Subsequently, Gan Guoyang was called for an offensive foul on the offensive end, bringing him to 5 fouls.
Amidst the overwhelming boos from Seattle fans, the Trail Blazers lost again 104 to 108, a 4-point difference.
The series was tied 2-2, and the Supersonics became the first Western Conference team in four seasons to win two playoff games against the Trail Blazers.
After this game, the "quick defeat theory" once again dominated the media.
"The end of the Trail Blazers is imminent."
"The death knell for Portland has already sounded."
"Is the dynasty finally crumbling? The young Seattle people will be the terminators."
"In 1978, the Seattle SuperSonics ended the Portland Trail Blazers’ dynastic dreams. Now, will Seattle people once again shatter the Trail Blazers’ dynasty?"
In the Northwest Region, discussions about the Supersonics and the Trail Blazers were everywhere.
On television, radio, magazines, newspapers, people spoke freely.
Within the Trail Blazers team, there was a mood of frustration due to the defeat, which was quite normal.
In the past few years, they had been too smooth in the Western Conference with no true rivals.
Now the team was facing many difficulties, and the opponents were aggressive, seemingly reversing the situation.
In the past, Gan Guoyang mostly remained silent in the face of difficulties, proving everything with his performance on the court.
But this time was different; the difficulties and noise were truly affecting the team, and he had to step up to boost morale.
After returning to Portland, the team held an open practice session before the fifth game.
In an interview after the practice, Gan Guoyang stated clearly: "We will definitely win the fifth game, I guarantee it."
"The Seattle people have angered me with their words and actions. Some fans used discriminatory language against me at the sidelines, and I’m very angry. But I won’t do anything; my only revenge is to crush their team."
"What kind of discriminatory language, can you elaborate?"
"No, absolutely not. I am trying to erase it from my mind. But the impact it has will be shown in the fifth game. I will score 50 points."
Gan Guoyang’s statement caused an immediate stir.
First, some Seattle fans were discriminatory toward the Chinese-American community, but it was difficult to verify since it was said by fans.
However, in this West Coast area, there are indeed bodies of Chinese laborers buried underground.
This place also has a large gathering of Asian and Chinese people, with cultural and racial conflicts being common.
So, many people were willing to believe that Gan Guoyang’s words were true.
Soon, a small wave of protests erupted in Portland, Seattle, and other places.
Secondly, Gan Guoyang’s clear declaration before the game to score 50 points was a blatant declaration of war.
The Supersonics players would certainly try their best to prevent Gan Guoyang from scoring high, especially since the Supersonics coach is Karl.
However, Karl had to consider the possibility that Ah Gan might be bluffing.
Saying he would score 50 points could draw defense and allow for more assists.
This guy’s passing ability is quite high, with an average of over 10 assists per game in the series.
After hearing what Ah Gan said, Payton immediately called George Karl, "Don’t believe him, don’t believe him! This guy is a liar, we absolutely cannot double-team him throughout the game, he will definitely pass to coordinate with teammates. I fell for it in the first game, that ** said he would play the entire fourth quarter, I said I would play when he came on, and once I went on, he sat down to rest!"
Payton’s words further increased Karl’s hesitation; the fifth game was undoubtedly crucial, a decisive battle determining the final outcome.
Karl didn’t have much time to think; there was only one day between the fourth and fifth games, and he had to make a decision.
However, some immediately saw that Ah Gan was just stirring up trouble for nothing.
On the noon of the game day, Gan Guoyang received a call from Jordan.
"Sonny, you’re lying, no one said anything racially discriminatory to you, right, right?"
"I don’t understand what you’re saying, Michael, I’m just sharing my experience, I’m not lying."
"I understand you, you’re creating an enemy, harnessing your energy."
"How do you know, do you always do this?"
"Never mind, I didn’t expect you to start using such tactics, good luck, Sonny!"
After hanging up the phone, Gan Guoyang took a deep breath; Jordan was right, he also had to use some tactics.
Terry Porter’s return for the fifth game was not promising; he might have to wait for the next round.
Peterlovic couldn’t get injured again; Gan Guoyang had to take on more responsibilities on the perimeter, making psychological strategies more important.
At times like this, every advantage is precious, and it must be utilized well.
After making some mental adjustments, Gan Guoyang prepared to take the car to the arena.
At this moment, Gan Youwei came out and suddenly asked, "Son, can you really score 50 points tonight?"
Gan Guoyang looked at his father, recently Gan Youwei had been somewhat strange, showing unusual interest in basketball games.
He cared not only after games but also before, having deep discussions with Gan Guoyang.
Gan Guoyang was curious, asking his father if he was applying for the head coach position of the team.
Gan Youwei laughed it off, saying he wasn’t focusing on cooking anymore, just basketball.
Gan Guoyang thought it was a good thing that he had something to occupy his mind, especially basketball.
"Yes, I always keep my promises."
"Good, good, that’s good."
Gan Youwei nodded and added: "Wait, let me change clothes, I’ll go with you, I also bought a ticket for tonight."
"It’s still early, why are you going so early? You can go later with Fuxi and them."
"I want to feel the atmosphere early, staying at home is boring, let’s go together."
Gan Guoyang felt his father’s addiction to basketball was growing, like old men playing chess in the park.
Helplessly, he took Gan Youwei with him to the Rose Garden Arena, ready for the crucial fifth battle.