The timeout ended and the game resumed, with Wang Dazhi being substituted for Yao Ming.
Coach K also noticed that Yao Ming was expending a lot of energy.
During the timeout, he had been instructing his players that once the game continued, they must target Yao Ming to wear him down.
When you are weak!
We will take your life!
This is the cruelty of competitive sports.
However, after the players from both sides took the court, Coach K discovered that Yao Ming had left the game to rest, and was immediately overjoyed.
He didn't know much about Wang Dazhi, but he knew that Dazhi was already 36 years old and had not played in the semifinals, so he was indeed old.
Therefore, Coach K didn't take him seriously at all and ordered his players to attack the paint!
The frontcourt duo of Anthony Davis and Kevin Love began to bombard the Chinese basket.
Just when Coach K thought he could extend the lead, Wang Dazhi descended like a god and desperately defended the paint.
He first blocked a sure dunk by Anthony Davis, sending it flying.
Then he disrupted Kevin Love's hook shot in the paint!
Two consecutive successful defensive plays greatly boosted the morale of his Chinese teammates!
Incredible!
He's still got it!
Yao Ming on the sidelines excitedly clenched his fist and cheered for Dazhi!
"Dazhi, you're awesome!"
"Wang Dazhi, I love you!"
...
Among the spectators were some veteran fans who had watched Wang Dazhi's career unfold.
They had originally thought Dazhi would just be a placeholder in this Olympics and might not even play.
But Wang Dazhi poured all his remaining energy into the game!
A candle burns to ashes before tears dry!
Countless fans were deeply moved by Dazhi.
Li Feng clapped and nodded non-stop, cheering for the veteran.
Thanks to Dazhi's efforts, the Dream Team's plan to exploit the interior was thwarted.
Li Feng took the opportunity to lead the perimeter attack.
After advancing to the frontcourt, Li Feng passed the ball to Chen Jianghua, and then he broke free from Kobe Bryant's tight defense, ran to the corner, and received the pass.
Kobe immediately lunged forward, but Li Feng faked a shot. Kobe jumped, and Li Feng dribbled sideways, pulling up for a lightning-fast shot!
Swish!
Another three-pointer!
By the end of the first half, the Dream Team not only failed to pull away, but China had narrowed the deficit to 5 points!
59:54!
Wang Dazhi was instrumental!
Although they were trailing, the morale of the Chinese players soared.
Every player on the bench rushed onto the court, high-fiving and hugging Wang Dazhi, proud of him!
The Great Wall of China still stands, though the First Emperor is long gone!
Generation after generation of the Great Wall of China defends the land of China.
The generation after generation of interior pillars, known as the "Great Wall of China," also shine and contribute to the national team!
From Mu Tiezhu, to Mengke Bater, Shan Tao, Wang Dazhi, Yao Ming...
The fans in the arena stood up and applauded Dazhi's tenacious spirit!
Dazhi wiped the sweat from his brow and waved to the fans.
At the twilight of his career, being able to contribute to his country filled Dazhi with immense emotion.
...
Commentators Zhang Lidong and Yu Jia, who were present, also had tears in their eyes.
"Friends in the audience, fans, today's game has allowed us to witness the heroic deeds of our Chinese men's basketball heroes. I love them!"
"Director Zhang is right, every Chinese player is outstanding. I'm proud of them!"
"It's really not easy. I really thought Wang Dazhi wouldn't play in the finals. He gave his all in the quarterfinals."
"Yes, I remember the team doctor said at the time that that game might be Dazhi's last Olympic game."
"Perhaps this is the biggest change Li Feng and Yao Ming have brought to the team. Every player is trying their best to shine. Dazhi's two blocks just now were too crucial; otherwise, the score would have been wider."
"Who says not? The Dream Team was clearly targeting our interior, thinking Dazhi would be easy to bully."
"They might not know that Dazhi was a fierce warrior in his youth!"
"Alas, I hope the Chinese players can explode collectively in the second half, so Li Feng doesn't have to carry the team alone, and they can win the game!"
"It's too difficult, too difficult... But even if we lose, we will lose standing tall!"
"That's right, the second half will definitely be exciting, and our men's basketball players will surely not disappoint us!"
...
Not only the live commentators but also the TNT broadcast booth in the United States was filled with excitement.
Barkley held his head in his hands, his face filled with disbelief: "Oh my goodness! Li Feng's teammates are so fierce! That old guy, what's his name... Dazhi, actually blocked Davis and Love twice. God!"
There were two guests today, Shaquille O'Neal and Reggie Miller.
They also praised China's tenacious performance.
O'Neal and Dazhi had been teammates in the past.
That was during the 2004-05 season when Dazhi joined the Miami Heat, which also had Dwyane Wade and O'Neal.
O'Neal and other American players were very interested in Dazhi's Eastern culture.
To welcome Dazhi, O'Neal had specifically watched many Chinese wuxia books and even learned a cupped-fist salute.
In a game between the Heat and the Bobcats, Dazhi faced a Bobcats defender, faked him out, and then hit a three-pointer.
This spectacular shot caused a stir among his teammates.
O'Neal suddenly performed a cupped-fist salute to Dazhi.
Dazhi was stunned for a moment, then returned the salute.
This became a famous moment at the time, often talked about by fans.
Because of this experience, O'Neal had a particularly deep impression of Dazhi.
Seeing Dazhi, 36 years old, still competing today, O'Neal was incredibly happy.
"Haha, Dazhi even called me last month. He said he was going to play in the Olympics, and I joked, 'You're too old to walk, why are you playing?'"
Hearing O'Neal say this, Reggie Miller also asked curiously, "You were teammates?"
"Of course!" O'Neal then recounted his experience with the Heat, and everyone suddenly understood.
"Li Feng played with ease in the first half. I predict he will explode in the second half!" Smith analyzed calmly.
After all, they were Americans, so while praising the Chinese players, they still had to stand by their own national team.
Barkley nodded: "Yes, a 5-point deficit is nothing. If Li Feng can play like he did in the finals, the Dream Team will be in danger."
Although O'Neal had praised Wang Dazhi extensively, he was still confident in the Dream Team.
"Don't worry, China only has Li Feng as a superstar. No matter how hard the others try, it's useless. As long as Kobe is here, they will definitely win the game in the end!"
Last time in the 2008 Olympics, the Dream Team won the gold medal thanks to Kobe Bryant's magical performance at the end.
No one else refuted him. Reggie Miller said, "I'm just afraid that in the fourth quarter, Kobe won't be able to get the ball. Li Feng's defense is much better than it was three years ago."
"Indeed, Li Feng's progress is all-round. From strength, speed, to technique and rhythm, he is stronger than three years ago!"
"It's a pity that Yao Ming is old and has many injuries. Otherwise, with Li Feng inside and Yao Ming outside, they could have truly dominated international basketball for many years!"
"Yes, Yao Ming's dual roles have put too much strain on his body. He is an absolute main force for both the Rockets and the national team, flying back and forth, and battling fiercely in the paint is too tough."
...
It seems these veterans knew a lot about Yao Ming and understood his difficulties.
The second half of the game began!
With Dazhi's astonishing performance in the latter half of the second quarter, the morale of the Chinese players soared, while the superstars of the Dream Team seemed a bit dazed.
They couldn't figure out how many players on the Chinese side had suddenly emerged.
Yao Ming, having had ample rest, came onto the court with renewed spirit. Gritting his teeth, he secretly vowed to keep the score close in the third quarter.
China's offense. Li Feng dribbled past half-court, and Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul suddenly double-teamed him!
This was Coach K's strategy: not to let Li Feng go one-on-one.
Li Feng was unfazed. He passed the ball early to Chen Jianghua.
Chen Jianghua took advantage of the opportunity to drive to the edge of the paint and saw Sun Dasheng open, so he passed it to him.
Since the training camp, Chen Jianghua had been playing less selfishly, and his passing skills had improved. This pass was very well-placed.
Sun Dasheng received the ball and immediately shot, but it was slightly off.
As Anthony Davis and Yao Ming battled for the rebound, Yi Jianlian suddenly soared from the right and grabbed the rebound first.
LeBron James was guarding Yi Jianlian, but his attention was on Li Feng, so he missed Yi Jianlian.
After securing the rebound, Yi Jianlian wanted to go for a layup, but LeBron James and Kevin Durant converged on him, forcing him to pass the ball.
Li Feng got the ball again and, seeing Yao Ming with a momentary opening, passed it to him like a surgical knife.
Anthony Davis was shocked, and by the time he tried to contest, he was half a beat slow.
Yao Ming turned halfway and easily made a soft hook shot!
59:56!
The deficit was only 3 points!
Chinese fans jumped and cheered excitedly. How they hoped the Chinese men's basketball team in the second half could bring them a surprise!
This offensive sequence showcased the resilience, proactiveness, and desperate fighting spirit of the Chinese players.
Yi Jianlian grabbing an offensive rebound against LeBron James's defense was breathtaking!
The superstars of the Dream Team were stimulated and began to exert their strength.
Especially Kobe Bryant, whose competitive spirit was the strongest among the Dream Team!
After crossing half-court, he pulled up over Li Feng's defense, fading away slightly as he shot, swish!
A three-pointer!
Kobe's killer instinct was evident and indeed terrifying.
The Chinese players, except for Li Feng and Yao Ming, felt an overwhelming aura of killing intent.
After making the basket, Kobe showed no signs of happiness. Instead, his eyes were fierce and he was extremely focused.
His Dream Team teammates knew that Kobe was truly about to explode!
Indeed, in the following few possessions, despite the Chinese players' hard work, the Dream Team played even more tenaciously, fueled by Kobe.
Kevin Durant, a long two-pointer pull-up!
LeBron James, a tank-like drive and a dunk!
Anthony Davis, a turnaround jump shot!
Chris Paul, an invincible mid-range jumper!
...
The Dream Team slowly pulled away again.
After six minutes of the third quarter, the score reached 72:61, with the Dream Team going on a run.
Deng Huade immediately called a timeout.
Against the Dream Team, the worst scenario is when everyone on their team is performing exceptionally.
If one or two players were on fire, Li Feng and Yao Ming could at least match them.
But with the entire Dream Team exploding, the Chinese team was truly helpless.
For the world's top basketball nation, as long as they play normally, no country can withstand them.
During the timeout, Deng Huade had nothing much to say, only urging everyone to strengthen their defense.
Li Feng also remained silent, covering his head with a towel. He knew these guys on the Dream Team too well.
When they get on a roll, they are truly unstoppable.
After the timeout, Deng Huade substituted Yao Ming out and brought in Zhang Zhaoxu.
Wang Dazhi could not play for the time being.
The game resumed, and the Dream Team still held the advantage on the court. However, the timeout had some effect, and the shooting accuracy of the Dream Team's superstars dropped.
Li Feng took advantage of the opportunity to hit two three-pointers, stabilizing the score and preventing it from widening too much.
But Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant simultaneously went off, hitting a three-pointer and a long two-pointer respectively.
By the end of the third quarter, the score was 83:71, with the Dream Team leading by 12 points.
Although the score difference was not too large, from the on-court situation, it seemed almost impossible to catch up.
Chen Jianghua and Sun Dasheng were being overwhelmed, and Yi Jianlian found it very difficult against LeBron James, committing three fouls.
At this rate, the deficit in the fourth quarter would only widen.
Commentator Zhang Lidong was more nervous than the fans. As a former Chinese basketball star, he knew what this Olympics represented.
"Alas, it seems our dream of an Olympic gold medal will be missed again..."
"Director Zhang, what do you think China needs to do to make a comeback?"
"Well... too much. If Wang Dazhi could return to his peak, and Yao Ming had infinite stamina, it would be almost enough. It's proven that basketball is a team sport. No matter how well Li Feng plays, he can't beat the Dream Team alone."
"Indeed, Li Feng has done his absolute best. If it weren't for him, China wouldn't have even made it to the quarterfinals!"
"Actually, Li Feng showed a very strong influence during the training camp. Haven't you noticed? Players like Chen Jianghua, Sun Dasheng, and Guo Ai Lun have improved significantly and are not at a disadvantage in terms of physicality."
"Yes, yes, I noticed. In the past, when playing against strong European teams, our players often made mistakes due to physical contact. In this Olympics, such situations are much rarer."
"This is the change Li Feng has brought to the national team."
...
The fourth quarter began, and Li Feng remained on the court without resting.
Deng Huade had wanted him to rest for another three minutes, but Li Feng didn't listen at all, his eyes were bloodshot.
Li Feng led four reserves against the Dream Team's reserve lineup, continuing to contend.
Now, Li Feng is disregarding his stamina, hoping his teammates can play with extremely strong defense and lower the Dream Team's shooting percentage.
As long as the score difference doesn't widen too much, there's still a chance in the end.
This is the only way Li Feng can think of to make a comeback.
Swish!
James Harden made a step-back three-pointer with precision!
Since learning the step-back three-pointer from Li Feng, Harden has been using this move frequently and skillfully.
But Li Feng has no regrets. If others can learn it, it's their own capability!
Facing a double-team, Li Feng suddenly started, using a realistic fake to shake off Harden and Russell Westbrook, and then he also hit an extreme step-back three-pointer!