Early Advantage
As the final match began, the starting lineups for both teams were announced:
Chinese Team Starting Lineup:
Point Guard: Hu Xuefeng
Shooting Guard: Wang Shipeng
Small Forward: Lian Dao
Power Forward: Yi Jianlian
Center: Wang Zhizhi
Iranian Team Starting Lineup:
Center: Haddadi
Power Forward: Sahakian
Small Forward: Bahrami
Shooting Guard: Afah
Point Guard: Kamrani
Coach Guo Shiqiang made strategic adjustments, opting to start Hu Xuefeng as the point guard. Known for his defensive prowess, Hu Xuefeng excels in rebounds and steals, making him one of the top Chinese point guards in these areas. Influenced by Hu Weidong, Hu Xuefeng is disciplined and selfless, focusing on assisting his teammates. His inclusion in the starting lineup was intended to bolster the defensive strength against Iran's agile guards.
The Iranian team had a height advantage in the paint, putting pressure on the Chinese team's defense. The game was eagerly anticipated, with both teams ready to showcase their skills.
CCTV brought in renowned commentators Yu Jia and Zhang Weiping to cover the match. Haddadi's pre-game comments had significantly boosted interest, leading to record-breaking viewership.
The game began with the referee's whistle, and Haddadi used his height advantage to win the tip-off. The Chinese team quickly set up their defense, with Lian Dao keeping a close eye on the Iranian players.
As anticipated, the Iranian team aimed to capitalize on Haddadi's presence, sending the ball to him after a screen. However, Lian Dao anticipated the move perfectly, intercepting the pass with a quick steal.
Seizing the opportunity, Lian Dao deftly dribbled past Bahrami and sprinted towards the frontcourt. Despite the swift reactions of Iranian guards Afah and Kamrani, Lian Dao was undeterred. Approaching the three-point line, he collected the ball and launched into a powerful dunk, sending shockwaves through the hoop.
The arena erupted in cheers as Lian Dao pounded his chest with his left hand and pointed his right index finger toward the crowd—a display of pure dominance. His explosive dunk set the tone for the match, igniting the fans and rattling the Iranian team from the outset.
The two teams swiftly transitioned between offense and defense. The Iranian team employed a pick-and-roll strategy, with Haddadi stepping out to set a screen for Kamrani. Meanwhile, Bahrami attempted to cut to the basket after momentarily shaking off Lian Dao through a Sahakian screen.
Kamrani quickly passed the ball to Bahrami, who seemed to have an open lane. However, Lian Dao recovered quickly, delivering a powerful block to Bahrami's shot.
Caught off guard, Bahrami executed a no-look pass, sending the ball to Afah on the outside. This clever play surprised Lian Dao, who hadn't expected such a deft assist.
Afah seized the opportunity and launched a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
*Swish!*
The score was now 3:2.
The Iranian team had effectively countered Lian Dao's initial dunk with their own three-point response. Their seamless teamwork and quick ball movement demonstrated their skill and cohesion on the court.
Buoyed by the three-pointer, the Iranian team's spirits soared, and they intensified their defensive efforts against China. The aggressive defense and physical play exerted significant pressure on the Chinese players.
Hu Xuefeng, known for his crafty plays, navigated through the defense using Yi Jianlian's screen to drive into the lane. As Haddadi closed in to block the layup attempt, Hu Xuefeng skillfully maneuvered, avoiding the defense and slipping past the basket. With a swift behind-the-back pass, he sent the ball to Lian Dao on the perimeter.
Hu Xuefeng's experience and quick thinking were on full display.
Lian Dao reacted instantly, catching the pass and releasing a three-point shot from the outside.
*Swish!*
The ball sailed cleanly through the net, extending the score to 3:5.
"The connection between Hu Xuefeng and Lian Dao was impeccable!" Zhang Weiping exclaimed in the live broadcast, impressed by the seamless play.
The crowd erupted with cheers, celebrating the impressive teamwork and skillful execution.
On defense, the two opening plays energized the Chinese team, heightening their defensive intensity and enthusiasm. The stage was set for a thrilling battle between these two determined teams.
There was intense back-and-forth action on the court, with both teams battling fiercely for control. The Iranian team struggled to find good scoring opportunities against the Chinese team's high-intensity defense, leading to several mistakes in their coordination.
Under Lian Dao's relentless defense, Bahrami made a dribbling error, allowing Lian Dao to intercept the ball. He quickly passed it to Hu Xuefeng and sprinted down the court. As the Iranian players rushed back on defense, Hu Xuefeng tossed the ball into the air on the right side of the basket.
Lian Dao soared through the air, catching the pass with one hand and slamming it through the hoop with a powerful dunk.
**Boom!**
The crowd erupted in cheers at the impressive alley-oop play, a move that would be worthy of any NBA highlight reel. The Chinese team now led 3:7, with all of their points coming from Lian Dao.
Even Yao Ming, watching from the sidelines, smiled at Lian Dao's dazzling performance.
With a 4-point lead, the Chinese fans were in high spirits, chanting "Chinese team! Defense!" in unison.
The Iranian team attempted another pick-and-roll, with Haddadi setting a screen for Kamrani. Given Haddadi's size at 2.18 meters, the quality of the screen was high. After the pick-and-roll, Kamrani tried to pass down the middle, a common tactic for Iran.
This time, however, Wang Zhizhi anticipated the play, circled around to the front, and intercepted the pass before Haddadi could receive it.
The Iranian team, having learned from their earlier mistakes, quickly transitioned back on defense. The Chinese team had no chance for a fast break, so Hu Xuefeng brought the ball up slowly, looking to set up a half-court offense.
After using Yi Jianlian's screen, Hu Xuefeng passed the ball to Lian Dao, who was waiting on the perimeter. Lian Dao used another pick-and-roll with Yi Jianlian to shake off his defender and drive into the lane. As Sahakian moved in to double-team him, Lian Dao executed a no-look, behind-the-back pass to Yi Jianlian, who was cutting to the basket.
Yi Jianlian caught the pass in stride and finished with a powerful two-handed slam dunk.
Lian Dao's pass was reminiscent of Jason "White Chocolate" Williams, showcasing flair and precision.
The score was now 3:9 in favor of China.
On the way back to defense, Yi Jianlian high-fived Lian Dao, appreciating the precise pass. "That was the smoothest pass I've received in a domestic game," Yi Jianlian thought, grateful for the seamless connection that required no adjustment before his shot.
Haddadi, feeling the pressure, began to play more aggressively on defense. His physicality increased, leading to a defensive foul. The Iranian team set up for another offensive play, but Kamrani adjusted his strategy. After a pick-and-roll with Haddadi, he avoided a pass to the center and instead took a shot himself.
Wang Shipeng was there to contest the shot, but Kamrani managed to sink the basket with a high-arcing, leaning shot.
The score shifted to 5:9.
Kamrani's shot carried an element of luck, similar to Wang Shipeng's famous three-pointer against Slovenia. The Chinese team remained unfazed by such low-percentage shots, knowing that maintaining strong defensive pressure and securing rebounds would lead them to victory.