"The Splash Brothers just aren't feeling it today," O'Neal said, shaking his head in the studio. "Maybe the Kings' defense has something to do with it. The Warriors' main offensive firepower comes from Curry and Klay, but the Kings' defensive scheme seems to be disrupting their rhythm."
"They're playing tight on the perimeter. The minute the Warriors set up a pick-and-roll, the Kings switch without hesitation. They don't care about stopping everything—just enough to make it uncomfortable for the shooters," Kenny Smith added.
Down by the court, Jake sipped his beer and glanced at Mike Malone, who was busy drawing up new plays on the sidelines. Gotta give credit where it's due, he thought. Malone had stumbled upon a defensive scheme—the "unlimited switching defense"—two years before D'Antoni would famously use it to slow down these same Warriors.
Halfway through the second quarter, both teams began subbing in their second units.
"Mike!" Jake called, walking over with his drink. "Let's try LaVine and Jokic in that system."
Malone's eyes lit up. Nodding, he quickly adjusted the game plan, sketching out a play on his board.
Moments later, the arena announcer's voice boomed through the stadium, introducing the new faces on the court. "Now entering the game for the Kings: rookies Zach LaVine and Nikola Jokic!"
The crowd erupted. Fans always love rookies—symbols of hope and future potential. The Kings had been down in the dumps for years, and the fresh faces represented a chance to turn the tide.
LaVine brought the ball up, eyeing Shaun Livingston, who had a clear height advantage. Without missing a beat, Jokic stepped up for the screen.
"This year's Kings really love starting plays with the screen at the top of the arc," Kenny noted. "And, man, it's working."
LaVine used Jokic's screen to drive inside, drawing the attention of Bogut in the paint and Iguodala hovering near the lane. Sensing the collapsing defense, LaVine quickly kicked the ball back out. Jokic, who had slipped outside after the screen, caught it behind the arc.
Bogut's eyes widened. When did he get out there? he thought, but it was too late.
Jokic adjusted his feet, gave a little hop, and drained a three-pointer.
Swish!
Kerr's face paled. The Warriors had hoped to gain ground with their bench in the game, but the Kings' rookies had other plans.
The Warriors came back down the floor, but Iguodala rushed a layup in traffic, missing it as Timofey Mozgov's massive presence altered the shot. Mozgov grabbed the rebound and quickly fired the ball upcourt.
Jokic, standing near midcourt, caught it on the run. He sized up David Lee, who was retreating to defend, and in one fluid motion, launched a pass ahead.
Lee barely had time to turn his head before a blur of purple flew past him.
Zach LaVine took a deep breath, gathered himself two steps inside the free-throw line, and launched into the air. His arms swung back, and with a thunderous slam, he threw the ball down.
"Oh my God!" O'Neal and Kenny Smith shouted in unison from the studio, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Did you see how long he stayed in the air?" Shaq marveled. "For a second there, I thought time froze."
Kenny grinned, shaking his head. "The Kings may have just struck gold. LaVine might be the guy who finally helps them shake off the 'rookie graveyard' label."
The fans in the arena were in a frenzy, their cheers reverberating through the building. The Warriors, usually the team to ignite such reactions, were suddenly on the defensive. Iguodala and Livingston exchanged glances.
"Let's slow it down," Livingston said with a wry smile. "These young bucks are gonna wear us out."
The Warriors tried to adjust, with Livingston using his height and experience to post up LaVine. He scored a few baskets, but Malone, watching from the sidelines, didn't flinch. He knew the Warriors were playing right into the Kings' hands, abandoning their high-speed game in favor of a slower pace.
Meanwhile, LaVine and Jokic continued their seamless chemistry on the offensive end. Jokic's high basketball IQ and ability to shoot or pass from anywhere on the floor gave the Warriors fits. Outside shooters also started to find their rhythm, raining down threes. The Warriors couldn't close the gap.
At the end of the half, the scoreboard showed an unexpected sight: Kings 58, Warriors 46. The Kings were leading by a stunning 12 points.
Back in the Kings' locker room, Mike Malone's grin stretched from ear to ear. For the first time in ages, his team was in complete control.
As he scanned the room, his eyes landed on Chen Allen, who was quietly fiddling with his phone in the corner. Malone gave a satisfied nod. This game plan's a winner.
He turned back to the players. "Okay, we're starting the second half with Gay back on the floor. LaVine and Jokic stay out there, and Cousins, we need you to stay fresh for the fourth quarter when things tighten up."
Cousins opened his mouth to protest, but a quick compliment from Malone made him sit back down with a contented grin.
CJ sat in the far corner of the locker room, resting and gathering his thoughts. Jake, sneaking over unnoticed, leaned in. "What do you think of the team?" he whispered.
CJ, caught off guard, looked around nervously. Though still a newcomer, CJ had earned a solid spot in the locker room hierarchy. He glanced at Jake, then back at his teammates.
"They're good," CJ replied with a smile. "Really good."
The team manager usually doesn't speak to players unless there's a major decision to be made—like cutting them or making a trade. Am I in trouble? CJ thought nervously. I've been playing well. Is Jake going to sell me out?
"I mean," Jake quickly added, noticing CJ's wary expression. "Relax, I'm just curious. If you keep playing like this, when your rookie contract expires next year, would you be interested in staying with the Kings?"
Hearing Jake's words, CJ's eyes lit up. Stability in the league is everything, especially for a rookie still trying to carve out his place. A stable contract is every young player's dream, and CJ knew how easy it was for a team to move on from someone like him.
"I like it here," CJ answered after a moment of thought. "With the Kings, I've got a role in the system that I never had with the Trail Blazers. The coach and management actually pay attention to me, and I'm grateful for that. I'd love to stay if I can."
Jake smiled internally. Hook, line, and sinker.
"Of course, we'd love to have you here long-term," Jake continued. "To be honest, if we could renegotiate early, I'd have already offered you a longer contract. But, you know the rules. However..." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice, "I can give you a verbal promise. Once your rookie deal is up, we'll offer you at least a three-year contract—assuming, of course, you keep showing the same level of competitiveness and loyalty."
CJ's heart raced at Jake's words. A three-year deal? That's serious money, potentially around $33 million based on current market value. It wasn't as big as the contracts expected once the new TV deal raised the salary cap, but for a rookie like him, it was a golden opportunity.
CJ made a mental note of Jake's words, nodding enthusiastically. "Thank you, Mr. Jake. I'll keep playing hard and prove my worth."
"Good to hear. I'll start preparing that contract, then," Jake said, patting CJ on the shoulder before exiting the locker room with a smile.
Jake was planting the seeds, cultivating loyalty among the younger players in preparation for future moves. He had a plan, and this was just the beginning.
As the second half started, Malone kept LaVine and Jokic on the court. From the Warriors' bench, Steve Kerr smirked, amused by what he saw.
"Mike Malone's getting cocky, leaving two rookies out there," Kerr said, turning to his players. "Steph, Klay—get out there and score some points!"
Immediately, Curry and Thompson stood up, ready to bring the Warriors back.
"Oh? Here come Curry and Thompson," O'Neal noted from the broadcast booth. "Looks like the Warriors are serious about closing this gap."
On one side, the Warriors sent out most of their starting lineup. On the other, the Kings still had several subs in the game.
"What's Malone thinking?" Kenny Smith wondered aloud. "Cousins is still on the bench. Shouldn't he be playing?"
Standing on the sidelines, Malone caught Jake's eye. They exchanged a brief glance, and then Malone called out to LaVine, "Run play No. 3!"
LaVine nodded, bringing the ball up and passing to Rudy Gay, who was positioned at the top of the arc. Draymond Green was all over him, anticipating every move. Gay tried to break free with a couple of quick dribbles, but Draymond stuck to him like glue.
Unable to get past him, Gay passed to Jokic in the post. Jokic backed down Bogut, but couldn't find a good angle. With the shot clock ticking down, he made a quick decision. Jokic faked a turnaround jumper, causing Bogut to leap up for a block.
But it was all a feint. With a flick of his wrist, Jokic sent the ball sailing over Bogut's outstretched hands.
LaVine, who had slipped behind Curry, caught the pass in stride, took off, and slammed the ball home with a powerful dunk.
Curry, trailing behind, could only watch helplessly. Despite his solid athleticism for a guard, there was no keeping up with someone as explosive as LaVine.
"Oof, that's gotta hurt," Shaq said, shaking his head in disbelief. "LaVine's out here putting on a show."
"Steph's good, but LaVine's athleticism is on another level," Kenny added. "The Kings might just have something special with this kid."