Just when the Kings were in dire straits, when everyone thought they were certain to lose this game...
Someone no one expected stepped up.
Bronny James.
Of course, before the fourth quarter began, no one had imagined he would become the key to breaking the deadlock.
Once he took the court in the fourth quarter,
Wang Yi continued to battle on an injured foot. But the sprain had affected his initial burst of speed, and with the opposing team doubling him so tightly, it was hard for him to get the ball, let alone find a chance to shoot.
After receiving a pass, Bronny, who had come off the bench, faked a pass toward Wang Yi.
That fake immediately drew the attention of three opposing players, who all converged on Wang Yi. With the path ahead clear, Bronny drove straight into the paint and finished with a powerful dunk.
On the next possession, Bronny disrupted Westbrook's shot on defense.
After grabbing the rebound, he charged downcourt on a fast break and threw down another dunk.
He scored four points in two possessions, cutting the deficit to 11.
A tidal wave of noise immediately swept through Golden 1 Center.
Everyone leaped to their feet, cheering excitedly.
James, seated courtside, jumped up and waved his towel.
Although he had announced his retirement, the team still had to pay him 20 percent of his salary under the rules, while the insurance company covered the remaining 80 percent.
Now he waved his towel and kept shouting,
"Bronny... Oh... Bronny, Bronny... Oh... Bronny."
His wife, Savannah, also stood up excitedly, clapping again and again.
Wang Yi walked over, put an arm around Bronny's shoulders, and gave him a firm pat. "Nice work, kid. You can see the situation we're in. I really need your help.