"Listen! Everyone knows we're going to give the ball to Li, and so do the Lakers! Phil Jackson will one hundred percent set up a crazy double-team, maybe even a triple-team! They'll do everything they can to stop Li from getting the ball, to stop him from taking a shot under the basket!"
Van Gundy's gaze swept over everyone. "So we'll do the opposite! We won't attack the paint!"
The decision caught everyone off guard. With 1.2 seconds, there was only enough time for one catch-and-shoot attempt. Logically, the closer they were to the basket, the higher the shooting percentage. An alley-oop dunk or a catch under the rim for a direct layup seemed like the safer choice.
"Coach, you mean..." Allan Houston asked uncertainly.
"That's right!" Madness flashed in Van Gundy's eyes as he heavily circled a spot beyond the three-point line with his marker. "We're going to shoot! We'll kill this game in the most unexpected way possible!"
He raised his head and looked intensely at Li Fei. "Li, I know this is difficult. In 1.2 seconds, you have to shake off at least two defenders, get to the designated spot, catch the ball, and shoot. It's practically an impossible task. But I believe in you! I believe in your shot! I believe that no matter the situation, you can put that damn ball in!"
Van Gundy's play was simple, almost brutal.
Donyell Marshall would inbound from the baseline.
Arvydas Sabonis and Sprewell would set a double screen for Li Fei on both sides of the free-throw line.
Allan Houston would run toward the corner on the other side as a decoy, drawing the defense's attention.
And Li Fei was the sole finisher of the entire play!
He first needed to use Sabonis's screen to fake a cut