Chapter 169

By the end of the third quarter, the Bulls led by 12 points, 89-71. To many, this game was practically over. Theoretically, a 12-point deficit could be made up in one quarter—after all, the Bulls built such a large lead in the second quarter—but given the Pistons’ current form, it seemed the game would indeed enter garbage time. John Kuester helplessly shook his head; the Pistons had performed terribly in those two quarters. Without Zhou Yi’s outstanding play, the game would have long been lost. Sitting listlessly in his seat, with a wet towel covering his head, John Kuester glanced at him helplessly. Zhou Yi had truly struggled in this game—constantly engaged in offense and defense throughout the two quarters. Especially as the Pistons’ other outside players failed to find their rhythm, the Bulls intensified their defense on Zhou Yi. In the final minutes of the third quarter, even when he didn’t have the ball, he was surrounded by Bulls players. Once he got the ball, at least two Bulls players were around him, leaving him almost unable to do anything in those last moments. Greg Monroe also looked extremely frustrated. His poor shooting outside put extra pressure on him inside, especially with Carlos Boozer’s close defense. The Pistons’ bench was filled with despair, and commentator Zhang from the TV station also said helplessly, “The Pistons players are not in form today. They’re relying on Zhou Yi and Greg Monroe to hold things together. After the Bulls’ outside players started scoring, it seems the game has already entered garbage time. It’s a shame—Zhou Yi performed exceptionally well today, but unfortunately, his teammates aren’t in form. It looks like they’ll suffer their first loss in the playoffs right at home.” Although many domestic fans were dissatisfied with his pessimistic prediction, after seeing the Pistons’ performance, they had no choice but to accept reality. After all, basketball is a team sport, and individual strength often seems weak in the face of a cohesive team. Many fans who didn’t want to see the Pistons lose left the TV early after the end of the third quarter.