The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 134 Larry Bird: Tonight's number 23 feels somewhat familiar to me.
In the MBC live broadcast studio, Magic Johnson exclaimed in surprise, "Don's feints are very skillful. Why didn't he use them in Game 3?"

Bill Walton said, "He rarely uses feints; he usually relies on brute force. Now that Leonardo is stronger, he's using them."

He then speculated, "As for why it wasn't used on the field, it's probably because they didn't realize it. They've used it so little that they might have forgotten the technique."

Bill Russell nodded and said, "The guys in the arsenal need to be used frequently. If you don't use them, you become rusty and even forget about them."

"it works."

After the fight was over, Tang Bei excitedly raised his fist.

The Wing Chun turning technique is not used much. Against the three super centers and Shaquille O'Neal, it is not necessary. Over time, it is easier to overlook it during the game.

Next, he scored on Leonardo again on offense, succeeding once more.

Seeing that things were not going well, Phil Jackson began to have Grant attack Tang Bei from both sides.

But Tang Bei immediately changed his strategy, taking a shot that went in for nearly two points, or passing the ball to Grant Long, who was cutting into the paint from the weak side.

Faced with the Heat's constantly evolving offensive tactics, Phil Jackson failed to make timely tactical adjustments, causing the Bulls to become increasingly passive.

At the end of the game, the Heat won 91-106, tying the series at two-two.

"awesome!"

After the game, Xu Jicheng excitedly said, "Tang Bei took a lot of shots today, and the Bulls' strategy to limit him completely failed."

总共33投19中，命中率57.6%，加上16罚11中，命中率68.85%，轰下49分17篮板4助攻2抢断5盖帽3失误3犯规的超豪华数据。”

Sun Zhenping laughed and said, "Jordan took far fewer shots today, just like Tang Bei did last game, and was double-teamed quite a bit."

总共18投10中，命中率55.6%，加上8罚7中，砍下27分7篮板7助攻3抢断1盖帽2失误2犯规的数据。”

Han Qiaosheng said, "Today, Pippen and his teammates took more shots. Pippen scored 18 points, Grant scored 16 points, and BJ also scored 15 points. Four Bulls players scored in double figures."

But Glen Rice and his teammates also played well offensively today, with four players scoring in double figures, and the Bulls didn't have an advantage in scoring from other positions.

Xu Jicheng laughed and said, "Simply put, the Bulls' defense failed. They failed to limit Glen Rice's offense and Tang Bei's scoring, so losing was inevitable."

"Correct."

The other two nodded.

In the NBC studio, Magic Johnson analyzed, "The reason the Bulls lost is simple: the Heat adjusted their offensive tactics, but the Bulls failed to adjust their defensive tactics in time, or their adjustments failed."

Bill Russell, who is best positioned to comment on defense, nodded and said, "Leonardo didn't play a significant role today. The Bulls couldn't stop Tang's playmaking in the high post, his attacks on the rim in the low post, and his close-range two-point shots in the low post."

The Bulls' defense against the Heat's perimeter was also inadequate, failing to replicate the top-tier defensive quality of Game 3. This was undoubtedly due to Tang's playmaking from the high post.

After the Heat's outside shooting came alive, the Bulls had to loosen their double-teaming of Tang, which led to a significant increase in Tang's shot attempts, resulting in a 49-point performance.

Bill Walton said, "In addition, the offense didn't go well either. The Heat double-teamed Michael, mainly with Tang's help defense, which reduced the help defense and rotations against Pippen and his teammates, resulting in a significant decrease in Michael's shot attempts and an increase in Pippen's shot attempts."

However, Pippen and his teammates were less efficient and scored fewer points than Michael, which was one of the main reasons for their loss.

Bill Russell said, "Last time I said that Tang was Wilt Chamberlain of the 60 Philadelphia team and Michael Jordan of the 86 Chicago Bulls."

But tonight's game really opened my eyes. Tang used his high post playmaking ability and high post pick-and-roll tactics to help his perimeter teammates break through the Bulls' perimeter defense to a certain extent, which also helped him break through the Bulls' low post double-teaming tactics.

The Bulls played terribly tonight, failing to adjust their tactics in time and remaining on the back foot throughout the game. Their loss was well-deserved.

Bill Walton said thoughtfully, "It's tied 2-2 now. Do you think there will be any changes in the Bulls' chances of advancing?"

Magic Johnson thought for a moment and said, "The players are still the same players, they don't have any trump cards left, it all comes down to the coach's ability to lead."

Bill Russell nodded and said, "Coach Kevin Longley played better today, while championship coach Phil Jackson was a little lacking, which was really unexpected."

At the scene, Tang Bei extended a hand of "friendship" to Jordan and said:
"Mr. Jordan, I've heard you're a good fisherman, and the media says you've won several fishing competitions. Is that true?"

Jordan snorted and gritted his teeth, saying, "Don, I'll take you fishing."

"Ha ha……"

Tang Bei laughed and turned to walk towards the NBC reporter to begin his post-game interview.

"Let's go," Jordan said to Pippen and the others.

"Won't you sit for a while before you leave?" Pippen said, wiping his sweat.

Jordan glared at Pippen, then turned and left.

"worn out!"

Pippen muttered something as he got up and followed, as did the rest of the Bulls.

The reporter asked, "Tang, you scored 49 points today, just one point away from your second 50+ point playoff game. Do you feel it's a pity?"

Tang Bei shook his head and said, "Of course not, victory is the most important thing."

"How high do you think the Heat's chances of advancing are now?" the reporter asked again.

Tang Bei said earnestly, "I know you've never been optimistic about us. Our roster is indeed not as good as the Bulls', but I believe that as long as we dare to think and act, anything is possible."

"Anything is possible?"

The reporter muttered to himself for a moment, then asked curiously, "Don, what did you say to Michael just now? He seemed very angry."

Tang Bei smiled, wiped his sweat, and said, "I praised his fishing skills."

The reporter was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Guys, it turns out that doing things that tarnish your character is definitely not a good idea, so we won tonight," Tang Bei said happily on the way back to the locker room.

Glenn Rice nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, so my taking my son's cookies shouldn't be considered a bad deed."

"Yeah that's right."

“Glenn, you can keep taking your son’s cookies.”

"Ha ha……"

Heat owner Arison and a group of management and coaching staff followed not far behind the players, also looking very excited.

"Boss, it would be great if we could make it to the finals!"

“If we make it to the finals, I’ll throw a huge party on a luxury cruise ship, and everyone will be invited,” Mickey Arison said excitedly.

General Manager Lewis Shaffer calmly stated, "Everyone should not get too excited, so as not to put psychological pressure on the players."

Although head coach Kevin Longley was happy to win the game, the pressure he felt after hearing what the management said was growing.

Upon hearing Shafir's words, he quickly replied, "That's right, we're not as strong as the Bulls, we rely entirely on Tang, we can't put any more pressure on him."

At this point, the other members of management also calmed down, and the boss, Mickey Arison, quickly said:
"Then let's not continue this topic. Making it to the Eastern Conference Finals is already a great success for us this season. After the playoffs, I'll give everyone red envelopes."

"awesome!"

"Long live the boss!"

Back in the locker room, Kevin Longley pulled Tang Bei to a corner and asked:

"Tang, were you intentionally biased towards Jordan on the court, leaving Pippen and his teammates open on the strong side? You rarely helped defend Pippen's side tonight."

Tang Bei nodded and said, "Jordan is too much of a threat. Pippen and the others aren't much of a threat. I think Glen and the others can handle him one-on-one."

Kevin Lengley nodded, agreeing that this defensive approach could be used in the upcoming series.

The atmosphere in the away team's locker room was terrible, like someone had died. No one dared to speak; the only sounds were panting and the rustling of clothes being changed.

Jordan remained silent. He couldn't understand how the Bulls, who were clearly stronger and played so well in Game 3, could lose so badly in Game 4.

“Phil?” He looked at head coach Jackson.

Phil Jackson understood what Jordan wanted to ask, and he had also been considering the reasons for the loss, saying, "Let's talk about it tomorrow."

Jordan said, "Is Tang only helping me on defense to let Scottie and the others get more shots?"

Pippen and the others looked over, and Phil Jackson nodded, saying, "Now that I think about it, yes."

Upon hearing the phrase "now that I think about it," Jordan's face twitched involuntarily, wondering if Phil's reaction was a bit slow.

But he trusted Phil Jackson completely and didn't say anything more.

Phil Jackson said thoughtfully, "Leonardo's physical strength was rarely effective tonight. It's amazing that Don found a way to deal with him in just one game."

Leonardo retorted indignantly, "I'll make him lie down in the next game."

"Houston, don't do anything reckless."

Jordan shouted angrily, saying that although Leonardo was stronger, his explosiveness was not as good as Tang Bei's, and his skills were even worse. He was clearly no match for him in a fight. Last time, he only lasted two seconds before fainting. He was no match at all.

"Coach Jackson, where do you think the Bulls went wrong tonight?" a reporter asked at the Bulls' press conference.

Phil Jackson said as he considered the situation, "Our opponents have made a lot of tactical changes, which has made it a bit difficult for us to cope."

"Especially Tang, he has improved his high post playmaking, close-range jump shot, and low post back-to-the-basket turnaround attack, and he has also posed a threat to Michael on the defensive end."

"Michael, it's tied 2-2 now. Could this cause the Bulls to fail to advance?" the next reporter asked. Jordan had already adjusted his mindset and said confidently, "Our advancement will not be a problem. I will definitely complete the three-peat."

Another reporter asked, "Michael, Tonight Tang scored 49 points, while you only had 27. With similar shooting percentages, you scored 22 fewer points. Do you think the loss was mainly your fault?"

Jordan scoffed, "If you say it's my fault, then it's my fault. I can accept that."

The reporter's eye twitched, but he didn't ask any further questions.

The following day, many mainstream media outlets reported on Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals the previous night.

"The Miami Heat won Game 4, with Tang Bei averaging 46.7 points, 20.7 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks in three games. With an absolutely superb performance, he single-handedly carried the team toward the Finals." - The New York Times.

"The Bone Crusher, Tang, is the second Chamberlain." - Los Angeles Times.

"Michael Jordan averaged 34.5 points in the first four games of the Eastern Conference Finals, but his performance was not as good as Tang Bei's. He must play better to have a chance to make it to the NBA Finals." - Chicago Daily News.

"Tang Bei, the modern-day Chamberlain, the most terrifying low-post offensive weapon, the most outstanding super center." - NBC.

"Tang delivered an even more terrifying performance in the Eastern Conference Finals than in the second round; he is the best center in the league right now." Miami Herald.

Tang Bei won praise from the media and fans for his absolutely dominant and terrifying performance. No matter which newspaper or TV channel you open, there will be reports about him and some of the highlights of the game.

Eric Fleischer was overjoyed and called to share the good news: "Don, keep it up! Your endorsement deal has gone up again. We'll sign you and get a cash check after the playoffs."

"You brought it up again?"

"By the way, Tang, the department in charge of basketball in your country contacted me yesterday..."

"What did they say?"

“They said some companies in China contacted you through them, hoping you would be their spokesperson. Tang, I've already decided to find an agent in China, since I'm not familiar with that area.”

"Alright."

"The fees for the China region agents are included in my commission, so you don't need to pay them."

"Haha, you're so generous?"

“That’s only right. Otherwise, I would lose control and say over your business endorsements in China, and I would earn a lot less.”

Eric Fleischer's straightforwardness pleased Tang Bei, and entrusting him with all the commercial endorsements was also a good idea, which was also part of the original agent contract.

On June 1, 1993, both the Heat and the Bulls moved to Chicago.

That night was Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

In the hallway from the parking lot to the locker room, Charles Barkley was stopped by several reporters and given an interview.

"Charles, would you prefer to play the Bulls or the Heat in the Finals?" a reporter asked.

If this question had been asked before the Eastern Conference Finals, or even before Game 4, Barkley would have chosen the Heat without hesitation.

Before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, he even publicly expressed his opinion, supporting Tang Bei to defeat his friend Michael.

But now, with the Eastern Conference Finals tied 2-2, Tang Bei's terrifying performance of 46.7 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game has made him hesitate.

This terrifying performance is truly terrifying; he's practically a modern-day version of the basketball emperor Wilt Chamberlain. What choice does he have?

The Suns' interior height is severely lacking, their defense is not as good as the Knicks', and not much better than the Bulls'. How are they going to defend Tang Bei?

"Uh……"

He hesitated and stammered, "Anything is fine, I'm not picky."

The reporter asked in surprise, "Not picky? Didn't you support Tang defeating Michael Jordan? I think you'd rather face the Heat in the Finals."

"So, Charles, I'm very curious to know one thing: how are you planning to defend against Don's terrifying low-post offensive firepower?"

"How else can you defend yourself if you risk your life, if you block his gun with your body?"

Charles Barkley thought to himself, then chuckled, seemingly unrelated to the question:
"No matter who we face, we will beat them. Our team, the Phoenix Suns, is the strongest team this season."

"Charles, do you prefer MVP or championship?" the next reporter asked.

“Of course I like them both, I want them both,” Barkley said.

"What if you could only choose one?" the reporter asked.

“Well, of course the championship is more important,” Barkley said.

"Charles, what's your assessment of Tang's performance in the Eastern Conference Finals?" another reporter asked.

"Very strong, stronger than expected," Barkley said cautiously.

After the interview ended and he left the reporter, his expression turned serious, and he showed no sign of smiling.

"Bulls? Heat? Heat? Bulls? Shit, let's play the Bulls. The Bulls' interior defense isn't strong, my offense is fine, I can go head-to-head with Michael in scoring, what if we win?"

Three hours later, Barkley racked up a triple-double with 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting an impressive 72.7% from the field.

With a score of 114-120, he led the Suns to a home victory over the SuperSonics, taking a 3-2 lead and securing a match point to advance to the NBA Finals.

Facing the media, Barkley excitedly shouted, "The Finals, here we come!"

On June 2nd, the Chicago Stadium was already packed before it got dark.

There were at least ten A-list and B-list Hollywood stars and singers on the sidelines, and a whole host of Chicago celebrities and billionaires. Even before the players appeared, the media was all focused on them.

At 7:30, both sides announced their starting lineups.

Miami Heat: Tang Bei, Grant Lang, Glen Rice, Steve Smith, Bimbo Coles
Chicago Bulls: Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, BJ Armstrong

He then took the starting lineup, and amidst a huge cheer, Jordan entered the court with a menacing aura.

Larry Bird, NBC's commentator for today, looked at Jordan on the screen and said, "Today's number 23 looks familiar to me."

"What's the explanation?" Bill Walton asked excitedly.

Larry Bird smiled and said, "He's a bit like that number 23 who's possessed by God."

"Larry, do you think the Bulls are more likely to win tonight?" Bill Russell asked.

“Yes,” Larry Bird nodded.

Bill Walton suddenly said, "The God-possessed number 23? I remember that game was won by your Celtics."

"what?"

Larry Bird paused, scratched his head, and thought, "Well, I guess I was possessed by God that day, but the Celtics did win."

"And tonight?" Bill Russell asked pointedly.

Neither of the other two answered the question because Tang Bei's performance in the Eastern Conference Finals was too terrifying. Even with great confidence in Jordan, they dared not say that the Bulls would definitely win.

“Hey, Michael. Hey, Don.”

"Hello."

On the sidelines, several Hollywood stars came over to greet Jordan and exchanged a few words with Tang Bei before everyone went to warm up.

The competition officially began at eight o'clock.

"Di!"

With 38 seconds left, Pippen attacked on the left wing, drawing the defense before passing to Grant at the high post. Jordan cut into the paint from the weak side along the baseline, and Grant passed the ball down.

Just like in Game 4, Tang Bei mainly focused on helping defend Jordan, having been keeping an eye on him for a while.

But Michael Jordan is Michael Jordan after all. After receiving the ball, he immediately changed direction and accelerated, drawing a foul on Michael Jordan.

30 seconds later, Jordan came back stronger.

This time, Tang Bei delivered a crushing blow to him.

However, Jordan's breakthroughs did not stop; instead, they became even more incisive.

This is the Bulls' home court, and although Tang Bei had some reservations, he still had to defend the paint, so he didn't lower his defensive intensity.

Under his defense, Jordan's penetration efficiency was average. In the first six minutes of the first quarter, he made 3 of 6 shots, five of which were layups, and he made 2 of them. This was lower than his usual offensive efficiency on layups, when his penetration success rate was as high as 60%.

However, in the seventh minute, Jordan drew Tang Bei's second defensive foul with his breakthrough.

He was immediately substituted after committing two fouls. He had 7 points when he left the game, while Jordan had 9 points. The score was 13-15, with the Heat trailing by two points.

But as soon as he left the court, the Heat were quickly overwhelmed and shut down by the Bulls' defense. In the next five or six minutes, they were outscored 17-7, trailing by 12 points at 20-32 in the first quarter.

Larry Bird chuckled and said, "As Michael's offensive weapons became more comprehensive and mature, he reduced the percentage of his scoring from drives and increased his mid-range shots."

But in the first quarter, he rediscovered his most potent weapon, revealing the truly unstoppable number 23.

Bill Walton nodded and said, "Killing Tang Bei is indeed the most effective way to deal with this."

(End of this chapter)