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

As James' key three-pointer fell steadily into the basket, the atmosphere at the Staples Center was instantly ignited.

The cheers from the fans surged like a tide, but Lu Yong on the sidelines remained unusually calm.

He quickly called the last timeout he had, with just over 20 seconds left and the Nets still leading the Lakers by a narrow two-point advantage.

Lu Yong stood in front of the technical desk, holding a tactical board in his hand, his eyes revealing determination and calmness.

He glanced at the players on the field and shouted, "Hey, guys, don't be discouraged! We are still leading!"

The players quickly gathered around, everyone's face filled with tension and anticipation.

Lu Yong looked at them, a smile on his face, and continued, "Don't worry, we are still the leading side. They will definitely use foul tactics next, so the first thing we have to do is to make sure the sideline ball is sent out and there are no mistakes. This is the top priority, understand?"

There was an unquestionable authority in his words, yet also a touch of wit.

The players nodded one after another, and the tension seemed to be relieved a little.

"Remember, when you serve, be steady! Be as gentle as giving flowers to your girlfriend, but as accurate as shooting!" Lu Yong's words caused the players to laugh, and the tense atmosphere was diluted again.

"Also, if they foul you, don't panic! When you step onto the free throw line, imagine that you are participating in a free throw contest, and the prize money is your annual salary! Haha, just kidding. But seriously, as long as you keep a calm mind and make both free throws, we will be ahead by 4 points. By then, even if they have two rounds, they won't be able to catch up with us!"

As soon as Lu Yong finished speaking, a relaxed smile appeared on the players' faces.

They know that Lu Yong always uses humorous words at critical moments to ease their nervousness and allow them to focus more on the game.

However, although Lu Yong's words were light-hearted and humorous, he was no less nervous inside.

He knew that at this critical moment, any small mistake could lead to the loss of the game.

Therefore, he must ensure that the players fully understand his tactical intentions and are able to execute them flawlessly on the field.

"Brunson, I know you are a little nervous. But remember, you are our free throw expert! In the last training, you made 20 free throws in a row! So, don't worry, when you step onto the free throw line, just imagine that you are on the training ground and shoot the ball easily!" Lu Yong walked up to Brunson, patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him.

Brunson nodded and looked at Lu Yong gratefully.

He knew how important Lu Yong's trust and support were to him at this critical moment.

"Alright, guys! Next we have to do two things: one is to send the sideline ball, and the other is to make both free throws. As long as we do these two things, we will win the game!"

Lu Yong emphasized the key points of the tactics again, then looked at the time, "There are only 15 seconds left, everyone get ready, we are going to play!"

The players stood up one after another and adjusted their status.

They knew that every second that followed was crucial and they had to go all out to ensure victory.

When the players stepped onto the court again, Lu Yong prayed secretly in his heart: Don't let anything go wrong, we are just one step away from winning the championship.

The Nets served the ball from the sideline, and Mitchell stood on the outside and took on the responsibility of serving.

Mitchell's hands trembled slightly, but he took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He knew that this ball was crucial and could determine the outcome of the entire game.

In the audience, Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian sat together, both of them staring at the court.

Although they did not play on the court, the tension at this moment was stronger than anyone else.

Yao Ming looked back at Yi Jianlian and found that his body was shaking slightly. He smiled and joked, "Yi Jianlian, why do you look more nervous than Mitchell who is serving the ball?"

Yi Jianlian smiled bitterly and said, "I don't know. I just felt nervous when I saw this scene. Moreover, I also imagined that if I were to serve, I really couldn't even imagine the scene."

Yao Ming nodded and said in agreement, "Indeed, no one can remain calm at this time. However, the advantage is still on the Nets' side. As long as the ball can be sent out smoothly and both free throws are made, the Nets will win. The worst-case scenario is to make one of the two free throws, which at least ensures that they remain invincible."

After hearing what Yao Ming said, Yi Jianlian felt a little relieved.

But then, he asked, for some unknown reason: "What if the Nets miss both free throws?"

This question made Dayao stunned for a moment.

He shook his head and said firmly, "It's impossible! The free throws sent by Coach Lu at the last moment were very accurate. The probability of missing two free throws is too low. We can't think of the worst and have to believe in them!"

Although he said so, Yao Ming was still made nervous by Yi Jianlian.

The two men clenched their fists tightly and stared at the field intently.

Their heartbeats quickened with the rhythm of the game, as if every beat was telling of their desire for victory.

On the field, with the referee's whistle, the game entered a white-hot stage again.

Mitchell stood on the sidelines, holding the basketball tightly in both hands, his eyes firm and nervous.

He knew very well that the success or failure of this shot would directly affect the Nets' victory or defeat.

The Lakers players immediately launched an aggressive defense like cheetahs. They stuck close to the Nets players, moved quickly, and refused to give them any easy chance to catch the ball.

Durant and Brunson, two players with terrifyingly accurate free throw shooting percentages, naturally became the Lakers' main targets of defense.

The Lakers players were blocking the Nets players' way of receiving the ball like crazy.

The Lakers players followed closely, making it almost impossible for Durant and Brunson to find space to receive the ball.

Mitchell waited on the sidelines, his eyes quickly scanning the field, looking for the best passing opportunity.

However, the Lakers' defense was like an impenetrable net, making it difficult for him to find a breakthrough.

As time passed, Mitchell became more and more nervous. He knew that every moment of hesitation might cause the Nets to lose the chance of winning.

At this moment, Porzingis used his height advantage to successfully get rid of Kuzma's defense and came outside the three-point line.

This was a great passing opportunity, and Mitchell passed the ball to Porzingis without hesitation.

However, the moment Porzingis received the ball, Kuzma pounced on him like a cheetah. After struggling for a few seconds and finding no chance to steal the ball, he decisively slapped Porzingis on the forearm.

"Beep!" The referee's whistle sounded immediately, and the Lakers committed a defensive foul!

Porzingis was sent to the free throw line.

At this moment, the entire stadium held its breath, and everyone's eyes were focused on Porzingis.

The two domestic commentators Yang Yi and Wang Meng who saw this scene also started their commentary at the appropriate time.

"This ball was really thrilling!" Yang Yi exclaimed, "The Lakers' defense was relatively successful this time. They successfully prevented Durant and Brunson from receiving the ball and forced Porzingis to go to the free throw line. Although Porzingis' free throw shooting percentage this season is also close to 80%, he is indeed more likely to miss the ball compared to Durant and Brunson."

"That's right, this is where the suspense of the game lies!" Wang Meng continued, "Next it depends on whether Porzingis can withstand the pressure and help the Nets maintain their advantage. These two free throws are very important for the Nets, it can be said that one ball decides the outcome!"

"I believe Porzingis is under more pressure than anyone else at this moment. He not only has to face the defensive pressure from the Lakers, but also the pressure from his own heart. I hope he can withstand the pressure and bring us a wonderful free throw performance!"

"Having said that, although Porzingis' free throw percentage is not as good as Durant and Brunson, he is also an experienced player." Yang Yi added, "His free throw performance in critical moments has always been very stable. I believe he will not disappoint us this time."

"Yeah, I think so too." Wang Meng nodded and said, "Porzingis is a very capable player. He not only has an outstanding performance on the offensive end, but is also an important pillar of the Nets on the defensive end. I believe he can withstand the pressure at the critical moment and keep the Nets' hope of victory."

As the commentators discussed, the atmosphere on the court became increasingly tense.

Porzingis stood at the free throw line, took a deep breath, his eyes firm and focused, as if the whole world had stopped.

Taking the heavy basketball from the referee, Porzingis took deep breaths repeatedly, his chest heaving, as if he was trying to calm the indescribable tension in his heart.

This was definitely the most crucial free throw in his career, more important than any other offense in any game.

As long as both free throws are made, the Nets will lead the Lakers by 4 points. With only 12 seconds left in the game, such a lead is almost equivalent to victory.

If he makes one of two free throws, the Nets will be at risk of being dragged into overtime, which will be an unknown contest with an unpredictable outcome.

If he missed both free throws, there would be a greater chance that the Lakers would kill him, which would be an unacceptable nightmare.

The Nets fans at the scene also held their breath, they clenched their fists, and their eyes revealed endless anticipation and tension.

They know that at this moment Porzingis carries the hopes of the entire team and the dreams in their hearts.

The Lakers fans booed relentlessly, trying to interfere with Porzingis' free throws and gain a slight advantage for their team.

Porzingis stood at the free throw line, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

He seemed to be able to feel that the atmosphere of the entire venue was concentrated at this moment, and all eyes were focused on him.

He knew that he could not live up to the expectations, nor let the team's efforts go to waste.

For the first free throw, Porzingis raised the basketball steadily, aimed at the basket, and then shot decisively.

With a swish, the basketball went into the net and hit the target steadily!
The Nets fans at the scene suddenly burst into loud cheers. They waved flags and shouted Porzingis' name, as if they had seen the dawn of victory.

Once this goal is scored, it can at least ensure that the Nets will remain invincible in the regular stage.

Although there is still a possibility that the Lakers will drag the game into overtime, the risk has been greatly reduced.

Porzingis also breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had taken a crucial step.

However, the second penalty that followed was the real test.

The referee passed the ball to Porzingis again, he took the basketball and took a deep look at the basket.

At this time, many fans at the scene had covered their eyes and dared not watch anymore.

They were afraid of seeing Porzingis miss and their hopes of victory shattered.

Porzingis took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He knew that he couldn't be influenced by the outside world, nor could he let nervous emotions cloud his judgment.

He slowly raised the basketball, aimed at the basket, and then shot decisively.

However, this time the basketball did not go into the net like before.

With a bang, the basketball hit the front of the basket and bounced out!

Davis jumped up immediately, protected the backcourt rebound, and gestured for a timeout.

There was a sudden cry of surprise at the scene, and many Nets fans lowered their heads in regret, they couldn't believe their eyes.

Porzingis on the court shook his head helplessly, his face full of self-blame.

He knew he missed that crucial free throw and knew his mistake could put the team in trouble.

He lowered his head, silently bearing the pressure and self-blame.

However, at this moment, Durant walked up to him.

Durant touched Porzingis' head and whispered, "Don't be too depressed. The game isn't over yet, is it?"

Durant's words seemed like a warm current flowing into Porzingis' heart.

He raised his head and looked into Durant's determined eyes, as if he saw the light of hope.

At the same time, in a domestic studio far away on the other side of the ocean, Yang Yi and Wang Meng were staring at the screen, their eyes full of tension and anticipation.

When Porzingis missed the second free throw, Wang Meng's face instantly became regretful.

"It's a pity for Porzingis!" Wang Meng shook his head, his tone full of regret. "12 seconds, three points difference, to be honest, this is to leave a chance for the Lakers. The Nets could have firmly won the championship, but now there is a little more suspense."

Yang Yi also nodded, with a look of regret in his eyes. "That's true. 12 seconds is enough time for the Lakers to organize a complete attack. Although the Nets are now in the lead, this ball is still not safe enough. It's a pity that the Nets could have secured the victory more safely."

Wang Meng sighed and continued, "Yes, this ball was really crucial. After Porzingis made the first free throw, we all thought the Nets had already won the game. Unexpectedly, he missed the second free throw. However, having said that, this is how the game is, full of unknowns and variables, which is why we love basketball!"

Yang Yi smiled knowingly when he heard this. "That's right, a game is only interesting if it has suspense. Although Porzingis missed the free throw, which added a bit of uncertainty to the game, this is also the charm of basketball. Moreover, the Nets are still in the lead. As long as they don't foul and let their opponents score 3+1, they can remain undefeated in regular time." (End of this chapter)