Everyone was secretly amazed to see Wang Yi and Doug trading such trash talk before the game had even started.
These two really were born to be mortal enemies.
De'Anthony was secretly amazed, too.
In theory, if a team had someone who constantly clashed with its leader like this, the team should be at odds with itself. It would be prone to infighting, which would show on the court and lead to one loss after another.
But after Doug joined the Kings, they hadn't just avoided a string of losses. Every player had become more determined to fight for every opportunity.
Wang Yi had always made the best use of his players, bringing out each one's individual strengths.
But after Doug arrived, he was able to spur every player on, making them all compete with everything they had.
The talented players could play even more fiercely, building on their natural gifts.
And the players who lacked talent and ability no longer wallowed in self-pity or resigned themselves to their lot under Doug's goading. Instead, they gave it everything they had and produced results no one expected.
In other words, Wang Yi had ensured the team's minimum level of performance, while Doug's arrival had raised its ceiling.
At last, both teams made their way to the sidelines. The game was about to begin.
The starting lineups for both teams appeared on the screen.
The Kings' Starting Lineup was the same as usual.
Doug had started three games against the Pelicans, but now, against the Spurs, he was back on the bench.
The Spurs' Starting Lineup was as follows.
Point Guard: Hugo DeShu. A skilled playmaker who averaged 18 points per game, he was also this year's Defensive Player of the Year.
He had once recorded 10 steals in a single game.