The offensive footwork becomes increasingly elusive.
Passing choices are more cunning and unexpected.
The fadeaway jump shot has been perfected, with a very considerable success rate.
Dealing with him is certainly much more difficult than before.
Gan Guoyang not preparing doesn’t mean he underestimates Olajuwon.
It’s just that he knows, it’s impossible to "humiliate" Olajuwon like dealing with O’Neal.
Everyone knows each other’s foundations well, there’s no need to delve into technical details.
Resting, adjusting mentality, and striving to perform well is more important.
For the Trail Blazers, fitness is a big issue.
The game against the Miami Heat is the second of a back-to-back on the road.
Although the Trail Blazers had big wins against the Magic and Hornets, with not much physical exhaustion.
But after all, they played games, and ultimately, energy is consumed during travel.
In consideration of protecting players, Beelman placed Sabonis on the injury list.
For Gan Guoyang, he must face the Heat’s strong forward lineup alone.
Everyone on the Heat is very familiar with Gan Guoyang.
From the coaches to the starters, to the management, even the fitness coach.
Because these people all worked in Portland before.
On the evening of the 14th, before the game between the Trail Blazers and the Heat began.
Gan Guoyang looked at the Heat’s lineup and then at the management sitting behind the bench seats.
Goodness, at least one-third were poached from the Trail Blazers.
Among players, Drexler, Cliff-Robinson, and Mason were all poached hard.
Any of these three are capable starters on any team, with one even being an All-Star.
In management, Stu-Inman and Spoelstra are both seasoned management personnel.
With them, the Heat were able to pull together a high-level team in a very short time.
In terms of player recruitment, team management, season marketing, logistics support, and all aspects, they matured quickly.
On the commentary panel, there’s also the veteran coach Jack Ramsey offering commentary, occasionally strategizing for the team.
The Heat indeed deserve the nickname of the Eastern Little Pioneers.
Gan Guoyang, as usual, hugged Dr. Ramsey.
Looking at the fewer hairs on Jack’s head, Gan Guoyang inexplicably felt a bit sad.
"Jack, you’ve aged another year, your hair is getting less," Gan Guoyang said.
"You’re not the sentimental type, Sonny. I’m far from dying. You’ll be in trouble tonight," Ramsey reminded Gan Guoyang.
At the same time, he noticed a subtle emotion mixed in Gan Guoyang’s tone.
Ramsey understands Gan Guoyang and also understands this season’s Miami Heat.
All of the Heat’s configurations are targeted towards Gan Guoyang and the Trail Blazers.
The strong defensive combination of Olajuwon + Anthony Mason in the post.
One is a well-rounded player, one is a rock-solid foundation.
Mason is the bladed guard by Olajuwon’s side.
Moreover, having played with the Trail Blazers for a year, he knows Ah Gan.
On the perimeter, every point on the Heat has strong one-on-one capabilities.
Low post, fast break, shooting, breakthroughs, they have numerous skilled players.
They use tight, tough defense to strangle every opponent.
On offense, they rely on the talents of Olajuwon and others.
They are very united, very tough.
This season, many teams have suffered losses against them.
In the past, most teams came to Florida with a tourist mindset.
Playing at Disney in Orlando and enjoying parties and beaches in Miami.
Nowadays, times have changed. Whether it’s the Magic or the Heat, they are enough to give opponents a hard time.
"Thanks for the reminder, Jack. Just let me feel how big this trouble is."
For Gan Guoyang and the Trail Blazers, the outcome of this game isn’t too important.
Understanding the Heat thoroughly, feeling the strength of the "Little Pioneers," is the primary task.
In the Trail Blazers’ coaching staff’s imagined finals opponents, the Heat are already on par with the Bulls.
Moreover, from the first half of the season, the Bulls struggle against teams with a super center.
The game starts punctually at 7:30 P.M. Eastern Time.
Before the opening jump ball, both Gan Guoyang and Olajuwon looked very calm.
Both wore smiles, hugging and greeting each other.
It’s completely different from the tense face-offs of their younger days.
Gan Guoyang no longer employs psychological tactics.
He knows, it doesn’t work with Olajuwon.
They both have grown, and understand each other.
When dealing with Ewing, Mourning, or O’Neal, some small tricks are still handy.
But against Olajuwon, it doesn’t work anymore; he has indeed changed a lot.
Composed and unhurried.
Even Olajuwon’s appearance has changed.
He once had a face full of harshness, eyes showing ferocity.
Nowadays, he brims with smiles, exuding kindness and benevolence.
This signifies that his mindset and realm have significantly improved.
In terms of basketball, in terms of life, he has a more comprehensive and deeper understanding.
Once a person understands who they are, what they want to achieve, and why they do so,
they have almost matured, and disturbing them becomes extremely difficult.
The contest between Olajuwon and Gan Guoyang became solely a power contest.
No one should harbor lucky thoughts or rely on this and that.
They must depend on themselves, leading teammates to overcome opponents.
Drexler stood on the side watching his two friends jump ball.
This guy, who wants to be a star, understands he is destined to be a supporting role.
This season Drexler was affected by injuries and didn’t reach his best condition.
He became Olajuwon’s assistant, much like he was beside Ah Gan back then.