James originally wanted to defend Wang Yi alone.
He thought that even if he couldn't guard against Wang Yi, he could at least fight with Wang Yi.
As a result, Wang Yi failed to be defeated, but Wang Yi gained the upper hand.
So he could only end this one-on-one duel hastily.
During the break, in the Lakers locker room, Howard kept clapping his hands to encourage the players.
"Hey guys, we haven't lost yet, it's not the end of the world."
James also encouraged the players as always:
"Sixteen points don't count, they don't count. We used to be able to come back even when we were 26 points behind. They just shot three-pointers too accurately today. We have to find a way to curb their three-point momentum. At the same time,
We can't let them start a fast break. Once they start a fast break, their three-pointers will follow."
Coach Vogel encouraged everyone: "They have been biting and biting us like crazy dogs in the past. This consumes too much physical energy for them. Did you see it? Those two three-pointers they shot in the last two minutes of the third quarter.
No points were scored. This is a good sign."
"In the fourth quarter, their physical fitness dropped and they were unable to score three points. That was the moment for us to launch a counterattack. So boys, let's take off their false king's crown and trample their home court to pieces!"
Vogel is worthy of being a coach, and he found the key to the problem at a glance.
Although the players all know that he is encouraging the players, his encouragement is persuasive and not empty chicken soup.
In the Kings locker room, coach Walton had begun to worry.
When the Kings started to attack like crazy dogs, he was already a little worried that the Kings' physical fitness would decline in the second half and the fourth quarter, and their shooting percentage would not be high.
Now through the last two shots in the third quarter, it can be seen that the Kings players are tired.
So how to play this 4th quarter?
Can their 16-point lead allow them to still lead the Lakers at the end of this game?
He couldn't help but look at Wang Yi and asked: "Wang, is your health okay?"
Wang Yi nodded: "No problem."
Now his physical fitness has reached the limit that an athlete can achieve.
Although he is almost responsible for both offense and defense now, it is not enough for him to face the dilemma of excessive physical exertion.
But when the coach asked, Wang Yi knew what the coach meant.
He looked at the Kings players.
It seems that everyone's physical energy has been exhausted.
There were fine beads of sweat on their foreheads. Some were gulping down water, and some were leaning back on chairs with their chests heaving violently.
Wang Yi also had a bad premonition in his heart.
A decline in physical fitness will inevitably be accompanied by a decline in shooting percentage. For a team like the Kings that relies on three-pointers to dominate the world, a decline in shooting percentage means that the team is likely to collapse.
Wang Yi looked towards the bench like a coach.
Only Barnes, who didn't play in the second quarter, seemed to be in slightly better condition.
However, perhaps due to off-field factors, Barnes came on the field in the third quarter and did not make any contribution.
Of course, those substitutes who failed to play are all in full physical fitness.
But in the playoffs, there are a few coaches who dare to let these substitutes play without worry.
Usually there is a rotation of 8 or even 7 people.
That's the case for the Kings at this time.
Apart from Danny and Mitchell, no one else can play on the bench.
Wang Yi secretly shook his head.
Who can I count on at this time?
When he was with the Lakers, he could count on thick eyebrows and James.
Who can I count on now?
As the only core of the team, you can only rely on yourself to support the team.
He secretly cheered himself up in his heart: I can withstand it!
A picture seemed to appear in my mind: a migrant worker wearing a safety helmet was pushing a cart of bricks uphill.
But the car was too heavy and the slope was too steep. He pushed the car halfway and the car slipped down again.
He took another run up the hill and slid down again.
He just kept trying.
The fat boss next to him held his briefcase and looked disdainful: "How can you hold me back?"
The migrant worker smiled bitterly: "I can handle it."
"You can't stand it!"
The boss is a little angry.
"I can handle it."
Migrant workers persist.
The boss became even more angry and shouted angrily in the face of the migrant workers: "You can't stand it -"
The fat on his face was shaking.
The migrant worker smiled silently and looked down at his feet.
There is bitterness in the smile, but there is also stubbornness and a man's responsibility.
"I... can handle it."
Thinking back to this episode, Wang Yi's fists gradually clenched.
I can handle it!
After brainwashing himself, he faced the players and coaches with a confident smile.
He took a glass of water and handed it to the coach: "Coach, I won't let you lose."
Finally, he looked at all the players: "Brothers, please don't worry, I won't let you lose!"
The coach looked at Wang Yi's confident smile and eyes full of fighting spirit, and he felt a little more at ease.
When the teammates looked at Wang Yi's confident smile and his fighting eyes, they felt even more at ease.
Whenever Wang Yi shows such a smile and such eyes, they know that Wang Yi will definitely lead them to victory.
Come on in the 4th quarter.
Wang Yi still hasn’t rested.
O'Neal on the sidelines couldn't help but shake his head: "It's good to be young."
Magic Johnson disagreed with O'Neal: "There are many young people like Wang Yi, but there are a few who play like him. I doubt his body is made of iron."
O'Neal nodded: "He is the same type of person as James Durant and Westbrook. Their physical structures are different from ordinary people. They have both played 48 minutes in the playoffs, and today Wang Yi will also play for the first time in the playoffs.
Played 48 minutes. But it’s different from James Durant and Westbrook..."
Magic Johnson knew what O'Neal was trying to express. He said:
"Yes, James was surrounded by Wade and Bosh, and later by Love and Irving. Westbrook and Durant, who played 48 minutes back then, had each other. But now Wang Yi, in addition to himself, he also
Who can he rely on? He is too tired from playing, and he has to carry the entire team. Can his young shoulders be able to carry it?"
"When their physical fitness drops and they miss three points in the fourth quarter, what can the other Kings players do? And what can Wang Yi do at that time to stop the Lakers' counterattack?"
Under the two people's comments, the fourth quarter of the game started.
This time the Lakers did not let James take a rest.
Instead, all the main players are on the field.
They had to get back the 16-point deficit in the 4th quarter.
The Lakers served, and James attempted a super long three-pointer on the first shot.
The basketball passed over the golden dome of Center 1 and landed accurately in the basket.
Three point hit!
Chapter completed!