Before the game, the Bucks had naturally heard what Wang Yi had said about the Grizzlies.
If that claim was true, then Wang Yi was definitely going to beat the Bucks tonight.
In the Bucks' locker room, their leader, Antetokounmpo, gathered everyone together.
"Everyone's heard that claim, but I think it's complete bullshit. I can believe someone might throw a game, but you're telling me he's manipulating the standings? How is that anything but bullshit?"
"Even if we assume for a moment that what he said is true, do you think some guy from China can just beat the Bucks whenever he feels like it?"
"If that's really the case, we might as well quit being the top team in the East and go become street thugs."
"So tonight, we have only one goal: win! No matter what, we're winning this game!"
The other players were fired up as well.
"Win! Win! Win!"
At 8 p.m., the game officially began.
On paper, it was a game with little suspense. The Bucks, leaders of the East and riding a nine-game winning streak, were facing the Kings, who had just suffered a seven-game losing streak in the West.
One team was riding high, while the other had hit rock bottom.
The Bucks also clearly had the more balanced roster.
Antetokounmpo was a towering force in the paint, while Bronny orchestrated the offense from the perimeter.
They also had a whole group of three-point shooters.
Aside from Wang Yi, the Kings didn't have much star power. Danny was the only other player who was even worth mentioning.
Little Danny was just a rookie, averaging less than 20 points a game.
Rose could now only play in the rotation.
Mouth Brother was still averaging just 18 points per game.
Bond was now one of