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Cursing inwardly, Hinrich's hands didn't stop moving as he seized the opportunity to lob the ball into the interior.

Seeing Zhang Yang and Millsap abandon the double-team, Yao Ming immediately pressed in from the baseline, holding position on the left side of the three-second area to demand the ball from Okafor.

Although Okafor was unable to prevent Yao Ming from positioning himself, his resistance increased the difficulty for Yao Ming to secure the spot, creating a double-team opportunity for his teammates. As soon as Yao Ming received the ball, Millsap intercepted Tyrus Thomas's cut and moved from the left side of the three-second area for a successful double-team.

Choosing to challenge two defenders, Yao Ming turned left-facing the baseline for a strong hook shot...Missed! The ball bounced off the left side of the rim.

Okafor secured the defensive rebound and immediately looked for Zhang Yang. Tyrus Thomas aggressively intercepted, forcing Okafor to pass to Felton instead. Hinrich pressed tight on Felton instantly, applying full-court pressure. Felton protected the ball, advancing slowly, entering into a set play.

Catching the chance, Yao Ming rushed back to defense, feeling slightly conflicted—the shortcomings of the 2006 4th pick are too evident.

In the previous play, if it were Ben Wallace, he would never wait for him, the "Little Giant," to pass the ball but would instead actively reposition to seize a second-chance opportunity or attempt to distract the opponent's twin tower defense.

In other words, Tyrus Thomas's offensive awareness is inferior to Ben Wallace, despite having similar offensive abilities.

Both the coaching staff and teammates have reminded him numerous times. Tyrus Thomas isn't stubborn; he sincerely admits fault and actively corrects during practice...but he forgets everything once excited during a game.

Yet on defense, Yao Ming is quite fond of this young teammate.

Although lacking in some abilities and experience, Tyrus Thomas is always full of energy and enthusiasm, never missing any chance to make a defensive contribution. Just like before, he promptly stopped Zhang Yang from receiving the ball, and he accomplished it. His physical fitness is undeniable, as he was once a top pick contender purely based on physical qualities.

It's precisely because of Tyrus Thomas's defensive qualities that Yao Ming is patient with this young teammate—he's only 22; he deserves a chance. If his head isn't working, let him gradually learn through physical play how to approach the offensive end.

Their unsympathetic head coach decided to let Tyrus Thomas start is driven by this idea.

Compared to the known flaws of his young teammate, the Bobcats' opening strategy genuinely surprises Yao Ming—are they planning to clash defensively?

The Bulls' opening strategy is precisely to slow down the pace, dragging the opponent into a defensive battle mud pit. Surprisingly, the opponents initiated first!

The Bobcats' defensive upgrades indeed surprise him. Only two months have passed since their last matchup, and the Bobcat's rotation, coverage, and double-team intensity have all elevated!

However, Zhang San wants to compete defensively; his "Little Giant" isn't afraid!

Yao Ming isn't alone in this thought. His teammates also notice the opposing side intending to compete defense-wise and collectively ramp up the defensive intensity.

Felton advanced past the three-point line under Hinrich's close guard and saw Zhang Yang and Luol Deng wrestling at the high post, their arms intertwined. Pietrus vs. Sefolosha, Millsap vs. Tyrus Thomas—they're nearly the same way, except for no wrestling at Okafor's side.

Felton's first thought: This young fellow is tough! He can withstand Luol Deng's wrestling!

Luol Deng felt frustrated, his arms and legs seemingly bigger than Zhang Yang's, yet during the wrestling, he can't quite gain an advantage—like encountering that West Coast strength freak who weighs only about 95 or 96 kilograms yet can wrestle with the interior.

Felton passed the ball through the ground to Zhang Yang, who, upon receiving the ball, swung left and broke through. Luol Deng turned to defend but was blocked by Okafor up front!

Zhang Yang reached the middle of the right side of the three-second area, stopped abruptly, and while facing the oncoming Tyrus Thomas, made a fadeaway jumper...Clanked!

The ball bounced toward the middle. Luol Deng got to it before Okafor and secured the defensive rebound.

Hinrich advanced the ball to the frontcourt; with Tyrus Thomas 'dragging behind,' he didn't pass to Yao Ming for a low-post play, continuing with Tyrus Thomas on a pick-and-roll offense.

This time, his decision-making is much quicker than the previous; he immediately passed the ball to Yao Ming, who moved to the right mid-range.

After Tyrus Thomas screened, he cut through the middle as instructed by Hinrich. Pietrus closed in to cover the middle lane defense. Yao Ming passed the ball; Luol Deng cut from the left, jumped up, attempted a flying dunk...but hastily adjusted mid-air, missing the layup!

After soaring in from outside the free-throw line to interfere, Zhang Yang landed and jumped again, securing the rebound before Tyrus Thomas!

If you don't score, then defend aggressively, and...keep shooting!

In the next few possessions, both teams keep "clanging" bricks.

The Bobcats showcased their defensive improvement to the Bulls. Two months ago, the Bobcats' defensive system was rudimentary—a mere framework. But post-midseason, their system has become nearly complete, honed through the grueling single-month January schedule of 17 games.

During the All-Star weekend, after multiple discussions, they rejected the Nuggets' offer to trade Linas Kleiza, a quality swingman, for Afflalo, their backup guard. The Bobcats avoided disrupting their hard-earned defensive system. While the trade could enhance defensive versatility on the wing and provide offensive strength with Kleiza's unparalleled attack, it would inevitably affect their lineup rotation and might be counterproductive.

Of course, the Bobcats' defense still has room compared to the Bulls—despite the Bulls' defense crumbling. However, they don't need defense better or equal to the Bulls to compete defensively. Their offense, superior to the Bulls, suffices as long as they suppress the Bulls' offensive efforts.

After roughly four minutes of play, each side has only one field goal and two free throws; both teams rank top in the league for rebounding protection, preventing any offensive boards for the opponent. The scoring is shockingly low, starting at 4-4!

No matter the Bulls players or fans, everyone remains patient—they have the Little Giant. Such a match suits them; the longer it drags, the better!

While the Bulls players adapt calmly, planning to outlast the Bobcats gradually, Zhang Yang single-handedly faces off with Luol Deng, flips for a fadeaway jumper, and scores despite Luol Deng's close defense!