The next possession.
After Jordan passed the ball to Wang Yi, Wang Yi immediately burst into motion.
He feinted left, then used his speed to drive quickly to the right.
Jordan reacted and tried to cut him off, but Wang Yi's first step was incredibly quick.
Jordan couldn't completely seal off his path, so he turned sideways.
He pressed his chest against Wang Yi's shoulder to keep him from picking up speed.
Wang Yi used his own shoulder to battle Jordan, driving all the way to within three meters of the basket.
Then he suddenly took a lateral step back, creating space from Jordan, and shot right away.
Jordan couldn't get there in time. Wang Yi sank the shot with ease.
The score was 4–2.
On the other end, Jordan dribbled sideways, leaning his left shoulder into Wang Yi as he backed him down, while controlling the ball with his right hand.
Once he was a step inside the three-point line, he lowered his center of gravity, looking as though he would drive right. Then he planted his left foot, pulled the ball back, and spun.
Wang Yi's balance was completely thrown off, and Jordan made an easy turnaround jumper.
Swish.
Another two points.
The score was tied at 4–4.
On the next possession, Wang Yi attacked. This time, Jordan didn't give him any room at all. He went straight into tight, close-up defense.
Some might ask: wasn't Jordan worried Wang Yi would blow past him if he played so close?
The truth was, Jordan had been Defensive Player of the Year. He had no reason to fear that stepping up would let Wang Yi get by him.
Because as soon as Wang Yi tried to accelerate, Jordan would make body contact and keep him from getting up to speed.