Chapter 93: Tactical Adjustment 2

Jake had just returned to his office, not yet settling in when Malone entered, visibly tired but energized. "Jake, I've got a new approach for our team's shot distribution. Could you give me some input on it?"

"No!" Jake responded, noticing Malone's bloodshot eyes. "Did you sleep at all last night?"

"Just a nap here and there," Malone replied casually.

Jake quickly gestured for Malone to sit, recognizing the toll of the sleepless night. "Just relax and sit. You don't need my input on every detail. You can handle these things yourself!"

"You're the boss. I need to check with you first," Malone insisted, his excitement outweighing his fatigue as he sat down.

"Alright, fine, let's take a look. But after I review it, you're going home to get some real sleep. Do you hear me?" Jake said, taking the report from Malone.

Malone's report, like his usual style, was brief and to the point. Jake scanned it quickly. "You're thinking of promoting Booker?" Jake raised an eyebrow, taking off his glasses and wiping them thoughtfully.

"Yes! After talking with you yesterday, I realized we need a reliable player who can deliver in high-pressure situations," Malone explained. "Rudy is past his prime for the kind of relentless play we need, and while Jokic is a phenomenal passer, he's not hungry to score every time he has the ball."

"But Booker is different," Malone continued, leaning forward. "In just a couple of games, he's already shown the potential of a top-tier scorer."

Malone's plan was straightforward yet impactful. Currently, the Kings' strategy revolved around Jokic's playmaking, with the rest of the team complementing his passing skills. Malone's new approach, however, proposed a dual-pick-and-roll system between Jokic and Young, creating ample space for Booker and LaVine on the perimeter—essentially a "double-gun" offense. It would allow Booker, with his scoring capability, to take on a prominent offensive role, similar to how the Suns developed him into a high-level scorer. Given Booker's talent and access to elite training alongside Jokic, Malone believed he could become an even stronger player than in any other scenario.

"I think you're onto something," Jake said, setting the report down. "We do need someone who can step up under pressure."

Relieved, Malone felt a wave of exhaustion hit him and stifled a yawn. "That's all I needed to hear. I'm heading to bed."

Under Malone's direction, the Kings' offensive strategy transformed quickly, maximizing the scoring potential of Booker and LaVine on the outside. Their rapid-fire offense began to draw comparisons, even catching the attention of analysts.

"This is unreal; it feels like watching the Splash Brothers again," Shaquille O'Neal remarked in the studio, watching the Kings' dynamic plays with disbelief. "They're stacked with young talent that just keeps getting better."

"Right? Booker barely looks like a rookie," Reggie Miller agreed. "They still need polish, but they're showing the raw potential of elite scorers. Just give them a little more time, and this team is going to be terrifying."

On the court, Booker again nailed a shot from behind the screen set by Young. The Celtics' Thomas tried to break free and contest it, but Booker's quick release gave him no chance. Jake, watching from the sidelines, found himself marveling at Booker's rapid improvement. As one of the league's top shooting coaches worked with Booker directly, his growth was more impressive than Jake had anticipated.

Their opponents that night, the Boston Celtics, were a team on the upswing themselves. Last season, the addition of Thomas revitalized Boston, and they clawed their way to an eighth-seed finish, only to be swept by the Hawks. This season, they retained Thomas at their core, with a robust group of defensive players supporting him. Given Thomas's defensive limitations, Boston relied heavily on a zone defense to cover his weaknesses.

Watching the game unfold, Celtics coach Brad Stevens winced. He knew the Kings would rise eventually, but their speed was alarming. Thankfully, the Kings were in the Western Conference; if they had been an Eastern team, Stevens might have been forced to develop counter-strategies. "Let the Western teams figure it out," he muttered to himself.

The game ended with the Kings overpowering the Celtics, 114-95. After the final buzzer, Jake approached Stevens.

"Brad," Jake called out, extending a hand in greeting.

"Jake! Long time no see. Busy as always, I assume?" Stevens asked, shaking Jake's hand warmly.

"What else?" Jake shrugged. "Just doing my part, working hard."

Stevens leaned in, covering his mouth with a clipboard. "Have you heard? Big moves might be coming to the East next season."

Jake raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance as he subtly covered his own mouth. "Oh, I'm well aware. Any plans of your own?"

Just as Jake expected, Malone's new strategy was transforming the Kings, with Booker's and LaVine's skills flourishing in the revamped system. Watching their progress, Jake couldn't help but feel a tinge of pride at how the team had come together. They were becoming more than just a collection of talented players—they were solidifying into a cohesive unit with a common goal.