Wang Yi, the King of Flopping
Harden's sudden explosion had brought their field-goal percentage on these possessions to a perfect hundred percent.
At the same time, they had adopted a strategy of double-teaming Wang Yi as soon as he reached the backcourt.
Wang Yi was capable of breaking through a double-team from the backcourt in crucial moments, but he couldn't do it every single time.
Besides, if he had to break through double-teams from the backcourt on every possession, it would be exhausting, and he'd run out of energy in the second half.
So he could only have his teammates bring the ball up the court.
However, compared with China's players, the American players applied far more defensive pressure.
In the first quarter, they had seemed lackadaisical on defense because they underestimated China.
But once they started taking China seriously and turned up the defensive pressure, the Chinese players' disadvantages in physicality, speed, strength, and other areas were all laid bare.
They committed three turnovers in just a few minutes.
As a result, the lead quickly shrank to nine points.
Coach Du Feng promptly called a timeout.
As Harden left the court, he clenched his right fist and pounded his chest.
A roar that sounded as if he'd been holding it in for ages burst from his mouth, releasing all his pent-up emotion.
"Ahhh!"
The American players came over one after another to bump chests and slap hands with Harden.
As Harden came off the court, Old Coach Popovich also rubbed his head. "My boy, nicely done."
Once Harden had calmed down, he nodded to Old Coach Popovich. "Thanks, Coach."
Old Coach Popovich shook his head. "But your job isn't finished yet. We're going to keep the pressure on them."
Harden nodded. "I know, Coach."
On China's side, Coach Du