Barkley burst out laughing, looking at Jordan like he was an old fox.
"Hahahahaha! I knew you'd never admit it. You're forgetting two things: Wang Yi led his team back from a 0–3 deficit in an epic comeback, and three of his four championships came with him carrying the team as its lone star. So tell me, who's better?"
Jordan shrugged. "I know Wang Yi will surpass me sooner or later if he keeps playing, but it won't be tonight."
Barkley nodded. "You're still the king of stubbornness. Wake up—you're old now. This is the young guys' world. We should just sit back and enjoy the show. Stop competing with them. You can't win."
Three furrows appeared on Jordan's shiny black forehead.
"I may not be able to beat the young guys, but I can still beat up an old guy like you. After tonight's game, we'll settle it right here, one-on-one. If I win, you have to kiss a donkey's ass."
While Jordan and Barkley were trading barbs, Bucks head coach Budenholzer spoke to his team.
"We'll take it inside on this possession. Try to get the ball to the post with 20 seconds left, and let Giannis take the shot."
"Giannis, once you get the ball, take the shot right away if you have a good look. If you don't, give them a pump fake and create one. Even if you can't get a good look, you can still draw a foul."
Giannis nodded.
The play was almost exactly the same as the one they'd run in Game 4.
Everyone was already familiar with it.
Over on the Kings' side.
Wang Yi and head coach De'Anthony had both come to the same conclusion.
"They'll definitely have Giannis take the shot on their final possession," De'Anthony said.
It