Coach Lan Jingshan had actually already said during the timeout midway through the second quarter that they needed to run pick and rolls and have the big men set screens for Shan He.
But after Wang Liang had provoked him, Shan He kept wanting to score over Wang Liang.
He kept wanting to shut Wang Liang down completely.
As a result, he often drove before the big man had finished setting the screen.
That was one important reason he was using up so much energy.
Now that the coach had reminded him, Shan He realized his mistake.
Coach Lan glanced at Wang Liang, who was resting on the other side, and said:
"You're right. We all underestimated that backup point guard. He may not be fast, he can't jump high, and his offensive game looks a little one-dimensional. He clearly hasn't been playing basketball for very long. But his defense really has surprised us."
"While constantly getting physical with you, he's also been trash-talking you nonstop. Shan He, do you know what makes a great player? It's not just outstanding skills. Their mental toughness has to be far beyond that of an ordinary player, too."
"When the other team talks trash, you have to stay rational and make sound decisions and choices. You can't let their words get under your skin and then play purely on impulse."
"Shan He, I believe you're a great player. Can you do that?"
Shan He took a couple of deep breaths and nodded. "I can!"
The head coach continued, "Shan He, I know you don't want to trade trash talk with him. You're proud, and you think you're above it. But he keeps provoking you, and it's making you furious. Let me give you an idea. Next time he talks trash, just ignore him