Popovich's strategy was clear to both Zhang Yang and Carlisle, but since it was an overt plot, they had no choice but to comply with it.
It would be seen whether Zhang San could outshoot the Spurs' stability!
In the first half of the first quarter, Zhang Yang went 3-for-5 from the field, including a perfect 1-for-1 from three-point range and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, earning 9 points, leading the Bobcats to a 16-11 lead over the Spurs.
In the latter half, he scored 6 points on 2-for-4 shooting, including 1-for-2 from three-point range and a perfect 1-for-1 on free throws, guiding the Bobcats to score 11 points, while Ginobili scored 11 points for his team after entering following the halftime break.
The Bobcats' display of superiority was only sustained for half the quarter; in the second half, the efficiency of the Bobcats' wing and driving players, both in off-ball movement and shooting, dropped significantly.
Popovich's attrition strategy was working!
