Following the head coach's instructions, the Australian team's initial strategy was to force the ball inside. Only after collapsing China's interior defense would their perimeter players be allowed to unleash their full offensive arsenal. However, China's unexpected strategy, luring the Australian team into outside shots, completely disrupted their game plan.
The opposing point guard for Australia couldn't resist He Xi Meng's temptation. After a moment's hesitation, he pulled up for a jump shot before He Xi Meng could get back on defense. Unfortunately, his shot was tentative and missed. The rebound was cleanly secured by China's number 11, Yao Ming.
He Xi Meng once again pushed the ball up the court for a fast break. Enraged by the previous possession, Australia resorted to aggressive physical play, attempting to stop He Xi Meng through brute force.
Having experienced three years of NBA Finals, He Xi Meng was no longer an ordinary Asian player. The physicality from the Australian team was nothing compared to what he had faced. Could this be tougher than the Finals?
The minor infractions and tugging from the Australian players couldn't deter He Xi Meng's determination to drive with the ball.
"The referees aren't calling it? Fine, they don't call it. I don't need their whistles, I just need the points..."
With an unwavering resolve, He Xi Meng bypassed all the interference from the Australian team. He didn't complain, didn't back down, and didn't even stop. He protected the ball all the way to the three-point line and launched a shot.
Australia, clearly shaken by He Xi Meng's previous two baskets, fouled him on this attempt, desperate to pull him down. Although He Xi Meng's shooting motion was disrupted, he used his strong core strength to adjust mid-air, releasing the ball with one hand towards the basket.
The foul was undeniable. If the referee hadn't called it, it would have been blatant favoritism, not a home call. Under the watchful eyes of billions of basketball fans worldwide, the referee wouldn't dare be that bold.
Moreover, the referee didn't believe that He Xi Meng could still make the shot with such interference.
As the whistle blew, the referee prepared to award He Xi Meng three free throws. However, the ball rolled around the rim and surprisingly dropped in.
Three-for-three from beyond the arc to start the game, and he drew a foul for a potential four-point play! He Xi Meng's explosive performance ignited the Chinese fans. In just two minutes, they were chanting "He Xi Meng, MVP!" The Chinese fans' cheers were entirely justified, and even the Australian fans beside them couldn't argue. He Xi Meng's opening performance truly deserved the MVP title.
Stepping to the free-throw line, He Xi Meng took a deep breath and sank the free throw. A successful 3+1 play, scoring 10 consecutive points to start the game and leading China to a 10-0 run against the home team!
The Australian head coach on the sideline finally realized the gravity of the situation. With a grim expression, he yelled instructions, urging his players to stop He Xi Meng and never give him open shots again.
"He's talking as if Australia is the one giving He Xi Meng open looks..." Cui Tianci, who had spent a season overseas with He Xi Meng, had significantly improved his English listening and speaking skills, evolving from someone who could only read and write to a fluent speaker.
Cui Tianci now played a crucial role in the Chinese national team's coaching staff, handling communication with foreign media and serving as Zhang Bin's indispensable human translator.
Hearing Cui Tianci's remark, Zhang Bin turned and asked him what the opposing coach had said.
Cui Tianci translated the Australian head coach's words for Zhang Bin, who smiled slightly, his confidence in winning the game growing.
It seemed the Australian team hadn't realized that their biggest problem wasn't just defending He Xi Meng.
He Xi Meng's outburst was somewhat coincidental, as few players can start a game by making three three-pointers.
Australia's real issue lay in their own offense, which was faltering significantly.
Based on their previous possessions, China had clearly adopted a strategy of packing the paint and allowing Australia to shoot from outside.
However, Australia's preference wasn't outside shooting; they wanted to drive to China's basket. Only by attacking the basket could they leverage their home advantage and draw fouls from China's interior players. Perimeter shooting offered no help from the referees, thus negating the home-court advantage. In such a scenario, Australia would have to compete with China in shooting.
And shooting... China had already defeated Lithuania with their shooting and pushed the USA's Dream Team to the brink of defeat. He Xi Meng himself was scorching hot, making all three of his shots. How could Australia possibly compete?
In essence, the Australian team found themselves in a dilemma.
If they continued with their pre-game strategy and drove inside, they would face China's constant double-teams.
If they changed their strategy and focused on outside shooting, they would be on a more level playing field with China, forced to compete in shooting.
Either choice seemed painful for Australia. At the start of the game, driven by their coach, Australia insisted on attacking the paint to utilize their home advantage. He Xi Meng, however, didn't indulge them. After showcasing his three-point skills, he also demonstrated his anticipation and stealing ability.
He Xi Meng wasn't known for his exceptional steals in the NBA. His defensive philosophy was to "prevent problems before they arise," using his positioning to deter opposing players from advancing or passing.
Facing the stubborn Australian team, He Xi Meng clearly signaled, "I'm coming to help defend," and "Stop passing inside." Yet, Australia ignored the open perimeter shots and insisted on feeding the ball into the area He Xi Meng was guarding.
If not now, when should he strike?
As a result, He Xi Meng not only became the first quarter's king of three-pointers, scoring, and assists, but also the king of steals!
He Xi Meng stole the ball from Australia at least four times, disrupting their offense and leading China to a 15-point lead by the end of the first quarter.