Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 395 Fierce Battle Against Spain (Part 3)
The halftime break was perhaps the most unforgettable moment for all the players.

There were no passionate and eloquent speeches, no ingenious tactical arrangements; these 15 minutes were too quiet.

Everyone was silent, as if they weren't the ones leading by five points, but rather Spain was leading by a large margin.

The key players were breathing heavily, drinking water and wiping away sweat. The coaching staff were trying to find someone to discuss the problems from the first half. No one was talking about tactics. Andy stared at the tactics board, silent for a long time.

In interviews several years later, several players who were on the team at the time revealed their feelings about that midfield moment.

Zhao Rui: I remember it very clearly. Nobody wanted to talk, and I didn’t want to either. Everyone was looking at Chen Wang, who was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, getting physical therapy.

The only sounds in the room were panting and coughing; the coach didn't say a word.

Reporter: Why is no one speaking?
Zhao Rui: The tactics were explained before the game. Now it's time to test our abilities and determination.

Reporter: So this halftime break is just a simple rest and a chance to catch your breath?

Zhao Rui: Yes, that's all.

Reporter: What are your thoughts afterward?
Zhao Rui: My mind was blank. I believe everyone had only one thought: to fight to the very end and not to think about anything else.

Looking back on the process, it feels both fast and slow.

Reporter: How do you interpret "fast" and "slow" here?

Zhao Rui: The fast part is that after the game is over, it's just a blink of an eye when you think back on it. The slow part is psychological; every second is torture.
-
Reporter: Yi, what impressed you most about that match against Spain?
Yi: Let's take a break at halftime.

Reporter: Did we make any decisive adjustments to the midfield?
Yi: No, it's the same tactical and strategic arrangement as always.

Reporter: What exactly happened that day?
Yi: Nothing happened, but it left a deep impression on me.

Yi: At first I thought the coach would say something, but then I found out he didn't. Then I hoped Chen Wang would step up, but he didn't either. I was a little confused at the time, but then I suddenly realized that it was meaningless to say anything at this point. Since we were determined to beat Spain from the beginning, there was no need to say anything more.

Yi: I think that's why neither Coach Chen nor Wang said anything.
-
Reporter: Is the game you're most proud of the one against Spain?
Shen Zijie: Yes, I think I found my confidence from this game.

Reporter: Was it because of those two crucial blocks in the second half?
Shen Zijie: Yes, and that alley-oop dunk.

Reporter: Why did it erupt in the second half?

Shen Zijie: I guess I got the feeling. Actually, during halftime, I was quite lost.

Shen Zijie: The halftime was too quiet that day. As a young player, I didn't dare to speak. Then I observed the expressions of the senior players and realized why.

Reporter: What did you understand?
Shen Zijie: We must win, even if it kills us! Chen Wang kept his eyes closed, but I could feel his murderous aura. Yi Ge's eyes were fixed on the tactics board, not blinking an eye. Li Kai'er kept rubbing his legs and moving his wrists.

The coach just stood there with his hands on his hips, not moving an inch.

Everyone seemed eager for the second half to start, and then I suddenly realized that I needed to catch up with the team and fight alongside everyone to win the game.

Later, Yu Jia summarized: In this halftime, the Chinese men's basketball team, through silence, inspired and motivated the whole team to fight for the game. This was the most unique halftime in the history of sports, a silent yet powerful and vivid performance.

In the commentary booth, Yu Jia chatted with Su Qun, asking, "Mr. Su, if Spain continues to play so steadily in the second half, won't it be difficult for us?"

Su Qun: "Yes, now it's our turn to attack, and Spain is defending, exhausting themselves time and time again."

"If Chen and Wang lead the Chinese team to attack, they will be overwhelmed by Spain's counter-attack."

"The worst thing is the fourth quarter, when Spain takes the lead. If China can't keep up, the game is over."

Yu Jia nodded heavily. Su Qun's analysis of the situation was profound. Judging from the first half, Chen Wang was using his usual methods, hoping to break down Spain's psychological defenses by scoring more points, just like he did in the NBA.

However, on the international stage, the will of the national team is the most unpredictable. Even weak teams will not give up easily, let alone European football and basketball powerhouses like Spain.

The glory they carried did not allow them to retreat; this was the moment to test their willpower.

Spain's performance in the first half proved that they have enough strength and will to face the home advantage of the Chinese team. Even if it is Chen Wang, so what?

Think about Spain playing against the Dream Team; every single one of their opponents was a superstar.

From their professional perspective, Yu Jiasuqun is the one who knows best just how difficult it is to overcome this challenge.

In the VIP section, Yao left the leaders and went to his former comrades-in-arms.

Wang Zhizhi shook hands with Yao Ming and joked, "If you don't lose weight soon, you'll have to have surgery again."

Yao made a funny face and waved her hand: "There's nothing I can do, I have too many social engagements and not enough exercise. I'll be careful."

After the two sat down, Wang Zhizhi looked at the cheerful cheerleaders on the court, but his mind was filled with images from the first half.

"This is tough." He sighed as he looked up at the scoreboard.

Yao remained silent, somewhat lost in thought, as he looked at everyone's data.

"Everyone played above average in the first half, which was very good."

Wang Zhizhi, however, said: "I'm afraid it will be like 08."

Memories flooded back, and Yao forced a bitter smile: "Yes, what a regrettable thing."

"We almost couldn't hold on."

"Today is even more crucial, more crucial than that game," Wang Zhizhi said.

"Yes, that time we fought hard to get out of the group stage and make it to the quarterfinals, and now we're aiming for the semifinals."

"If only Chen Wang were here in 08!" Wang Zhizhi said with a strange sense of melancholy.

Yao retorted, "Why can't we be born 12 years later?"

Wang Zhizhi was taken aback, then burst into laughter. His words sparked endless imagination: "Yes, if you and I have 5 points, Li Kaier 3 points, Chen Wang 2 points, and Liu Wei 1 point, then the championship is a sure thing!"

"We have players like Zhou Qi, Yi Jianlian, Zhu Ba, Wang Qi, and Guo Ailun on the bench," Yao joked.

"If we merged the 08 national team with the current national team, it would be ridiculously strong." Perhaps it was the vision that dispelled his worries, and Wang Zhizhi smiled broadly.

"Although it's unrealistic, if we look at our past generations, it's really not bad." Yao also regained his confidence.

“Yes, we are just as good as you are,” Wang Zhizhi affirmed.

"I hope the boys can hold on. Whoever gets discouraged first will lose. We can't let this momentum slip away," Wang Zhizhi said from a coach's perspective.

Yao had already turned his gaze toward the players' tunnel, and he said softly, "No, I have confidence in Chen Wang."

"I have it too!"

They looked at each other, and their two large hands clasped tightly together.

"We will definitely win!"

※※※

When Chen Wang walked out of the players' tunnel, he was greeted by a deafening roar of cheers. This was a unique treatment for Chen Wang at this World Championship. The expectations of millions of fans did not weigh on him; on the contrary, they inspired him even more.

He wanted to transform this expectation into tangible pleasure.

China has the ball.

Guo Ailun returned to the starting lineup and dribbled the ball across half-court. Lucio constantly put pressure on him to hold the ball. Fortunately, Ailun's task today was only one: to pass the ball to Chen Fang more quickly and frequently.

Chen set a screen for Allen in the center circle, but after turning around, he found that Lucio did not continue to chase Allen. Instead, he spread his arms and cut off the passing lane.

This was expected. Chen Fang did not wait in place, but moved laterally towards the sideline, where Li Kai'er came up to cover for him.

The screen was excellent; Rudy was completely shut down, allowing Chen Fang to push past Lucio who had switched onto him and drive straight to the basket.

Guo Ailun was already heading towards the basket with the ball. He deliberately paused to attract the defender to come forward. When he saw Chen Fang, he immediately pulled away, but suddenly passed the ball laterally to the other side during the movement.

This pass was very bold, catching Gasol, who was guarding the entire midfield, off guard. He was a beat too slow and reached out, only to catch air.

Chen Fang received the ball and dribbled. Oriola was protecting the rim on the wing in front of him. He turned around and pulled the ball in place, but in the process he concealed the ball and brought it back together. He left the ground with both feet and landed again, creating a dead ball state where both feet could be used as pivots.

He raised his right foot and stepped up, simultaneously raising the ball in a gesture. After kicking Oriola up, he pulled his leg back, turned halfway around, and slashed inward with his shoulder, kicking up Gasol who was returning to defense. He then pulled his leg back again, rotating half a circle counterclockwise during the process. This time, he actually jumped, landing right in the middle of the two Spanish inside players who jumped one after the other.

From now on, it all depends on his own shooting ability!

But you can completely trust Chen Wang's ability to get into position in the air, and with a flick of his wrist, send the ball out.

In the blink of an eye, Chen Fang's movements were so fast and realistic that the fans' gasps couldn't keep up.

"Ah, ha, yo, hey!" Yu Jia couldn't help but exclaim repeatedly as Chen Fang made a series of feints. When he saw the ball go into the basket, he instantly reached a climax.

"Wow, that's the most brilliant performance in human basketball! Chen Wang outmaneuvered the entire Spanish interior, using his unparalleled post-up skills to score the first point of the third quarter."

"52 to 45, China has extended its lead to 7 points!"

After scoring this goal, Spain was clearly moved. In their offensive possession, Rudy caught the ball and shot immediately, completely unaware that Chen Fang's help defense was already in his face.

"Block! Great!" Yu Jia shouted.

The game continued, and only Chen Fang knew where the ball was going. He pounced on it as soon as he landed, scooped it up with one hand, took two steps forward, and then released the ball, his foot landing on the Spanish three-point line.

With the linesman still in the Chinese half, and the Spanish defender Rubio only just reaching the center line, he instinctively gave up on chasing and watched Chen Fang leap high into the air. Amidst the deafening cheers of the entire stadium, Chen Fang's leap was like a blooming flower, stunning the entire Shanghai Sports Center Stadium.

It was just a simple dunk, but it completely ignited the passion of the entire arena.

"Unparalleled individual skill, blocks, fast breaks, dunks, faster than lightning, Chen Wang's afterimage stretches from the center line all the way to the ends of the earth!" Yu Jia felt like he was about to fall off his feet. Chen Fang was as swift as a rabbit, giving people the feeling that even time could not catch up with him.

"54 to 45, China's deficit has reached 9 points, which is also the largest deficit so far in this game."

Sensing the Chinese team gaining momentum, the 16,000 fans in the stadium became even more excited, with many standing up and waving cheering sticks and small national flags. In an instant, the Shanghai Sports Center Stadium turned into a sea of ​​red.

Spain's head coach Sergio decisively called a timeout. He didn't need to make any adjustments, but rather to use this timeout to interrupt China's rising momentum.

On the Chinese side, Chen Fang also pulled aside the starting lineup to explain the situation.

"Keep observing, anticipate the next step, and most importantly, dare to take the ball and make moves."

Li Nan also emphasized: "Be proactive on defense, be physical, protect the backcourt rebounds, and cherish every point now."

"Go! Go!" Andy used all the Chinese he had just learned to clap enthusiastically.

The old man's actions excited everyone even more. They all gathered around, put their hands on each other's shoulders, and shouted, "Go for it!"

The timeout ended quickly, and the Spanish team returned to the court calmly and composedly. They did not rush to catch up, but instead used the "horns" tactic to repeatedly attack China's defense at the top of the key.

Meanwhile, Rudy and Rubio's ghost-like runs on the flanks created another excellent opportunity.

"Hey, that shot!" Yu Jia exclaimed as he saw Rudy hit a three-pointer from the corner.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. We can’t possibly defend against every single movement by Spain. Rudy’s positioning is just too good.” Su Qun was very clear-headed.

Spain's three-pointer immediately stopped the bleeding and brought the point difference back to normal levels from near double digits.

54:48.

Twelve seconds later, the Shanghai Sports Center erupted in cheers once again.

This time it was Yi. Oriola, who was guarding him, didn't expect Yi, who hadn't attempted a three-pointer before, to suddenly launch a surprise attack.

This three-pointer was so sudden that he didn't even have time to raise his hand to react.

"Great job! Yi can hit three-pointers, but the national team needs him to play more inside, which is a good thing. It will force Spain to extend their defense!" Su Qun was very happy. This was the turning point.

A match full of suspense, the outcome may hinge on a single goal.

Even if Chen and Wang score a lot, it's all within expectations. The key factor in tipping the scales of victory is the unexpected scoring. Sure enough, Spain immediately made a substitution, replacing the cumbersome Oriola with Javier Beran, and moving Juan to number 4 to mark Yi.

Thus, the space placed on the outside was relieved of pressure.

Chen Fang responded immediately, launching a fierce attack on Spain's most vulnerable spot.

First, he pretended to ask for the ball at the top of the arc, then suddenly cut into the right short corner. China's outside pass was very quick, and the setter had already passed from Guo Ailun to Li Kaier.

Li Kai'er's greatest contribution to the Chinese team is twofold.

One advantage is that he can play as a forward and solve the problem of positional warfare.

Secondly, he is tall enough to deliver high-quality half-lob passes even under high pressure.

Chen Fang is very comfortable receiving the ball; this position is his sweet spot. However, he rarely goes to the inside in the national team because Yi Jianlian and Zhou Qi have difficulty understanding each other under the basket.

If he goes there, it will only cause chaos. Besides, the intensity of the previous matches did not require Chen Fang to back down the opponent.

But before the game, Andy had already told Chen Fang that this trump card would be revealed in the second half.

He feinted, using his peripheral vision to judge whether he was being double-teamed—it was all done in a flash. The next second, Chen Fang turned around and released the ball, feeling Juan touch his back, thus determining the opponent's position and center of gravity.

He took a half-step towards the top line, lifted the ball, and the movement was not fast, which made Juan subconsciously think it was a feint. However, Chen Fang pulled up for a jump shot, and jumped up halfway through the motion.

Back-to-the-basket moves always rely on a combination of mental and technical skill. Juan didn't even have time to react when he jumped; he could only raise his hand quickly.

But for Chen Fang, who had already jumped, even if he didn't jump very high, it was more than enough.

"Wonderful! That back-to-the-basket move was absolutely beautiful!" Su Qun exclaimed.

"11 points! My goodness! China played with super offensive prowess in the third quarter. Spain is going to have a headache!" Yu Jia exclaimed excitedly.

59:48.

Spain was indeed a bit chaotic. Rubio tried to stabilize the situation by making repeated gestures. After Belan set a screen, he spread out to receive the pass, attracting Chen Fang over, and then passed the ball to Rudy in the bottom corner.

Lee Kyle lunged forward, but Rudy bounced the ball off the ground. Gasol cut to the basket, received the pass, and shoved past Zhou Qi to dunk the ball into the hoop.

The ball was passed around quickly, tearing apart China's defense, leaving them with no chance to resist.

Then, Chen Fang dribbled across the court and was double-teamed. He passed the ball to Guo Ailun, who was careless when receiving it and failed to protect the ball, allowing Rubio to steal it by shoving his arm through his waist.

Spain quickly switched to offense, a three-on-two situation, and Juan finally scored two more points with a layup.

59:52.

They scored four consecutive points, quickly dampening the enthusiasm of the stands.

"Spain is indeed a world-class team; their ability to seize opportunities is too strong," Su Qun sighed.

Although China is still in the lead, this high-energy offense and defense always gives people a sense of instability, while Spain's composure is particularly intimidating, and your heart will never slow down.

That's my impression of the game so far.

The Chinese team charged forward with all their might, while Spain responded calmly and composedly, with neither side losing their rhythm.

Anyone with even a basic understanding of football knows that if they continue playing like this, China's fate after their passion fades will be quite ugly.

This understanding is based on the fact that everyone knows China cannot beat Spain, and today they must rely on home advantage and the determination to make history.

Chen Fang got some opportunities, but as his physical strength declined, especially under the combined attack of Rudy and Belan, his shooting percentage began to drop.

China relied more on Yi Jianlian's attacks, and the score increase began to slow down.

On the other hand, Spain played methodically. Even when they couldn't score, they delayed the game to prevent China from launching a counterattack. Guo Ailun got Rubio into two fouls in this quarter, but the problem was that Rubio started scoring by taking on Guo Ailun one-on-one.

With a floater and a layup, Rubio, as Spain's undisputed core player on the perimeter, demonstrated a court control ability far exceeding that of the NBA.

With three minutes left in the third quarter, the entire arena erupted in a huge groan.

Yu Jia spoke with difficulty: "Our defense is starting to have problems, obviously due to declining physical fitness."

"This 3+1 play was fatal, giving them the lead and forcing Chen Wang to commit his third foul."

"If they make the free throw, Spain will lead us by 3 points."

With those words, Rudy calmly slotted the ball into the net.

63:66.

My heart sank; the thing I feared most had happened.

Spain slowly wore down the Chinese team, eventually dragging them into a state of exhaustion after their fiery attack.

The most difficult situation is for Chen Fang. He can't be benched yet, but if he continues to play, what will happen in the fourth quarter?

All the difficulties and challenges weighed on his shoulders.

Chen Fang shook his head at Andy in the direction of the substitutes' bench, gritting his teeth.

Even if it's tough, you have to hold on!

Having already scored 28 points, Chen Fang had no other choice. Even if he was the only one left, he would fight on.

After another run, he suddenly cut down to the basket. The moment he received the ball, he was double-teamed. Chen Fang put the ball forward, took a step, and flipped over after receiving the ball. He was almost at the highest point in the air before he was fully facing the basket.

Juan covered his face with his hands, but Chen Fang didn't flinch. He flicked the ball out from memory and then fell backward.

"Beep beep!" The linesman blew his whistle, and the long-silent stands erupted in cheers once more.

"2+1, an unparalleled fadeaway jumper!" Yu Jia exclaimed as he watched Chen Fang glide out of bounds.

Pure technical dominance; despite being double-teamed by two Spanish players, Chen Fang still managed to score.

"30 points! Less than three quarters have passed. Today, Chen Wang is giving his all, just as he promised before the game!"

Yi rushed over and helped him up. Both of them were sweating profusely. Given the current situation, Li Nan dared not make any substitutions and could only make minor adjustments to give the main players a breather. Most of the time, the starters were on the court.

Based on current playing time statistics, Chen Fang has played the longest at 24 minutes, while Zhou Qi has played the shortest at 19 minutes.

This is the only option available, and everyone is gritting their teeth and persevering.

Standing at the free-throw line, I took deep breaths, tried my best to adjust, and then shot.

A sure-fire penalty.

"66 to 66, tied again!" Yu Jia's voice didn't sound excited, but rather bitter.

Today's game was incredibly difficult; Chen Wang was truly risking his life to carry the team.

He scored half of China's points; everyone understands that concept.

"Replace him," Andy said firmly to Sun Lexian.

The latter ran towards Li Nan, and after a brief conversation, Sun Lexian ran towards the technical station.

Sun Minghui stood up. He was Chen Fang's only substitute. Although he didn't get much playing time, he was always ready because Chen Fang had said something to him before the game.

"You're here because you can score points when I'm not around."

Guo Ailun was called for a foul after squeezing through a screen, and China requested a substitution.

Seeing Chen fall to the field, Yu Jia couldn't tell whether he was happy or worried. He said, "We need to prepare for the fourth quarter."

Sun Minghui and Chen Fang high-fived, but Chen Fang suddenly hugged him.

"Go score, I believe in you," Chen Fang said fiercely in Sun Minghui's ear.

Back on the bench, Chen took a deep breath. Today's intensity was at its peak, and a lot of energy was spent on getting past defenders. In fact, the least amount of energy was spent on offense.

Andy didn't communicate with Chen Fang about his next playing time; at this point, it all depended on how things went on the court.

Sun Minghui's entry into the game brought Spain back to a proper 23 zone defense. Facing the tall Belin, his first shot was disrupted.

"The opportunity has presented itself!" Yu Jia couldn't help but sigh.

Chen Fang remained silent, sitting there, staring intently at the court.

The pace of attack and defense suddenly quickened, showing how cunning Spain is; as soon as Chen was off the field, they sped up the game.

Gasol quickly got his chance, throwing down several free throws, which made Yi complacent about his defense. He then took the opportunity to get the ball and drive to the basket for a layup.

The attempt to interfere failed, and instead resulted in a foul.

Fortunately, the ball bounced and fell out of the box.

Making one of the two free throws was a stroke of luck.

Subsequently, Lee Keir changed his passive approach and made a rare mid-range jump shot.

The score began to fluctuate, and after watching for a while, Chen Fang felt relieved. He was afraid of a collapse, but now it seemed that the situation was not bad.

But the moment the thought crossed his mind, the situation on the field changed dramatically.

Rudy and Lucio executed a one-two pass, repeatedly deceiving the Chinese defense, before Rudy hit a three-pointer from the corner.

Turning back, they suddenly changed their strategy, applying full-court pressure, which caused China to make a turnover on the inbound pass. Guo Ailun, who was almost exhausted, was intercepted again, and Spain made an easy basket, with Juan scoring off the backboard.

The situation is in crisis again as Spain scores 5 consecutive points.

68:74.

China fell behind by 6 points in an instant.

Not only Chen Fang's expression was unpleasant, but so were all the people in the VIP seats.

Yao, who had been silently watching the game, immediately covered his head in his hands, while Wang Zhizhi, who was more easygoing, patted him on the back to comfort him.

This is why no one feels secure when the Chinese team is in the lead, because China loses points very quickly, in the blink of an eye.

This essentially reflects that China's national resources are too weak, and its defense cannot withstand a team of Spain's caliber.

Chen Fang can't play now; he just hopes time will pass quickly.

But the rope always breaks at its thinnest point, and in the final minute, China suffered another heavy blow.

Yi committed another foul, bringing his total to four.

Yi sighed helplessly and was subsequently substituted.

The Chinese team, already penalized, watched as Spain stepped up to the penalty line.

Chen Fang watched Rudy score the penalty with a blank expression.

70:80.

Two minutes after the game ended, Spain took a 10-point lead.

Yu Jia, who was in the commentary booth, was no longer in the mood to speak, but following his duty as a commentator, he said: "This is the role of Chen Wang. On offense and defense, he gives China the ability to compete with world-class teams like Spain."

"Don't be discouraged, King Chen will return in the fourth quarter!"

(End of this chapter)