Although averaging 50 points per game for a season was an incredible achievement, everyone wanted to witness such a miracle.
But when it meant becoming the backdrop for someone else, no team would be willing to play that role.
Unlike everyone else, the Knicks' fans, coaches, and players were all quite excited at that moment.
At this point in the game, it was almost certain that Wang Yi would struggle to average 50 points for the season.
They had avoided becoming an embarrassing backdrop. How could they not be excited?
During the 15-minute halftime break, in the Knicks' locker room, head coach Thibodeau tapped the blackboard and said to the players:
"Our defense worked just now. Although we were down by 19 points at the end of the first half, we stopped Wang Yi from scoring. He didn't score a single point in the second quarter."
"So as long as we keep it up, even if we lose this game, we'll still be the winners."
All the players raised their arms and cheered.
But Rose of Chicago looked a little downcast.
Once the Rose of Chicago, the youngest MVP.
Now he was getting excited because they'd stopped a certain player from scoring 65 points.
They were even willing to lose the game just to keep him from reaching 65.
That was very hard for him to accept.
As a player, you stepped onto the court to win.
When would you ever want to lose a game?
Inside the Kings' locker room.
Head coach De'Anthony didn't say anything. He just looked at Wang Yi.
From Wang Yi's expression, he'd seen that Wang Yi had an idea of his own. He was waiting for Wang Yi to explain it.
As for the other players, they all looked a little dejected.
Mitchell