Popovich did the opposite of what anyone expected. After using man-to-man defense against Wang Yi for the entire game, he decided to double-team him in the final 40 seconds.
That was an extremely bold move, to say the least.
When Reggie Miller saw the Spurs players moving in to double-team Wang Yi, he was a little surprised, then said:
"Suddenly double-teaming Wang Yi at this point is an extremely bold move. But if you look at it the other way, it actually seems to make a lot of sense. The Spurs have played man-to-man defense against Wang Yi all game, so both he and the entire Raptors team have fallen into a set mindset. Wang Yi thinks he's going to take the Spurs one-on-one in the final moments, and the other players all think this is when Wang Yi should take them on one-on-one."
"Suddenly double-teaming him and forcing him to pass the ball could leave the other Raptors players at a loss."
JJ Redick agreed wholeheartedly.
"That's why Popovich is the only one with the nerve to do something like this. Another coach wouldn't dare make such a bold and unconventional move."
As Wang Yi reached the front court, he saw X and their Small Forward, Captain America Rogers, preparing to double-team him. His steps faltered just slightly.
At the same time, he readied both hands to gather the ball.
The two men saw Wang Yi about to gather the ball and immediately charged in to double-team him.
But at the very instant Wang Yi brought both hands toward the ball, his left hand never touched it. Instead, his right hand quickly dribbled again, sending the ball straight through the gap between the two men.
Then, with his powerful frame, he forced his way through the gap between them.