Their strategy really did produce immediate results.
Baturu was slower on his feet than Juan.
What was more, when Juan faced Baturu in the mid-range, he didn't post him up. Instead, he used a guard's crossover move.
A tiny crossover in front of his body.
The move was small, but incredibly fast. He shook off Baturu, drove to the basket, and dunked it in, drawing a foul from Baturu as well.
One free throw.
Just like that, the gap was down to two points.
And only a minute and a half remained in the game.
The arena erupted.
The Timberwolves players were shouting, too.
The entire Timberwolves team had found its rhythm.
Coach Dako had no choice but to call another timeout.
The next minute and a half would be crucial.
He had to draw up a key play, and they had to execute it. The ball had to go in.
As they headed to the bench, he turned his gaze to Wang Yi.
Wang Yi hadn't really touched the ball in three and a half minutes.
After resting for those few minutes, he should have recovered some of his energy. They would give him the ball on this next possession.
Wang Yi knew the coach was looking to him, but as soon as he reached the bench, he shook his head.
"Coach, draw up the next play for Octopus."
The coach considered it briefly, then nodded. "Then we'll run it for Octopus."
Wang Yi's reasoning was clear.
The other team was focusing all its attention on him. Even after the timeout, when they inbounded from the sideline, they would still throw everything they had into guarding him. Getting him the ball would require a complicated play.
But the more crucial the moment, the simpler the play should be.
So