LaMelo Ball called for the ball, and Big Ball passed it over.
After receiving the ball, LaMelo saw Wang Yi still standing at the three-point line. He dribbled forward a few steps, stopping just outside the arc.
Then he said to Wang Yi, "You said you'd watch me from three meters away."
Wang Yi nodded.
He took a few steps back, stopping about three meters from the three-point line.
Then he gestured for LaMelo to go ahead.
The spectators in the arena were bewildered by the sight.
The viewers watching the livestream in China were just as confused.
Even Xu Jingyu couldn't make sense of it.
"If Yi didn't jump or contest LaMelo's shot just now because LaMelo was too far from the three-point line and Yi knew he couldn't make it, then what's going on now? LaMelo's right at the line, and Yi actually backed off a few steps. What's he doing?"
Seeing that Wang Yi really had given him space, LaMelo stepped up to the three-point line.
He still found it strange that Wang Yi would willingly back off and leave him open, but he didn't hesitate for a second. He rose straight into a three-pointer.
After all, he trusted Wang Yi's word.
Wang Yi had never failed to keep a promise. If he said he wouldn't defend LaMelo's threes, then he wouldn't.
So LaMelo let the shot fly without hesitation, with complete conviction.
And the ball felt great coming off his hand.
But to his surprise, the shot—despite feeling perfect—hit the rim, spun around it six times, then suddenly rolled out.
Charlie Hannum grabbed the rebound and passed it to George Shig.
George Shig saw that none of his teammates had a chance to run the fast break, but he still threw the ball downcourt.
He trusted