The reporter then looked at James and asked, "Mr. James, your all-around play is unique in the team. What kind of stats do you think you'll achieve in the finals?"
James extended three fingers and replied confidently, "I will deliver a triple-double and help the team win the gold medal!"
The reporters gasped. James was so confident. The Olympics and NBA games were slightly different, and the playing time for these superstars could be quite unstable.
Achieving a triple-double in the Olympic finals was undoubtedly a mark of top-tier all-around performance.
"Mr. Kobe, China's national basketball team players Yao Ming and Li Feng have shown amazing performances in the past few games. Do you think they will cause trouble for the US team?"
Kobe thought for a moment and replied, "I must admit that Yao Ming and Li Feng have reached the level of NBA stars. Furthermore, I've faced Yao Ming many times, and his dominance in the paint is formidable. We will treat him with seriousness!"
"Also, Li Feng, as an eighteen-year-old young player, has shown such performance, which surprises me. However, the Dream Team's perimeter defense is top-notch, and we will put a lot of pressure on him. Let's wait and see!"
Kobe's response was highly skilled, acknowledging the abilities of Yao Ming and Li Feng while also emphasizing confidence.
From the interviews, it was evident that not only the fans were eagerly anticipating this match, but the media reporters were also filled with excitement. This game was sure to leave behind countless memorable moments!
...
The pre-game press conference for the Chinese team was even more packed, with reporters feeling for the first time that the interview hall was too small.
Countless cameras and microphones were pointed at China's representatives—Li Feng and Yao Ming.
An American reporter seized the opportunity to ask, "Mr. Yao Ming, facing the US Dream Team in the finals, do you think it will be different from the group stage?"
In the first match of the group stage, China had already encountered the US team.
In that game, Li Feng was still a substitute and had not yet undergone his transformation; therefore, he didn't even get any playing time, and the Chinese team suffered a heavy defeat.
Yao Ming replied with a smile, "Of course, it will be different. In the group stage, we did not field our strongest lineup, and Li Feng did not play. We were also still in the process of gelling, so losing to the US team is not surprising."
"However, in the finals, we will bring our best attitude and strongest lineup, so I am full of confidence in winning the finals!"
"Big Yao" affirmed Li Feng's contribution and simultaneously expressed the team's never-give-up attitude. The reporters nodded in agreement.
Another Japanese reporter squeezed to the front and asked, "Mr. Li Feng, you have performed exceptionally well in previous games. Facing NBA superstars now, do you think you can still deliver a good performance?"
Li Feng snorted and replied indifferently, "NBA superstars are no different from other players. I believe I will perform well!"
His confident and assertive response elicited gasps from the reporters in attendance. The reporters were somewhat excited, as they loved such pronouncements, which could be heavily sensationalized.
Yao Ming had always been humble and low-key when facing the media, but he greatly appreciated Li Feng's response.
After Li Feng finished speaking, Yao Ming smiled, proactively extended his hand, high-fived Li Feng, and whispered words of encouragement, "Well said!"
A Chinese reporter asked, "Li Feng, a few NBA Dream Team stars have stated before the game that they will focus on you in the finals and lock you down. What do you think about that?"
The reporter was not fabricating. During the Dream Team's practice sessions, the media had full access, and they were interviewed after practice.
Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, and other elite perimeter defenders had all expressed their intention to teach Li Feng a lesson and limit his scoring to under 10 points!
Of course, this was not just bravado but, more importantly, a statement of intent.
The US men's basketball team, as the dominant force in basketball, had been virtually invincible since professional basketball players were allowed to participate in international competitions.
Although they occasionally stumbled, their overall strength remained significantly superior.
Li Feng replied with a cold smile, "The Dream Team is indeed very strong. They can lock down most guards in the world, but... except for me!"
The entire venue erupted!
Li Feng's confidence radiated from his very being.
He then added, "In the finals, I will score at least 25 points. Of course, the team's victory is the most important thing!"
The reporters applauded. Li Feng's answers were direct and rational, which was very rare for a young player.
...
Before the finals even began, the scent of battle was gradually spreading. The media and fans were fanning the flames, and the hype was reaching new heights.
The odds offered by bookmakers were also constantly changing.
When China reached the quarterfinals, their championship odds were 1 to 57, while the US was at 1 to 3.6.
After China reached the semifinals, their championship odds rose to 1 to 16, with the US at 1 to 2.3.
After both teams advanced to the finals, China's odds became 1 to 6.2, and the US was at 1 to 1.5.
Clearly, more people favored the US, as the Dream Eight team comprised top stars.
...
The Wukesong Stadium was filled with fans early on, and even outside the stadium, several circles of fans had gathered, just to catch a distant glimpse of the stars.
They hadn't bought tickets and felt regretful, so they could only experience the atmosphere of the finals from outside the venue.
The players from both teams were warming up, and the spectators watched the superstars practice with excitement.
With the referee's whistle, the finals officially began.
China's starting lineup remained Li Feng, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Zhu Fangyu, and Sun Dasheng.
The US starting lineup was Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul.
This lineup, with playmaking, three-point shooting, interior presence, and defense, was truly the strongest quintet in basketball on Earth!
Yao Ming and Dwight Howard stood at center court.
In the center position, Yao Ming held the advantage.
Although Dwight Howard possessed astonishing physical attributes and incredible leaping ability, allowing him to bully most interior players in the league, Yao Ming had a specific way of countering him.
This was because Yao Ming had a stable base, soft touch, and a wide offensive range.
Therefore, fans often joked about the matchups between Yao Ming and Howard, with Yao Ming being the one who "eats, sleeps, and beats Howard."
This phrase was a double entendre, as Yao Ming was very fond of playing the game "Warcraft" back in the day.
Domestically, he would secretly sneak off to internet cafes to play Warcraft.
The other meaning was that Yao Ming consistently outperformed Howard, making him uncomfortable.
As expected, Yao Ming won the tip-off, securing the first possession for China.
No matter how fast Howard's jump was, he couldn't match Yao Ming's height advantage. A slight extension of his foot was enough to tip the ball.
Yi Jianlian grabbed the ball and passed it back to Li Feng.
As soon as Li Feng received the ball in the backcourt, Kobe Bryant stepped up to defend him tightly.
It was clear that Kobe was trying to intimidate Li Feng, and it was also a sign of respect for Li Feng.
On the court, the greatest form of respect between opponents was to target you with all your might!