Popovich nodded.
"You're right about those two points. I think the Lakers will try both. If their threes aren't falling, then the second option will be the key to whether they can win today. But I'm sure that what you and I can think of, that guy Wang Yi thought of a long time ago. We'll just have to see how he responds when the time comes."
Meanwhile, Coach Ham greeted the Lakers players as they came off the court.
On the sidelines, at the Lakers' Resting Area.
Head Coach Ham went to meet the players as they came off the court. His first words were, "Shoot threes. Put those damn threes in!"
As the head coach, Ham had seen through the Kings' defensive setup after the first two possessions.
The opening strategy had targeted the Lakers' weak spot.
With the starters still far from being subbed out, the only way to break through, as things stood, was from beyond the arc.
"I know our three-point shooting hasn't been very good this season, but these are the Playoffs. If we don't put those damn threes in, it'll be hard to win. Arthur and Barton, you can drive into the paint, draw a double-team, then kick the ball out."
"That'll give everyone else a chance to shoot threes. If you get an open look, take it without hesitation!"
The other Lakers nodded solemnly.
Before the game, they had all agreed that without Wang Yi and De'Anthony, the Lakers would easily crush the Kings.
But once they stepped onto the court, they realized the Kings had made things extremely difficult for them with just one move.
Ham turned to Wang Arthur and Barton again.
"You two can shoot threes, too. Arthur, you haven't taken many threes this season, but your percentage is