In December, Qin Yue's playing time was reduced, causing an irreversible shake to the foundation of the reigning champions.
Although on paper, Ma Long merely gave Qin Yue three extra minutes of rest per game to ensure his average playing time was cut down to thirty-five minutes.
But it was these three minutes of rest that gradually made the Warriors' opponents aware that the team, which had won the championship for two consecutive seasons, was losing its former dominance.
Three minutes.
With the current pace of the league, approximately eighty possessions per game, it's about five offensive and defensive possessions.
In the past, the Warriors had many ways to make it through these five possessions.
But now, Davis's injury and Artest's self-destructive actions have left Ma Long in a situation where even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice.
