Unstoppable Three-Point Layups
The Kings had once led by as many as 17 points, but by the end of the second quarter, they had cut the deficit to just eight.
The commentators at the game were all surprised.
Tom from ESPN in the United States couldn't help but look at De'Anthony in a new light.
"De'Anthony has coached in the NBA for many years, and people have always criticized his ability to adjust on the fly. But today, he made a substitution and put in rookie Jordan Jackson, who had never played in the Playoffs before. That unexpected move turned things around, helping the Kings cut the deficit to eight by halftime. Looks like Coach De'Anthony knows what he's doing after all."
But another commentator sitting beside him, Magic Johnson, shook his head. "No, this doesn't seem like De'Anthony's doing."
Tom immediately caught on.
"Now that you mention it, I see what you mean. This seems like something Wang Yi would do."
Magic nodded. "Well, across the entire Kings team, only Wang Yi has the status—and the guts—to put a rookie who's never played in the Playoffs into such an important game."
Tom agreed wholeheartedly. "So Wang Yi realized the team needed a hub, which is why he put in Jordan Jackson, who's such a good passer."
"Exactly,"
Magic replied without hesitation.
Tom exclaimed, "If that's the case, you can't help but admire Wang Yi's Basketball IQ."
Magic Johnson smiled. "Of course. His Basketball IQ has already been proven in plenty of games."
After halftime, the Lakers players chatted and joked as they headed back to the locker room, but James remained gloomy.
He was the only one who saw that, despite their eight-point lead, they were now at a disadvantage on the court.
The Kings had even put in