Li Feng held the ball at the top of the arc, facing a triple-team as he began his offense.
The difficulty was immense.
Yi Jianlian possessed top-tier physical conditioning and was a first-rate defender.
His presence solidified the triple-team into an impenetrable wall. Li Feng felt immense pressure.
Bang!
Bang!
The three defenders were playing with intensity, not only coordinated in their movements but also employing screens, interceptions, and physical contact.
It was only Li Feng who could maintain steady ball control amidst such contact.
Anyone else would have been sent flying.
After all, Yi Jianlian was a power forward, weighing tens of kilograms more than Li Feng.
Li Feng found it difficult. He utilized the width of the court, dodging back and forth, preparing to penetrate the paint.
However, these three tenacious defenders had too large a coverage area, giving Li Feng no opportunities.
Da Yao watched from the sidelines, deeply impressed.
Having played in the NBA for many years, he had witnessed numerous explosive guards, like Wade and Kobe, and forwards like LeBron James.
Even these players, if double or triple-teamed by Yi Jianlian, Sun Dasheng, and Li Nan, might not have the advantage.
Yet, Li Feng was holding his own, not falling behind; he was truly a world-class guard!
Li Feng gradually adapted from his initial discomfort, taking control.
He began to use his speed, first shaking off Yi Jianlian’s defense, then executing a crossover that slipped the ball between Sun Dasheng and Li Nan!
It was a display of skill and audacity!
Sun Dasheng almost stole the ball, but Li Feng was a step faster.
After passing the ball, Li Feng regained possession before Yi Jianlian could lunge for it, driving to the basket and scoring with a bank shot!
The three defenders stood with their hands on their hips, breathing heavily and shaking their heads with smiles.
They hadn't held back at all, giving their all, yet Li Feng had outplayed them.
Da Yao applauded from the sidelines, saying, "I saw that. Li Nan and Yi Jianlian both committed fouls, but they weren't significant, so I didn't blow the whistle."
Da Yao was experienced, having witnessed both international competitions and NBA playoffs where not every foul resulted in a whistle.
Therefore, to become a superstar, one had to be able to score even when fouls were not heavily penalized!
Reliance on whistles would turn a player into a delicate flower, unable to go far in the playoffs.
Through this internal practice, Li Feng not only validated his ball-handling skills but also indirectly improved his teammates' perimeter defense.
It was a win-win situation.
Younes watched from a distance, nodding slightly, very pleased.
Any coach would appreciate a player like this, who could turn the tide of a game and also inspire his teammates' potential during practice.
...
After training concluded, Da Yao suggested treating everyone to a celebratory dinner.
This was a display of Da Yao's leadership.
He earned the highest salary in the NBA and was generous with gifts to his teammates.
With the team on a three-game winning streak and a positive team atmosphere, Da Yao naturally wanted to maintain this good momentum.
The teammates cheered upon hearing that Da Yao was treating them.
In reality, none of them lacked for a meal, but it was rare for national team players to gather. They didn't know when they would see each other again.
Being able to gather once and chat freely was a cherished and unforgettable experience.
They went to a high-end restaurant in Beijing. Yao Ming had booked a large private room that could accommodate twenty to thirty people.
Despite dining out, the players were disciplined, abstaining from unhealthy foods and alcohol.
Da Yao raised a glass of juice and spoke first.
"Brothers, it's rare for us to be together like this. The Olympics only come once every four years. Come, let's toast!"
The players raised their glasses, clinked them, and took a sip with laughter.
Yi Jianlian remarked, "With Da Yao and Li Feng in these Olympics, we can truly aim for our best result!"
Wang Zhizhi agreed, "Yes, both Da Yao and Li Feng are NBA-level players. We've won three in a row, so we must press on and aim to reach the semi-finals, or even the finals!"
Everyone grew more excited.
Li Feng remained calm. Amidst their enthusiasm, he slowly stated, "Our biggest opponent is still Team USA. I suggest that starting today, we all watch an hour of Team USA's game footage daily."
The others were surprised. Li Feng's words were astonishing!
The group stage hadn't even concluded, yet Li Feng was already targeting Team USA. Wasn't that a bit too presumptuous?
Seeing their surprised expressions, Li Feng smiled and explained, "I'm not saying we'll definitely meet Team USA, but the NBA is in the US, and there are indeed things worth learning from them. Watching their game footage will benefit us!"
Da Yao wholeheartedly agreed, "That's right. If we're going to learn, we should learn from the strongest teams. It makes perfect sense!"
Zhang Qingpeng, who usually spoke little, suddenly asked, "Li Feng, can you share your training methods? I've noticed your progress is incredibly fast!"
The others nodded in agreement. Their prior impression of Li Feng was from his NCAA days, and they didn't think he was that strong.
But after joining the national team, he had suddenly become much stronger, and the players were very curious.
Li Feng, of course, couldn't tell them that he was a transmigrator and had become stronger thanks to a cheat system.
He smiled and said, "I don't have any special training methods. It's just about working hard, and then watching more game footage to learn."
Zhang Qingpeng sighed, "Actually, I know that the gap in talent can't be bridged by effort alone."
Just based on Li Feng's tank-like physique, he already surpassed most people.
For instance, Shaq and LeBron had historically great physiques, which was why their techniques worked so well for them but might not for others.
And Li Feng's astonishing talent allowed him to easily possess skills like the "Shark Turn" dunk.
Yao Ming remarked, "Li Feng definitely deserves the most credit for our three consecutive wins, but victory belongs to everyone!"
Li Feng nodded in agreement. In these few games, the reserves had also played very well. They fought harder than usual and didn't concede any ground.
"Big Brother Yao is right. Everyone has played exceptionally well. The upcoming games will be even tougher, and every opponent will target us as a formidable foe."
Wang Zhizhi raised his drink and declared loudly, "On behalf of the reserves, I want to state that we will not hold the team back. We will fight!"
"Fight!"
"China will win!"
...
This dinner became the Chinese team's "oath-taking ceremony." United in spirit, they were mentally prepared for the upcoming matches!