Li Feng knew how to deal with players like Hughes who resorted to dirty tactics, as he had experience with them.
Several Lithuanian players had tried to play dirty against Li Feng in this game, but they hadn't gained any advantage. Instead, they had ended up hurting themselves.
When Hughes attempted another sneak attack, Li Feng pretended to fall the moment he was bumped.
However, as he fell, his right hand "unconsciously" swung out, and his iron fist landed precisely on Hughes's head.
"Ah!"
A scream of pain echoed as Hughes clutched his face and fell to the ground.
Blood seeped through his fingers, and the team doctor quickly came to carry him off the court.
This was Li Feng, and his modus operandi was clear: he wouldn't offend others unless offended, and he would retaliate in kind, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, refusing to indulge them!
Chaos erupted once more. The referees rushed to the sideline to review the instant replay.
After the review, the referees unanimously ruled that Hughes had committed a foul, and Li Feng's action was deemed "unintentional" and a natural movement while falling!
The fans were ecstatic. Lithuania had truly lost both the game and their dignity today!
In fact, Jaskovicius was no saint. He had a notorious reputation in European leagues.
He had injured more than one opponent on the court.
When his team was trailing, he would often resort to dirty tricks, taking down opponents before turning the game around.
This guy had benefited from such tactics many times.
Unfortunately for him, today he had met his match – Li Feng!
Not only did Li Feng avoid a foul call, but he also taught Hughes a lesson without getting injured, and even got Hughes penalized. He was truly incredible!
The crowd applauded, showing their support and cheers for the referee's decision.
Li Feng stepped up to the free-throw line again.
China was currently leading by four points. If Li Feng made both free throws, the lead would extend to six points, with only 42 seconds left on the clock.
Victory was within reach.
As Li Feng stood at the free-throw line, the entire arena fell silent.
His hand still felt a bit uncomfortable after hitting Hughes in the face, so the first shot rimmed out.
A collective sigh of disappointment went through the crowd. Li Feng shook his head and stretched his wrist.
Li Feng adjusted his form for the second free throw and calmly sank it. China's lead increased to five points.
96:91!
With 42 seconds remaining, Lithuania needed to score three points.
The head coach did not call a timeout, allowing the Lithuanian players to organize their own offense.
Despite their dejection, the Lithuanian players were determined to make this final possession count.
Kaukėnas used a screen and pulled up for a three-pointer.
Unfortunately, the ball hit the rim and bounced out.
Da Yao tried to secure the rebound, but he was too tired to jump effectively. Kreiza pinned his shoulders and grabbed the offensive rebound.
Kreiza attempted a forceful layup, but Yi Jianlian sneaked in from the baseline and swatted the ball away with a massive block!
Yi Jianlian had grown significantly in recent years. Although he hadn't established himself in the NBA, his contribution to the national team was evident.
With his excellent physical attributes, refined skills, and steady shooting, he was a solid presence at the power forward position.
Yi Jianlian sent the ball out of bounds and then let out a triumphant roar. Li Feng and Da Yao rushed over to chest bump him in celebration!
Under Li Feng's leadership, the entire Chinese team displayed a refreshed and passionate demeanor.
Lithuania's offensive clock had only 2 seconds left, and the total game time was down to 27 seconds.
The Lithuanian head coach stood on the sideline, his face grim. Time was ticking away, and Lithuania saw no hope of a comeback.
Lavalrinovičius inbounded the ball, passing it directly to Kaukėnas in the corner. Kaukėnas, under pressure, rushed his shot, resulting in an airball.
Da Yao swiped at the ball and caught it, then passed it to Li Feng near the three-point line.
Li Feng caught the ball and, facing two defenders, executed a crossover. His speed was incredible!
The Lithuanian players had no chance to foul him; they could only watch as Li Feng drove to the basket and soared through the air!
*Bang!*
Li Feng finished with a powerful back-down dunk. It was magnificent!
The entire stadium erupted in cheers and excitement. This was the charm of competitive sports, and everyone was savoring this beautiful moment.
Of course, everyone except the Lithuanian coach and players.
98:91, a seven-point lead.
And only 16 seconds remained in the game!
The victory was sealed!
The Chinese players on the court began celebrating. They embraced each other and waved to the fans!
This victory belonged not only to the players but also to millions of Chinese fans, whose support had kept the Chinese players from ever giving up.
And, of course, the biggest contributor was Li Feng!
This 18-year-old young man, with his extraordinary physical abilities and mature, composed demeanor, had led the team to a stunning comeback!
Yunas also hugged his coaching staff and reserve players on the sideline, overcome with emotion.
The Lithuanian players listlessly dribbled the ball, letting the time run out.
Finally, the referee's whistle blew, and the score remained fixed at 98:91!
Another victory in the Olympic men's basketball group stage!
Li Feng played a full 20 minutes in this game, not resting for a single second in the second half.
He scored 37 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out 11 assists, and recorded 6 steals!
Such terrifying statistics, coming from a reserve player on the Chinese team, were truly astounding!
After the game, Li Feng was named the Most Valuable Player and gave a post-game interview.
The reporter was Sui Feifei, a beautiful reporter from CCTV Sports.
Sui Feifei was a former women's basketball player herself. Driven by her passion for basketball, she became a sports reporter for CCTV after retiring due to injury.
Despite being close to 30, Sui Feifei showed no signs of aging and remained strikingly beautiful.
"Li Feng, first of all, congratulations to you and to our Chinese men's basketball team for this victory!" Sui Feifei's voice was a little hoarse, as she had been cheering for the Chinese men's basketball team throughout the game.
Li Feng displayed great composure and leadership on the court, but he felt a bit shy facing a beautiful woman.
After all, he was just an 18-year-old boy, and Sui Feifei was somewhat of an idol to him.
In his hazy teenage years, he had watched Sui Feifei play on television.
While it wasn't a crush, he had a peculiar fondness for girls who were good at basketball!
"Thank you. This victory belongs to all of us Chinese people!" Li Feng replied humbly.
Sui Feifei nodded in satisfaction. "You were the biggest contributor to today's incredible comeback. Can you tell us why you were only put into the game in the second half?"
Li Feng thought for a moment and replied, "It was the coach's decision. I respect the coaching staff's choices. But as long as I'm on the court, I will give it my all!"
"Second question, you and Yao Ming have developed excellent chemistry. Will you have more opportunities to play together in upcoming games?"
Li Feng smiled and nodded, "I think so. Da Yao is my idol, and I've always dreamed of playing with him. Now that my dream has come true, I'm content!"