"Wow, your idol is seriously impressive!" Tina exclaimed. Though she didn't usually follow basketball, even she understood the skill involved in pulling off a volleyball-style block and three consecutive three-pointers, each one more challenging than the last.
"He's amazing, right?" Caroline replied, her voice filled with pride. "He's become a real source of pride for us back in China!"
"A future star for sure. So…when are you going to start dating him?" Tina teased with a smirk.
"Dating? What are you even talking about?" Caroline's cheeks flushed bright red, and she lowered her head, flustered. She was usually calm and composed, but the thought seemed to make her heart race.
"I've done my research on psychology," Tina pressed. "I know he likes you. Why else would he give you those tickets?"
"Stop making things up," Caroline replied, waving her off. "We're just…friends online, that's all."
"Fine, fine." Tina chuckled. "But if you're not interested, don't be surprised if I swoop in first."
"What?!" Caroline's wide eyes betrayed her shock.
"Ha! Your expression says it all. Don't worry—I'm just here to enjoy the game," Tina said, cutting off her teasing as she turned her attention back to the court.
After the timeout, the 76ers didn't make any substitutions; their lineup was solid, though they realized they needed to adjust their strategy. They would lean on their four stars and a shooter, which was a well-balanced lineup. This wasn't a personnel issue—it was a matter of focus.
Back on offense, Simmons drove to the basket after a screen, slamming it home with authority to stop the Warriors' run.
Score: 11–4
Simmons had his weaknesses, most notably his shooting. His three-point attempts were almost nonexistent, and even when he made one, it was cause for celebration. But there was no denying his athleticism, court vision, and defensive skills.
Green dribbled the ball past half-court, his eyes scanning for Tang Lei, who had been on fire. In basketball, there was an unwritten rule: feed the hot hand. But just as he prepared to pass, a figure sprang out to block the passing lane.
It was Jimmy Butler, the tough-as-nails defender, now assigned to shut Tang Lei down.
Seeing this, Green switched to Thompson, who took a mid-range shot but couldn't find the mark.
The 76ers capitalized, with Butler pulling up and hitting a three-pointer over Thompson's defense, slicing the lead down to four.
Back on the other end, the Warriors set up again, but Butler was glued to Tang, refusing to give him any room to catch the ball. After seeing Tang's shooting display, the Sixers adjusted their defense, even denying Tang a chance to touch the ball.
Green wisely avoided forcing the pass, knowing Butler's pressure could lead to a turnover. The ball found its way to Curry, who sized up Simmons and buried a three of his own, keeping the Warriors in the lead.
Score: 14–7
From there, both teams traded buckets. Redick nailed a three, Harris hit a jumper, Simmons drove to the rim, and Embiid overpowered Looney in the paint. On the Warriors' side, Curry, Thompson, Looney, and Green each contributed to the scoreboard.
But Tang Lei? He was almost invisible, effectively shut down by Butler's relentless defense. He managed to create two chances—a drive that failed under pressure and a contested fadeaway that Butler disrupted.
Despite Tang Lei's struggles, the Warriors stayed ahead, maintaining a five-point lead at 24–19.
With five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Coach Kerr called a timeout, signaling the usual rotation. Curry, Tang, and Looney were subbed out for Iguodala, Cook, and Livingston.
The 76ers followed suit, pulling Embiid, Butler, and Simmons. Each team left two key players on the floor, supported by reserves.
On the bench, Tang Lei looked frustrated. Curry noticed and leaned over.
"If you want to shake off Butler, try running through the paint," Curry suggested, always willing to share his knowledge. "Use their defenders as your screen. Butler's quick, but you're faster. If you can slip by, you'll find yourself an open look."
Tang Lei's eyes lit up in understanding.
"Use their defense as my shield," he repeated, nodding. "Got it. Thanks, Curry."
"No problem. I know you've got this," Curry replied with his trademark smile, his faith in Tang evident.
Tang took a deep breath, feeling the reassurance in Curry's words. Tonight wasn't just about competing; it was about proving he belonged. And with Curry's encouragement, he felt ready to adapt and fight back.