There is a significant difference in pace between FIBA games and NBA games.
NBA games consist of four quarters, each 12 minutes long, totaling 48 minutes, with precise timing used.
Every time there is a dead ball, backcourt throw-in, the clock stops to ensure every minute and second is played.
However, FIBA games have two halves of 20 minutes each, totaling 40 minutes, using running time.
Except for free throws, timeouts, and fouls, generally, the backcourt throw-in does not stop the clock.
Meanwhile, NBA games have many pauses, breaks, more frequent fouls, and referee deliberation periods.
These delays in game time and pace do not exist in FIBA games.
Therefore, the pace of FIBA games is much faster than NBA games, and even if a 40-minute game is played intensely, it usually ends just past an hour.
No matter how it’s delayed, it’s hard to drag it to an hour and a half.
However, since commercial sponsorship and advertising increased in NBA games, game time has dragged on longer.
Finishing in an hour and a half is considered fast; stretching to two hours is normal, and sometimes intense games can go for two and a half hours.
This results in more highs and lows in NBA games, with possible different scenarios and storylines every quarter.
The first quarter might be neck and neck, the second quarter widens the gap, the third quarter sees a comeback, and the fourth quarter culminates in key plays and counter key plays.
It can be said to be a dramatic show with twists and turns, made even more exciting if the referees keep control of the pace and situation.
While FIBA games are fast-paced and intensely played, they don’t have as many ups and downs as the NBA but are just as exciting in the final stages.
NBA games are like a three-hour blockbuster with twists and turns, while FIBA games resemble a 90-minute movie with a distinct theme and quick pacing.
Today’s game for Lithuania, there isn’t much time and opportunity left, as the game clock runs quickly.
Trailing by 6 points, Sabonis hit a very critical three-point shot from the top of the arc.
The deficit was reduced to 3 points.
Subsequently, Gan Guoyang, facing a double team at the top of the arc, passed the ball to Sun Jun.
Sun Jun feigned a breakthrough, then returned the ball to Gan Guoyang, who scored a mid-range jumper over Sabonis’s defense.
When his touch was uncertain, Gan Guoyang used a lot of breakthroughs, fast breaks, and drawing fouls to maintain the scoreline, keeping close with the opponent.
Once taking the lead, and with his touch gradually improving through free throws and lay-ups, he started to attempt some high-difficulty shots to break through Lithuania’s solid defense.
Under FIBA rules, with Sabonis and the tall Lithuanian perimeter, their half-court defense is very strong, particularly on the inside, which is quite solid.
If Gan Guoyang keeps working from the low post, under FIBA’s potential early double-teams, he would definitely face continuous sieges from Lithuania.
So, with his shooting touch emerging, Gan Guoyang started his shooting performance.
Sabonis made a brilliant pass during an offensive play, a bounce pass to Kurtinaitis, who reversed layup to avoid Gan Guoyang’s block and scored successfully.
Gan Guoyang no longer had time to criticize China’s defense for missing the man, quickly inbounding from the backcourt, dribbling forward himself, while Lithuania didn’t dare to press up.
Sabonis was in an awkward position now, whether to follow or not?
If he follows, the inside becomes vacant, and China Team’s cuts and backdoor plays would penetrate it.
Not following? Gan Guoyang starts offense directly from the outside, which is hard for others to defend.
Of course, even though it’s difficult for Sabonis himself, his height is a factor and he is well familiar with Gan Guoyang’s style of play.
Going one-on-one against Sabonis, Gan Guoyang still needs to put in some effort.
Sabonis decided to follow, extended to near the three-point line, and lowered his center of gravity for one-on-one defense.
Gan Guoyang turned to back-dribble, leading with calmness as he observed Lithuania’s defense.
At this moment, Hu Weidong and Sun Jun were both on the court, tirelessly running as two young forwards.
Lithuanian guard Jomicki suddenly approached from behind, attempting a steal from the rear.
Gan Guoyang reacted quickly, immediately moving the ball away from Jomicki’s reach, and promptly passed it to Hu Weidong.
Hu Weidong received the ball, broke through from the wing, the Lithuanian inside line helped defense, and Hu Weidong passed it to the cutting Sun Jun in the middle.
Sun Jun caught the ball and dunked it with both hands!
Sun Jun learned from the first half, dunking without hesitation.
At 23, he still had plenty of stamina and leapt energetically to slam the basket.
With Gan Guoyang drawing a double team, Lithuania’s defense inevitably had gaps.
Even if their rotations were fast, they couldn’t keep up with the ball’s speed, and, importantly, Sabonis, the main inside line barrier, wasn’t there.
The margin stayed at 6 points as China Team quickly retreated to defense and reverted to using zone defense.
Gan Guoyang loudly directed the zone defense formation, as at this stage, relying on man-to-man marking makes it easy to get disrupted.
China Team often found themselves on the weaker side in clashes, so they simply used a zone, betting on Lithuania’s mindset.
Lithuania was indeed anxious, continuously passing the ball around the perimeter before finally giving it to Matulionis, who made a strong attempt from the wing for a three-pointer!
Scored! The Lithuanian player’s shot was indeed tough.
The gap returned to 3 points, and Lithuania still had a chance for a comeback.
But Gan Guoyang quickly caught the ball in the corner and shot from mid-range to score.
Sabonis responded with a hook shot, while Gan Guoyang suddenly stopped and shot a jump shot during a fast break to score.
Sabonis assisted a teammate for a jump shot score, while Gan Guoyang received a pass from Sun Fengwu and made a three-pointer from the wing!
Every time Lithuania scored, Gan Guoyang was quick to respond with a score, maintaining the lead advantage.