China and Argentina's initial attacks were both completed in the paint, and coincidentally, Da Yao and Scola were former Rockets teammates.
A large portion of Chinese fans learned about the NBA because of Yao Ming, hence the large number of Rockets fans.
Because of their affection for Da Yao, it was natural for them to also be familiar with and have deep feelings for his teammates, with love extending to them as well.
For instance, early on there was Francis, Süra, Alston, Scola, and later Lowry, Mutombo, Battier, and so on.
Chinese fans also deeply cherished these players.
Therefore, when Scola scored, a small number of Chinese fans still applauded.
On China's offensive possession, Da Yao proactively retreated to the baseline area, showing no intention of receiving the ball. It was clear he wanted Li Feng to take the lead.
Argentina was a strong team, and this was a knockout match. Da Yao hoped Li Feng could find his rhythm early.
Li Feng understood immediately and, facing Ginobili, dribbled the ball slowly.
Ginobili's defensive ability wasn't particularly strong, and being older, he knew clearly that he couldn't stop Li Feng on his own.
So, while defending earnestly, he also signaled to his teammates, ready for help defense at any moment.
Taking advantage of Ginobili's shift in weight to the right, Li Feng suddenly accelerated and broke through to the left.
The league's fastest first step was unleashed again. Despite Ginobili's caution, he still felt a blur before his eyes; Li Feng had vanished.
"Help defense!" Ginobili roared, chasing closely behind.
Argentina, as expected of a world-class team, although Li Feng had bypassed Ginobili, other defenders were active and immediately came to provide help.
However, Li Feng's dribbling skills had reached the elite level. Coupled with the recent training camp, his dribbling had found the optimal balance between flair and practicality.
With a spin, he blew past Delfino, who was rotating to help, and drove to the basket.
Da Yao screened Oberto for him, but Scola rotated quickly to cut off Li Feng.
While Scola's physical attributes were average, his court awareness was excellent, and his ability to draw fouls was top-notch.
Li Feng didn't intend to confront him directly. He faked a move, throwing Scola off balance, then drove to the middle for a soft floater.
4:2!
Li Feng's drive this time was not a powerful dunk like before, but a display of agile movements and evasion.
It was highly spectacular, eliciting collective gasps from the audience.
Ginobili watched, sighing inwardly that his era had passed, and Li Feng would become the king of the new generation!
On Argentina's offensive possession, Ginobili received the ball, called for a screen, and prepared to make a play himself.
As Li Feng was about to navigate the screen, Ginobili shot the ball!
One had to admit, Ginobili's experience was immense. He knew Li Feng's ability to go over screens was superb, so he shot quickly!
Swish!
True to his reputation as a veteran, he had a hot hand right from the start, hitting a three-pointer!
5:4!
Argentina took the lead again!
Jonas watched Ginobili, nodding slightly. A veteran was indeed a veteran. He felt Ginobili would be a significant obstacle for China today!
Li Feng was also secretly surprised. Although he had played well in the previous few games, he hadn't yet encountered NBA-level competition.
Today was his first formal encounter with an NBA-level opponent, and moreover, a superstar.
Li Feng wasn't discouraged; instead, he was ignited with a strong competitive spirit.
He walked up to Ginobili and whispered, "I'll give you one back!"
Ginobili smiled and said nothing, but he understood the mindset of these young players perfectly.
Many young players had challenged Manu before, but so far, none had been able to defeat Ginobili head-on.
...
On China's offensive possession, Li Feng once again had the ball, preparing to face Ginobili directly as a response.
After all, this was China's home court, and as the team's primary perimeter threat, he had to fight back!
Ginobili knew he couldn't defend Li Feng easily after being blown by earlier.
So, as soon as Li Feng crossed half-court, Ginobili signaled for Delfino to come for a double-team.
Facing the double-team, Li Feng remained unfazed and immediately pulled up for a step-back three-pointer!
In 2008, Curry had not yet entered the NBA, and players using this method to shoot threes were rare.
Back then, threes were typically open shots; very few dared to shoot with a defender in their face.
Ginobili was greatly surprised. He had watched game footage of the Chinese team and knew Li Feng possessed this move.
But seeing it in person still startled him. Li Feng had shot from over ten feet beyond the three-point line.
Swish!
A response three-pointer!
After making the shot, Li Feng stylishly raised three fingers, waved them forcefully, and roared!
This three-pointer was incredibly dominant, leaving the Argentinian players stunned.
The fans in the Wukesong Stadium leaped to their feet. Although they had seen it many times, they were still awestruck.
It was like the fans at the Warriors' home court years later, who would erupt every time Curry hit a three.
This was the same feeling the Chinese fans had now.
7:5!
In the subsequent play, both teams exhibited high-level performance, and the scores alternated.
Li Feng and Ginobili both played exceptionally well; neither could defend the other.
Da Yao established dominance in the paint. With Li Feng drawing attention on the perimeter, his various offensive moves became much easier.
As a result, China began to pull ahead, but not by much, because Scola was also having an outstanding game, scoring repeatedly in the paint, which Da Yao couldn't entirely stop.
With 5 minutes and 33 seconds elapsed in the first quarter, the score was 12:10, with China leading by two. Argentina's head coach called their first timeout.
Although Argentina was keeping pace, their energy consumption was considerable.
Ginobili was 32 years old, and Scola was 28. They were competing on two fronts, playing in the NBA and then national team games.
Therefore, the coach had to call a timeout as soon as the players began to tire, allowing them to rest and recover.
In the China Sports Channel's commentary booth, Yu Jia and Coach Zhang were both tense.
They knew Argentina's strength, and this was a knockout match. Any mistake could mean going home early.
"Coach Zhang, Ginobili is truly amazing. He's just like in the NBA; he plays better in the playoffs than in the regular season!"
"Indeed. His performance in the group stage was average, but in the knockout stage, he's truly ferocious."
"This is a test for Li Feng today, but so far, he and Ginobili are evenly matched."
Yu Jia excitedly clenched his fist: "Go, Li Feng, it's time for you to prove yourself."
Coach Zhang saw a shadow of Kobe Bryant in Li Feng.
As is well known, Coach Zhang is a huge Kobe fan, and some fans jokingly call him Bryant Zhang.
"I think it's very reasonable to give the ball to Li Feng!"
...
The timeout ended, and the game resumed with the players returning to the court.
After the timeout, Ginobili increased his defensive intensity.