Part 4/6:
Discussions inevitably turned toward star players. One notable player emerged as a focal point, scoring heavily while seemingly getting into a rhythm that the opposition struggled to interrupt. Even amidst the disappointment, there was an acknowledgment of how crucial it was for teammates to help position their key scorer for success, rather than allowing the defense to completely isolate him.
Measuring Stick Games
Players often refer to games against top-tier teams as “measuring stick” games—opportunities to gauge their competitive standing. Facing defending champions was indeed a chance for players to identify areas for improvement. Despite wanting to deliver a strong performance, the team recognized the vast gap that still existed between them and the championship-caliber standard.