Chapter 110: Chapter 110: Tensions Rise! Tang Lei Takes Over at Point Guard
"Beep Beep!"
Sensing things going sideways, Coach Kerr quickly called a timeout. As Tang Lei and Cook walked off the court, Green, following close behind Cousins, suddenly erupted, loudly criticizing him. Green was visibly frustrated with Cousins, who had refused to pass the ball and insisted on handling it himself. Cousins, known for his fiery temper, immediately turned and shouted back at Green, escalating the situation.
The Warriors players and coaching staff quickly jumped in, separating the two, yet their verbal exchange continued even from a distance, each unwilling to back down. Coach Kerr sighed, clearly caught off guard by the sudden clash. However, it was ultimately Curry who stepped in to defuse the situation, calming both players down, at least for the moment.
Following the timeout, Kerr chose to bench both Green and Cousins. He understood Cousins bore more responsibility for the outburst, yet he couldn't afford to show bias toward Green in this tense situation. Favoring one side could deepen divisions within the team. The best approach was to have both sit out, giving them time to cool off. With Curry and Durant back on the floor, Kerr was confident the Warriors still held a significant advantage.
"Coach, I'd like to try playing point guard," Tang Lei suggested to Kerr.
"Hmm? Point guard?" Kerr looked at Tang with a hint of surprise, then turned to gauge Curry's reaction.
Typically, when Green wasn't on the court, Curry would naturally assume the primary ball-handling role. Tang Lei's impressive ball-handling move earlier, where he broke Bagley's ankles, had been eye-catching. However, Kerr knew it was just one play and didn't necessarily prove much. Bagley, after all, was a young player still prone to lapses in focus. His size also made him vulnerable to being caught off-balance.
"Let Tang bring it up," Curry nodded with a smile. "I trust him."
"Alright," Kerr agreed, "You'll run point for three minutes. If things don't work out, we'll switch it back." Kerr's curiosity was piqued. Having a two-meter tall guard was rare in the league, but Tang Lei had the agility typically reserved for smaller players. His impressive handles, explosive first step, solid mid-range game, and three-point shooting meant he could be versatile and unpredictable.
Moreover, everyone knew that Curry was most dangerous without the ball. His movement off-ball often led to the highest-percentage shots.
"Thanks, Coach!" Tang Lei's heart soared. Playing point guard meant more control and more opportunities to set up his teammates while also showcasing his skills in front of fans. Point guards who could dazzle with crafty moves and slick handles had always been among the NBA's biggest fan favorites.
Of the most iconic players, two especially stood out:
The first was "The Answer," Allen Iverson, whose electrifying crossover dribbles captivated audiences and inspired countless young players. Even without an NBA championship, his global popularity outshone many title-holders.
The second was the current "Uncle Drew," Kyrie Irving. With his flashy style, elite skills, speed, and court vision, Irving was an undeniable fan favorite. His "Shammgod" move alone had sparked a wave of imitation across the league.
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As the timeout ended, the Warriors lineup now featured Curry, Durant, Tang Lei, Iguodala, and Looney, with Tang Lei assuming the point guard position for the first time. Iguodala inbounded the ball, and Tang Lei moved up to receive it while Curry, Durant, and Looney quickly sprinted down the court, taking their positions.
Seeing the unexpected lineup change, fans familiar with the Warriors' usual style reacted with surprise. This was, after all, their 34th consecutive win, and a lineup shift this bold was risky. A single misstep could ruin everything.
Concern showed on some fans' faces. Yet as Tang Lei effortlessly assisted Curry for a three-pointer, their worries began to ease. Curry drained the shot, and the crowd roared.
On the other end, the Kings' young players held their ground, fighting back hard. Hield, in rhythm, responded with a three-pointer, tying the game again at 96.
With six minutes left on the clock, the game was heating up. After receiving the inbounds pass, Tang Lei was met by Hield, who crowded him tightly, determined to force a turnover before they even crossed half-court. Iguodala moved to offer support, but Tang Lei waved him off. He'd take on Hield one-on-one.
Tang Lei, confident, shifted into a higher gear, speeding past Hield with a single, forceful dribble. Though surprised, Hield's quick reflexes allowed him to recover and chase after him. Spotting his teammates being tightly guarded, Tang Lei decided to go solo.
He executed a sharp crossover, shifting his dribble from left to right, and Hield followed, reacting instantly. But as Hield moved to cut him off, Tang Lei swiftly brought the ball back, setting up a flawless hesitation move. Seeing Tang Lei's shooting motion, Hield instinctively lunged forward.
Tang Lei had baited him. With a quick first step, he darted past Hield, heading straight to the basket. Confronted by the opposing center, Tang Lei smoothly tossed an alley-oop to Looney, who leaped to catch the pass and slammed it home with authority.
Boom!
The backboard shook as the crowd went wild.
With the scoreboard now at 98-96, the Warriors had retaken the lead.
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