The Hornets' head coach was addressing his players in the training room of the hotel they had rented in Sacramento. "Tomorrow is our third game against them. This game is extremely important to us."
"Although we're without Wemby, which seems like a huge disadvantage, we should look at it dialectically. In reality, it could work in our favor."
The players were confused. How could missing their star player possibly be an advantage?
The coach knew they didn't understand, so he continued, "Because we're missing our star, the Kings will definitely underestimate us. Their lack of respect will work in our favor."
Everyone understood.
The coach went on, "Besides, the Kings have already won two games in a row. They're bound to grow arrogant and look down on us, so we can take advantage of that and beat them."
The next day, the controversy continued to grow.
The Kings' players had already denied the rumors, but it seemed every reporter wanted to fan the flames. Their articles still claimed that Wang Yi had ordered Doug to beat up David Hiller.
Before the third game began, reporters kept asking Wang Yi and the others about David Hiller's beating at the pregame press conference.
Wang Yi and his teammates seemed fed up.
But in reality, with reporters swarming them and piling on the pressure, the Kings turned the media frenzy to their advantage.
The Hornets knew how much pressure the Kings were facing, so they would naturally be inclined to underestimate them. That, in turn, worked in the Kings' favor.
Watching Wang Yi attend the press conference from the side entrance, De'Anthony couldn't help thinking once again that Wang Yi was a devil.
In De'Anthony's view, after Doug injured David Hiller, Wang Yi had not only factored everything into his plans, but had