The Thunder Team called a timeout, entering the official pause phase, having played for 6 minutes and 47 seconds, trailing 17 to 22 by 5 points.
Head coach Scott Brooks looked very displeased now.
He had a very tight defensive plan against Zhang Yang, which the players executed without issue, blocking threes and mid-range shots completely. Zhang Yang only made one three-pointer off Gasol's low-post pass from the wing right after the start, missed one regular shot, made one forced mid-range attempt from a pass that felt nothing like a basket, and drew fouls once from a strong inside drive, making both free throws... nearly 7 minutes in, locked Zhang Yang down with a 1 for 2 shooting in set plays, meaning his defensive plan was essentially achieved.
Yet Zhang Yang nailed those two chasing threes at the start and just then! 4 shots 3 makes, among them 3 of 3 in three-pointers, plus 2 of 2 in free throws, totaling 11 points in half a quarter!
