The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 193 Provocation
At eight o'clock, the competition begins.

After the jump ball, the Heat went on offense.

Kevin Willis stood in the right corner, one step inside the right blocking zone, while Rodman defended in the right waist position, leaving two meters of open space.

Tang Bei moved to a high position, and Perdo defended him.

However, Perdo's defensive positioning was to primarily guard Tang Bei's right shoulder, which meant preventing Tang Bei from turning to the right and forming a coordinated defensive partnership with Rodman. If Tang Bei turned to the left and drove to the basket or attacked the rim, the two could immediately form a double-team to shut him down.

At the top of the key, BJ Armstrong was guarding Avery Johnson, who passed the ball to Tang Bei and then drove straight to the basket.

Tang Bei saw the help defense from Per Weldon and Rodman, but after receiving the ball, he still turned left to attack the basket.

He's a little faster and a little more explosive than last season. He's never played at his full potential before, and he wants to try it out today to prepare for the series.

He also wanted to test his spin dribbling technique to see if it met the standard of not traveling.

In the previous twenty-odd regular season games, he rarely used the Tornado, and was only called for traveling violations on his spin dribble three times. It was very rare; many guards were the ones who were most frequently called for these violations.

"squeak!"

"Oh!"

The moment he received the ball, he suddenly made a Tai Chi left turn, as swift as a tiger turning its head, while simultaneously dribbling the ball downwards with his right hand.

Will Perdo's left hand couldn't even hold on; the jersey he was holding was ripped off, and his feet couldn't react at all before Tang Bei turned and charged at him.

Rodman, positioned on the right side, only had time to move one step to the side before Tang Bei had already darted past him on his second step.

Tang Bei turned around, took a step, and then his body shot up after the second step.

"boom!"

A powerful tomahawk dunk shattered the Bulls' basket.

"Beautiful! Rodman and Perdo didn't even have a chance to close the door, they turned around too quickly." Xu Jicheng exclaimed excitedly in the CCTV live broadcast studio.

Han Qiaosheng excitedly exclaimed, "Dear viewers, we see another tornado!"

Sun Zhenping said with a smile, "We've rarely seen Tornado this season, probably because of the traveling rule. Now that Tang Bei has started using it, he's probably mastered it."

Xu Jicheng said, "Tang Bei is very good at adapting to new rules. The previous legalization of zone defense and the three-second rule had no impact on him. It seems that the new traveling rule will be the same for him."

On the court, Jordan was somewhat frustrated to see Tang Bei's attack.

Since the new traveling rule came out, he has been called for it several times this season, more than Tang Bei. Who exactly is this rule restricting?
However, he has adapted to the rule and is rarely called for it now.

"brush!"

He turned around and scored a basket with a pull-up jumper.

Next, the starting lineups of both sides traded blows, and with two minutes left in the first quarter, the Heat led by 5 points at 30-25, prompting the Bulls to call a timeout.

唐北7投7中，3罚2中，单节轰下16分4篮板1盖帽的数据。

乔丹6投4中，2罚2中，拿到10分2助攻2篮板1抢断的数据。

Next, Tang Bei and Jordan were both substituted, and both sides continued to play with a mix of starters and substitutes.

Zhang Heli, facing the camera, said: "In the first ten minutes of the first quarter, the Heat took the lead over the Bulls thanks to Tang Bei's efficient offense."

"The Heat have many advantages in the paint. The combination of Tang Bei and Kevin Willis gives them an advantage in both offense and rebounding."

"But the Bulls were in good form today, with all five of their starters scoring, and even Rodman made a basket."

"Now it's time for rotation. The Bulls' bench is much stronger than the Heat's. They have a lot of good players like Luke Longley, Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr, and Ron Harper, so the Heat need to be careful."

As Zhang Heli predicted, after the rotation phase began, the Bulls slowly caught up with the score and then took the lead over the Heat in the third minute of the second quarter.

In the third minute of the second quarter, Tang Bei and Jordan entered the game, and the Heat slowly regained their advantage.

However, thanks to their superior roster depth and excellent form, the Bulls kept the score close, while the Heat's starting lineup, despite being stronger, was unable to pull away.

The game went down to the last minute with no clear winner.

In the final moments, Jordan made consecutive drives to the basket, and with the advantage of home-court advantage, drew fouls from Tang Bei and Matt Geiger, going on a 5-2 run to take a two-point lead.

On the Heat's final possession, Tang Bei was double-teamed early, and Glen Rice ran to an open spot before missing a jump shot, resulting in a Heat loss on the road.

Both teams had a record of 23 wins and 4 losses, but the Bulls took the top spot.

There were no games for the entire league for the next three days, and the Heat had no games for four days.

On New Year's Day, the official list of Players of the Month for December was announced, and Jordan won the honor thanks to the league's best record.

Then, the official data for the first week of All-Star voting was released.

Just like last year, Tang Bei surpassed Jordan in votes to become the top vote-getter in the first week.

However, Jordan still holds the top spot in jersey sales, and by a significant margin.

As for shoe sales, the gap is even wider; the rule that centers don't sell shoes hasn't been broken for Tang Bei.

Number two, Eric Fleischer arrived at the Tang Family Martial Arts School.

Tang Bei's martial arts school is still not open to the public, and he doesn't have much time to open it. He's too lazy to put in the effort, which is a bit disappointing for Master Sun, who is counting on him to promote martial arts.

Garbo does want to open a kendo dojo, but she doesn't have the time right now.

The Leo Nemurs spent a few days in the United States and then flew to China. Garbo needed to study, so they had to keep an eye on the company.

Eric Fleischer is in a good mood because he has two players entering the draft this year, both of whom are incredibly talented young players.

"Kevin Garnett's academic performance isn't very good, and he wants to skip college this year and enter the draft as a high school student."

"High school student?"

"Yes, he is an inside player. Actually, I don't really recommend him to be drafted now, as his high school status will affect his draft position."

“If he plays one or two years in the NCAA and enters the draft in '96 or '97, I think he has a chance to be selected at point guard.”

"The number one draft pick? Eric, you're in luck."

"Of course, Tang, ever since I met you, I've been incredibly lucky. Mark has always been jealous of me, haha!"

"Where's the other one?"

"Joe Smith, power forward, is a sophomore this year and has confirmed his participation in this year's draft. The media now believes he has a chance to be selected at point guard."

"Another top scorer?"

Tang Bei was taken aback. Had Eric gained supernatural insight?

Eric Fleischer laughed and said, "Don, because of your success, I am now considered one of the top agents in the NBA, and many outstanding young people are willing to sign with my company."

"Jordan made David Falk, and you made me, haha!"

"Speaking of which, I also have to thank you for taking a liking to me that night, otherwise I might still be washing dishes in some restaurant in Chinatown."

"Everything is arranged by fate."

The regular season continued until January 7th, and the Heat regained the top spot in the entire league.

The Bulls suffered a losing streak, first losing to the Cavaliers and then to the SuperSonics, losing their number one spot.

The two teams continued to lead the league, alternating between the top two spots.

The 10th was Garbo's 19th birthday. The Nemurs had returned to Miami and invited some close relatives and friends to the birthday party.

On January 22nd, the Heat once again took the top spot.

At midnight that day, the All-Star voting ended, and Tang Bei retained his title as the top vote-getter.

Eastern Conference All-Star starters: Tang Bei, Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Anfernee Hardaway

Western Conference All-Star starters: Hakeem Olajuwon, Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Latrell Sprewell, Dan Mamlij
On January 24th, the Heat will host the Pacers.

Having lost to the Pacers on the road last time, Tang Bei is very keen to win this game.

At that time, the Pacers had a record of 23 wins and 15 losses, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Heat had a record of 33 wins and 5 losses, ranking first in the entire league.

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

Pacers: Rick Smits, Dale Davis, Derrick McKay, Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson

Miami Heat: Tang Bei, Kevin Willis, Glen Rice, Kendall Gill, Avery Johnson

Xu Jicheng explained, "This season, the Pacers acquired Mark Jackson, strengthening their point guard position. They have high ambitions."

Sun Zhenping said, "Moreover, they have a good record against strong teams, having defeated the two strongest teams in the league, the Heat and the Bulls, at home. Their strength should not be underestimated."

Han Qiaosheng said, "Their defense is very strong. The Knicks allow an average of 95.1 points per game this season, the Pacers allow 95.5 points, and the Bulls allow 95.9 points, which are the top three in the league."

Sun Zhenping said, "The defense in the East is stronger than that in the West. The Jazz have the most points allowed in the West, with 98.1 points, followed by the Trail Blazers with 99.2 points. All others have more than 100 points."

Xu Jicheng said, "The Heat are allowing an average of 97.5 points per game, and their defense is much stronger than last season, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference."

Their average points per game is 112.2, ranking first in the entire league. The second and third are the Suns and the SuperSonics, both exceeding 110 points.

Sun Zhenping said expectantly, "Their offensive firepower is unparalleled, and their defense is also very good. The Heat have a great chance of defending their championship title this year."

In the players' tunnel, Tang Bei and Reggie Miller stared at each other, but in the end, Tang Bei couldn't take it anymore and backed down.

"Reggie Miller, I heard you're jealous of Jordan winning two championships?" Tang Bei suddenly said.

“Who’s jealous of him? I’ll take it myself,” Reggie Miller said angrily.

"you?"

Even a blind person could see the disdain in Tang Bei's expression.

What's wrong with me?

Reggie Miller immediately noticed, and his anger increased by 1 point.

"just you?"

Tang Bei's disdain escalated into contempt.

"Am I not good enough?" Reggie Miller's anger flared up once again.

"Just you?"

Tang Bei's contempt escalated into disdain.

"Shet!"

Reggie Miller's anger had reached its peak, and he was about to hurl insults at Tang Bei when Mark Jackson pulled him back.

Mark Jackson whispered, "Reggie, watch out, he's provoking you. I bet he's looking for an excuse to beat you up."

Reggie Miller was startled, suddenly remembering the iron door that Tang Bei had kicked and deformed, and quickly shut his mouth.

"You think you can win the championship?"

"Why don't you speak?"

"Reggie Miller, your only chance to win a championship is to join the Heat on a minimum contract. Otherwise, you'll only have a chance to win a championship in your dreams."

"Speak up, you're just idling around anyway. Aren't you quite the talker? Have you gone mute?"

Reggie Miller finally couldn't hold back and replied, "Even if I never win a championship in my life, I will never leave the Pacers."

"Haha! You want to take one city by yourself?"

Tang Bei laughed heartily, and found himself developing a slight liking for Reggie Miller.

However, he felt a bit more annoyed with the Hornets' management. He had the opportunity to defend a game by himself, but unfortunately, he wasn't given that chance.

At 8 o'clock, the game began, and the Heat went on offense after the jump ball.

Tang Bei faced off against the 224cm tall Rick Schmitz and could play however he wanted. He started with a high pick-and-roll, then cut to the basket after the screen, and Schmitz couldn't keep up at all.

"boom!"

Dale Davis returned to defend the basket, and Tang Bei received a pass from Avery Johnson, unleashing a powerful one-handed dunk that ignited the crowd.

Mark Jackson brought the ball to the left wing, spread out, and backed down Avery Johnson, using his big butt to slowly push his way in.

Although the posture was ugly, it was effective, just like Barkley's big butt attack, leaving Avery Johnson at a loss for how to defend.

I don't know how long he pushed forward, but he got close to the paint, forcing the Heat's defense to focus on him.

At that moment, small forward Derrick McKay made a run into open space on the right wing, and Mark Jackson suddenly passed the ball to him.

"brush!"

Derek McKay took a shot from near the three-point line and the sideline, and with a swift and precise motion, made a long two-pointer.

2:2, Heat on offense.

When Tang Bei positioned himself at the high post, he noticed that the Pacers had switched their defense, with power forward Dale Davis guarding him and fronting him.

With them fronting you at the high post, how can you possibly play? Of course, you have to get to the basket.

"boom!"

Avery Johnson passed the ball directly to the basket, and Tang Bei hung on the rim.

"Alley-oop dunk!"

Sun Zhenping said happily, "This game was too easy. The Pacers' defense is strong, but against Tang Bei's offense, their interior defense is almost negligible."

Xu Jicheng said, "Dale Davis is a 211cm tall, 114kg blue-collar center who averages 31.7 minutes, 10.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1.6 blocks per game this season. He is good at rebounding and defense and is the Pacers' interior shield and rebounding guarantee."

However, using him to defend Tang Bei is really unsuitable. The difference in weight is too great, he's not as fast as Tang Bei, and he's not as tall either.

Han Qiaosheng said, "Especially with the high-position flanking maneuver, Tang Bei's speed makes it seem like there's no defense at all."

Xu Jicheng said with a smile, "He had no choice. He didn't know how to defend. If he tried to defend, his ability to fight back was too weak, he couldn't withstand it at all, and he would easily get injured."

At this point, he added, "Let's put it this way: no matter which team plays the Heat, if they don't have the ability to compete in the paint and Tang Bei completely controls the restricted area, no matter how strong their outside shooting is, even if they are as strong as the Bulls, they still can't beat the Heat."

"Correct."

Han Qiaosheng nodded quickly.

Sun Zhenping said, "Tang Bei is not O'Neal. He is not just a simple low-post weapon. He controls the paint on both ends of the court and can also facilitate passing. His dominance is too strong."

Xu Jicheng nodded and said, "The last time we lost to the Pacers, it was an away game, and it was a back-to-back game, and our outside shooting went completely cold."

In this game, the Heat easily defeated the Pacers 88-114. Tang Bei only played 32 minutes, scoring 40 points before leaving the court.

The next day, the 25th, was Tang Bei's 22nd birthday, reaching the legal marriage age in China.

The Spring Festival is just a few days away. This year, the Tang family will not be coming over. Tangjia Electronics is expanding its scale, and Tang Bin and Tang Yu are too busy to come over at all.

On the evening of January 30th, Master Zhao made dumplings and prepared a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner. Tang Bei, Jia Bao, and his parents-in-law spent a Chinese New Year together.

After the regular season ended in January, the Heat went undefeated with a record of 37 wins and 5 losses, a winning percentage of 88.1%, ranking second in the entire league and second in the Eastern Conference.

The Bulls have a record of 38 wins and 5 losses, with a winning percentage of 88.4%. Having played one more game, they have half a game more wins than the Heat, ranking first in the entire league.

On February 1st, the official Player of the Month award for January was announced, and it was given to Patrick Ewing.

On February 9th, the Bulls lost a game on the road to the in-form SuperSonics.

The Heat remained undefeated with a record of 41 wins and 5 losses, a winning percentage of 89.1%. The Bulls, with a record of 42 wins and 6 losses, had played two more games than the Heat and had a winning percentage of 87.5%. The Heat once again surpassed the Bulls to become the best team in the entire league.

With this, the regular season is now halfway through, and the All-Star Weekend has begun.

Miami Heat head coach Kevin Longley was named the Eastern Conference All-Star head coach with the best record in the league.

The head coach of the Western Conference is the head coach of the Phoenix Suns, who have a record of 38 wins and 10 losses, a winning percentage of 79.2%, ranking first in the Western Conference.

The All-Star reserves for this year's All-Star Game have also been announced. The Eastern Conference roster includes Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Joe Dumars, Larry Johnson, Dana Barros, Vin Baker, and Teyron Hill.

The Western Conference is comprised of Mutombo, David Robinson, Richmond, Schrempf, Payton, John Stockton, and Mashburn.

"Tsk tsk, how pitiful."

Seeing this list, Tang Bei felt sorry for the gorilla. Four super centers, and he didn't even make it to the All-Star reserve. This shows how fierce the competition is for the center position.

"Tang, some media outlets are trying to sow discord between you and your teammates."

On February 10th, Tang Bei suddenly received a call from Eric Fleischer in the morning.

"What are you trying to sow discord about?"
He was a little confused, as he hadn't had any conflicts with anyone in the team.

"Here's the thing, both Alonzo Mourning and Larry Johnson of the Hornets were selected for the All-Star Game this time, as were the Jazz's duo of Gary and Sanders. But the Heat, who have the best record in the league, only have you selected for the All-Star Game."

"So the media criticized you for suppressing Glen Rice and others' performance on the Heat. These media outlets believe that Glen Rice, Kevin Willis, and Kendall Gill are all worthy of being selected as All-Stars."

"They also analyzed the data of Glenn Rice and the other two, comparing their previous data with the current data, and there was indeed a decline."

"Now these media outlets are attacking you for taking up too much of the shot, encouraging Glen Rice and others to leave the Heat so that they can become All-Stars."

"What are these media outlets trying to do?" Tang Bei asked.

Eric Fleischer said, "One is hype, and the other is that the Heat's rivals may be pushing behind the scenes. If problems arise in the Heat's locker room, it will definitely weaken the Heat's strength."

He then added, "I have already spoken with the Heat's management and will find some media outlets to refute their claims. You need to be careful when you are interviewed by the media and don't fall for their tricks."

"Ok."

"Also, the main target of this is to sow discord between Glen Rice and you. Kevin Willis and Kendall Gill have just joined the Heat and are not yet qualified to compete with you."

"I see."

Soon after, as Tang Bei boarded the plane to Phoenix, Eric Fleischer gave a television interview to TNT.

The Heat also contacted some media outlets to refute their claims.

At 2 p.m., Tang Bei arrived at Phoenix Airport and was surrounded by a large number of media reporters at the entrance of the Wilt Hotel, where the NBA players were staying.

An ESPN reporter asked, "Don, many media outlets now believe that you suppressed your teammates, such as Glen Rice."

He averaged 22.3 points per game in the 91/92 season, but after joining the Heat, his shot attempts decreased, and his average points per game never exceeded 20 again.

So, Don, what do you want to say to Glenn Rice now? Will you apologize to him? And who else?

Tang Bei waved at the ESPN camera and said with a smile:

"Mr. Pippen is an indispensable teammate for me. Without him, I would not have won the championship. Therefore, I suppressed his stats and should apologize to him."

At this point, he suddenly looked enlightened and exclaimed in surprise, "Sorry, sorry, I forgot I'm Tang Bei, not Michael Jordan, haha!"

The ESPN reporter interviewing Tang Bei smiled awkwardly upon hearing Tang Bei's words, and the other reporters exchanged bewildered glances.

"Are you all cleared up? Excuse me, excuse me."

Tang Bei declined further interviews and pushed his way past the reporters to enter the hotel.

"hehe!"

In Miami, Glen Rice laughed after seeing this television news interview.

His feelings were actually quite complicated, because teaming up with Tang Bei made it difficult to clearly weigh the gains and losses.

Although his stats have declined, he still won the championship.

He won the championship, but he lost the opportunity to become the core of the Heat.

He now has a chance to defend his championship, but with the addition of Kevin Willis and Kendall Gill, along with Avery Johnson, his status on the team has declined again, from a core player on the perimeter to just an ordinary starting player, an outside shooter.

Those media outlets were right about one thing: he was completely overshadowed by Tang Bei's brilliance, and didn't even have the chance to become an All-Star in the Heat. The only one shining in the Heat was Tang Bei.

But he didn't want to do anything because of the media's provocations. With his low-key personality, he felt that this was fine. Tang Bei was taking the lead, so he felt very little pressure.

Moreover, his second contract was for six years and wouldn't end until the summer of 99, so even if he were traded away from the Heat now, it wouldn't affect that contract.

Staying with the Heat is better financially, as the championship brought him commercial benefits, which he would certainly lose if he left.

(End of this chapter)