the two embraced in greeting.
As they were old opponents in the NBA, both men held mutual respect.
"Hi, Yao, you have help now. I'm really happy for you!" Ginobili said sincerely.
Da Yao knew that the "help" Ginobili was referring to was Li Feng.
"Haha, you're not quite accurate. We help each other. Perhaps in a couple more years, I'll be his helper!"
Seeing Da Yao's continued humility, Ginobili added, "No, in my eyes, you are the totem of Chinese basketball!"
Yao Ming disliked such accolades and responded with a few more humble remarks.
Just then, Li Feng happened to walk by, and Ginobili proactively greeted him.
After hugging Li Feng, Ginobili greeted him with neither subservience nor arrogance, "Manu, I'm a fan of yours. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Ginobili patted Li Feng's shoulder and praised, "You are too modest. I am also a fan of yours. I've watched your previous few games, and they were amazing! By the way, I will be guarding you the entire game today, so be careful!"
Li Feng smiled and said, "What a coincidence. The coach has also assigned me to guard you. You need to be careful too!"
Yao Ming watched from the side, feeling extremely proud. China finally had a guard who could match Manu. Today's game was sure to be exciting!
Scola also walked over. He and Yao Ming embraced tightly, patting each other's backs.
The two teammates, who had fought on the same battlefield, were reunited and filled with emotion.
After the pleasantries, the players from both teams began their warm-ups.
Da Yao did not, as usual, practice his mid-range shots near the basket. Instead, he moved out to the three-point line and shot a few threes, making five out of six. His touch was hot.
Younes watched this with excitement, feeling that Da Yao might showcase different abilities today.
As the referee's whistle blew, the game began.
China's starting lineup was Li Feng, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Zhu Fangyu, and Sun Dasheng.
Zhu Fangyu made a strong return after a two-game suspension, and his appearance drew a roaring cheer from the fans.
Argentina's starting lineup consisted of Ginobili, Scola, Oberto, Nocioni, and Delfino.
Yao Ming and the Argentinian center Oberto faced off at the tip-off circle. Da Yao easily secured possession.
Li Feng dribbled the ball in the backcourt. Ginobili did not press full-court but retreated to half-court.
This was Argentina's strategy. With many veterans on the team, they had to conserve energy in all aspects and avoid unnecessary physical contests.
After crossing half-court, Li Feng still passed the ball to Yao Ming for their first offensive play.
Da Yao, as the Great Wall of China and its most stable weapon, enjoyed the privilege of the first shot.
Oberto was nearly 10 centimeters shorter than Da Yao, making it very difficult to defend him. Despite his best efforts to contest, Da Yao scored 2 points with a half-turn hook shot.
2:0!
The home crowd erupted in excited cheers, celebrating Yao Ming's exquisite skill.
Li Feng was also fortunate to have a superstar big man like Yao Ming as a teammate in the national team.
The two players fed off each other, becoming a combination that opponents found most troublesome.
Indeed, after Da Yao scored, Argentina's head coach Prigioni's brow furrowed. The aspect he feared most was Yao Ming.
He didn't place much importance on Li Feng, as he had Ginobili.
He believed Ginobili would certainly not perform worse than Li Feng.
After Da Yao's score, Prigioni made a gesture, instructing the Argentinian players to double-team Da Yao and play denial defense.
Argentina's offense commenced, and the ball was passed to Ginobili.
Li Feng immediately moved up to defend him.
Strictly speaking, Ginobili played shooting guard, which would normally be Sun Dasheng's responsibility.
However, Younes entrusted this crucial task to Li Feng, as Ginobili's speed was too great, and only Li Feng could keep up with him.
Ginobili knew Li Feng's capabilities, so he didn't force a shot on the first possession, instead passing the ball to Scola.
Both teams started by focusing on their big men, a traditional basketball approach.
Scola's footwork was exceptional, and although he didn't jump very high, he relied purely on accurate shooting and agile footwork.
Despite Yi Jianlian sticking close to Scola, the "Diamond" used two consecutive pump fakes to deceive Yi Jianlian before scoring a layup off the glass for 2 points.
2:2 tie!