This was an enormous drain on their physical and mental stamina, especially on Christmas Day, traveling to frigid Portland to face the defending champions. The 13,000-plus spectators at the arena were all against them, and they had to face the league's number one player. The pressure and challenge were unimaginable.
Before the game, head coach Paul Westhead reminded everyone to give their full effort and performance. Tonight was bound to be a tough battle.
Now, Gan Guoyang stood in front of Mutombo, full of energy.
Just as the senior veterans had said, he wasn't very tall—similar to Mourning.
But he looked even sturdier than Mourning, who was already an exceptionally solid guy.
Mourning was compact and tough, but Ah Gan appeared majestic.
With his long arms and broad shoulders, he looked like a fearsome beast.
His muscles were massive. Unlike those of Black players, they didn't seem as explosive, yet were brimming with power.
