The two finally spoke and communicated.
In Little O’Neal’s view, Kobe is still the same, likes to talk big and brag.
Actually, all superstars are like this because of their confidence, Ah Gan is the same.
The problem is that most of Ah Gan’s bragging can come true, he’s too strong, far surpassing others.
Kobe’s ambition is sky-high, but his strength is somewhat lacking, which is the biggest difference between Kobe and Ah Gan.
If it’s just about heart and attitude, Kobe is a very good leader and big brother, competitive and gives his all in every game.
Although his style of play isn’t necessarily reasonable, sometimes it’s frustrating, but there’s no problem with his professionalism.
Anyone who sees the intensity of Kobe’s usual training and experiences his seriousness, dedication, and competitiveness in the game will respect him.
The problem is, he’s too proud, prouder than his abilities, and sometimes loves to brag. As a result, when he fails to deliver, he gets slapped in the face, and others naturally see his lack of authority.
Now Kobe is bragging again, challenging Ah Gan? You’re dreaming.
I think you’ve been hit too much lately and are hallucinating.
Locked by Raja Bell in the first game, punched by me, Little O’Neal, in practice, and now wanting to challenge the boss directly?
You’re just unable to beat the minor and mid-level bosses, and you don’t even think about leveling up, just skip levels to fight the Demon King and jump straight to the top?
This fits Kobe’s character; it’s something he would do.
But Little O’Neal can’t just watch Kobe get beaten by Ah Gan.
So before going on the court, Little O’Neal still pulled Kobe aside and said, "Stop thinking nonsense, Kobe, let’s play well, defend well, there’s still a chance. Don’t think about clashing with Ah Gan, tonight he’s in form, and you can’t beat him."
Kobe said nothing, just stared coldly at the court, at Ah Gan.
The gap between both sides is widening, already halfway through the third quarter, the Trail Blazers are at risk of collapsing.
Gan Guoyang is on fire, unstoppable, not only dampening the Trail Blazers players’ fighting spirit but also turning the crowd’s support.
Trail Blazers fans are too used to cheering for Ah Gan, in the past decade, undefeated in the finals, Portland fans entered the finals just waiting to win the championship.
This time it’s different, Ah Gan is not here, he went to the other side, what to do? It’s easier to win by supporting Ah Gan.
If you want to feel comfortable, not wanting the team you don’t support to lose, and have a pleasant summer, nothing’s better than supporting Ah Gan.
After the timeout and returning to the game, Gan Guoyang has already scored 37 points. When he gets into a groove, it’s like a flood that’s unstoppable.
The Trail Blazers’ task is very challenging, a comeback seems completely impossible, but Kobe hasn’t given up.
He drives the ball into the basket, twisting and turning, crossing the baseline, switches hands for a layup, and scores two points.
Then, Kobe directs the entire team to engage in full-court press defense, a desperate move by the Trail Blazers.
Kobe and Little O’Neal double-team successfully, stealing the ball from Miller, passing it down low, Ben Wallace catches and dunks.
After that, Big Ben double-teams Jordan at mid-court with teammates, causing Jordan to make a mistake in passing while jumping, intercepted by Michael Redd.
The Trail Blazers counterattack, Kobe receives the ball and charges towards the basket, resulting in Gan Guoyang’s foul, heading to the free-throw line.
The two had some physical contact in the air, and after landing, Kobe even elbowed Gan Guoyang.
Gan Guoyang wasn’t angry, instead, he tapped Kobe and said, "You might as well practice Muay Thai, your elbow is quite hard."
"Shut up." Kobe remained defiant, making both free throws, seeing hope in catching up the score for the Trail Blazers.
But Gan Guoyang is the kind of player whose rhythm, once established, is hard to break, his shooting consistency is very good.
Receiving the ball at the top of the arc, without any tactical coordination, he shoots a three-pointer directly, and it’s in!
points! The third quarter isn’t even over yet, Gan Guoyang has already scored 40 points, stabilizing the lead once again.
At this point, the Trail Blazers, in order to chase points, have no choice but to speed up their offensive pace, Kobe quickly crosses half-court and charges into the basket again.
Yao Ming watches Little O’Neal, Gan Guoyang goes over to help defend, and together with Jordan stops Kobe.
Missed the shot, Kobe jumps up to fight for the offensive rebound, but how could he squeeze past Gan Guoyang?
Gan Guoyang firmly controls the rebound in his hands, Kobe gets a bit desperate and pushes Gan Guoyang from behind.
Gan Guoyang still doesn’t mind Kobe’s actions, this guy might be slightly mindless, he signaled to the referee.
The referee called a push foul on Kobe, then Gan Guoyang warned Kobe, "Kobe, don’t do this, play properly, using basketball, OK?"
But, the more Gan Guoyang said this, the less calm Kobe felt inside. Back then, why didn’t you use basketball against the bad guys?
Why in your rookie season did you give Lambeer a huge body slam? And then washed the Silver Dome in blood, now you’re acting as a pacifist.
To be honest, when you didn’t have enough strength, you resorted to force and achieved superiority, now you’re superior, you want everyone to give up force.
Kobe faintly knows, Ah Gan is here tonight specifically to teach him a lesson, constantly attacking the Trail Blazers with points, wanting both statistics and victory as well as prestige.
Kobe can’t accept such a lesson, but he doesn’t know how to reverse this unfavorable situation, the impulse pent-up inside finally erupted in the next defense.
Gan Guoyang holds the ball at the top of the arc, tries to break through, Kobe comes over to help defend, directly hitting Gan Guoyang’s face.