That night at Wukesong, the fans' enthusiasm reached unprecedented heights.
Quite a few basketball figures came to the arena, along with film and television stars like lyf and wyf.
The Spurs owner, ccx, was also there.
The fans even spotted Liaoning Team's twin stars in the stands. Guo Ailun and Zhao Jiwei, who had previously been cut, had come to cheer for China Team as well.
For the men's basketball team's decisive battle, everyone in attendance became China Team's strongest support.
The players from both teams were also making their final preparations in their locker rooms.
This time, Tang Tian replaced Li Chunjiang in delivering the pregame speech.
"I've experienced many moments in the NBA—Game 7 of the 2011 Finals, Game 7 of the 2015 Finals, and the second game against the Lakers this year.
Those moments all had one thing in common for me: win, or go home.
But none of them were as important to me as tonight, as this very moment.
Because if I won those games, I could win an NBA championship. I was building honors for myself and my team.
But tonight, I represent my country. I represent the Five-star Red Flag on my chest.
I'm not only fighting for myself, but for the fans behind us and for our great motherland!
We will win. I guarantee that every one of us will give everything we have. We will win and advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.
I guarantee it!"
Tang Tian's pregame speech was not long, but every sentence stirred the blood.
The players were even more moved by his patriotism.
Wearing a China Team jersey meant fighting for the country. Just as Tang Tian said, nothing was more worthy of giving it everything they had.
After Tang Tian finished, he raised his hand,