The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 674 is absolutely right.

Gan Guoyang's greed for rebounds and his obsession with becoming the rebounding champion reached its peak during the game against the Magic.

No one is without obsessions, and Gan Guoyang is no exception. Most of the time he doesn't care about the data, but not all the time.

Gan Guoyang never hesitates or backs down when it comes to competing for important data.

The epic scoring duel with Jordan in the 1987 season gave rise to Gan Guoyang's 81-point performance, leaving behind a series of scoring records.

At that time, Gan Guoyang was not only fighting for his own victory, but also for the Trail Blazers, for the team's morale, and for the fans, leaving them with a spectacle.

After that, Gan Guoyang lost interest in winning the scoring title, Jordan continued to dominate the scoring title, and Gan Guoyang took charge of monopolizing the rebounding title.

This year, a formidable rebounding challenger has finally emerged: Dennis Rodman, a rebounding prodigy.

Based on Rodman's rebounding performance this year, Gan Guoyang has been no match for him for the past seven seasons, and Rodman's average rebounds per game are heading towards 18.

Gan Guoyang has dominated the rebounding list for seven years, so how could he easily give up this honor? With Sabonis missing several games this season and Mitchell Thompson retiring, the Trail Blazers have fewer rebounders in the paint, so Gan Guoyang has started to sweep the boards.

Rodman consistently pushed for high rebound numbers before and after the All-Star break, using high single-game rebounds to increase his average rebounds per game.

Gan Guoyang, who was in the lead, was more stable, consistently grabbing around 17-20 rebounds per game, keeping his average rebounds per game around 18.

Therefore, Gan Guoyang didn't consistently grab 25 or 26 rebounds, yet he still maintained a statistical lead, because he had more to do during the game.

The Trail Blazers' teammates intentionally gave up some rebounds to Gan Guoyang, or actively boxed out Gan Guoyang to get the rebounding data.

This is an invisible competition on the court, concerning honor and morale, especially since the competitors are the Pistons and Rodman. The Trail Blazers don't want to lose to the "Little Bug".

However, Rodman's momentum was truly fierce. After grabbing more than 20 rebounds in a row, the gap between him and Gan Guoyang was getting smaller and smaller.

In the game against the Pacers, he was about to surpass Gan Guoyang with 34 rebounds. Unexpectedly, the game between the Trail Blazers and the Magic was later than the game between the Pistons and the Pacers.

The Magic are a very weak team this year, their record has plummeted, they're aiming for the number one draft pick, and they've offered virtually no resistance in Portland.

Rodman grabbed over 20 rebounds twice against the Magic, and now it's finally Gan Guoyang's turn.

Thus began a relaxed offensive battle, with both sides launching various attacks, many shots but also many missed shots. Gan Guoyang greedily grabbed the rebounds like a glutton.

To grab 40 rebounds in a game, besides physical strength and skill, focus and desire are even more important.

Throughout the entire game, you need to keep an eye on the shots you can't make and try to keep possession of the ball.

In the 90s, when the pace of the game was getting slower and slower, grabbing 20 rebounds in a game was already extremely difficult, 30 rebounds was a pipe dream, and 40 rebounds was a mythical performance.

After Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, two legendary rebounding legends, retired, no player other than Forrest Gump has been able to reach the peak of 40 rebounds per game.

It's not just a matter of ability, but also a matter of the times. The previous NBA record of 40 rebounds was set in the 50s and 60s, and no player could grab 40 rebounds in a single game throughout the 70s.

Moses Malone once grabbed 37 rebounds in 1979, thanks to his insatiable greed for offensive rebounds and his repeated attempts to get the ball back under the basket, miss, grab it, go for it again, miss again, and then go for it again.

In the 80s, in 1988, Charles Oakley grabbed 35 rebounds in a single game, which was the closest he came to the record of 40 rebounds.

Back then, Oakley was still with the Chicago Bulls, and their opponents were the Cleveland Cavaliers—a professional backdrop for Bulls players to create records and memorable moments in the 80s and 90s.

Gan Guoyang alone set a single-game record of 40 rebounds in both the regular season and the playoffs. His hands seemed to have suction cups, constantly drawing the ball into his arms.

His reaction speed is so fast, and his predictions are so accurate. He is always one step ahead, firmly occupying a favorable position, and then clearing the court with first-class strength, easily grabbing the rebound.

Of all the techniques Gan Guoyang has mastered, he has done the least training and research on rebounding.

In this respect, he is different from Rodman. Rodman was talented, but his physical condition required him to study hard.

Rodman watched a lot of videos, did a lot of thinking, and summarized a set of rebounding techniques, which he then put into practice on the court.

Gan Guoyang didn't have that much hard work in the early stages, nor did he have a sudden enlightenment in the middle and later stages. He was the king of rebounds from high school onwards.

He has a natural affinity and desire for basketball. He knows where the ball will go, and more importantly, he always wants to hold onto the ball firmly.

At the Rose Garden Arena, after the game, in the locker room, reporters focused their cameras on Gan Guoyang, who had set a new rebounding record.

Gan Guoyang was already used to such scenes. He skillfully answered the reporters' questions and expressed his amazement at his own performance of 43 rebounds.

When asked by a reporter how he managed to grab so many rebounds in a single game, Gan Guoyang said seriously, "First of all, you have to be a ball hog, and your teammates have to give you the rebounds. Because there are only so many rebounds in a game, if your teammates grab too many, you won't get any. So, I want to thank my teammates for being willing to share the rebounds with me."

The reporters laughed, thinking Gan Guoyang was joking.

Gan Guoyang was joking, but what he said was also true.

Unlike the 1960s, the 1990s games had more possessions, lower shooting percentages, and 60 to 70 rebound opportunities per game.

Moreover, at that time, player positions were clearly defined, and rebounding was the job of the inside players. There was a huge physical difference between giant players and ordinary players.

That's why there are superhuman rebounding records.

By the 1992 season, the average number of rebounds per game had dropped to around 40 to 50. Getting 40 rebounds in a game basically meant dominating the team's rebounding.

Nowadays, perimeter players are tall and strong, and some perimeter players are even better at rebounding than interior players, so rebounds are naturally more spread out.

Gan Guoyang can grab 40 rebounds in a game. His own ability is one aspect, but he absolutely cannot do without the help of his teammates.

That evening, Gan Guoyang treated all the players and staff to drinks at a bar and restaurant on the banks of the Willamette River, and he paid for all the corkage fees himself.

Everyone was having a great time drinking, but Gan Guoyang himself didn't touch a drop of alcohol. He didn't drink a single drop, but just sat in the corner and ordered a glass of soda water.

Antonio Davis leaned over and toasted Gan Guoyang, saying, "Sonny, you are truly enviable and admirable."

Gan Guoyang took a sip of soda water and asked, "Why do you say that?"

Davis said, “You can buy drinks for everyone, but sit on the sidelines and not drink yourself. That’s so cool, it’s a symbol of power, you can say no to anyone!”

Since Mason was poached by the Heat, Antonio Davis has become Gan Guoyang's loyal follower and on-court bodyguard.

This season, with Thompson's retirement and Sabonis's intermittent playing time, the Trail Blazers' young big men have had many opportunities to develop.

Antonio Davis, Cliff Robinson, and Mark Bryant all had the best performances of their careers.

Davis, who made numerous mistakes last season and was frequently verbally abused by Berman, has taken on starting roles in some games this year and is now able to assist Forrest in doing the basic job.

Now he is more confident, and at the same time, he admires and idolizes Gan Guoyang even more, so he took the opportunity to come and have a drink with Gan Guoyang.

After hearing Davis's words, Gan Guoyang smiled helplessly and said, "I don't drink because I have to go back to take care of the kids tonight, and I don't want to smell of alcohol... Actually, I do want to have a drink to relax."

Antonio Davis cannot yet understand the helplessness that men with families feel after work.

A tiring day is over, but what awaits you when you get home is not necessarily relaxation, but more troubles.

As a superstar with many housekeepers and bodyguards at home, Gan Guoyang still has some unavoidable troubles.

Especially after having another child, the large house began to feel a bit cramped, and the couple's private space became less and less.

In the past, Wang Fuxi could still take on some of the responsibilities of Gan Guoyang's agent, but now, in order to take care of the children and keep the whole family running, she has no time at all. As a husband, Gan Guoyang can't be a hands-off manager. Whenever he plays a game at home, he personally helps take care of the family, spends time with his son, and breastfeeds his daughter after returning home.

When it's late at night, the child is asleep, and everyone else has either gone home or gone to bed, the two of them finally have a little time alone together.

The two snuggled together, sitting by the window, looking at the moon outside, chatting and talking.

They have been together for 10 years, and are not only a close couple, but also the most loyal comrades-in-arms and the most intimate friends.

In matters of marriage, Gan Guoyang was wiser than most American athletes; he chose a beautiful, loyal, and reliable partner.

In the sports and entertainment industries, countless famous athletes, actors, and singers have paid a heavy price for their impulsive and irrational marriages in their youth.

Once a marriage falls apart, the loss is not only half of the property, but also a huge drain on mental and emotional energy, setbacks in career, and ultimately, an impact on one's entire life.

It can be said that the wealthier, more famous, and more talented a person is, the more cautious they should be when it comes to marriage. A wonderful and loyal partner can make life much easier.

Wang Fuxi is beautiful, lovely, and resilient. She combines the independence and maturity of an American woman with the traditional family-oriented nature of an Eastern woman, making her Gan Guoyang's strongest support.

Of course, Wang Fuxi inevitably has some of the "flaws" that are common to women.

"Hey, did you ever have a boyfriend/girlfriend back in high school?"

"Oh dear, I've told you so many times, I was focused on basketball in high school and never dated. Besides, I only stayed at Beiqiao High School for a year, how could I have been interested in dating? Didn't I tell you that in my letter back then? You've asked me hundreds of times."

"Then tell me, why did you like me back then?"

"I've asked that a thousand times."

"I forgot, say it again."

"I'm just attracted to your looks, I think you're beautiful. I'm not lying to you, that's what I said when we started dating."

"I know you haven't changed how you address me all these years, you're still quite loyal."

"Because you've always been beautiful."

"What about when I get old? I'll already have two children."

Beauty has nothing to do with age.

"Stop trying to fool me... By the way, did you ever secretly date anyone during your university years?"

"..."

Often, heart-to-heart talks after marriage are neither romantic nor warm, but rather leave one speechless, though Gan Guoyang has long been used to it.

Fortunately, he will begin his away trip tomorrow, leaving Portland for a week.

For Gan Guoyang, this was also an opportunity to go out and relax.

With the season nearing its end, the situation in the East and West is gradually becoming clearer.

The Bulls are far ahead in the standings, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, they will take the top spot in the league this year, gaining home-court advantage in all series.

Despite some setbacks, the Trail Blazers continue to dominate the Western Conference thanks to the rise of Gan Guoyang and young players.

With Magic Johnson's retirement, the Trail Blazers have no rivals in the West. Those bottom-tier teams remain bottom-tier as always, so the difficulty of the regular season has been reduced.

The defending champions still have a chance to achieve a record of 60 wins, laying a solid foundation for their third consecutive championship.

After the Lakers dropped out of the championship race, three strong teams emerged below the Trail Blazers: the Jazz, the Suns, and the Warriors.

The Spurs, who were competitive in the previous two seasons, have fallen behind this season, while the SuperSonics are slowly catching up and have become regulars in the playoffs.

Hakeem Olajuwon and his Houston Rockets, who were once considered equals to Gan Guoyang in the 80s and fought fiercely in the Western Conference Finals, have now reached the edge of the playoffs.

The Trail Blazers' first stop on this road trip is Houston, where the Rockets are striving for a top-eight finish in the Western Conference.

Upon arriving in Houston, the Texas media once again hyped up the matchup between Gan Guoyang and Hakeem Olajuwon—a rivalry that began in the 1984 NCAA Finals.

However, eight years have passed, and the gap in their achievements has widened.

In terms of ability, Gan Guoyang highly regards Hakeem Olajuwon.

For Gan Guoyang, Hakeem Olajuwon was second only to Michael Jordan in terms of importance.

If we're only talking about inside players, then after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's retirement, Hakeem Olajuwon is the only player that Gan Guoyang can truly respect.

Years of rivalry, coupled with their relationship with Drexler, have made them both enemies and friends.

Furthermore, Gan Guoyang never understood until his death whether it was Hakeem Olajuwon who threw that punch back then.

Anyway, Hakeem Olajuwon never admitted it until his death.

Once known for his volatile temper and fierce appearance, Hakeem Olajuwon has become much gentler and kinder through years of setbacks and the influence of his religious faith.

In the past, before his matches with Gan Guoyang, he would always glare at him angrily, as if he wanted to devour him.

Now his gaze is calm and firm. No matter what trash talk Gan Guoyang says, Olajuwon just smiles and doesn't respond.

Psychological warfare no longer worked on Hakeem Olajuwon, and Gan Guoyang stopped playing that game with his old friend. The two now enjoyed a contest of skill and strength.

The match that night was a head-to-head contest, and it was quite exciting, with both sides performing at their best.

The Rockets, striving to make the playoffs, played very tenaciously and maintained their lead over the Trail Blazers. Hakeem Olajuwon kept Gan Guoyang under tight control.

However, in the crucial moments of the fourth quarter, Gan Guoyang still managed to help the Trail Blazers take the lead with a three-pointer and a pass.

When facing Gan Guoyang's defense, Olajuwon missed his fadeaway jumper, and the Rockets lost their chance to turn the game around.

They lost another game, further distancing themselves from the playoffs.

To make matters worse, after that shot, Olajuwon limped off the court.

After the game, the Rockets officially announced that Hakeem Olajuwon had suffered a hamstring strain and might miss some games.

This is undoubtedly adding insult to injury for the Rockets, who are currently in dire need of results.

Back at the hotel, Gan Guoyang called Hakeem Olajuwon to inquire about his situation.

Olajuwon and his old friend talked a lot, mostly about Islam, which left Gan Guoyang speechless.

But in the end, Hakeem Olajuwon suddenly said to Gan Guoyang, "Sonny, you once told me something, 'Don't let loyalty hurt you,' and I think you're absolutely right."

Gan Guoyang suddenly caught a whiff of the scent of sunshine by the sea.

(End of this chapter)