How Wild Wang Yi Got Under the Box One Defense

How Wild Wang Yi Got Under the Box One Defense

When the Knicks took the court again, they lined up like this.

Their Small Forward, Fournier, would stick to Wang Yi like glue, while the other four players formed a box on either side of the paint.

If Wang Yi drove inside, all five would immediately collapse on him.

If he stayed outside, Fournier would hound him from every angle.

The Raptors had once used this same tactic against Curry during one of his three-point hot streaks.

Wang Yi quickly realized the Knicks weren't doubling him. They were using a Box One defense. He immediately gestured to Beverley. "Get me the ball!"

If they were going to play Box One, he'd handle the ball himself.

The Knicks missed their shot, and Beverley passed the ball to Wang Yi.

The crowd erupted again, their voices crashing together like a roaring sea.

"FuckWang!"

"FuckWang!"

"FuckWang!"

The famous director Spike Lee stood up, pointing repeatedly at Wang Yi.

He joined the crowd in shouting:

"FuckWang!"

"FuckWang!"

"FuckWang!"

Wang Yi dribbled past him without paying him any attention.

Fournier clung to Wang Yi, constantly using his body to bump him and wear him down.

Wang Yi didn't try to blow past him with speed.

Instead, he leaned his left shoulder into Fournier, shielded the ball with his left arm, and dribbled with his right as he pushed toward the frontcourt.

Fournier was six centimeters taller than Wang Yi, but weighed only 86 kilograms.

Wang Yi had specifically bulked up over the summer, bringing his weight to 100 kilograms.

So he had no trouble using his strength to push Fournier along.

When they reached the logo in the frontcourt, Wang Yi looked Fournier in the eyes.

"Man, watch this. I'm pulling up right