Wang Yi's midcourt three-pointer instantly set the arena ablaze.
"We're finally seeing LOGO three-pointers again!"
"That's how you're supposed to play! That's the Kings!"
"The Wang I know is back!"
James turned to Zha Zha Pachulia with a smile. "What do you say now?"
Zha Zha sneered. "One logo three-pointer doesn't prove anything. I'll say it again: his abilities have declined. He's not the Wang Yi of old anymore."
And it seemed Pachulia might actually be right. Over the next three possessions, Wang Yi again tried to find opportunities to work with Towns.
But Towns drew a foul on one play and failed to catch the ball on another, which counted as a turnover by Wang Yi.
On the third play, Towns faced Wemby and passed to Bond, who was behind Wemby. Bond couldn't score either.
Meanwhile, the Hornets scored twice over those three possessions.
The score reached 3–12.
The crowd fell quiet again.
On the sidelines, head coach De'Anthony looked like he wanted to call a timeout.
But Wang Yi showed no intention of calling one.
He headed straight to the frontcourt.
Murray was once again guarding Wang Yi tightly.
Wang Yi reached the center circle and used the left side of his body to shield Murray's right hand as he called for the ball.
Little Danny passed it to Wang Yi.
Wang Yi caught it one-handed.
Seeing the determination in Wang Yi's eyes, Murray's heart lurched. Was he going to shoot another logo three?
He hurried a step closer, blocking Wang Yi from jumping.
Wang Yi had his left side facing the basket. The moment he caught the ball, he half-spun.
The move created a little space between him and Murray and turned him to face the basket.
Then he jumped straight up.
Murray saw what was happening