Taking a step back, even if Wang Yi could single-handedly beat the entire Spurs team in this game, it would take a tremendous toll on him.
So when Game 2 came around, could Wang Yi still single-handedly beat the entire Spurs team?
You had to know that during this year's Playoffs, wildfires had broken out in California and had nearly reached the Spurs' home arena.
As a result, the Spurs' schedule had been affected.
So after the wildfires were put out, the Finals schedule was packed pretty tightly, with games generally played every other day.
Even if Wang Yi could single-handedly beat the entire Spurs team in Game 2 as well, think about it: for a 34-year-old, having almost every possession run through him for two consecutive games would take an utterly terrifying toll on his body.
Would he still have that kind of stamina by Game 3?
Would he still be that efficient?
Especially since after Game 2, they would have to fly back to Toronto.
The fatigue from two games, combined with the exhaustion of travel, could very well leave him in worse shape by Game 3.
And by Game 4, his performance would be even more likely to decline.
So Popovich's strategy of defending Wang Yi one-on-one wasn't focused solely on this game. He was considering the entire series.
That was how a top-tier coach thought.
While other coaches in the Playoffs tried to break the game down even further, practically dividing all 48 minutes into individual offensive and defensive possessions, Popovich had already begun controlling the game with a broader perspective.
He wasn't fixated on a single possession or a single game. Instead, he was using an overarching strategy
to wear down Wang Yi as much as possible, giving his team an advantage in the games