After the interview, Kings general manager Divac called Wang Yi and told him the owner had prepared a lavish late-night meal, inviting him and all the players to join them.
Wang Yi agreed.
Then they all went to Ranadive's house.
There, he caught up with the players and their brotherly camaraderie, while urging them to give it their all in the next game.
During the meal, Anjiali called, her voice tinged with reproach. "Wang, why didn't you bring me back to the Kings?"
From the sound of it, she seemed like a young girlfriend complaining that her boyfriend had gone out without her.
The players all looked at Wang Yi strangely.
Ranadive sighed.
Wang Yi gave a wry smile. "I only decided to come at the last minute. Next time—I'll definitely bring you."
It was 3 a.m. before everyone finally left.
Wang Yi went back to his own place, too.
The next day, after waking up and having a simple lunch, he took a private jet back to Toronto.
By the time he arrived in Toronto, it was already 5 p.m.
That meant Wang Yi had missed the team's practices for both days.
In all his years playing in the Playoffs, he had never before missed two days of preparation.
The Raptors' opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals was the Hornets.
The Hornets had Wemby, the league's top center, as well as Magic Hand Jack and LaMelo Ball.
It was no surprise that they had made it to this year's Eastern Conference Finals.
On paper, Wang Yi was the Raptors' only clear advantage. They were at a disadvantage at every other position against the Hornets.
Zhang Jiacheng was at a disadvantage against LaMelo Ball.
Pang Bo was at a severe disadvantage against Wemby.
Hachimura was at a disadvantage against