Jordan and Wang Yi had exactly the same defensive strategy.
When Wang Yi backed Jordan down to the free-throw line, he started using his body to keep Wang Yi from pushing any farther.
At that point, Wang Yi did just what Jordan had: he switched from dribbling while facing Jordan to dribbling with his back to him, then landed with both feet at once.
As soon as he landed, he dipped his left shoulder, giving the impression that his left foot was his pivot foot.
Then he suddenly faked left with his shoulder, only to quickly spin to the right.
Jordan knew Wang Yi was imitating his move.
Sometimes, when one player gets into it with another, things can go like this: you score on me with a move, and I pay you back with the same move.
Especially in a situation like the one just now—if you try a move and fail to score, then I use that same move to score on you, it can give me a huge morale boost and a decisive psychological advantage.
Jordan figured that was exactly what Wang Yi was trying to do.
So he didn't bite on the fake. When Wang Yi spun around to shoot, Jordan lunged straight at him.
He leaped high, reaching to snatch the ball right out of Wang Yi's hands.
And he jumped early.
After all, he couldn't jump as high as Wang Yi. If he waited until Wang Yi jumped before going for the block, he wouldn't have a chance, so he had to jump ahead of time.
But as soon as he leaped, he realized something was wrong.
He was already airborne, but Wang Yi hadn't jumped.
Instead, Wang Yi planted on his right foot, tucked in his body, and slipped under Jordan's arm, stepping