Fighting Fire with Fire—Wang Gangdan!
Director Zhang watched the situation on the court, brow furrowed as he analyzed it.
"I see. The reason Japan Team started these bench players today is to foul us—and foul our China players hard. They want to scare our players, make us afraid to drive inside, or even hesitate when we shoot."
Yu Jia nodded. "Then what should they do? How should Coach Du Feng respond?"
Director Zhang gave a four-word answer: "Fight fire with fire!"
Yu Jia understood.
But then another question came up.
If they were going to fight fire with fire, China Team should send in bench players to foul, too.
That would keep their starters out of foul trouble.
Then, once Japan put its starters in, China could send its own starters back onto the court.
But why had China Team brought the same five starters back in?
"Why doesn't Coach Du Feng pull the starters?"
Yu Jia asked.
Director Zhang thought it over. "Two reasons. First, he thinks beating Japan won't be a problem, so there's no need to make substitutions. Second, this is a chance to toughen up the starters. A truly strong team should be able to handle any situation. This is a test—and an opportunity to build China Team's unity and resilience."
Yu Jia nodded. "Director Zhang's analysis makes sense. It's very reasonable."
In fact, that was exactly what Du Feng had in mind.
Use the enemy's stone to hone our sword.
That way, when we faced a stronger team like Team America, our sword would be sharper.
Back on the court, Wang Yi stepped up to take two free throws.
As he stood at the line, Aki Koki kept chattering at him from the side.
This time, he was speaking English.
"If you can make this