Three-Pointers and Layups Crush the Lakers
Over the next two possessions, Xiao Qiao wasn't as effective on defense as Capela, but on offense, he and Wang Yi were a perfect match.
With Xiao Qiao handling the ball, Wang Yi faced less pressure as the ball handler.
That made it easier for Wang Yi to shake off his defender.
As a result, Wang Yi had to expend less energy.
At the same time, Xiao Qiao's two passes set Wang Yi up for two more three-point layups.
The Lakers scored on all three of their possessions, but they got two points each time, while the Kings got three.
With 30 seconds left in the half, the Kings had cut the deficit to 10.
On the Lakers' final possession of the half, they brought the ball up the court and gave it to James to attack.
Wang Yi waved off his teammates, telling them not to help on defense. He would guard James one-on-one.
The entire crowd stood up.
Wang Yi versus James.
A showdown between the old and new Kings—that was what everyone around the world wanted to see.
Jay Chou had stood up and pressed down on the brim of his cap. "Brother Yi, stop him!"
Yao Ming stayed seated.
He was simply too tall. If he stood up, the people behind him wouldn't be able to see the game.
He merely clenched his right fist slightly.
In his heart, he was cheering Wang Yi on.
In the fourth row, Wang Yi's parents were also on edge.
He had to stop this shot.
James dribbled on the perimeter as Wang Yi spread his legs and fixed his eyes on him.
James faced Wang Yi from the left, dribbling with his right hand as he moved laterally along the three-point line.
It