Wang Yi turned to Big Lock Rock and said:
"Your defense limited Big Ball today and made things tough for Second Ball, too. You played a huge part in keeping us in the game until the final second."
He then praised Dauding, Zhang Yu, Zhang Jiacheng, and even A. Nikola and Little Iron, who were sitting on the bench.
But none of it could dispel the gloom hanging over everyone.
Whether you looked at the score or Wang Yi's injury, the Raptors' prospects didn't look bright.
Wang Yi understood that, too. He glanced at Coach Dako.
Coach Dako gave Wang Yi a slight nod. He knew that in their current situation, he could say a few words to steady the team, but they would clearly have more impact coming from Wang Yi, their leader.
So he let Wang Yi speak.
Wang Yi nodded, then surveyed the cramped, stuffy locker room.
He tapped the brace on his right foot with his right hand, as if knocking on a door.
Then he told the team, "I'll play in the next game."
Those words alone sent a surge of excitement through every player.
Wang Yi's words were like sunlight breaking through the clouds, instantly dispelling the gloom in their hearts.
Of course, they knew he might not be back to 100 percent by the next game, but as long as their leader was on the court, they felt secure.
Wang Yi smiled and continued:
"Do you know what's the most thrilling thing in the Playoffs? It's not a dunk, a three-pointer, or a game-winner. It's coming back from down 0–3 to win the series!"
"I've experienced that feeling three times already. There's only one word for it: awesome!"
"The more frustrated and hopeless you feel when you're down 0–3, the more incredible, exhilarating,