Van Gundy continued to assess the last few plays.
"The Kings had run their plays perfectly just now, and both players had favorable matchups they could have scored on easily. But neither of them made the shot. That's not something the coach can control."
"And after they missed, the other team launched a fast break. That made the Kings' weakness even more apparent. This lineup isn't quick enough to defend in transition, so the other team can easily create a numbers advantage."
That was exactly what had happened.
The Kings' 8–2 run against them wasn't because Wang Yi had called the wrong plays. It was because his players weren't in good form.
So during the timeout, Wang Yi decisively took Towns out and put Tures in.
That was the kind of bold move only Wang Yi dared to make.
After all, Towns was an All-Star center, while Tures was merely a role player.
Yet Wang Yi had pulled Towns after less than two minutes and replaced him with Tures.
Most coaches simply wouldn't have the nerve.
But Wang Yi was Wang Yi. He had a different standing in the league.
It wasn't just that he could take Towns out and put Tures in. Even if he pulled all five starters right then and grabbed any five players off the bench, no one would question him. After all, he'd done that before—and still won.
So naturally, no one dared question him now.
During the timeout, Wang Yi didn't say anything else to the players. He simply made the adjustment. They had executed the plays properly; Towns was just having an off night, and his misses had nothing to do with anyone else.
Towns sat on the bench, looking somewhat regretful.
Wang Yi read his expression, put a hand on his shoulder,