The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 185 World Championship Final

On July 8th, the roster for the new season was delivered to Tang Bei.

Center: Tang Bei (5), Matt Geiger (5)

Forwards: Kevin Willis (4, 5), Glen Rice (3), Brad Rowhouse (4, 5), Keith Askins (3, 2), Lydell Ekels (3, 2)

Guards: Avery Johnson (1), Kendall Gill (2), Dale Curry (2), Brian Shaw (1, 2), Kevin Jamber (2)

Besides him, the other four main players are Kevin Willis, Glen Rice, Kendall Gill, and Avery Johnson.

He took a look and felt that the starting lineup for the new season was stronger than that of the previous season.

The team's inside offense and rebounding are stronger, and their outside defense is stronger, but their three-point shooting is a bit weaker; Kendall Gill's three-point shooting is not as good as Steve Smith's.

The team's outside ball-handling offensive ability has increased significantly thanks to Kendall Gill, but their ability to create space is not as good as last season due to their three-point shooting.

It has both advantages and disadvantages, but overall it is stronger.

However, the bench is not as good as last season. Without John Salley, the interior defense relies on Matt Geiger, plus a fringe center, which makes it much worse.

The backup lineup on the perimeter is decent, the guards are okay, but the forwards are a bit weak.

Overall, he believes that the pressure on the starting lineup is greater than last season because the substitutes are a bit weaker, and they need to make greater contributions. The depth of the entire lineup is not as good as last season.

But now he also knows that this is a step that championship teams must take. Championship members choose to leave for various reasons, and an unstable roster is the biggest difficulty in defending the title.

On the 10th, Tang Bei received the test results for the Blood Cleansing Pills and Kidney Tonifying Pills.

As expected, similar to the heart-nourishing pills, some key ingredients could not be identified by testing.

The next morning, the fourth child, Tang Ning, was sent to the courtyard house. She was on holiday until the end of August when school would start again.

Not only Tang Ning, but Tang Bei's grandparents, parents and other family members also came over, and the courtyard house immediately became lively.

On the 12th, the Nemur family and Walmart began new investment negotiations in Beijing.

Tangjia Investment had long understood the policies governing the retail industry, noting that there are very strict restrictions on foreign investment in this sector in China.

First, the geographical scope.

The pilot program covers ten cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Zhuhai, Xiamen, and Shantou, plus the Shanghai-South Special Economic Zone.

Second, the equity structure.

It must be led by the Chinese side, meaning that the Chinese side must hold a controlling stake, and foreign capital must not exceed 49%.

Third, business restrictions.

Firstly, they can only engage in retail, not wholesale.

Secondly, imported goods cannot exceed 30%, and more domestic goods need to be purchased.

Third, it is not allowed to establish a separate logistics system; it must rely on domestic Chinese partners.

Carrefour France is currently applying for the project and is still undergoing multiple approval processes, putting it ahead of Walmart.

The approval process is very complicated. First, the local government where the store is located conducts a preliminary review, and then the State Council approves it.

This year, 12 joint venture retail companies have been prepared, and nearly 10 more are under review.

After negotiations, Walmart and Nemoir reached an investment agreement, with the total foreign investment amounting to 49%, Walmart holding 35%, Nemoir holding 10%, and Tangjia Investment holding 4%.

The reason for involving Tangjia Investment is that the policy places great importance on Tangjia Electronics' export capabilities, and involving them will make the approval process smoother.

In addition to this agreement, Tangjia Investment's wholly-owned subsidiary, Tangjia Import & Export Corporation of the United States, also signed a ten-year home appliance supplier agreement with Walmart.

On the 14th, Walmart, together with Nemoor and Tangjia Investment, officially submitted investment applications to the 10 pilot cities and Hong Kong.

On the 18th, Jia Bao and her family of three returned to the United States first, because they had to prepare for the wedding and didn't have much time left.

The plan was already in place, and the two gems were secretly taken back. Tang Bei used his connections to temporarily hire ten retired professionals in China.

On the afternoon of the 20th, the men's basketball team returned to Beijing from Yunnan and began a ten-day acclimatization training session in the plains.

Tang Bei reported for duty on the 21st, officially becoming a member of the national men's basketball team.

The twenty basketball hoops he donated have been installed according to NBA standards and are distributed in several national team basketball training bases in Beijing.

On this same day, thanks to the influence of Tang Bei and Tang Jia's investments, Tianjing became the first city in just five days to pass the investment approval process.

This is already on par with Carrefour's progress, as Carrefour's Gubei store in Shanghai has already passed the initial review by the local government.

"boom!"

In the training hall of the men's basketball team, Tang Bei backed down his opponent in the low post, then spun around and finished with a powerful two-handed dunk.

This powerful dunk shocked everyone present. The feeling on television was completely different from being there in person. The powerful and violent attack on the rim gave them a completely different style of basketball.

"boom!"

In the next possession, Tang Bei rushed to the right wing three-point line and blocked Hu Weidong's three-pointer, then launched a fast break and completed another dunk.

上半场二十分钟的队内训练赛，10投8中，5罚3中，轰下19分11篮板2助攻2抢断3盖帽1失误3犯规的数据。

The excessive number of fouls is due to a lack of adaptation to international rules and the excessive intensity of the confrontation.

In the first half of the intra-squad training match, Tang Bei's undeniable performance earned him the recognition and respect of all his teammates and the coaching staff.

In the following days, he had to play a 20-minute half-game with his teammates every day to adapt to international competition rules.

Before Tang Bei arrived, the national team coached by Jiang Xinquan lacked strength in the paint, and their offense relied mainly on Hu Weidong and Zheng Wu's outside penetration and three-point shooting.

On the defensive end, we use a 2-3 zone defense and a 1-3-1 zone defense, switching between the two systems at any time. We defend by collapsing the defense and disrupting passing lanes through perimeter interference.

Then Sun Jun led a rapid counterattack, using Zheng Wu and Hu Weidong's speed to launch quick attacks and employing fast, agile offensive tactics.

However, after Tang Bei arrived, Jiang Xinquan devised a new basic offensive and defensive strategy after only two or three training matches, with Tang Bei as the core of the offense and defense.

On the offensive end, the core tactics are Tang Bei's low-post isolation plays and high-post support, supplemented by three-point plays that stretch the perimeter and fast break plays.

The fast break tactic can be initiated by Tang Bei based on the situation on the court, or passed to Sun Jun, who will then lead the fast break.

On the defensive end, use a 3-2 zone defense, double-team in certain areas, and cut off passing routes.

With the change in basic tactics, Tang Bei will definitely take on more shots and ball possession. The team's offensive and defensive tactics will revolve around him, which will reduce the status of others in the team.

Tang Bei's strength is overwhelmingly powerful. If he were only slightly stronger, some people would definitely be unhappy, but since he is much stronger, no one dares to complain.

The mission and goal for this World Championships has been set as reaching the quarterfinals.

This was the same goal before, but we didn't dare to announce it publicly. We just said we would try our best to break into the world's top eight.

But now that Tang Bei is here, the men's basketball team has the confidence to make it into the top eight, and the confidence to announce this goal to the outside world.

On July 28th, the men's basketball team departed for New York.

Liu Yumin has already made official arrangements to play a warm-up match against the US team in New York.

She also contacted the Knicks through the NBA to prepare to speak with Knicks general manager Ernie Gruenfeld.

I arrived in New York at 2 p.m. and checked into a small hotel because of the cost.

A total of sixteen teams participated, divided into four groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals, while the other two teams advanced to the round of 9 through 16.

The eight teams that advanced to the quarterfinals were divided into two groups and played a round-robin tournament with the teams from the other group that they had not played against. The top two teams from each group then advanced to the semifinals.

Group A is the group of death, consisting of the United States, China, Brazil, and Spain.

China's first match is against Brazil, then against the Dream Team II, and finally against Spain.

The strongest team in this group is undoubtedly the Dream Team, also known by the media as Dream Team II.

The members of Dream Team II were Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Derrick Coleman, Shawn Kemp, Dominique Wilkins, Joe Dumars, Reggie Miller, Dan Mali, Steve Smith, Kevin Johnson, and Mark Price.

Many media outlets have commented that while the Dream Team II was not as great as the Dream Team I, it was still extremely strong and its overall strength was far superior.

The Chinese team had previously performed poorly internationally and received generally lukewarm reviews from the media. However, because they have Tang Bei, the NBA's top center, some media outlets believe that the Chinese team has a chance to make history and reach the quarterfinals.

The small hotel was of average quality. Tang Bei was used to staying in star-rated hotels, so although he could adapt to staying in such a place, it was still not very comfortable.

"Eric, is there any way to find a sponsor to sponsor our men's basketball team?" he called Fleischer.

Eric Fleischer said, "Don, your brand ambassadors have been asking you to participate in more of their business events, which is easy to arrange."

Less than ten minutes later, he called back, saying that the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company he endorses is willing to offer $800,000 to invite him and the men's basketball team to participate in a business event in New York.

"OK, when?"

"Your match this afternoon is scheduled for tomorrow morning."

"Okay, it's settled."

He hung up the phone, left the room, and shouted loudly in the hallway, "Brothers, come out, I have good news."

"Tang Bei, what good news do you have?"

"Tang Bei, are you going to take us out to play?"

Everyone came out of the room, chattering away.

Tang Bei said with a grin, "I'll take you guys to make money tomorrow, eight hundred thousand US dollars."

"what?"

"Eight hundred thousand dollars?"

"Tang Bei, where are you taking us to earn eight hundred thousand dollars? Are you sure you're not robbing a bank?"

"Tang Bei, what happened?"

The atmosphere was like a pot boiling over, and everyone started asking questions all at once. Liu Yumin and several other leaders also came out.

Tang Bei smiled and said to Liu Yumin, "Director Liu, I've got a job for our men's basketball team. They'll be attending a business event tomorrow morning arranged by a brand I endorse. It's worth eight hundred thousand US dollars. What do you think?"

Liu Yumin was stunned and stammered, "Eight... eight hundred thousand... US dollars?"

"My original fee for attending business events was 500,000 yuan, and I donated all of that to the team as funding," Tang Bei said.

"Tang Bei, thank you so much!"

After realizing what was happening, Liu Yumin happily grasped Tang Bei's hands and said...

The next morning, Tang Bei led the entire team to a business event arranged by Harley-Davidson and received a check for $800,000.

He landed the Harley-Davidson endorsement deal after the NBA Finals, and they even gifted him a top-of-the-line Harley. But it just sits at home collecting dust. The NBA doesn't allow players to ride motorcycles, so if he gets injured, the league won't be responsible.

In the afternoon, the men's basketball team met with the Dream Team II at a stadium in New York University.

Seeing these NBA stars whom they usually only see through television broadcasts, the men's basketball team members were still a little nervous.

"Don't be nervous, they definitely can't beat us in a fight," Tang Bei reassured him.

"Ha ha……"

This remark immediately made all the players laugh, while Liu Yumin and other leaders were left speechless, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Don."

"Steve."

Steve Smith ran over and hugged Tang Bei.

When Dream Team II head coach Don Nelson shook hands with Tang Bei, he said with a big smile:

"Tang, today's match is just a warm-up. I've already told them that it's just a warm-up, and they can play casually."

"What do you mean? You want to let the water out?"

After realizing what was happening, Tang Bei smiled and said, "Coach Nelson, don't worry, I will be very polite to O'Neal and the others."

"Ha ha!"

Old Nelson was relieved. He was worried that a conflict might break out between O'Neal, Mourning, Larry Johnson, and Don, as O'Neal and Mourning didn't get along well with Don.

The players shook hands, and Tang Bei said to O'Neal, "Sardine, I have something to ask you." "What is it?" O'Neal asked with a stern face.

"This is my first time winning a championship, so I have no experience. When and where can I pick up the championship ring?" Tang Bei asked.

O'Neal immediately lost his composure and shook off Tang Bei's hand.

"Oh, I asked the wrong person. You don't have any experience either."

Tang Bei turned his head and looked at Mourning next to O'Neal. Mourning's face darkened.

Tang Bei then looked at Larry Johnson, who said irritably, "You can get your damn ring at the opening game."

"Ha ha……"

Tang Bei laughed loudly.

"Fuck you!"

Larry Johnson cursed inwardly.

The warm-up match lasted forty minutes, divided into two halves, with the score being 90-101, a narrow victory for Dream Team II by 11 points.

Tang Bei played for 22 minutes and scored 24 points. He didn't take it too seriously; he had promised Old Nelson, so he gave him some face.

The Dream Team II didn't really take the game seriously; neither side played much defense, making it a genuine warm-up match.

The World Championships opened on August 4th.

The schedule for this World Championships is very tight, with three group matches played in three days, one match per day.

On the 5th, the men's basketball team played their first game against Brazil, winning 105-78 by a margin of 27 points.

唐北30分钟14投10中，命中率71.4%，16罚12中，命中率75%，轰下32分14篮板3助攻1抢断6盖帽的数据，1次失误不多，但有3次犯规。

Hu Weidong, who had the second-best performance, scored 21 points and received a lot of recognition from the media. Some NBA scouts present remembered this Chinese player whose playing style and athleticism were similar to those of an NBA guard.

However, Mark Fleischer has already taken the initiative and is trying to persuade Hu Weidong to play in the NBA. He even guarantees that Hu Weidong can join a team directly without participating in the draft.

On the 6th, the men's basketball team will face the Dream Team II for the second time.

Because they have to play Spain on the 7th, the higher-ups have decided to strategically forfeit the match and let the substitutes play.

Tang Bei wanted to give it a try, but if he wasted his energy against the American team and was likely to lose, there was a real possibility that things would go wrong when he played against Spain the next day.

As soon as Old Nelson saw that Tang Bei wasn't playing, he knew what the Chinese team was planning. He casually arranged the starting lineup and then said:
"Guys, winning is all that matters. Don't make things ugly or provoke severe fear. It would be bad if any of you got hurt."

No one on the Dream Team II wanted to provoke Tang Bei, and they all nodded.

Even O'Neal, though he was not convinced by Tang Bei, knew he couldn't beat him and didn't want to lose face on the international stage, so he didn't object.

The final score was 84-98, with Dream Team II winning by a narrow margin of 14 points.

On the 7th, the Chinese men's basketball team defeated the Spanish men's basketball team and advanced to the world's quarterfinals as the second-place team in their group, making history for the Chinese men's basketball team.

On the 9th, in the quarterfinals, China will face Croatia.

Croatia, led by Petrovic and Kukoc, boasts a formidable combination of outside firepower and inside strength, making them a formidable force.

The men's basketball team lacks international experience and struggles to adapt to the zone defense of European teams. Apart from Hu Weidong, the rest of the perimeter players are ineffective.

In the paint, neither Shan Tao nor Ji Shangmin could contain Croatia's tall interior players.

In order to advance, Tang Bei went all out on both offense and defense, playing the entire game for forty minutes without rest and taking a crazy number of shots.

全场25投17中，命中率68%，24罚18中，命中率75%，轰下52分16篮板2助攻3抢断7盖帽2失误4犯规的豪华数据。

The terrifying offensive power forced three Croatian big men off the court, one injured and the other two fouling out.

With Hu Weidong's 18 points, he led the men's basketball team to a 99-94 victory over Croatia, advancing to the semifinals.

After advancing to the quarterfinals, the men's basketball team made history again by reaching the world's semifinals, causing a sensation across the country.

Tang Bei's influence in China has skyrocketed after fighting for his country, even surpassing the impact of winning the NBA championship.

The four teams that advanced to the semifinals were the United States, Russia, China, and Greece.

On the morning of the 13th, the United States defeated Greece with a score of 97-58 and advanced to the final.

In the afternoon, the Chinese team faced Russia in the semi-finals.

Led by Kirilenko and Sergei Bazarevich, Russia's strength is roughly equal to Croatia's. The two sides have faced each other in European competitions, with each side winning and losing.

Tang Bei once again unleashed his full potential, racking up a spectacular stat line of 41 points, 18 rebounds, 4 steals, and 8 blocks, helping the men's basketball team defeat Russia and advance to the finals.

Hu Weidong delivered another outstanding performance, sinking three three-pointers and scoring 17 points.

From making it to the quarterfinals, to the semifinals, and now to the finals, they have completely shocked the entire country, and the overwhelming news coverage has made every Chinese person proud.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country has faced a very passive international situation in recent years, with enemies all over the world, and the whole country is also in a state of confusion.

The men's basketball team's advancement to the finals, where they will face the world's strongest team, the United States, has given the entire nation a much-needed boost.

Tang Bei became a heroic superstar in sports, achieving a level of fame in China that is almost universally known.

The 7:30 news segment was extended from 30 minutes to 35 minutes, taking a full five minutes to introduce the men's basketball competition at the World Championships, with Tang Bei's performance being a key focus.

This men's basketball team, as reported by CCTV, is known as the "Golden Generation."

Following the 7:30 news broadcast, CCTV's Focus Interview program provided an in-depth report on Tang Bei, lasting 15 minutes.

The final was held on August 14th. After playing against Russia on the 13th, Jia Bao called Tang Bei.

"Wet Tiger, congratulations! Hehe, you actually made it to the finals."

"Serves you right for underestimating me, now what are you going to do?"

"It's alright, Wet Tiger. The private jet has been arranged. Someone will pick you up in the stadium parking lot after the finals. I'll send you the phone number."

"it is good."

"Wet Tiger, you'd better bring me the World Championship gold medal. I want to wear it to my wedding ceremony, hehe!"

"Garbo, you overestimate me. The Dream Team II is still very strong, with overall strength far exceeding ours. Shaq and Mourning alone can hold me off, but the other positions will be crushed."

"Hmph, fine, a silver medal is fine too."

"What's wrong? Didn't you sleep well?"

On the morning of the 14th, Tang Bei noticed that everyone had dark circles under their eyes while having breakfast.

"I'm too excited to sleep," Hu Weidong said, yawning.

"How are we going to fight tonight?" Tang Bei asked, somewhat disappointed.

Three group stage matches meant one match every day, which was extremely physically demanding. Yesterday was the semi-final, and today we have back-to-back final matches. I didn't get enough sleep, so my stamina is definitely not up to par.

"Tang Bei, you've played exceptionally well, exceeding expectations. Just do your best in the finals," Liu Yumin comforted him.

She had no hope for the finals. The Dream Team II was too strong. Although the score difference in the warm-up matches was not large, she was not stupid and could see that the Dream Team II was just playing casually.

Suddenly remembering something, she quickly asked, "By the way, Tang Bei, didn't you set your wedding for tomorrow? Is there still time?"

"There's enough time. We'll take a private jet after the finals. It's all arranged," Tang Bei said.

"Tang Bei, aren't you going to invite us to your wedding?" Hu Weidong asked.

Tang Bei smiled and said, "Your schedules are all arranged. I'd like to invite you to my wedding in China, which is on August 20th. What do you think?"

"Okay!"

Everyone laughed.

"Director Liu?"

Tang Bei looked towards Liu Yumin.

"I'll definitely be there. I reckon it won't just be me, but many leaders from the Sports Commission will be there too," Liu Yumin said with a smile.

"it is good."

Tang Bei said happily.

Soon, a group of committee leaders, led by Deputy Director Yuan, came to offer their condolences. Leaders from the Chinese Embassy in Canada also accompanied them. The atmosphere was very warm, but it made the men's basketball team very nervous.

Regarding the final, the top leaders only said to play well and show the spirit of the Chinese people; no one mentioned winning, so the pressure wasn't too great.

In the evening, the Tianhong Arena in Toronto, Canada, was packed to capacity, setting a new record for the highest attendance at a single World Championship match.

This is currently the most advanced stadium in North America, with a retractable roof. It is mainly used for baseball and American football games. It was temporarily converted into a basketball stadium to host the World Championships and can accommodate more than 32,600 people.

The semifinals were held here, and the Chinese men's basketball team once again entered this stadium.

On the podium, in addition to officials from the World Championships and the organizers, there were also officials from the Chinese Embassy in Canada, and next to them were Director Yuan and other high-ranking leaders from the State Sports Commission.

Five-star red flags fluttered everywhere in the vast stands.

With two points to go, both teams' starting players are preparing to take the court.

China Team: Tang Bei, Wu Naiqun, Sun Jun, Zheng Wu, Adijiang
Team USA: Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Reggie Miller, Joe Dumars, Kevin Johnson

In the live broadcast room, Sun Zhenping analyzed: "In the previous games, Coach Jiang used Gong Xiaobin, Hu Weidong, Liu Yudong and others as substitutes, which was the X factor for the Chinese team and had a good effect."

Han Qiaosheng nodded and said, "In the main lineup, Tang Bei uses his strong low-post one-on-one ability to attract the defense and create space for mid-to-long-range shots on the outside."

Xu Jicheng said, "Wu Naiqun is good at rebounding, and is good at low-post one-on-one and mid-range shooting. His nickname is 'Crooked Handle Organization.' His partnership with Tang Bei works well, and they can create space."

Sun Zhenping said, "Zheng Wu and Sun Jun's mid-range and long-range shots played an important role, and together with Hu Weidong in the substitute lineup, the three of them can be described as the men's basketball team's trident."

"By the way, I heard that many NBA scouts are contacting Hu Weidong," Han Qiaosheng said.

Xu Jicheng laughed and said, "Mark Fleischer, the consultant in the basketball department, is an NBA agent and scout, and also the younger brother of Tang Bei's agent."

"is it?"

Han Qiaosheng was taken aback; he was unaware of the situation.

Sun Zhenping said, "Hu Weidong is currently a player for Jiangsu Nangang. Whether he can go to the NBA depends on whether Nangang will release him and also on the policies from above. It's hard to say at the moment."

Xu Jicheng then said, "You all don't know yet, but Tang Bei is getting married tomorrow."

"what?"

Not only were Sun Zhenping and Han Qiaosheng startled, but countless television viewers across the country were also taken aback upon hearing Xu Jicheng's words.

Because he was underage to get married in China, Tang Bei's marriage was not widely publicized, nor was it told to the media, so not many people knew about it.

Han Qiaosheng said with a smile, "Then congratulations to Tang Bei and Elena Garbo."

"congratulations!"

……

"Don't be nervous!"

When they went on stage, Tang Bei saw that Adijiang and the others' hands were shaking, so he immediately shouted.

"How can I not be nervous? This is the final." Zheng Wu said in a trembling voice.

When we came here, everyone was aiming to make it to the quarterfinals. We never dreamed that we could make it to the finals. We were not prepared at all.

"Old Zheng, you can't let your hands and legs go weak. Old Hu is watching your position down there. Why don't we let him go up?" Tang Bei said loudly.

"Okay!"

Hu Weidong immediately shouted.

"Get out of here! Who the hell is weak-willed? Old Hu, you better sit down there!" Zheng Wu cursed.

Tang Bei then looked at the others, and the other three shook their heads, indicating that they were fine.

(End of this chapter)