The Golden Age of Basketball

The Trail Blazers' private jet was flying in the stratosphere, and the modified interior was very spacious.

The leather and walnut decor, along with special soundproofing, made the entire space quiet and comfortable.

The seats were replaced with comfortable sofas suitable for basketball players' height, equipped with tables for playing cards, dining, drinking, and reading.

The players could sit on the sofas to read books, newspapers, or listen to music, or lay them flat for a comfortable nap.

The plane was equipped with a kitchen and a chef, so whenever they were hungry, thirsty, or had cravings, they could eat whatever they wanted.

The forward cabin was specifically equipped with a TV, VCR, and computer.

The coaching team could hold meetings here, watch tapes, formulate away game tactics, or summarize the previous game.

This setup effectively improved the coaching team's work efficiency.

To provide the players with the most comfortable travel experience, Old Tang even specifically arranged a flight attendant team to serve them.

They were carefully selected, with top-notch looks, figures, and service skills.

Since purchasing the Portland Trail Blazers in 1988, the players have enjoyed the best flight treatment in the League.

This significantly helped the Trail Blazers players to have better away game experiences.

It's estimated that a good travel experience can add about four to five wins per season.

During the Trail Blazers' three-peat title run, such excellent logistics undoubtedly provided support.

Of course, as the League has gotten wealthier, more teams have their private jets.

The days of flying commercial airlines and squeezing alongside other passengers for away games are long gone.

NBA players will all enjoy special treatment, and the logistical advantages of the Trail Blazers and Pistons are diminishing.

This flight had the Trail Blazers heading to Florida to start their Southeast away game trip.

Most of the time, Gan Guoyang would get on the plane, sleep quietly, wake up and eat something, chat with teammates, and then continue sleeping.

One reason Gan Guoyang possessed such extraordinary energy on the court was his ability to eat and sleep well.

His excellent digestive function efficiently converted food into sufficient energy.

Quality sleep allowed his cells to recover well, erasing fatigue without accumulation.

Every time Gan Guoyang slept, his breathing was long and deep.

Teammates often said that sitting next to Ah Gan, listening to him sleep, improved their sleep quality too.

Like John Havlicek, Gan Guoyang also had horse-like large lungs.

This provided his body with a continuous supply of oxygen.

However, on this flight to Orlando, Gan Guoyang did not sleep.

He sat in the coaching team's meeting cabin, watching Orlando Magic's game tapes with Beelman, Adelman, Shalov, and others.

Gan Guoyang held the Magic's starting lineup and a colorful statistical sheet in his hand—Beelman's data sheets were very comprehensive.

Beelman looked at Gan Guoyang's serious face and said, "Sonny, you haven't prepared for games in the last two seasons, not even looking at the schedule. What's up today, are you scared?"

"Your joking level is getting higher, Bobby. It's not fear, it's respect—respect for a worthy opponent."

Beelman knew whom Gan Guoyang was referring to.

The Magic's number one pick, Shaquille O'Neal.

This guy, nicknamed the Shark, stirred up huge waves on the South Coast.

In his career debut, O'Neal scored 12 points, 18 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists, leading the team to victory.

His first game opponent was the Miami Heat and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Although his scoring was suppressed by Olajuwon, O'Neal proved his talent with rebounds and blocks.

In his third game against the Hornets, facing the second pick Mourning, O'Neal's 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks declared that the top pick was well-deserved.

In subsequent games, O'Neal consistently performed as a super center, averaging 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game.

His build, strength, agility, and explosiveness made him stand out on the court.

Although Ah Gan's performance was even more perfect, O'Neal's visual impact was stronger.

Because of his 7-foot-1 height, bulky body, and quirky personality.

He was loved by fans across the League and became Orlando's darling.

Although the Magic's attendance didn't rise because it was already 100%, leaving no room for increase.

O'Neal's arrival did make Magic's ticket prices soar, greatly increasing box office revenue.

This time, when the Magic and Trail Blazers clashed for the first time, Ah Gan vs. O'Neal, ticket prices surged to astronomical levels.

Even someone as confident as Gan Guoyang put aside his casualness to seriously prepare for the game.

Gan Guoyang not only wanted to win the game but also wanted to give O'Neal a welcome rookie gift.

For Gan Guoyang, finding fun along the long NBA regular-season journey was a vital way to maintain form and desire to win.

Facing a super rookie like O'Neal, giving him some psychological shadows, was a very interesting thing.

Not only does it help increase the fun of the game, but it also helps to gain a psychological advantage in future confrontations.

Gan Guoyang spent his entire career doing just that.

Like a devil, sowing seeds of terror in the opponent's mind.

Creating nightmares, exploiting nightmares, gaining matchup advantages, and securing victories.

High-quality new rivals like O'Neal were extremely rare.

Therefore, Gan Guoyang was too excited to sleep on the plane.