Even a seasoned veteran like Aleksandar, whose mental toughness had been forged over years, was starting to crack at that moment.
They'd worked their tails off all game. Just when it seemed their plan was about to succeed, Wang Yi had taken a few shots from beyond the arc, and his three-point touch had suddenly returned. What the hell!
The Thunder called another timeout.
This time, they didn't just draw up a play on offense. More importantly, they made adjustments on defense, focusing on protecting the perimeter.
Especially by keeping a close eye on Wang Yi.
They could abandon the zone. They could let the Lakers drive into the paint. But they absolutely couldn't let Wang Yi shoot threes—not even receive the ball.
When play resumed, the Thunder had changed their defensive strategy. Even when Wang Yi didn't have the ball, two players nearby kept their eyes on him. The moment he got it, they would double-team him.
But Wang Yi still managed to get open for a pass with a backdoor cut.
Then he used a double screen from Dauding and Danny to shake off his two defenders and knocked down another three from the left wing!
Just like that, the Lakers cut the deficit to one!
On the next possession, the Thunder missed, and the Lakers launched a fast break. This time, Wang Yi brought the ball up himself.
The opposing players tried to stop him, but Wang Yi went even further this time. Before he even reached the three-point line, he planted his feet on the Thunder's logo, rose up, and fired!
Swish! Three points! A LOGO three-pointer!
That shot gave the Lakers the lead in an instant!
Wang Yi's three-pointer completely silenced the entire Thunder arena.
What did it mean to silence the crowd on the