After the final buzzer sounded, seeing a group across celebrating together, seeing Felton going to accept the post-game interview from the court... Kobe this year had mellowed a lot compared to last season.
Having lost to the Bobcats twice, during these matches, Kobe felt the difference between having Zhang Yang in the team and not having him.
Even though Zhang Yang's shooting percentage was worse than his tonight, his was 44%, Zhang Yang only 42%, but with Zhang Yang present, the other members of the Bobcats could focus on doing their own thing, unlike the chaotic encounter a month ago.
When Felton, Gerald Wallace, and Okafor could not score, Zhang Yang could step in and boldly attack... It had been two and a half years since O'Neal left, and Kobe had finally understood the importance of teammates this season.
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