After finishing his chat with Durant, Tang Tian took the initiative to greet Popovich as well.
The two were both teacher and friend. Now that they had become opponents in a FIBA game, regardless of the final result, it would make for a fine story.
After the warm-ups ended, the opening ceremony began.
Tang Tian's Head Pat Kill ignited the entire arena, and the starting lineups for both teams were announced.
For China Team, Fang Shuo and Ding Yanyuhang were on the perimeter, Tang Tian and Abudushalamu at forward, and Yi Jianlian at center.
Li Chunjiang adjusted the starting lineup and put out a One Big Four Small Lineup.
Moreover, from the Group Stage through the Knockout Stage, the players on the court had all been the team's best performers on the offensive end.
Clearly, they were going to go offense for offense with the USA Team.
This was also the right choice. No matter what lineup China Team used, their defense would basically get blown apart.
Based on the Group Stage games, an upset victory through offense was far from impossible.
The USA Team had made a roster change as well.
Curry and Thompson were on the perimeter, Durant and Leonard at forward, and Drummond at center.
Harden was not in the starting lineup.
That fit Popovich's personality. The more crucial the game, the more he liked to spring surprises.
The game was about to begin. Amid fans' cheers, the starting lineups of both teams took the court one after another.
Drummond won the chance for the first offense for the USA Team.
The USA Team opened with Elevator Door Tactics.
Popovich was the Head Coach of this USA Men's Basketball Team, but Cole was the Chief Assistant Coach.
Curry, Thompson, and Durant had once been teammates, and they