The atmosphere in the Oklahoma City Thunder's conference room was tense and solemn. The game against the Boston Celtics later that night was drawing ever closer.
Head coach Scott Brooks stood before the tactics board, pointer in hand, intently explaining the game plan to his players.
"Guys, tonight we'll be facing a formidable opponent at home—the Boston Celtics."
Coach Brooks's voice was steady and forceful. "Everyone knows they have an exceptionally outstanding player: Goodwin. Over the past few seasons, we've racked our brains trying to contain him, but the results haven't been ideal. This time, though, I've come up with a new strategy."
As he spoke, Coach Brooks pointed at Goodwin's photo on the tactics board. With a grave expression, he said, "The key to winning this game is whether we can effectively limit Goodwin's performance. And the only feasible way right now is to get him into foul trouble!"
Upon hearing the plan, the Oklahoma City Thunder's core trio—Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden—exchanged looks.
Naturally, they were somewhat reluctant. As elite players, who wouldn't want to defeat their opponent head-on with their own true ability?
But reality was harsh. Their many past encounters with Goodwin had taught them that victory would be difficult if they played conventionally.
Coach Brooks looked at the three extraordinarily gifted young men before him and asked solemnly, "Kevin, Westbrook, Harden, whether we win this game depends on how many fouls you can draw from Goodwin. Understand?"
"Understood!" Kevin Durant and the other two answered in unison.
Though unwilling, they wanted victory more than they feared losing.
Hearing the players' response, Coach Brooks nodded and continued laying out the tactical arrangements for the night in detail.
Time flowed slowly like grains of sand through an hourglass. Before they knew it, night had fallen,