Wang Yi spoke up:
"All right, enough talk. We have a game tonight, so we need to make the most of our time."
"I discussed it with the other coaches.
Our team is short-handed.
According to ESPN's assessment, our overall strength ranks near the bottom of the league."
"How do we play and win with only the few people we have?"
"I think it comes down to two words: toughness!"
"When a team is weaker than its opponent, attitude is the first thing that matters if it wants to win. First and foremost, we have to be tough!"
"We need to raise our physical intensity and disrupt their offensive rhythm as much as possible."
"So starting today, starting right now, the Lakers will focus on tough defense!"
"Through our tough defense, we have to keep causing problems for our opponents throughout all 48 minutes!"
"We can even try to provoke them.
As long as they make mistakes, we have opportunities!"
Everyone nodded solemnly.
Wang Yi continued:
"Of course, tough defense doesn't mean trying to injure people!
We can be more physical and use a few minor dirty tricks, but we must never step under someone's feet or wrench their arms—moves that could very well affect someone's career.
What I mean is, our toughness has boundaries!"
Everyone nodded to show their understanding.
Afterward, Wang Yi had everyone follow the training plan Chris Paul had laid out and focus specifically on defense that day.
Now that Wang Yi had returned, everyone looked completely revitalized and was brimming with energy.
After more than an hour of training, Wang Yi pulled Shan He aside.
He planned to give Shan He some extra coaching, specifically to train his offense.
Shan He was now the team's primary scorer.
Even if Pang Bo returned, a big center