Pope of Basketball.

Summary

On August 28, the group stage commenced with Dream Team Nine defeating Croatia 114-78, marking the largest point difference in their history. The team's offensive strength, led by Yi Ge Da La, Wei Si Bu Lu Ke, Durant, and Griffin, was complemented by a strong defense. They won all four group matches and progressed to the finals, where they defeated Angola, Russia, Lithuania, and Turkey, securing the World Championship title with an average victory margin of 31.7 points. Seven players scored in double digits, with standout performances from Durant, Yi Ge Da La, and Wei Si Bu Lu Ke on the perimeter, while Griffin and Yue Fu excelled inside. Griffin earned the title of Dunk King, and Yue Fu consistently contributed despite limited playing time. Ku Li had a notable performance against Angola but was otherwise less impactful. Yang Rui, the team's leader, announced his retirement from the national team, citing a lack of challenge. He dismissed the relevance of NCAA achievements compared to NBA success, criticizing the popularity of college basketball. Upon returning to Los Angeles, Yang Rui filled the Clippers' roster with lesser-known players, signing Shelton Williams and veteran Ke Te Thomas for their experience and skills. Yang Rui rejected offers from aging stars like Ao Ni Er and Mai Di, focusing instead on developing young talent like Ku Li. Despite fan criticism over the roster decisions, Yang Rui remained committed to building a solid foundation for the team's future, prioritizing player development over attracting star veterans.

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