The Golden Age of Basketball-Chapter 496 - 113: The Thief

The Finals witnessed an unprecedented brawl that would be hard to rival in future, and its sensationalism surpassed the Finals itself.

Because the champion was no longer in doubt, the Detroit Pistons, down 0:3, were no match for the Trail Blazers.

The teams were uneven in terms of talent and strength, and the Trail Blazers had a roster and tactics that greatly restrained the Pistons.

Gan Guoyang was a rock-solid presence, wreaking havoc left and right, leaving the Pistons without a clue on how to contain him.

In the fourth game, not having Gan Guoyang play gave the Pistons a chance, but they were also without Thomas and Melvin Turpin, suffering a significant loss of strength.

Moreover, the next day at practice, Chuck Daly’s right cheek was swollen, courtesy of a punch from Jack Ramsay.

Dennis Rodman and Isiah Thomas suffered varying degrees of pain and bruises.

Adrenaline in the arena meant they didn’t feel the pain at the time, but after a while, it kicked in.

Their backs, buttocks, and arms were bruised and swollen. After all, a solid fall on the scorer’s table was no light matter.

Lan Bi’er was the only one who bled, seemingly the most seriously injured, but in reality, it was just broken capillaries that healed the next day without issue.

Gan Guoyang had crushed the Pistons’ morale; everyone on the team knew that this year’s Finals were over and set their sights on next year’s competition.

However, Isiah Thomas emerged from the shadows, as he had been overwhelmed during the previous Silverdome brawl to the point of questioning his life choices.

This time, he bravely charged forward. Though he still couldn’t avoid a beating, psychologically he no longer doubted himself.

He felt courageous for not backing down from a strong opponent, and though he was in pain, his smile returned.

The Trail Blazers were in slightly better shape, with Gan Guoyang and Ramsay suspended. Gan Guoyang was allowed to watch the game from the sidelines, while Ramsay had to stay in the locker room.

Thompson and Vandeweghe had some minor injuries and strains, but overall it wasn’t serious, and they were set to play normally in Game 4.

Gan Guoyang encouraged everyone, "We must take Game 4! Otherwise, I’ll run out of clothes to change into!"

The Trail Blazers were making their final preparations for the championship.

No matter how the media discussed the fight, the whole team was focused and refrained from discussing it.

Unlike the Pistons’ loss of spirit, the Trail Blazers’ morale had peaked.

Coach Jack Ramsay’s punch had united the team as never before.

Of course, during the break on match day, the entire Trail Blazers team stayed in their hotel and didn’t go anywhere.

During the Finals, they had to be cautious of the Detroiters’ desire for retribution.

David Stern and Larry Flesher had successfully resolved the Suns’ drug case and flew to Detroit overnight.

David Stern held another press conference in Detroit, announcing the investigation of the brawl and indicating that there would be subsequent punishments.

Meanwhile, Larry Flesher went to see Gan Guoyang at the hotel to understand the situation.

Fleisher sighed helplessly when he saw Gan Guoyang, "You and your tendency to resort to fists to solve problems, I’ve told you so many times to no avail. I think even your father has given up on educating you. Now you’ve been suspended and fined again, haven’t you?"

Gan Guoyang said, "I actually think it’s my biggest strength, not to back down when it’s time to take action. Constantly complaining to the referees only leads to being looked down upon by opponents and erodes one’s own fighting spirit."

Fleisher didn’t argue with Gan Guoyang, letting him be. After all, it looked highly likely that they would clinch the championship.

Honestly, Fleisher had never imagined Gan Guoyang would achieve such heights so quickly, the first back-to-back champion in 17 years.

As a savvy man well-versed in the ways of the world, Fleisher naturally understood the higher you climb, the harder you fall.

So he had always hoped that Gan Guoyang would keep a low profile and make a fortune quietly, but this guy usually stayed out of trouble unless he was going big.

However, Fleisher also realized that making a big splash isn’t necessarily a bad thing; in this society, fame equates to money and protection.

As Gan Guoyang’s reputation grew and his achievements soared, more and more people linked to his interests would emerge, solidifying his standing.

Even though the Finals weren’t over, Fleisher had already arranged a variety of commercial and social activities for the off-season, along with more sponsorship contracts for him to sign.

These collaborators would become Gan Guoyang’s protectors in the future, sharing fortunes and fates. Not turning his astonishing basketball skills into power would be a true waste.

When it came to Fleisher’s arrangements, Gan Guoyang would make selections, agreeing with most but turning down those he found valueless or unappealing.

In this regard, he was more rational and intelligent than many of the black basketball players Fleisher had worked with and had the energy to participate in these social activities while handling required schmoozing with ease, much to Fleisher’s surprise.

Fleisher once asked his brother Gan Guohui if he had always been such a prodigy since he was young.

Gan Guohui said that Gan Guoyang had grown up in China and he didn’t know much about that time.

When he first came to America, there was nothing special besides being very tall, but after one severe fever, he woke up transformed.

Gan Guohui’s account was somewhat mystical, leaving Fleisher skeptical but certain of one thing: the kid was far from ordinary.

Fleisher had resolved that after concluding the 1988 labor negotiations, he would completely step down from the union to become a full-time agent.