More than eight minutes into the third quarter, both teams gradually went to their rotation lineups.
China Team had instead taken a ten-point lead over the USA Team.
With the Head Pat Kill's help, the other China Team players shot with growing confidence. The USA Team, meanwhile, saw its offensive efficiency decline because its defense was struggling.
With China Team shooting so well from outside, extending the lead was only a matter of two or three possessions.
Popovich's expression darkened.
After last year's loss, he had already faced considerable public pressure. If he lost again this year, the consequences were easy to imagine.
Once the game entered the bench rotation phase, he began his trademark roaring coaching from the sideline.
That coaching style was effective. The USA Team's intensity clearly rose at both ends of the floor.
By the time the rotation minutes spanning the third and fourth quarters had passed, the USA Team had chipped away bit by bit and erased the deficit once more.
And when the starters returned, Durant and Leonard both attacked fiercely, with excellent results.
With five minutes left in the game, the USA Team led China Team 83–78, by five points.
The scene felt familiar.
Last year's World Cup had also seen the USA Team take a lead into the final five minutes.
One of China Team's possessions was deflected out of bounds, and a replay was needed to determine possession.
Tang Tian gathered all his teammates together at that moment.
"If you get the ball and have an opportunity, shoot it. Think about what we did last year."
Death Assist had been activated. Tang Tian seized the chance to remind his teammates.
Possession was ruled to remain with China Team. Tang Tian drove and kicked it out to Ding Yanyuhang, who shot over