The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 89 Tang Bei: Jordan wants to fight me?

Michael Jordan's words quickly made it onto ESPN's sports news program.

At this moment, Tang Bei, with a bandage on his forehead, was practicing shooting hoops on the hotel's indoor basketball court.

The United States has a very strong sports atmosphere, and hotels build various sports facilities to attract athletes.

Teams typically choose hotels with basketball courts or basketball areas in the gym when playing away games, to facilitate team training.

Besides him, several teammates, including Glen Rice, also train here.

"Don..."

John Liu rushed in and said, "ESPN just reported on Michael Jordan, implying that he's going to help Oakley and Ewing teach you a lesson tomorrow night."

"He wants to fight me?" Tang Bei asked excitedly.

"Don, Jordan will never fight you."

"Haha, Tang, you even want to beat up Jordan?"

Glenn Rice and the others were taken aback, and then started making fun of each other.

After last night's conflict, Tang Bei has established a more "glorious" and "imposing" image in the Heat team. His teammates treat him better, and he has integrated into the team more effectively.

John Liu gave a wry smile and explained, "No, Don, Jordan said he'd teach you a lesson by scoring."

"What's there to be afraid of? I wasn't raised on a pedant."

Tang Bei wasn't afraid of Jordan. As the saying goes, a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger. The current number one player? What is that? I'm going to take on the current number one player.

At 3 p.m. on the 21st, the Heat arrived at the Chicago Stadium for practice.

A group of reporters were waiting for the team. The Heat didn't have an All-Star, and Glen Rice wasn't generating enough buzz, so the reporters all chased after Tang Bei.

Zhang Heli has also returned to familiar Chicago, where CCTV will broadcast this highly anticipated match live.

"Don, are you going to respond to what Michael Jordan said?"

"Who?"

"Michael Jordan."

"Who is he?"

"what?"

Not only was the reporter who asked the question stunned, but all the reporters, Heat players, coaches, and staff were completely dumbfounded.

"Boss, this is the rookie camp where you were drafted. Are you pretending you don't know Jordan? Don't cause trouble!"

Glen Rice felt a chill run down his spine. He was safe inside, at most getting dunked on once or twice, but he was in trouble on the perimeter, where he would be destroyed by a furious Jordan.

More anxious than Glen Rice were the two starting guards; the way they looked at Tang Bei was off, as if they wanted to stab him.

Zhang Heli was also somewhat anxious, not understanding why Tang Bei would deliberately provoke Jordan.

He followed up and asked, "Tang Bei, you played really well against Ewing the other day. You might actually have a chance in this All-Star voting."

"Not bad. That bastard Oakley ruined my game, otherwise I could have gotten fifty points," Tang Bei said smugly.

Zhang Heli chuckled and said, "The Knicks announced last night that Oakley will be out for three months, and Mason will also be out for one to two weeks."

"What's wrong with them? Are they injured? What are they? They're made of paper. I didn't even use much force," Tang Bei chuckled.

Zhang Heli smiled and said, "When you play Jordan later, watch out for his drives, don't get dunked on."

"OK."

Tang Bei nodded.

Zhang Heli truly lived up to his reputation as a veteran national player, and went on to explain many of Jordan's technical characteristics to Tang Bei.

“I have lived in Chicago for many years and have done a lot of research on him.”

"He used to be a penetrating scorer, but after entering the 1990s, he transformed into a well-rounded finisher, primarily scoring with mid-range shots and secondarily with penetrating shots."

"In terms of mid-range shots, the most accurate are pull-up jumpers near the free-throw line, which are the left and right elbow areas, and face-up jumpers after a back-to-the-basket move, with a success rate of over 50%."

"His main weapon is mid-range shots. It's not that his penetration is no longer effective, but rather that defensive teams often use collapsing defense against him, forcing him to take mid-range shots. His penetration is still incredibly sharp, and his ability to draw fouls is very strong."

"His penetration rate is still as high as 35-40%, with 12 to 15 shots per game and a very high success rate."

"His turnaround jump shot technique has now matured and become a regular weapon, especially the left turnaround jump shot after a post-up move."

"However, in my opinion, his turning technique has not yet reached its peak and there is still room for improvement. So currently, when he is double-teamed, he passes the ball quite often. You should pay attention to this when defending and anticipate his passes."

"His low-post game is also very strong. His best skill is receiving the ball on the left wing and then quickly pulling up for a jump shot using his right foot as the pivot. It's very smooth."

As the players parted ways in the tunnel, Tang Bei opened his mouth as if to say something, but then didn't ask.

Actually, he wanted to ask if Zhang Heli had given him a reply regarding the national team matter, and whether it had fallen through.

But it's not a big deal. If you can't play for the national team, you can't play. It's not worth it.

Moreover, he knew that it was indeed a bit selfish of him to only want to play in the Olympics, and it was normal that the higher-ups wouldn't agree.

Soon, Jordan learned of Tang Bei's words from the reporter. He took a couple of puffs of his cigar, laughed angrily, and said with an air of domineering arrogance:

"He's pretending not to know me? Fine, I'll make that rookie learn how to be myself tonight."

In the evening, the Chicago Stadium was not only packed to capacity, but all available seats were also added, resulting in an occupancy rate of 108%, with only standing room tickets left to be sold.

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

Miami Heat: Tang Bei, Grant Lang, Glen Rice, Kevin Edwards, Bimbo Coles
Chicago Bulls: Bill Cartwright, Horace Grant, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, BJ Armstrong

In Beijing, the live broadcast of Xu Jicheng and Sun Zhenping from the CCTV studio also began.

"Dear viewers..."

After a few opening remarks, Sun Zhenping said in an enthusiastic tone:

"So far, Tang Bei has already delivered a proud performance in the NBA, defeating Knicks' superstar center Patrick Ewing in a head-on battle the night before last."

Xu Jicheng continued, "In both matchups against top centers, Tang Bei delivered outstanding performances, showcasing the strength of an NBA elite center. He is currently the center with the best chance of becoming the fourth greatest center in the NBA."

Sun Zhenping said, "Tonight, Tang Bei's opponent is Michael Jordan, the NBA legend who is very familiar to everyone. This will be a test for Tang Bei."

The game was broadcast live across the United States by ESPN, with Michael Brin and Tom Tolbert as commentators.

After his opening remarks, Tom Tolbert said, "Don's performance will be a highlight of tonight's game."

As a strong contender for the title of the fourth greatest center, after a high-scoring matchup against David Robinson, he underwent a test by Patrick Ewing the night before last.

Michael Brin chuckled and said, "Currently, Tang, O'Neal, and Mourning are all performing very well, but Tang is definitely the best."

Tang dominated his matchups against O'Neal, and while he hasn't played against Mourning's Timberwolves yet, Tang's low-post offense is definitely superior to Mourning's.

Tom Tolbert suddenly said, "Media reports say that O'Neal's agent hired two combat coaches for him, one of whom is an Aikido master recommended by Hollywood action star Steven Seagal."

Michael Breen nodded and said, "I'm looking forward to the next match between Don and O'Neal, to see if O'Neal, who has been trained by two top fighters, can handle Don's center-of-gravity breaking technique."

"I'm going to beat that bastard to a pulp."

"Orlando," O'Neal stared at the TV screen, raising his fist and shouting.

Under the tutelage of two masters, he became familiar with some power generation techniques of Aikido and Tai Chi. He put a lot of effort into how to defend against these techniques, and his confidence in defeating Tang Bei is now overflowing.

In the ESPN studio, Tom Tolbert said, "Don's center-of-gravity breaking technique seems to have only been used in the game against O'Neal. He hardly used it against anyone else. I guess this technique only works against heavy opponents."

"possible."

Michael Brin nodded, then said expectantly, "Tom, there's going to be a good show tonight. Michael said he's going to teach Don a lesson with points, and Don said, 'Who's Michael Jordan?' Haha, interesting, very interesting!"

Tom Tolbert chuckled, “Michael’s definitely going to get a high score tonight, 40+? 50+? Well, Chicago Stadium is going to be a killing spree.”

Michael Breen said, "Considering the strength of the two teams, the Heat facing Michael, who is looking to avenge his friend, should be a one-sided killing spree."

In the visiting team's locker room, the Heat players' morale was instantly dampened upon hearing Tom Tolbert and Michael Breen's words.

Since Jordan entered the NBA, anyone who angered him has been brutally killed on the basketball court. "Don't mess with Black Jesus" has become an ironclad rule of the NBA.

Even John Sally, a former member of the Bad Boys, frowned and said:
"Jordan suffered a lot at our hands back then, but he was an unbreakable man with an incredibly strong will. After winning two consecutive championships, he became even more invincible."

Tang Bei snorted coldly and suddenly said, "Invincible? What do you mean invincible? Don't boost the morale of others and diminish your own."

John Salley's eye twitched slightly after being reprimanded by the rookie; he was quite annoyed, but he didn't show it. Currently, Tang Bei is not only the Heat's core center, but with the support of management and coaching staff, he has become their primary core player.

Former number one core player Glen Rice lacked both assertiveness and skill, and relinquished his position without even a struggle.

He was very clear that with Tang Bei's domineering nature and strength, he was very likely to become the leader of this team.

He had only just been traded to the Heat and had no experience there, so he had no right to turn against Tang Bei.

The conflict the night before last also told him that he didn't have the strength to turn against Tang Bei and would be humiliated.

"A one-sided killing?"

Tang Bei turned to look at his dejected teammates and said seriously, "The Bulls are very strong, currently the top team in the East and the defending champions. Michael Jordan is also very strong, the best player in the league right now, I heard scoring is as easy for him as drinking water."

But the Bulls' weakness is their interior defense. No matter how strong Jordan is, he can't make up for that weakness. I can definitely destroy their interior defense and dominate their interior defense.

So if there's going to be a killing spree tonight, I believe it definitely won't be a one-sided massacre by the Bulls and Michael Jordan.

These words finally eased the atmosphere in the silent locker room, and the players' serious expressions relaxed.

Glenn Rice said, "Don, it's all up to you tonight."

"give it to me."

Tang Bei nodded and said.

Head coach Kevin Longley and general manager Lewis Shaffer, who traveled with the team, were very pleased to see Tang Bei demonstrate leadership in the locker room.

Glen Rice lacked leadership qualities and the ability to do so, while the Heat, who had only been in the NBA for a few seasons, desperately needed a leader who could unite the entire team.

"Coming on as a substitute."

At that moment, a Heat staff member pushed open the locker room door and shouted loudly.

"Make your appearance!"

Kevin Longley and Lewis Shaffer clapped their hands and shouted.

Soon, only the five starters remained in the locker room, and they had ten minutes to prepare.

Three minutes later, a series of footsteps approached from a distance, sounding like several people. Then, a Heat staff member's voice rang out: "Hey Michael, what's going on here?"

"Jordan?"

Tang Bei was taken aback. He immediately thought of the NBA rules, which state that home team players cannot freely enter the visiting team's locker room. What was Jordan doing here?
He could only think of one possibility: a demonstration.

"Sir, please open the door. I want to visit my opponent tonight," Michael Jordan's commanding voice rang out.

"Don?"

Upon hearing Jordan's voice, Glen Rice and the other three felt a jolt of tension and immediately looked towards Tang Bei.

Tang Bei didn't say anything, but immediately got up, walked to the door, and opened it.

Outside the locker room, Michael Jordan had a Cuban cigar in his mouth, with four Bulls starters, including Pippen, behind him.

"Michael Jordan, are you here to protest?"

Tang Bei's massive body blocked the doorway, the bandage on his forehead adding to his steely appearance, and his deep voice filled with a chilling aura, creating a powerful sense of oppression.

"This damn rookie is a tough guy, I can't provoke him now."

Jordan stared at Tang Bei's expressionless face, feeling the oppressive force emanating from him. Then, thinking of Oakley and Mason's fates, he suddenly felt threatened.

This strong sixth sense made him want to leave Tang Bei's side; his desire to protest had vanished, and he regretted making this trip.

His face twitched, he took the cigar from his left hand, and with a forced smile, extended his right hand, saying, "I heard you don't know me. Now let's get to know each other, Michael Jordan."

"Shet!"

He felt a little embarrassed when he said that. He came here to demonstrate, but it turned into an introduction.
Similarly, Pippen and the other three almost dropped their jaws to the floor. Hey Michael, you're here to protest, not to make friends.

Upon hearing Jordan's non-hostile words, Glen Rice and the other three in the locker room felt a sense of relief.

"Not fighting?"

Tang Bei grasped Jordan's hand, somewhat disappointed.

"This guy really wants to hit me, you bastard!"

Jordan almost lost his composure when he heard that.

His mood instantly soured, and he said coldly, "Kid, just wait a moment, and I'll show you who I am."

Tang Bei said nonchalantly, "I know now, but I don't understand. You're clearly here to protest, so why don't you do it? What are you afraid of? Why not just say it and make everyone happy?"

"let's go!"

Jordan was furious and turned to leave.

Pippen and the other three could only follow behind, looking somewhat disheveled compared to their earlier imposing arrival.

"Hahaha!"

Tang Bei burst into a triumphant laugh, reminiscent of Stephen Chow.

Glenn Rice and the others were not particularly happy, because they knew better than Tang Bei what the consequences of angering Black Jesus would be.

Kevin Edwards was particularly nervous. As the starting shooting guard, he was on the front line defending Jordan and would bear the greatest defensive pressure.

“This little bastard is trying to provoke us, but we must stay calm and not fight him, or we’ll fall into his trap.”

Enraged and embarrassed, Jordan had no choice but to offer a forced explanation in order to save face in front of his teammates. Pippen and the other three, not wanting Jordan to take his anger out on them, all nodded in agreement.

Pippen asked sarcastically, "Michael, what do you plan to do with that country bumpkin?"

Jordan said with a murderous look, "I'll humiliate him the way I do best."

"Gambling?" Pippen was taken aback.

Jordan stumbled and nearly fell, cursing as he yelled, "Shit, Scottie, what's in your head? Dog shit?"

Pippen's face was extremely ugly, and he cursed inwardly, "Fuck you, isn't gambling your specialty?"
Soon, Tang Bei met Jordan again in the player tunnel.

As the away team walked past Jordan, Edwards and his teammates, with their frighteningly sharp eyes, created an invisible tension within them.

Tang Bei was the last to pass by when he suddenly stopped in front of Jordan.

Jordan kept chewing his gum, seemingly unresponsive, only staring at Tang Bei, while Pippen and the other three showed some reaction.

"This guy has really good mental fortitude; he can really put on an act," Tang Bei thought to himself, before walking over.

"Redneck!"

After he walked past, Jordan and Pippen muttered at the same time.

"Shh!"

As the MC cheered, the visiting team began to enter the field, greeted by a deafening chorus of boos from the Chicago Bulls fans.

"Damn it, what kind of garbage is Chicago? They can't put their lungs back in once they've spit them out," Tang Bei muttered unhappily.

At 8:00 AM sharp, Tang Bei and Bulls' starting center Bill Cartwright jumped for the ball.

Cartwright was the third overall pick in the 79 draft and was a center who peaked right from the start. In his rookie season with the Knicks, he averaged 21.7 points and 8.9 rebounds, becoming an Eastern Conference All-Star backup center that year.

However, his peak only lasted for two seasons, after which his performance declined. At the age of 35, he can only play an average of 20 minutes per game as the Bulls' starting center.

"Snapped!"

Tang Bei tipped the ball away, and the Heat launched their attack.

Cobra Grant quickly moved two steps to the side, blocking Tang Bei's path. He knew Cartwright couldn't keep up with Tang Bei's speed, so he stepped in ahead of time to cover him.

Grant Long, who was left open by the Cobra, took the opportunity to run towards the basket, but the Bulls' rotation defense was too strong, and Pippen helped defend in time, preventing him from seizing the opportunity.

Glen Rice stopped at the left wing three-point line, but the small open shot he got was quickly filled by Michael Jordan.

At this moment, Bitwright finally ran to Tang Bei's side, and Grant returned to defend Grant Long, leaving no open shots in the low post.

Just as Bimbokors, who had the ball in control, was about to pass it to Edwards, who was in open space on the right wing, Pippen had already filled that gap.

"In just one defensive play, the Bulls demonstrated a top-tier defensive system," Michael Breen praised.

(End of this chapter)