The other semi-final in the Olympic men's basketball tournament was also highly anticipated.
USA versus Russia!
The thought alone was thrilling!
Whether looking at history or the current global situation, these two countries were adversaries. kanδん
Of course, the spirit of sports should be fair and independent. kΑnshu伍.ξà
But players are human, citizens of their countries, and it's impossible to say they have no emotions on the court.
The first quarter of the game was already filled with tension.
When Russian forward Victor drove to the basket, LeBron James, the core of the USA's Dream Team, appeared from the side like a tank, crashing into him with a loud "bang!"
Poor Victor was sent flying, hitting the scorer's table.
The other Russian players were outraged and charged towards James.
The Dream Team's other players immediately rushed to block the Russians, shoving each other, and a brawl was imminent.
Referees and security guards quickly intervened, separating the players.
The London Organizing Committee had been prepared for this game, doubling the number of security personnel, all of whom were tall and strong.
Medical staff checked Victor; he seemed alright, but had a bruised arm and would likely miss the rest of the first half.
The referees conferred and assessed James with a Flagrant 1 foul. Russia was awarded two free throws and possession.
The game continued with even greater intensity, but was frequently interrupted.
Although the USA team led, the margin was small, and they were close to being tied several times.
Russia played with fierce determination, frustrating the Dream Team, who struggled to gain a significant advantage.
At the end of the first half, the score was 47:45, with the Dream Team leading by only 2 points.
While everyone acknowledged the superior skill level of the USA's Dream Team, no one dared to guarantee a victory for the Americans.
Russia's tenacity, their active hustle, omnipresent help defense, and aggressive play in the paint had caused the USA team considerable trouble.
The mere 2-point difference at halftime spoke volumes.
As the second half began, Russia became even more aggressive. They immediately stole Paul's pass and scored on a fast break, tying the game!
The London crowd, supporting the USA Dream Team, was stunned by Russia's ferocity.
Fortunately, led by James, the Dream Team increased their drive-and-kick plays, stretching Russia's defense thin. Kobe and Anthony found their rhythm, stabilizing the game.
By the end of the third quarter, the Dream Team had established a 6-point lead.
Just as the spectators expected the Dream Team to close out the game in the fourth quarter, Russian reserve shooter Alex suddenly erupted!
In the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, Alex hit 4 out of 5 three-pointers, not only giving Russia the lead but also converting a four-point play, giving Paul his fourth foul.
Paul was crucial for the Dream Team, essential for organization and perimeter defense.
The Dream Team's head coach had no choice but to substitute Paul.
As a result, the Dream Team played with increasing urgency and disarray. Seven minutes into the fourth quarter, they trailed by 8 points.
Could the Dream Team be eliminated by Russia, heading home early?
Countless fans were filled with questions.
After a timeout, the Dream Team, with Kobe and Harden working together, managed to stabilize the situation.
With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the deficit was cut to 1 point, with Russia still leading.
However, Alex's hot hand continued. He received a pass from a teammate in the corner and hit an improbable fadeaway three-pointer, extending the lead to 4 points.
On the USA's next possession, Harden, with the ball at the top of the arc, faced fierce defensive pressure from Russia. He suddenly used the step-back three taught to him by Li Feng!
This step-back three was far superior to Harden's previous attempts, with a larger step-back and increased speed, instantly creating over a meter of separation from his defender.
Swish!
A perfect shot!
After Harden's basket, the Dream Team players were ecstatic, rushing to embrace him in celebration.
Russia was forced to call a timeout.
Harden was also emotional, filled with gratitude towards Li Feng.
Li Feng had taught him the step-back three with immense patience and detail, holding nothing back – a testament to Li Feng's generosity!
After all, Harden was a key player for the Thunder and Li Feng's opponent in the finals.
Yet, Li Feng considered Harden a good friend and was willing to teach him anything he wanted to learn.
After the timeout, under the Dream Team's intense defense, the Russian players couldn't maintain their shooting touch, and their offense stalled.
Meanwhile, the Dream Team's Kobe and Harden hit two more shots, sealing the victory.
Ultimately, the Dream Team defeated Russia 94:87, narrowly advancing to the Olympic finals!
China and the USA would meet in the final!
Where the brave win when paths cross.
This Olympic final captivated the attention of fans worldwide.
It was akin to the Olympics' Spring Festival Gala.
In the 2008 Olympics, these same two teams had met in the final!
Meeting in the Olympic finals for the second consecutive time was unprecedented in Olympic history!
The media and fans were instantly ignited with excitement.
Moreover, these two countries had the largest fan bases globally.
Therefore, even before the game began, public opinion had exploded.
Almost every sports headline featured the Dream Team facing China.
While the Dream Team was considered the most dominant team in international basketball, Li Feng and China's trio, having just won the NBA championship, also fueled boundless imagination among fans!
Chinese fans were particularly looking forward to this final.
Last time, they had secured a silver medal, and the game had been closely contested, with a narrow loss in the end.
Now, with Li Feng having grown over three years, coupled with Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, this game was certainly winnable!
...
The pre-game press conference was held in a packed interview hall, a rare sight at the Olympics.
Li Feng, Yao Ming, and Yi Jianlian were interviewed together.
A reporter asked, "Mr. Li Feng, China's men's basketball team and the Dream Team finally meet in the finals. What is your probability of defeating the Dream Team?"
Li Feng smiled faintly and replied, "Fifty percent. For me, any event that hasn't happened has a fifty percent probability!"
The other reporters burst into laughter. Li Feng's answer was witty and impeccable.
Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian were also amused by Li Feng's response, high-fiving him.
Another American female reporter asked, "You've just won three consecutive NBA championships. Does this mean you're much stronger than you were three years ago?"
Li Feng shook his head, "The three championships are collective honors, proving that the Knicks are the best team. As for myself, I believe I improve every year."
The reporter pressed further, "However, China only has three NBA players. What do you think is the gap in overall strength compared to the Dream Team?"
"China's overall team strength might have a gap compared to the Dream Team, but we will play with a desperate attitude. Gold medals are important, but the spirit of struggle is even more important!"
The reporters applauded Li Feng's response, praising him.
Li Feng's words showed him to be a pure basketball player, solely focused on winning games and striving for excellence!
Another British local reporter asked Yao Ming, "Mr. Yao, you've played in three Olympic Games for China, and this is your fourth. Will you play in a fifth?"
Yao Ming's expression turned somber for a moment, but pride quickly returned to his face.
"I desperately want to continue playing for the national team, but my body no longer allows me to continue fighting. This Olympic Games will be my last, and my professional career will also come to an end!"
His statement sent shockwaves through the room!
Although there had been rumors of Yao Ming's impending retirement, hearing it directly from him surprised the reporters greatly.
Only Li Feng remained expressionless, as Yao Ming had informed him before the Olympics.
However, Yao Ming had instructed Li Feng not to reveal this to the media, as he intended to make an official announcement after the Olympics.
But since the reporter had asked today, and with the finals approaching, Yao Ming decided to announce it then.
His intention was to use his retirement to motivate his teammates and secure the gold medal in the finals!
Indeed, upon hearing this, Yi Jianlian lowered his head, clearly saddened.
A Chinese reporter seized the opportunity to ask Yi Jianlian, "A Lian, what are your thoughts on Yao Ming's retirement?"
Yi Jianlian looked up, his voice filled with complex emotions, "Brother Yao is the soul of our Chinese team. He has been a tremendous help to us young players. On behalf of the young players, I say: for Brother Yao, we must fight for this victory!"
Li Feng, Yao Ming, and Yi Jianlian extended their right hands, stacking them together, and jointly swore before the media.
"China will win!"
"For Yao Ming, let's seize victory!"
...
The reporters erupted in applause and cheers once again, celebrating China's unity.
...
On the Dream Team's side, James and Kobe attended the press conference.
Despite a difficult semi-final match, both exuded strong confidence facing their final opponent, China.
"LeBron, China has played exceptionally well in this Olympics, especially Li Feng, who averages 28.4 points per game. Do you think the Dream Team can defeat China and win the gold medal?"
James scoffed and replied, "Our Dream Team came to London to win the gold medal. No matter the opponent, we will defeat them!"
Kobe's face also showed determination. He exchanged a look with James and nodded in complete agreement!
The reporter then asked, "But you didn't play well against Russia in the semi-finals and almost lost. How do you explain that?"
James's expression turned grim, and he immediately retorted, "So what? We won in the end. The Dream Team advanced. That's all that matters!"
Another reporter, seeing James agitated, quickly turned to Kobe, "Bryant, you had very few shots in the first three quarters of the semi-final, only shooting in the fourth quarter. Why is that?"
Kobe shrugged and replied, "It's quite normal. My teammates are all excellent, and they were capable of winning the game."
The reporter pressed further, "If that's the case, why did you only start shooting in the fourth quarter? Do you believe your shooting is more reliable than your teammates'?"
Kobe pouted, not immediately answering.
This was a difficult question to answer. If he said "yes," it would sound arrogant and could disrupt team harmony.
If he said "no," his decision to shoot would be questioned as seeking credit.
As Kobe hesitated, James slapped the table and interjected, "Does this even need to be asked? Kobe is the best player on our Dream Team, and his shooting is the most potent!"
This statement, coming from someone else, was perfectly appropriate; praising a teammate was always the right move.
Kobe smiled knowingly and high-fived James. The two star players of the Dream Team shared a moment of mutual respect and understanding!
...
The 2012 Olympic men's basketball final began.
The venue was the largest basketball arena in central London, capable of seating nearly twenty thousand spectators.
Due to Li Feng's three consecutive NBA championships, his popularity was immense, and his international influence was substantial.
Consequently, tickets for this game were sold out long in advance, with scalpers even reselling them.
The most expensive tickets were reportedly being hawked for up to 10,000 British pounds, a truly outrageous sum.
At 11:00 PM, the final between China and the USA Dream Team officially tipped off.
The Dream Team's starting lineup was exceptionally star-studded: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis.
China's starting five consisted of Li Feng, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Sun Dasheng, and Chen Jianghua.
At the center jump ball, Anthony Davis secured the initial possession.
Davis's physical talent was truly historic; he was at his peak explosion in 2012, with unparalleled jumping ability.
Yao Ming was not rushed. He was accustomed to facing athletic big men.
Of course, Davis was not just a jumper; his post-game was incredibly refined, and he possessed a good mid-range and outside shot, making him a versatile big man.
Paul brought the ball up past half-court, and Chen Jianghua stepped up to defend him closely.
This was Chen Jianghua's second encounter with the Dream Team, and he was prepared.
However, Paul still managed to teach him a lesson.
As Chen Jianghua defended tightly, Paul subtly elbowed him.
Chen Jianghua felt a sharp pain in his ribs, and Paul took the opportunity to drive to the basket.
This was Paul's characteristic style: many subtle, hidden actions that referees, unless reviewing instant replays, would miss.
Furthermore, Paul's lack of height made him appear smaller on the court, and referees subconsciously tended to avoid calling fouls on him, perhaps in a protective manner towards smaller players.
It was unknown how many players had been affected by Paul's subtle tactics.
This was why many players in the league disliked Paul, some even intensely.
Of course, this was also a survival strategy for a smaller player, and it was understandable.
Putting aside these minor issues, Paul's playmaking ability, court vision, and shooting were all top-tier.
Notably, Chinese basketball commentator Yang Yi held Paul in extremely high regard, calling him the "God of Point Guards."
Even after Li Feng's rise, Yang Yi didn't seem to favor Li Feng, believing Paul to be far superior.
Paul drove past Chen Jianghua directly towards the paint.
Yi Jianlian immediately moved to help defend, as Paul's excellent mid-range shot was difficult to guard.
Paul scanned the court, looking to his left but flicking the ball with his right hand to Kevin Durant.
Sun Dasheng immediately closed out on him.
Sun Dasheng, who had previously played for the Lakers, possessed good defensive capabilities, and he defended with great seriousness.