Green's Blood-and-Tears Saga

There were 28 seconds left in the game.

The Kings were trailing the Warriors by one point, 132–133.

The Kings had possession.

Fifty-three minutes of grueling play had come down to one final possession.

The Kings still had a full 24 seconds to run their offense.

Kings head coach Walton called a timeout to give Wang Yi a chance to catch his breath.

During the timeout, he addressed all the players:

"We're running the Double Elevator Door Tactic. This time, we'll make sure Wang Yi gets the ball. Once he has it, Hield will screen for Holmes, allowing Holmes to come up to the top of the key and set a pick for Wang. After Holmes sets the screen, Wang, you can shoot a three, take a mid-range jumper, or drive to the basket. It's your call."

"One more thing: use as much of the 24 seconds as possible. The less time we leave them, the fewer chances they'll have!"

Over in the Warriors' Resting Area, their head coach was also laying out the defensive plan against Wang Yi.

"First, don't let him catch the ball. Do whatever it takes to keep it out of his hands. If Wang Yi can't get the ball, the Kings' possession is already a failure."

"If he does get the ball, we'll double-team him..."

He had just reached that point when Green's eyes flickered. A faint, mischievous grin crept across his face. "Coach, let me guard him one-on-one."

Kerr stared at Green in surprise. The other Warriors players all turned to look at him, too.

Green guarding Wang Yi?

And one-on-one?

Wang Yi would blow right past him and leave him in the dust.

But Kerr knew Green wouldn't suggest something like this at such a crucial moment without a reason.

He asked Green,