The Timberwolves players all wore solemn expressions.
They hadn't expected this. In the last game of the previous season, they'd been able to go toe-to-toe with the Raptors, and with a little luck, they might even have won. But this season, they seemed to be no match for the Raptors at all. The moment Toronto turned up the pressure, the score widened in an instant.
Had the Raptors gotten lucky during their three-month break and stumbled upon some kind of opportunity?
After the timeout, the Timberwolves focused on getting back on defense.
Once the Raptors stopped the Timberwolves, all five Timberwolves players rushed back toward the Raptors' frontcourt.
Wang Yi had secured the rebound and stayed behind, intending to wait until his teammates ran upcourt before looking for a chance to pass and start a fast break.
But he hadn't expected the other team to retreat so quickly.
In the end, he could only dribble upcourt. Once he was double-teamed, he passed the ball to Tagore and let him organize the offense.
Coach Finch nodded slightly at the sight.
At least this time, they hadn't let the Raptors start a fast break.
Bales, watching from courtside, nodded in satisfaction:
"Looks like the Timberwolves have emphasized getting back on defense. It'll be hard for the Raptors to launch another fast break now."
James paused briefly before saying, "Not necessarily."
Bales chuckled. "The facts are right in front of you, and you still won't admit it. Looks like you're just as stubborn as I am."
James smiled and shook his head. "Let's wait and see."
The Raptors missed their shot, and the Timberwolves attacked again.
After facing the Raptors' rotating defense, the Timberwolves couldn't get inside. In the end, they had no choice but to throw up a shot.
The ball hit