The Australian team, just as shocked as the Chinese coaching staff, also reacted with surprise.
"According to the information we have, the biggest star on the Chinese team, number four, He Xi Meng, isn't he supposed to be a shooting point guard who isn't good at three-point shooting? How did he become a dunker?"
"Isn't he a shooter point guard who fears physical contact?"
...
Unlike the stunned coaching staffs of both teams, the fans in the arena were instantly ignited.
Both Chinese and Greek fans alike chanted "Xi Meng" in unison!
Yes, for this match, the Chinese chamber of commerce in Greece had organized many Chinese doing business and studying locally to come and cheer for the Chinese team! While not a large number, just over a hundred people, a massive five-star red flag unfurled in the stands, exuding an imposing presence!
As for the local Greek fans, many were Lakers fans, hence they were not unfamiliar with He Xi Meng.
In fact, compared to this Australian team, which lacked NBA stars, they supported the Chinese team even more!
Turning back to defense, Australia set up in a half-court offense, aiming to attack the Chinese paint. Gong Xiaobin was pulled high by their power forward, and Australia's big center prepared to post up Da Zhi!
He Xi Meng knew that Da Zhi had never been good at holding his ground in the low post. So, he used the opponent's blind spot, quietly retreated, and as soon as the opposing big center started dribbling, he quickly slid over and, before the Australian team could react, snatched the ball!
With the steal, He Xi Meng immediately switched to fast break mode, not fearing any physical confrontation from the Australian guards!
Hu Wei Dong and Liu Yu Dong also charged forward, one on the left and one behind. However, Hu Wei Dong's speed was noticeably quicker than Liu Yu Dong's, so during the advance, He Xi Meng made a bounce pass, successfully finding Hu Wei Dong, who was driving on the left! Perhaps infected by He Xi Meng's earlier play, Hu Wei Dong chose a one-handed dunk to finish the score without hesitation!
With two consecutive dunks, the Chinese team completely ignited the enthusiasm of the Chinese fans!
The over a hundred people in the arena excitedly waved their red flags, shouting at the top of their lungs.
The hundreds of millions of fans back home were calling each other!
"Quick, turn on the sports channel! The Chinese men's basketball team is playing against the Australian men's basketball team, and China is about to blow them away..."
"You're talking nonsense. T/
"Wow!" Whether in the arena or in front of the television, all Chinese fans collectively let out a joyful gasp. Even the Greek fans in the arena joined in with the Chinese fans, shouting in unison.
The Chinese team started with a 7-0 run, forcing Australia to call a timeout!
This time, even the stern Zhang Bing couldn't help but excitedly punch the air.
After all, before this game, Zhang Bing had shouldered unimaginable pressure. As a "rookie" coach with no major honors to his name, Zhang Bing desperately needed a victory to prove himself. A landslide victory would naturally be even more perfect!
Australia called a timeout, and the Chinese players gradually returned to the bench.
He Xi Meng received a warm welcome from all the substitute players during his walk off the court!
"Everyone is playing incredibly well, keep up this rhythm and try to solidify this lead..."
During the timeout, Zhang Bing didn't know what else to say and could only offer encouragement to the players.
Before his teammates returned to the court, He Xi Meng reminded everyone: "Australia will definitely increase their defensive pressure on me, so your opportunities will increase shortly. You must be prepared!"
As expected, after the timeout, Australia scored their first points of the game with a mid-range jumper after an off-ball cut. Then, on the ensuing defense, Australia opted for a half-court trap on He Xi Meng. He Xi Meng, not greedy for the ball, immediately passed it to Hu Wei Dong, who was trailing on the wing.
Hu Wei Dong received the pass, drove, and then dished to Liu Yu Dong, who was cutting towards the perimeter. Liu Yu Dong caught the ball near the free-throw line and calmly sank a two-pointer!
"Guys, you're playing brilliantly! Keep playing like this! If they dare to double-team me, you guys shoot with confidence, don't hesitate..."
With He Xi Meng drawing two defenders on the perimeter, the Chinese team essentially had a four-on-three advantage! And the players on the court, whether it was Da Zhi and Gong Xiaobin in the paint, or Hu Wei Dong and Liu Yu Dong on the perimeter, were all top-tier players in China, naturally not letting such a great opportunity slip away!
Australia had initially thought only He Xi Meng was a threat for China. Indeed, He Xi Meng's initial performance of a dunk, a steal, an assist, and a three-pointer had left the Australian team disoriented, prompting them to deploy a double-team tactic early on.
As a result, the Chinese team smoothly adjusted their strategy. He Xi Meng showed no inclination to keep the ball to himself, resolutely passing it to his teammates and drifting to the side to draw attention. He also directed play on the court, leaving Zhang Bing, the coach, with no room to strategize, and he eventually sat down to watch He Xi Meng's performance...
Australia persisted for a few possessions. Seeing that He Xi Meng truly had no intention of taking the ball back, they quickly adjusted their strategy again, reverting their defense to normal. They had no choice but to adjust! During this period, Hu Wei Dong, Liu Yu Dong, Wang Zhi Zhi, and Gong Xiaobin had all scored, and they had done so relatively easily. Australia simply couldn't provide sufficient defensive pressure. If the game continued at this pace, the Chinese team would truly start to shine from multiple points!
Consequently, Australia's head coach started shouting from the sidelines, re-adjusting their defensive strategy back to the original plan, which was to not double-team He Xi Meng.
You're making adjustments, so be it. Even if you don't want to waste a timeout, you should at least call your point guard to the sideline and give instructions quietly.
However, this Australian coach, while adjusting tactics, showed no regard for the Chinese team and shouted loudly onto the court. Was he assuming the Chinese team had poor English skills?
Even if He Xi Meng were deaf, he could hear Australia's tactical adjustment... If he didn't retaliate with a play next, he wouldn't be living up to his fluent English skills...