After the timeout, the Golden State Warriors did experience a noticeable shift in their approach.
In Coach Nelson's revised strategy, he deliberately steered his team away from directly engaging Lin Feng. He had come to the realization that the most impactful player on the court tonight wasn't Kobe, but rather an unheralded Asian rookie.
This type of dynamic, game-changing newcomer was unprecedented in the NBA. Initially, no one had paid Lin Feng much mind; Kobe remained the Lakers player they feared most.
However, Coach Nelson had observed that the Asian rookie seemed to possess an inexhaustible well of energy. Directly challenging him would likely lead to their downfall.
Thus, Nelson implemented a new tactical framework: minimize isolation plays, emphasize constant player movement, off-ball cuts, and a semblance of the "Princeton" offense that the Sacramento Kings had famously employed in the past.
Led by the dazzling "White Chocolate" Jason Williams, that Kings system had once achieved remarkable success, nearly upsetting the then-dominant Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
However, the Warriors players lacked familiarity with the intricacies of the Princeton system, resulting in somewhat disjointed and awkward execution.
This disorganization presented Lin Feng with another opportunity to showcase his defensive instincts, as he intercepted a predictable Warriors pass.
When passing lanes became too obvious or the ball was moved too frequently without purpose, interceptions were inevitable.
Securing the steal, Lin Feng unleashed his blistering speed, leaving his opponents trailing far behind.
With no chance of a successful chase-down block, Lin Feng confidently dribbled into the penalty area and punctuated his stellar performance with another electrifying windmill dunk for the roaring appreciation of the over 30,000 fans in attendance.
As expected, Lin Feng's stylish windmill dunk ignited a fresh wave of screams and applause.
In the fourth quarter alone, Lin Feng had already tallied six individual points and delivered a spectacular alley-oop assist to Kobe.
Capitalizing on their tightened defense and the Warriors' offensive confusion, the Lakers managed to claw their way back and eventually tie the score.
The Warriors' off-ball cutting tactics, once a source of their offensive flow, were effectively dismantled by the Lakers' improved defensive pressure. The Warriors players appeared increasingly bewildered, unsure of how to execute their offense.
This was particularly true for Richardson, who was now under Lin Feng's tenacious individual defense. Once the Warriors' leading scorer, his offensive rhythm was completely shattered by his underestimation of the rookie.
With Lin Feng shadowing his every move, Richardson had managed a mere two points, both coming from free throws drawn due to fouls.
Witnessing the rapidly shrinking score differential fueled by the dynamic duo of Kobe and Lin Feng, the entire Warriors team grew increasingly anxious.
After Richardson's two free throws, Lin Feng swiftly passed the ball to Kobe.
Kobe, with his signature grace and precision, executed a flawless fadeaway jump shot, the basketball swishing cleanly through the net. It was a display of timeless elegance and skill.
A fan had once aptly described watching Kobe play as a form of pure enjoyment, a sentiment Lin Feng wholeheartedly agreed with.
Kobe and Jordan were, in his eyes, the epitome of basketball artistry.
As the fourth quarter progressed, Kobe seemed to rediscover his earlier energy. On the offensive end, he unleashed a barrage of shots, sinking two crucial three-pointers that further fueled the Lakers' comeback.
The score was finally tied at 95-95, effectively resetting the game with the Warriors and Lakers back to square one.
Undaunted, the Warriors responded with a team-oriented play that resulted in a go-ahead three-pointer.
With just thirty seconds remaining on the game clock, Lin Feng faced his defender and calmly drained a three-pointer of his own, tying the score yet again.
The shot possessed a similar captivating beauty to Tracy McGrady's soul-stirring jump shots.
"If we can just lock down their next possession, we win this game!" Kobe quietly approached Lin Feng, his voice filled with a newfound trust in the rookie's abilities. He was beginning to see Lin Feng as a potential successor.
"Kobe, what's your take on how we should defend this?" Lin Feng asked, recognizing Kobe's multiple All-Defensive Team selections and his vast wealth of defensive experience.
"Here's the plan…" Kobe whispered a few instructions to Lin Feng, who nodded in understanding.
"We'll defend this possession together, you and me, and look for an opportunity to deliver the final blow. Give me the ball to start, and I'll draw their defensive pressure. If you find a good opening, I'll get the ball to you!"
Critics had often lamented Kobe's perceived tendency for solo play, but they often failed to grasp the context of his career.
Throughout his prime, he lacked consistent, clutch performers around him, forcing him to often take matters into his own hands in critical moments.
During his partnership with Shaquille O'Neal, Shaq's dominance was primarily in the paint, and while unstoppable, he wasn't known for game-winning buzzer-beaters.
The only consistent late-game option, aside from himself, had been Derek Fisher.
Now, there was another player: Lin Feng.
In Kobe's assessment, Lin Feng possessed the qualities of a clutch performer. He had demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure and, like Kobe himself, possessed a fearless, "big heart."
Players with that innate "big heart" were the most suited for executing game-winning shots.
If a player couldn't handle the immense pressure of the moment, they would inevitably falter on the final shot.
Even slight distractions or taunts could cause their wrists to tremble and their minds to cloud, making a successful shot virtually impossible.
In such situations, it wasn't about defeating the opponent; it was about overcoming one's own mental barriers.
Kobe explained his strategy: he would draw the double-team, and if Lin Feng found an open look, he would pass him the ball for the potential game-winning shot.
"So, how does that sound? Does the thought of taking the buzzer-beater make you nervous? Or, more importantly, do you dare to take it?" Kobe's intense gaze locked on Lin Feng. He had previously admitted that some of his teammates had lacked the courage for such high-pressure shots.
His question to Lin Feng was a subtle test of the rookie's mental fortitude.
Lin Feng smiled calmly and replied, "Boss, just get me the ball. If I miss, I'll take full responsibility and spend the entire offseason reflecting on my mistake in the locker room."
"Haha, great! I like tough players like you," Kobe responded, a look of relief washing over his face.
Meanwhile, a palpable buzz swept through the Staples Center.
Everyone was speculating about the exchange between Kobe and Lin Feng.
The game resumed, with the Warriors in possession. Richardson, having seemingly regained some composure, focused on finding space for mid-range shots against Lin Feng. His strategy now was to be quick, precise, and create distance, preventing Lin Feng from getting too close.
Richardson was still a talented player. On their last offensive possession, he managed to drive past Lin Feng for a layup, scoring two crucial points.
With just eleven seconds remaining on the clock, this was the Lakers' final opportunity.
Whether they could secure a victory in their season opener against the Warriors hinged on this last, decisive offensive play.
The Zen Master called a timeout. The tactical instructions were clear: the final shot would be Kobe's.
Fans around the globe knew this script. When the Lakers were trailing with little time left, the ball invariably found its way into Kobe's hands for the potential game-winner.
After the Zen Master reiterated the plan on the whiteboard, the five Lakers players returned to the court.
Old Nelson had anticipated this. He fully expected the Zen Master to entrust Kobe with the last shot.
He instructed two defenders to double-team Kobe, while another player was assigned to shadow Lin Feng on the wing.
The remaining three Lakers – Odom, Bynum, and Brian Cook – were deemed less of an immediate threat and could be selectively ignored.
"Keep your eyes glued to Kobe and that Asian kid! We win this game on defense!" Old Nelson barked at his players.
"Don't worry, coach! They won't score on us!"
"Make absolutely sure you stay attached to Kobe and that Asian kid!"
"OK, coach! We've got this!"
A wave of determination washed over the entire Warriors team. Ever since Lin Feng had entered the game, they had been reeling. They were determined not to let the Lakers steal a victory in the final seconds.
Odom inbounded the ball, looking for Kobe, who was darting off a screen.
Kobe broke free and caught the pass cleanly. Two Warriors defenders immediately converged on him, denying him any comfortable shooting space.
Bynum positioned himself near the basket, while Brian Cook drifted to the elbow for a potential two-point shot.
Lin Feng positioned himself at a 45-degree angle on the right wing.
The final seconds of the game ticked away.
With just four seconds remaining, Kobe dribbled skillfully around the two Warriors defenders. Spotting Lin Feng open at the 45-degree angle on the right wing, he shouted, "Lin! Catch the ball! It's your time to shine!"
Suddenly, a hush fell over the Staples Center.
No one had expected Kobe to pass the ball, especially for the potential game-winning shot, and to Lin Feng, a rookie!
Mike Breen's voice crackled with disbelief, "I can't believe it! Kobe actually passed the ball! A potential buzzer-beater! He passed it to the Asian kid!"
"Can the Asian kid live up to the immense pressure? Can he justify one of the rare buzzer-beating passes Kobe has made in his illustrious career?"
"Can he make the shot?"
"The Asian kid makes his move! He steps into the shot decisively, without any hesitation!"
"Oh my goodness! Richardson leaps high, desperately trying to block the Asian kid's buzzer-beater, but unfortunately, he's too late!"
The basketball traced a beautiful arc through the air, heading directly towards the basket.
Every eye in the arena, and likely millions watching around the world, followed the ball's flight in unison.
Could this buzzer-beater from the right wing at a 45-degree angle silence the Warriors and secure a dramatic Lakers victory?
…