Everyone knew Wang Yi was tired.
They couldn't let Wang Yi keep attacking at that intensity in the third quarter. Otherwise, he'd be completely out of gas before they were even halfway through the quarter, and then the Lakers would be ready to launch a major comeback.
Nash thought for a moment, then said, "I think we should put Zhang Jiacheng in during the third quarter."
"Once he's on the court, he can help take some of the pressure off Wang Yi when he has the ball. In the third, Wang Yi should handle it as little as possible and avoid getting involved in the offense whenever he can."
"He still needs to be on the court, but he'll have to rest while he's out there."
"So once he's in, he can stay near the sideline as a Control Point and draw the defense. Zhang Jiacheng can handle the ball, and we'll focus on the Pick and Roll between him and Baturu."
"After the Pick and Roll, Zhang Jiacheng can pass to Baturu rolling to the basket, so Baturu can attack the rim, or he can take the shot himself."
"If the two of them execute the Pick and Roll well, the defense will have to collapse on them. Then Zhang Jiacheng can kick it out to the perimeter for a three."
"There's nothing we can do about the other areas. Putting Zhang Jiacheng in won't strengthen our defense; it's meant to boost our offense."
"Besides, Steve Nash was never good at defense during his career. Offense is what he does best. Asking him about defensive strategy is a waste of time."
Coach Dako said, "So in the third quarter, we're basically going to have to outscore the Lakers?"
Nash nodded. "That's right. The Lakers' offense is extremely dangerous. Their