However, Lithuania's zone-to-man defense is quite tight. They don't just collapse the inside, but can transition well between inside and outside.
Moreover, Lithuania's offense is very fast; they start with aggressive running to set the pace, not giving China Team a slow opportunity to find rhythm inside.
Jiang Xingquan called a timeout, and China Team adjusted their tactics. Gan Guoyang realized that if they want to win tonight, they need to strike early; otherwise, this game might be over.
Meanwhile, Jiang Xingquan substituted Wang Zhizhi for Sun Jun, reducing the ineffective inner height and increasing outside firepower—Wang Zhizhi faced Lithuania's fierce physical defense and wasn't feeling it tonight.
The substitution indeed worked; Gan Guoyang immediately held the ball inside and scored continuously, causing several fouls and getting to the free-throw line multiple times, making the Lithuanian inner players complain nonstop.
At the same time, Yao Ming was unstoppable inside, teaming with Gan Guoyang to form the Twin Towers in the Three Second Zone. In a few possessions, they collectively grabbed 5 Offensive Rebounds, causing Yunas to angrily chastise his players from the sideline.
Old-school coaches cannot tolerate losing Defensive Rebounds—it's a huge blow to team morale and tactics.
However, China Team didn't reverse the score; Lithuania relied on their offense and maintained the lead.
Meanwhile, China Team's backcourt mistakes were numerous; regardless of whether it was Guo Shiqiang or Li Xiaoyong, they struggled against strong, tall guards.
In the opening match, Li Xiaoyong started, but later in the game, Guo Shiqiang played more minutes and had more opportunities; his performance was neither noteworthy nor blameworthy.
Chinese guards still lack aggression; aside from dribbling past half-court and passing, they pose little offensive threat.
In modern basketball, a Point Guard without offensive threats also loses organizational threats.
As you dribble, opponents don't need to focus too much; they can leisurely set up their defense.
Even when double-teamed or pressured, there may be errors, or defensive passes lead to half-failed offenses—this is the long-standing main dilemma China Team faces against strong European teams.
Lithuania happens to be a team with strong Point Guards; Jasikevicius is a rapidly rising Lithuanian superstar. He's tall (6-foot-4), strong, with good shooting, organization, and dribbling abilities; his major issues are slower speed and poor defense, though none of this matters within Lithuania's system.
Lithuania's zone-to-man defense strategy will effectively protect Jasikevicius.
Facing China Team, this protection is hardly necessary, as China Team's Point Guards have such poor individual offensive power.
In the first half, Guo Shiqiang attempted four shots without a single success, while Li Xiaoyong played 4 minutes, missing both attempts.
On the other side, Jasikevicius utilized skilled screens to constantly avoid Gan Guoyang's defense, successfully organizing the team's offense.
By halftime, Jasikevicius had already assisted 6 times—a notably high figure in FIBA arenas.
Lithuania was ahead 53:46, leading China Team by 7 points. Gan Guoyang scored 17 points in the half but couldn't spur the two Point Guards who were 0 for 6.
The problem with China's guards has become increasingly prominent over recent years, especially with Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi, and Bartel dominating inside; guards have grown more one-dimensional.
While training in Oregon Eugene, Gan Guoyang realized this, repeatedly stressing to the coaching staff that the backcourt must be strong.
"In future selection, don't get caught up on distinctions between Point Guards and Shooting Guards. If they're guards, the standards should be unified; they need to pass, attack, and defend, able to play both positions one and two. Height doesn't necessarily have to be tall—tall and fast is naturally best, but those who are short yet skilled shouldn't be excluded outright. Ultimately, it depends on game performance; they must be versatile, not one-dimensional. Offense is more important than defense—attacks must be threatening; that's the priority."
Gan Guoyang proposed his views, establishing a basic principle and direction for future talent cultivation in China Team's backcourt.
Guards aren't decorative pieces for the inner players; they are dominant forces on the court.
In reality, since basketball's inception and even after the NBA was founded, backcourt players have always held a leadership role.
Although inner giants often attract most lights, garner most glory, being the pinnacle, the fundamental particles of the basketball world have always been backcourt players.
You could assemble a team entirely of smaller players, and they might reach the NCAA finals (Kentucky of the 60s).
But if a team is entirely comprised of inner players, games won't unfold.
During halftime, back in the locker room, Gan Guoyang wasn't angry with Guo Shiqiang or Li Xiaoyong for their poor performance.
Instead, he said, "It's okay, in the second half I'll take control and defense myself, I'll handle King of Europe."
Clearly, for a crucial match in the group stage deciding the quarterfinal spots, Gan Guoyang wouldn't hold back anymore; it's time to push forward.
Gan Guoyang can play the one position, after all, Jasikevicius isn't a speedy impact-type small guard, but a tall, slow-paced, technical player—Gan Guoyang loves defending against such types.
During his prime, Gan Guoyang could defend Allen Iverson—though of course, it's within the Three Second Zone via help or secondary defense; one-on-one beyond the three-point line could easily lead to a broken ankle.
