Wade was full of praise for Wang Yi's performance on defense that night:
"A 1.92-meter guard defended the opposing team's beast of a power forward, and even a center like Big Snake—and did it this well."
"He recorded seven blocks and five steals in the fourth quarter alone. The entire paint practically became a no-fly zone. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the gatekeeper of the paint."
Stephen A. Smith also said with heartfelt admiration:
"This was only his second game back. His stamina, leaping ability, strength, speed, and everything else are still only at ten or twenty percent of what they were in his prime. Just imagine how powerful he'll be if he gets back to his peak."
Wade then asked, "So, do you think the Kings can make the Playoffs this year?"
Smith replied, "The Kings are currently eighth in the West. If they win all five of their remaining games, they have a chance to finish sixth in the West, which would secure their place in the Playoffs."
"Even if they can't win them all, I think they have a very good chance of making the Playoffs through the Play-in Tournament."
After that game,
both Kings fans and basketball commentators believed that the King of the Kings had returned. He had led the team to two straight wins, so the Kings were finally getting back on track.
Even if they couldn't win their final five games, they should still have no trouble getting through the Play-in Tournament.
But the way the rest of the season unfolded surprised a lot of people.
The Kings lost two of their final five games.
And they lost their last two games in a row.
They ultimately finished eighth in the West.
Actually, after Wang Yi returned, the Kings