For Yao Ming, this home game in Las Vegas carries more pressure than the previous two matches.
When you’re on the road, whether you play well or not, the away fans don’t care too much because the spotlight is on Gan Guoyang and Jordan.
Especially in the second game in Chicago, Jordan was the absolute main character, and Gan Guoyang willingly gave up the spotlight to him, making Yao Ming seem even more insignificant.
The situation is different for the home opener. Las Vegas fans are eager to see this giant from the East, the so-called heir to Ah Gan, and find out how he measures up.
And with the experience from the first two games, having some NBA game experience, this game should be a chance to show something, perhaps surprise both the live audience and Chinese fans.
Chinese broadcasters also attach great importance to this home opener. CCTV, along with several important sports magazines, newspapers, editors, and reporters, have all come to the casino.
The Glory Team specifically reserved a great broadcast spot for CCTV, and the game time was scheduled for 10:30 AM Beijing time on the weekend, a very viewer-friendly time slot.
It doesn’t interfere with fans sleeping in after a week’s work. They get up at 10, freshen up, turn on the TV, have breakfast while watching the game, and then wait for lunch.
Since the 1980s, watching the NBA on Saturday and Sunday mornings has become a habit for many Chinese people.
Previously, they mostly watched the Portland Trail Blazers, but now the focus is on the Glory Team. Since Yao Ming joined, the attention has increased significantly.
Everyone is anticipating that Yao Ming will have a standout performance in the Vegas opener. His performance in the first two games has been respectable, with occasional highlights.
Overall, it definitely does not meet people’s expectations for a top draft pick, as everyone hopes Yao Ming can become Gan Guoyang’s successor.
Such pressure is undoubtedly overwhelming, especially placing Yao Ming as Ah Gan’s successor. It’s safe to say the fans’ hopes are always optimistic, yet reality is harsh.
Gan Guoyang’s rookie season performance is a ceiling most players can only dream of throughout their entire careers, including Yao Ming.
Gan Guoyang has never pressured Yao Ming to take over from him, knowing it’s impossible; he just wants Yao to be himself.
Nevertheless, strong national sentiment always burdens Chinese players. Especially with Gan Guoyang setting such high standards, fulfilling every fan generation’s best fantasies, making it really hard for subsequent Chinese players—not just in basketball.
Gan Guoyang has been easing Yao Ming’s pressure for quite some time, but just before the game, he still lets Yao handle his emotions on the court alone without giving any guidance.
At 22, he’s no longer a child. As an athlete, especially a professional one, balancing external opinions and internal emotions is a basic requirement.
However, Jordan gave Yao some advice before the game, saying: "Blend into the team’s rhythm, hustle some points, and then you’ll find your groove."
That’s easy to say, but getting those points isn’t that simple, especially against strong teams like the Kings. Divac, seasoned in defense, caused Yao Ming two offensive fouls in the first half, leading to his points being canceled and disrupting his offensive feel.
In retaliation, Gan Guoyang forcefully took on Divac, scoring a 2+1 to vent for Yao Ming.
But to truly vent, Yao Ming has to rely on himself; he needs to be competitive on his own.
At halftime, Tomjanovich could see Yao Ming was under pressure, having already shielded him during pre-game interviews.
"Yao is still a rookie. In my eyes, he’s just a kid. Don’t put all the attention on him. Our team has two of the best players in history, Sonny and Michael. They have thick skin; go find them."
"I have no plans to start Yao for now. He’ll start someday, but not now. It’s not the right time. He has a lot to learn. Watching from the bench is more beneficial for him, and we have experienced veterans like Patrick, so there’s no immediate need for Yao to start."
"I speak from personal experience. I entered the league as the second overall pick. When I played in the NBA, I wasn’t a starter in any game, but I grew and improved significantly that season. Watching from the bench lets you see things you can’t on the court, so we need to give him enough space and patience."
"What? You say Ah Gan was also a second pick? Ah Gan... Ah Gan is Ah Gan. He’s from Mars, and Michael is a guy from the Sun. When discussing players, don’t compare them, especially their rookie seasons. It’s very, very unfair, I beg you..."
It can be said that the Glory Team protects Yao Ming really well, from the top players to the coach and training team, patiently supporting him.
However, the pressure still exists and is very apparent. Yao Ming also knows he can’t hide behind the team’s protection and not have any demands of himself.
He’ll need to stand out one day, independently shoulder responsibilities, and even support the banner for Chinese players in the NBA after Ah Gan retires.
Yao Ming is also an old-school player, with high self-demands, very ambitious, with an innate sense of responsibility and honor.
Before the second half begins, Yao Ming psychs himself up, at least to score inside, right?
The TV camera pans over the audience, capturing a few Las Vegas guys shirtless, showing writings on their chests: The New Emperor Yao.