After the timeout, most of the on-site fans had already risen to their feet.
The fans in the front rows could no longer contain their excitement, while those in the back had stood up because the people in front were blocking their view.
Even Yao Ming stood up, his towering figure conspicuous even amid the crowd.
The spectators behind him had it rough, though. Even standing up, they still could not see anything.
The USA Team made a Substitution Adjustment after the timeout. Jordan and Anthony came on for Green and Butler.
Jordan stayed under the basket, while Durant, Thompson, and Anthony spread out on three sides, leaving Irving to isolate against Guo Ailun.
The USA Team did not only have Durant. Coach K had prepared far more thoroughly for the Finals than he had for the Group Stage.
Irving made consecutive footwork moves. Guo Ailun was already one of the best guards in China, but he still could not keep up.
Irving drove to the free-throw line, drawing Zhou Qi's help defense before directly passing the ball to Anthony.
Irving was not known for his passing. This was clearly Coach K's tactical arrangement.
Anthony caught the ball and immediately launched a Three-pointer.
It was a somewhat sudden offensive choice. Anthony had not had much Playing Time in this game, and this was a crucial possession.
Swish!
The ball went straight through the net!
A clutch three-pointer!
Melo was sweet!
With 1 minute and 45 seconds remaining, the USA Team extended the lead back to eight points!
That was a very safe margin. The USA Team had already tucked half the Gold Medal into its pocket!
Yao Ming could not help wiping his face.
He recalled the moment against the Spain Team in 2008, that play where he had wanted