As the first quarter ended, the Lakers chose to sub Kobe out.
A 15-point gap is not a small number; if they don't start the second quarter well and let the home-playing SuperSonics continue to widen the lead, the game is basically over.
Phil Jackson placed his hopes on LeBron James.
"LeBron, you weren't the real you in the first quarter," Jackson said in a tone filled with magic, "Now, let that guy see what you're capable of."
James glanced at the SuperSonics' bench.
Yu Fei sat there calmly.
Because the Lakers hadn't put any pressure on them, the SuperSonics could afford to let Yu Fei rest.
This was absolutely not allowed in the Lakers' game plan.
Yet tonight, this scene had occurred.
Moreover, they looked very relaxed.
Determined, James said firmly, "I'll get that asshole back on the court very soon."
At the start of the second quarter, the SuperSonics entrusted the game to Durant.