Adelman was on edge, his body practically lunging onto the court. He kept shouting tactical instructions, reminding his players of their positioning.
He no longer had the arrogant, nonchalant demeanor he'd worn before the game. Su Xi had forced him against the pillar of shame and was already tightening the noose around his neck.
If the Kings couldn't win this game tonight, both his and Weber's reputations would become stepping stones for Su Xi, forever tied to the pillar of shame.
Chris Webber felt the pressure even more acutely, as he was the one primarily matched up against Su Xi. He had already lost their individual battle; losing the game on top of that would be a historic joke. He didn't want to see his legacy tarnished.
