Coach: Coaching the Grizzlies at the beginning, playing the bantam

The Lakers' home court, the Staples Center, was brightly lit and bustling with people, but the atmosphere was a little solemn.

At the end of the third quarter, the score was 85:96, with the Lakers trailing the Nets by 11 points.

The fans on the sidelines were either thinking with their heads down or discussing anxiously, while the big screen in the center of the field kept replaying the exciting moments of the game, as if reminding everyone that the game was far from over.

At this time, domestic commentators Yang Yi and Wang Meng took advantage of the intermission to sit in the studio. Two cups of hot coffee were placed in front of them, but it did not seem to dispel the tense atmosphere.

"Hey, Wang Meng, look at the Nets, they are incredible." Yang Yi took a sip of coffee, his eyes revealing a hint of admiration, "Both offense and defense are firing on all cylinders, with extremely high concentration, and every player is like a precision-operated machine."

Wang Meng nodded, frowning slightly, "Indeed, the Nets were in great shape today. Their fast break counterattacks were extremely sharp, and their three-pointers after the pick-and-roll were like rain. The Lakers seemed to be not well prepared, especially in their defense against the Nets' specific tactics. Their strength was clearly not enough."

"Yes," Yang Yi continued, "especially in the third quarter. Coach Lu Yong was really cunning. He frequently used foul tactics to send James to the free throw line. Coach Vogel didn't seem to have any good way to deal with this and could only replace James to rest. As a result, the Lakers seemed to have lost their soul on the court and were unable to play that offensive climax to catch up."

Wang Meng sighed and analyzed: "James's departure has a huge impact on the Lakers. He is not only a scoring point, but also the spiritual leader of the team. Without him on the court, the Lakers are like a ship without a helmsman, and both offense and defense seem a bit messy."

"That's right," Yang Yi agreed. "Besides, look at the score. We are behind by double digits. It will be difficult to catch up in the fourth quarter."

Wang Meng hesitated for a moment, with a hint of uncertainty in his tone: "To be honest, I don't think the Lakers can stage a big comeback in the fourth quarter. In a basketball game, especially a match of this level, once you fall behind too much, it will take a miracle to turn the tables."

Yang Yi smiled, but his eyes revealed a subtle expectation: "A miracle? Who says it's impossible? The charm of basketball lies in its uncertainty. Don't forget, the Lakers are a championship team. They have risen from adversity countless times. This time, they may also bring us a surprise."

Wang Meng smiled and nodded when he heard this, saying, "You are right. Basketball is round and anything can happen. Maybe the Lakers can really find their miracle switch in this last quarter."

The two looked at each other, their eyes full of anticipation and curiosity about the next game.

Although they said they were pessimistic, deep down, their desire for unknown possibilities prevented them from really giving up their expectations for the Lakers' counterattack in the final quarter.

Yang Yi looked at James and said, "Wang Meng, look at James. His eyes are like a lion about to charge. I believe that as long as he is on the court, the Lakers will have hope."

Wang Meng also nodded, "Yes, James' willpower is the Lakers' greatest weapon. Maybe we can really witness an incredible reversal in the fourth quarter."

At the same time, in China, far across the ocean, countless fans are watching the finals through live broadcast signals.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the live broadcast room was so tense that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.

Lakers fans were extremely anxious. They left messages on the barrage, discussing how the Lakers would stage a stunning comeback in the fourth quarter.

"What's wrong with the Lakers? They're already trailing by so much after three quarters. They have to fight hard in the fourth quarter!" A fan named "Purple and Gold Dynasty" spoke first, his tone full of anxiety and expectation.

"Yes, James has to step up. He is our leader and it's time to show his real skills!" Another fan with the ID "Lakers Champion" followed closely, and his words revealed his infinite trust in James.

However, not all fans are so optimistic. A fan named "Melancholy Lakers Fan" wrote in frustration: "This game is hanging, the Nets are in such good shape today, why is the Lakers' defense so weak?"

While the Lakers fans were anxiously discussing the issue, the Nets fans began to feel proud.

While they were praising the Nets crazily in the live broadcast room, they also did not forget to tease the Lakers fans.

"Haha, Lakers fans, haven't you always been tough before? You talked about the Lakers championship, why can't you be tough now?" A fan named "Nets Storm" wrote proudly.

"That's right, the Lakers' defense is full of loopholes. The Nets are firing on all cylinders today. Do the Lakers want a comeback? Haha, unless the sun rises from the west!" Another fan with the ID "Durant's Sword" also joined in the ridicule.

Faced with the provocation of the Nets fans, the Lakers fans naturally refused to be outdone.

They fought back one after another, and the atmosphere in the live broadcast room instantly became tense.

"Don't be too complacent too soon, basketball games are ever-changing. The Lakers are a team with championship credentials. They have risen from countless adversities, and this time is no exception!" A fan named "Lakers Glory" responded righteously.

"That's right, James is an NBA superstar and he has the ability to turn the game around. As long as he is on the court, the Lakers have hope!" Another fan with the ID "James' Believer" also stood up, his words full of infinite admiration for James.

As the discussion deepened, the atmosphere in the live broadcast room became increasingly tense.

Lakers fans have expressed their belief that the Lakers can stage a comeback in the fourth quarter, while Nets fans firmly believe that the Nets can maintain their lead and ultimately win the championship.

"Lakers fans, just wait and see! The Nets are in great form today. The Lakers want a comeback? That's just a pipe dream!" A fan named "Nets Must Win" sarcastically said.

"Don't be happy too soon. The basketball is round and anything can happen. The Lakers have countless experiences of reversals, and this time will be no exception!" A fan with the ID "Purple and Gold Reversal" responded tit-for-tat.

Although Lakers fans and Nets fans have different opinions, they are all full of anticipation and curiosity about the game.

They know that no matter what the result, this game will be an exciting contest.

At this time, in the Brooklyn Arena on the other side of the ocean.

On the Lakers bench, the lights were dim and the atmosphere was depressing.

Head coach Vogel's face was gloomy, like the sky before a storm. He clapped his hands vigorously and called the players to him.

His eyes revealed dissatisfaction and anxiety, as if they were about to swallow up the entire stadium.

"Look at your performance today!" Vogel's voice echoed over the bench, with an undisguised anger, "Our defense is as thin as paper, and our offense is disorganized. Especially LeBron, what's wrong with your free throws? It seriously dragged down the team's offensive rhythm!"

Speaking of James, Vogel's tone softened noticeably.

He didn't dare to lose his temper with the team leader. He could only suppress his anger and try to make his voice sound calmer: "LeBron, you will play at the beginning of the fourth quarter. When the Nets accumulate four fouls, I will temporarily replace you for a rest. Do you understand what I mean?"

James nodded, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

He knew that his free throws did drag down the team today, but he also understood that Vogel was protecting him and didn't want him to be under too much pressure at the critical moment. "This is the best way I can think of," Vogel continued. "Before the Nets reach the number of fouls, you can stay on the court. But once their fouls reach that number, you have to leave the court."

Rather than trusting James' free throws, Vogel obviously prefers to believe that Wall and Davis can step up and help the team at this time.

After saying this, Vogel turned to look at the other players, his eyes revealing a firmness and determination: "Listen everyone, no matter what happened before, the game is not over yet. We have to rearrange the tactics on both offense and defense, and we must seize every opportunity. Remember, as long as we don't give up, we have hope of a reversal!"

Vogel's words seemed like an invisible force, cheering up the players on the bench.

They knew that this game was crucial for the Lakers and they couldn't give up easily no matter what.

At this moment, Wall, who joined the Lakers through a buyout in the middle of the season, stood up.

Seeing that there was still a lack of passion in everyone's eyes, he clapped his hands vigorously, trying to inspire everyone's fighting spirit: "Guys, the game is not over yet! We are the Lakers, we have the foundation and strength of the championship. As long as we work together, we will definitely be able to reverse the Nets in the fourth quarter!"

Wall's words were like a shot in the arm, and the players on the bench responded one after another.

They began to clap loudly and shout slogans, trying to pass on this energy to their teammates on the field.

"That's right, Wall is right!" shouted substitute player Danny Green, "We are not afraid of any challenge!"

"Yes, as long as we unite as one, nothing is impossible!" Pope also stood up and echoed.

The atmosphere on the bench suddenly became heated, and the players gathered together to discuss the next tactics and cooperation.

This game is a huge challenge for the Lakers, but also an opportunity to prove themselves.

Vogel looked at this scene and felt inexplicably moved.

He knows that these players are here for the championship and they all have a champion's heart.

As long as everyone works together, nothing is impossible.

“Good, very good!” Vogel clapped his hands vigorously. “Seeing you like this, I feel relieved. Remember, no matter what happens, we must persevere to the end. Now, go warm up and prepare for the next challenge!”

Following Vogel's order, the players on the bench stood up and began to warm up.

There was a firmness and determination in their eyes, as if they were ready to face all challenges.

On the other side, the atmosphere on the Nets bench was unusually relaxed.

Head coach Lu Yong sat in the center with a satisfied smile on his face, which was a deep appreciation for the players' performance in the first three quarters.

His eyes revealed an unconcealable joy, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

"Boys, you played really well in the first three quarters!" Lu Yong's voice echoed over the bench with an irrepressible excitement. "You were rock solid on defense and at full power on offense. I am really satisfied with your performance!"

The players all smiled, they knew that it was not easy to get Lu Yong's recognition.

The head coach usually sets high expectations and demands a lot from his players, but today, he was clearly impressed by his team’s performance.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on you during the break before the holiday," Lu Yong continued, his tone becoming more relaxed. "You have done well enough. I just need you to maintain this state and continue to work hard."

Having said that, Lu Yong's eyes suddenly became sharp. He stood up and looked at every player on the bench.

His eyes revealed a firm belief, as if he had already seen the future victory.

"However, I also want to remind you that the fourth quarter will be even more intense." Lu Yong's tone became serious, "The Lakers will not give up easily. They will definitely fight back with all their might. So, we must be prepared."

Lu Yong's words made the players on the bench nod their heads, they understood what the head coach meant.

In basketball games, the fourth quarter is often the crucial moment that determines victory or defeat, and no team will give up easily.

"In the fourth quarter, we can be bold in committing fouls and not let any Lakers player have an easy chance to score," Lu Yong continued, his tone revealing a kind of determination, "but we must be ruthless when we foul to avoid being scored 2+1 by the opponent. We want to let the Lakers know that it is not that easy to score."

Lu Yong's words made the players on the bench look determined, as they understood the head coach's tactical intentions.

In basketball games, fouling is a tactical means that can be used to disrupt the opponent's offensive rhythm.

However, fouling also requires knowing when to do it. If you do it too lightly, your opponent may take advantage of it and make it a 2+1, while if you do it too hard, it may cause a conflict or even result in a foul.

"My idea is very simple." Lu Yong continued, his tone becoming more relaxed. "There is no need to deliberately foul in the fourth quarter, but if you can't defend, you can definitely take action. You must be ruthless when you take action and intensify physical confrontation. We want to let the Lakers know that the Nets are not so easy to deal with!"

As soon as Lu Yong finished speaking, assistant coach Atkinson also stood up.

His eyes revealed a firm belief, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

"Coach Lu is right!" Atkinson's voice resounded through the bench. "We have played our own style and demonstrated our strength. Now, we just need to maintain this state and continue to fight. Remember, victory is in front of us, as long as we work together, we will definitely be able to take it into our pockets!"

Atkinson's words excited the players on the bench, and they began to applaud loudly and shout slogans.

"The coach is right!" Durant shouted, "We have played well, now we just need to keep it up, and the victory will belong to us!"

"That's right, we want to let the Lakers know that the Nets are not so easy to deal with!" Mitchell also echoed. (End of this chapter)