The players all looked up at Wang Yi when they heard him.
Whenever the team had run into trouble in the past, Wang Yi had said those same words. And whenever he did, he had usually led the team to victory through his play.
They all believed in him.
But doing so would take a huge toll on Wang Yi's body.
He was already 34, and there were still 81 long Regular Season games ahead. No one wanted him to expend so much energy in the very first game.
So all the players looked at Wang Yi apologetically.
But Wang Yi's expression was resolute.
"I know our lineup still can't completely shut down the Lakers. But if everyone gives it their all and limits them as much as possible, that'll be the biggest help you can give me!"
The players all nodded firmly.
"Yes, boss!"
Then they took the court again.
Wang Yi faced King Arthur's defense and charged straight into the paint. Surrounded by a towering wall of defenders, he glided through the air and drifted toward the basket. He didn't find room to shoot until he was behind the backboard, and then he forced up a shot.
The ball rose from behind the backboard, cleared its top, and dropped through the net.
On the other end, Doncic pulled up from way beyond the three-point line.
The Raptors went back on offense.
Wang Yi used Locke's Pick and Roll to drive into mid-range. Before the help defense could arrive, he slammed on the brakes.
He seemed to have anticipated that King Arthur would come from behind to block him.
So he didn't shoot right away. Instead, he gave a pump fake. Once King Arthur's hand swept over his head, Wang Yi gathered himself and shot again.
The ball went