Ball handling had never been King Arthur's strong suit.
So when King Arthur tried to pass, Westbrook read the passing lane and stole the ball, racing downcourt.
King Arthur hurried after him, trying to block him from behind, but Westbrook slowed for just a moment.
Then he handed the ball off to Little Danny, who had caught up with him. Little Danny drove into the paint and threw down a quick dunk.
Just like that, the Kings completely dominated the Lakers throughout the entire first quarter.
At the end of the first quarter, the Kings led the Lakers 38–26, a 12-point advantage.
The result took everyone by surprise.
"The Death Lineup is actually working this well!"
"The Lakers' size advantage hasn't come into play at all. Instead, the Kings' small-ball lineup caught them completely off guard."
The Kings' small-ball lineup had been unexpectedly effective not only on offense, but on defense as well.
No one had expected the Kings to take control in the first quarter, let alone dominate on both ends of the floor.
Popovich was also surprised:
"I expected the Kings' small-ball lineup to stretch the floor and create space on offense, but I never imagined it would have such a big impact on defense."
Phil Jackson was equally taken aback:
"Unbelievable. Starting with a small-ball lineup has produced such an unexpected result. They've completely overwhelmed the Lakers on both offense and defense. On defense in particular, those five players are like five wolves snapping at the paint. Anyone who steps inside gets torn apart by the pack."
"That's what they call the Wolf Pack Tactic."
"On defense, the small lineup packs the paint and bets the Lakers won't dare shoot threes. On offense, they spread out beyond the arc. Together, they're a blazing fire; apart, they're stars