Zhang Yu came off the court. Steve Nash walked over and slapped hands with him. "Zhang, your threes always save the team. You're unbelievable."
Gao Feng rubbed Zhang Yu's shoulder. "Did you hear that? All 20,000 people here are chanting 'Brother Octopus.' They're chanting for you!"
Zhang Yu turned to look at the 20,000 spectators, and the big screen happened to show a close-up of him.
The crowd's cheers grew even louder.
An unusual feeling welled up inside Zhang Yu.
Back home, he'd been a troublemaker on the court. Though he'd helped his team many times in crucial moments, it seemed he'd never received this kind of welcome.
By contrast, Western fans seemed more accepting of players who marched to the beat of their own drum.
Of course, Zhang Yu had also done some reflecting after being confined during the Basketball World Cup. He'd reined himself in and wasn't as much of a troublemaker as before.
The fans didn't know him that well yet, which was why they were so welcoming.
Still, having so many people chant his name was a great feeling.
Coach Dako understood the psychology of players well. He walked over, but didn't say anything encouraging to Zhang Yu.
He knew Zhang Yu cared most about Wang Yi's opinion. Encouragement from any number of other people couldn't compare to a single nod from Wang Yi.
So he just patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder, then started to lay out the next play and strategy.
Before Coach Dako could speak, Wang Yi cut in. "Everyone else, focus on defense. As for offense, give me the ball!"
Hearing that, Coach Dako immediately said, "Then we'll go with the five-defender lineup."
The other players felt much more at ease at Wang Yi's words, as though he'd given them a reassurance.