Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

The third quarter was one where the Bucks' overall shooting touch was stifled.

In the beginning, Yu Fei hoped to capitalize on opportunities from the baseline and the corners of the paint to break through the zone defense.

However, his teammates only managed 1 out of 7 three-pointers from the corner in the quarter, which allowed the Detroit Pistons to confidently focus their defensive efforts on the areas covered by the 1-3-1 zone defense.

Indeed, there were opportunities in the corners of the paint, yet Ben Wallace's rim-protecting abilities were well acknowledged, and they didn't exceed his defensive range.

Yu Fei passed the ball a lot until the Pistons tied the score, only then did he choose to use personal offense to break the deadlock.

As a result, his shooting touch also waned during the passing process, plus the 1-3-1 zone's tight control over the arc and the free-throw line area, he didn't find a comfortable scoring opportunity.

The Pistons proved their defense had no weak spots, even though it was their first time using zone defense; they still showcased its potency.

The Bucks were still fortunate, as suffocating as the Pistons could be, their own offensive firepower was also limited; the Bucks just needed to stick to the Iron Bucket Formation to keep their opponents' offense at a low level.

In the last three minutes of the third quarter, the Bucks took Yu Fei off. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire

George Karl noticed Yu Fei's fatigue.

Except for a few minutes at the start of the second quarter, Yu Fei had been orchestrating the game's progress with a high rate of possession since the game began.

Now, the Pistons used a variation of zone defense, and through passing and individual attacks, Yu Fei failed to regain control of the game.

This indicated that his condition needed adjustment.

Karl subbed out Yu Fei right when the Pistons tied the game.

"Unless we fall behind by double digits, I'll let you rest until the fourth quarter," Karl said.

So Yu Fei sat down.

Having scored 25 points in the first half, he managed only 5 points in the third quarter, proving not only that the Pistons' defense was effective but also that his shooting touch had deteriorated.

"Frye," Lawson handed Yu Fei a bottle of Gatorade, "adjust a bit, you're fine."

Yu Fei smiled, "Of course, how could there be a problem?"

Without Yu Fei, the Bucks lost their pillar, and the offense started to revolve around Sprewell and Ray Allen.

But tonight, both were cold shooters, now needing to handle the ball rights left by Yu Fei.

Ray Allen's too gentlemanly demeanor and lack of determination in tough play were exposed at that moment.

The Bucks needed someone to lead the charge with the ball; Ray Allen chose to pass, creating space for Sprewell on the outside.

He had the ability, even if he couldn't make it, the Pistons wouldn't dare leave him open.

But this wasn't the Ray Allen the Bucks needed most at that time.

Sprewell was unwavering; since his return to Milwaukee the previous year, he knew what his mission was.

As a veteran imparting wisdom and leading the team when necessary.

It was time for him to lead.

In the last few minutes of the third quarter, the Bucks scored only 5 points, with Sprewell accounting for 4 of them, all earned through drives: one resulting in a layup and the other drawing a foul leading to two successful free throws.

The only point not related to him was from a defensive three-second violation that gave the Bucks a free throw.

At the end of the third quarter, it was 75 to 77, with the Pistons leading by 2 points over the Bucks.

Catching up again, like an undying dog.

Yu Fei grabbed the towel around his neck.

George Karl wanted to give Yu Fei a few more minutes of rest, but Yu Fei stood up.

"Frye, you can rest a few more minutes," Karl suggested.

"No," Yu Fei firmly refused and said to Karl, "I don't want to battle those brutes at the last moment. If we're to decide the outcome, it's now. This game should be settled in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter."

If the Bucks were to come out ahead in the first six minutes, they needed to launch an offensive that was clearly superior to the Pistons' defense.

Karl, having observed the third quarter, was skeptical about this.

Karl asked, "Frye, what are you planning to do?"

"Give me four teammates who can shoot, the rest is up to me."

After all that, the Bucks reverted to the 5 OUT lineup for its breakthrough potential.

Whether the plan would succeed depended on whether the Bucks' five-out lineup could hit three-pointers, and after the blow of the third quarter, Karl had his doubts.

But Yu Fei insisted on playing this way, and Karl could only trust him.

Joining Yu Fei on the court were Sprewell, Ray Allen, Devean George, and Robert Horry.

In this lineup, Horry played the five, with Yu Fei and George alternating at the four.

At the start, after passing to Yu Fei, Horry asked, "How do we play?"

Yu Fei said, "Left side forty-five-degree angle pick-and-roll, then you do whatever."

The Pistons were extra cautious against the Bucks' 5 OUT lineup; they certainly knew choosing this lineup meant the Bucks were looking to decide the game now.

But why, why was he so bold?

The Bucks' perimeter shooting in the third quarter was abysmal; what emboldened them to bet on the outside shot in the fourth quarter?

Prince saw Yu Fei dribbling left; was this to avoid interference from the 1-3-1 defense?

The third quarter gave the Detroit people a glimpse of how to lock down Yu Fei, something they had not achieved in the playoffs so far.

Then Yu Fei made his move.

Before Prince could decide on his defense, Horry's screen arrived, followed by Big Ben, who came out to block Yu Fei's drive.

They didn't anticipate Yu Fei would take a three-point shot directly from the left forty-five-degree angle beyond the line right after Horry screened Prince.

It was too fast, too casual!

"Swish!"

Yu Fei proudly exclaimed, "A little rest does help."

78 to 77

"Where do you think you're going?"

Yu Fei unexpectedly stayed in the frontcourt, challenging Billups.

If Billups weren't so seasoned, he might have been ambushed successfully.