The Oklahoma City Thunder bench was solemn. The players sat in silence, their expressions grave.
Head coach Scott Brooks broke the silence and said loudly, "Kids, we're down by six now, but under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have called this timeout. Because I firmly believe you have more than enough ability to catch up!"
However, this time they were facing the Boston Celtics led by Goodwin. The situation was clearly anything but ordinary.
With a stern expression, Coach Brooks continued, "We absolutely cannot give them any opportunities. We have to stay right on them. Only then will we have even a sliver of hope!"
The players nodded one after another, indicating that they understood their coach's intentions.
Immediately afterward, Coach Brooks quickly began laying out offensive and defensive strategies, placing particular emphasis on defending Andre Drummond in the paint.
The player had been in exceptionally good form tonight. Through offensive rebounds alone, he had already grabbed two, earning the Boston Celtics two extra possessions.
In sharp contrast to Coach Brooks's tense and busy tactical arrangements, Coach Jack on the other bench appeared especially relaxed.
He merely praised the players on the court for their excellent performance, then had little else to worry about.
After all, his team currently held the lead, so there was no need for him to interfere too much with the course of the game.
The brief timeout ended, and both sides returned to the court.
Neither team made any substitutions; the same ten starters remained on the floor.
The Oklahoma City Thunder inbounded from the backcourt, getting the ball to Russell Westbrook. Westbrook quickly dribbled across half court.
The moment he crossed midcourt, Serge Ibaka from the paint quickly came out and planted himself tight against Westbrook, setting a perfect pick-and-roll.
However, Westbrook did not choose