In a surprising turn of events following the Philippines’ recent victory over China in basketball, the aftermath has left Chinese fans and commentators in disbelief. Former NBA star Tracy McGrady, known affectionately as T-Mac, weighed in on the game, stirring up discussions about the Chinese basketball team’s performance.

McGrady’s comments came as no surprise, considering the passionate fan base that both the Philippines and China share for the sport. Despite the excitement surrounding the game, it appears many Chinese fans are still struggling to move past the loss. Social media platforms in China have been abuzz with reactions, highlighting the emotional impact of the defeat. Notably, former Chinese National player Wang Shieng, a two-time Asian Games champion, expressed his frustration, stating that even if China were to win numerous gold medals in other sports, the sting of their basketball loss would overshadow those achievements.

As debates ensued on various platforms, it became evident that criticism was directed not only at the players but also at the coaching staff. Commentators in China have openly questioned the abilities of coach Alexander Jevic, suggesting that lackluster preparation contributed to the team’s downfall. This criticism comes in stark contrast to the praise heaped on Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone and star player Justin Brownlee, who received accolades from local reporters post-game.

The fallout from the match has been significant, with millions discussing the game online, generating a staggering reading volume of 760 million just two days after the loss. Even NBA legends like McGrady were captivated by the match, noting Brownlee’s impressive performance while implying that the Chinese team had the upper hand for much of the game.

As the dust settles, the emotional toll of this defeat continues to resonate within Chinese basketball circles, highlighting the intense rivalries and expectations surrounding the sport in both nations.