The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 147 All-Out Competition

The night before the game, Jordan called Gan Guoyang's room and the two chatted for a while.

During the phone call, Jordan didn't talk to Gan Guoyang about basketball, but rather about two things:

1. How to cope with the troubles that come with fame;

Second, Jordan was very curious about how Gan Guoyang could be so strong that he could lift the 245-pound Lambiel into the air and throw him to the ground.

When Jordan first arrived in Chicago, he was an unknown nobody, but he quickly attracted the attention of the entire city with his unparalleled performance on the court and high scores in game after game.

Unlike Portland, Chicago, as the third largest city in the United States, was once one of the two major centers of the northern United States, alongside New York.

Anyone who has seen gangster movies knows that the Mafia's two main strongholds are New York and Chicago.

The fact that the Mafia is entrenched here indicates that there is enough profit to be made. Only a large enough area can provide enough shade for the rats to hide in under the sunlight.

Coastal cities like Portland, famous for growing roses, are probably retirement homes for gangsters.

Chicago has a vibrant social life, and its social pioneer was Reggie Thurs, the guy who looked Indian.

He was a regular at parties in Chicago and was known as "Reggie the Neighborhood Busybody." After he was traded, Jordan quickly filled the void and became Chicago's premier socialite.

The advantage of becoming a celebrity is that everyone knows you, but the disadvantage is also that everyone knows you, and you no longer have any privacy.

“Now, even when I go to McDonald’s for a burger, I get recognized and a bunch of people ask for my autograph. I almost need a bodyguard to go out and eat now. Sonny, was it the same for you in Portland?”

Jordan complained that his life was full of crowds, while Gan Guoyang was trying to figure out whether the kid was genuinely asking for help or just trying to show off.

After a two-second thought, Gan Guoyang, based on his understanding of Jordan, concluded that it must be the latter!
“Actually, I enjoyed this kind of treatment back in high school in San Francisco. You know, my skin color is very distinctive on the basketball court, and people can easily recognize me. I don’t have to pay for meals at any restaurant in San Francisco, and people will come up and say hello to me. As for bodyguards, people will protect me on their own initiative. I don’t need bodyguards, which makes me feel like a slave owner.”

"Hehehe, Sonny, you're bragging."

“Mike, you know I never brag.”

"No, you're just bragging."

"You're talking nonsense! What makes you think I'm bragging?"

"Because it doesn't make sense! If you don't have bodyguards, everyone will just surround you, asking you for this and that, and some people might even want to hug you."

"What kind of fans like what kind of players? The two have something in common. My fans won't be like that."

"I'll beat you to a pulp tomorrow."

"Fuck you, I'll run you over."

The two started bickering like children, neither willing to admit defeat, each trying to gain the upper hand in the conversation.

However, when it comes to the possibility of being hit and killed, Jordan was curious as to why Gan Guoyang had such great strength.

How could Gan Guoyang so easily throw Ranbil, who was so heavy and tall?

Gan Guoyang said, "It's actually very simple. Just like your answer to why you answered so quickly, the first is talent, and the second is training."

Jordan said, "Bullshit, I don't train for explosiveness and speed."

"Stop bragging, Mike. We trained together in Indiana. I did strength training with you, and you couldn't handle it; your legs were so weak the next day."

"Your training regimen is indeed beyond what most people can handle, but I can manage it now. To be honest, I have to thank you, Gan; beating that Lambiel guy was really satisfying."

Jordan was recently knocked down by Laimbeer. As a guard, he couldn't fight Laimbeer, so he could only keep challenging him with his fearless will and basketball skills.

Gan Guoyang is different; violence is sometimes the best way to solve problems.

"I didn't kill him for your sake, and I'll be more careful in the future. It's better to solve problems with basketball on the court. I think after this experience, no fool will dare to provoke me or use violence against me."

"Fuck, you didn't kill Lambiel on purpose just to establish your authority, did you?"

"A single punch can prevent a hundred punches; you Americans should understand this best."

The two chatted for a while longer, then wished each other good luck for tomorrow before hanging up.

Thinking about his match against Jordan tomorrow, Gan Guoyang felt excited; he enjoyed playing against strong opponents.

He hasn't been playing well in the last few games, he's been too busy fighting, which isn't the kind of game Gan Guoyang likes.

He just had to respond to the provocations, and he felt that the interior defense in the 80s was too weak and couldn't withstand any impact.

Back then, players generally didn't do specific strength training, so they were much slimmer than centers 10 or 20 years later.

Bill Laimbeer was nicknamed "The Elephant" because of his large size and strong build, but he only weighed 245 pounds.

At the time, that was the standard weight for a center, but more than 20 years later, a heavy small forward in the NBA can weigh 250 pounds.

The weight of inside players tends to be 260, 270, or 280 pounds, with some super-heavy tanks reaching 300 pounds, making them true behemoths.

Weight plays a crucial role in combat; if the weight difference is by a whole weight class, such as 5-10 pounds, there will be a significant difference in combat ability between two people.

Gan Guoyang is 6 feet 10 inches tall and doesn't look particularly strong. In fact, he weighed 250 pounds when he entered the league, about 10 pounds more than in college.

Through extensive and rigorous scientific training, he increased his weight and strength without affecting his speed, agility, and shooting touch.

Those centers in the 80s who didn't do specific strength training couldn't compete with him, especially since he himself possessed extremely impressive strength talent.

Not only centers, but other players rarely do strength training. For example, Larry Bird, who is a training fanatic, only bench presses a handful of times a season.

However, at universities like Gonzaga, many coaches have recognized the importance of strength training, which not only enhances muscle mass and physical strength but also reduces injuries, improves physical fitness, and helps maintain a good and consistent competitive state.

As new players join the NBA each year, they bring new things from college to the league. Gradually, everyone will realize this and begin to focus on strength training, gradually transforming the NBA from a fast-paced, elegant running game into a battlefield of muscle-on-muscle collisions.

As one of the pioneers, on the evening of November 28th, Gan Guoyang strode into the Chicago Stadium with an unstoppable force.

Normally, the occupancy rate here is only 30% or 40%, but it has gradually improved since Jordan arrived, and recently the occupancy rate has been rising towards 80%.

Tonight's highly anticipated showdown between the 84 second and third overall picks was packed to capacity, with fans still trying to enter the stadium to watch the game even half an hour into the match.

This stadium, built in 1929 and over 50 years old, is even more dilapidated than the Reefer Submarine. When Jordan called last night, he reminded Gan Guoyang that the locker rooms here are damp and moldy, and that he should be careful when changing clothes.

Gan Guoyang later admitted that the locker room at the Chicago Stadium was one of the worst away locker rooms he had ever used, and he didn't even want to go back during halftime, preferring to sit and rest on the sidelines.

After changing my clothes, I went to the stadium to warm up. The situation inside the stadium was much better; the stadium was packed with fans tonight, and the atmosphere was great.

When Jordan was not in Chicago and when he first arrived, the atmosphere here was as cold as a graveyard, utterly lifeless.

Jordan then used one performance after another to gradually boost the popularity of the Chicago arena, and so far the attendance has been twice that of the same game last year.

In comparison, Gan Guoyang is much luckier in Portland. In the past, present and future, there is no possibility that even one seat in Memorial Stadium will be empty.

The opening ceremony was as simple and unpretentious as ever, without any fancy performances. The DJ's introduction was also unremarkable, as the team wasn't very good at marketing back then.

But the fans' passion and madness can replace everything. Boston Garden is even more dilapidated than here, but the atmosphere and feeling of playing there is the best in the entire league.

When Gan Guoyang made his first appearance, applause erupted from the crowd, a gesture of appreciation and encouragement for his tackle on Lambiel.

The Trail Blazers' starting lineup remained unchanged: Gan Guoyang, Vandeweghe, Paxson, Valentine, and Thompson—a very strong lineup.

The Bulls' starting lineup was considerably weaker in comparison: Michael Jordan, small forward Orlando Ulrich, power forward Steve Johnson, center Caldeville Jones, and point guard Ennis Witley.

Only Orlando Ulrich is a truly capable near-All-Star player who can relieve some of the offensive pressure on Jordan; the others are all mediocre.

Quinn Daly, on the bench, is the team's sixth man. Together with Ulrich and Jordan, the three backcourt players form the Bulls' offensive framework.

It's conceivable that if Jordan wants to achieve even greater success in the NBA in the future, he won't keep any of these teammates.

Stepping onto the court, Gan Guoyang shook hands with Jordan. Jordan noticed that Gan Guoyang's mouth was moving, as if he was chewing something.

What are you chewing?

"Wrigley's Spearmint Gum".

Why did you start chewing gum?

"Chew on Wrigley's Spearmint to relax, and it also freshens your breath. I'm afraid you won't be able to stand the spray later."

"Fuck, even chewing gum can't save your bad breath."

Jordan cursed, while Gan Guoyang smiled and blew a bubble at Jordan.

Many players used to chew gum to concentrate, and Jordan did so during high school games.

However, Jordan briefly gave up chewing gum in college and the NBA due to stricter regulations in various aspects.

Unexpectedly, Gan Guoyang started chewing gum. Before the jump ball, Jordan shouted to the team doctor on the bench, asking him to find a piece of gum so he could chew it during the timeout.

The competition between the two sides is comprehensive, down to something as small as a piece of chewing gum.

Gan Guoyang chews gum for two reasons: first, to concentrate, and second, to cultivate his image—this was Wu Zhixiong's suggestion.

Besides managing clothing and outfits, small details also need to be cultivated, such as classic gestures, minor quirks, and habits.

Gan Guoyang isn't someone who's keen on creating a persona, but when he thought about how this was all for the purpose of defeating Nike and Jordan, he threw himself into it wholeheartedly.

When he stepped onto the Chicago Stadium, his Avia sneakers, his black undershirts that were longer than his jersey shorts, and his constantly chewing mouth—every detail drew the attention of fans and sideline cameras.

In comparison, Jordan's collection of only one pair of Nike sneakers seemed somewhat monotonous.

The two teams jumped for the ball in the center circle, and the game began.

The aging and slender Bulls center, Jones, was no match for Gan Guoyang from the very start of the jump ball.

At 34, he was past his prime. He was a typical 70s center: tall, somewhat thin, focused on the paint, and with good skills.

Gan Guoyang received the ball in the low post at the start of the game and faced Jones. He used a Hickma step and turned to face the basket, using his footwork and power to directly attack Jones.

Jones was knocked back several steps by Gan Guoyang, who slammed the ball into the basket with one hand, and the entire Chicago stadium erupted in a roar.

This savage and explosive face-up style of play is a common offensive tactic used by Gan Guoyang during his away games in the East. He always plays aggressively from the start of away games.

The Bulls didn't attack Jordan at the start, instead executing their half-court offense, with Ulrich finishing the play—Bulls coach Raheem Lauhri was clearly targeting the Trail Blazers' small forward defense.

Ulrich broke through Vandeweghe's non-existent defense and attacked Gan Guoyang under the basket. Gan Guoyang realized that he could not stop the ball, so he dodged without blocking it, and Ulrich dunked it.

Gan Guoyang immediately received a pass from Valentine on the offensive end and made a turnaround jump shot.

He did the same move again 30 seconds later, and made the turnaround jump shot, scoring 6 points in a row.

The Trail Blazers took a 6-2 lead over the Bulls at the start, and Jordan hadn't even taken a shot yet.

While retreating on defense, Gan Guoyang shouted at Jordan, "Michael, you can't lose the game and also lose your individual points, can you?"

After saying that, Jordan took the ball and began to accelerate.

(End of this chapter)