If this guy gets tough, half of the Suns’ starters might not appear in Game Seven.
Moreover, if they use this method to drag it to Game Seven, Barkley would feel it’s an unworthy victory.
The referee promptly stepped in to mediate, and the Suns were called for a technical foul.
At the Rose Garden, the referees would prevent persuasion and wouldn’t call Gan Guoyang for a technical foul.
The Suns players weren’t rash enough to rush in for a one-on-one with Ah Gan; they gradually calmed down.
But Gan Guoyang didn’t let the Suns off easily; he angrily shouted at Westphal for trying to be clever.
"Paul! Clever tricks will never win you a championship, never! It seems the lesson hasn’t sunk in for you; tonight I’ll teach you again!"
Westphal looked awkward after being exposed and didn’t respond.
At the end of the second quarter, Gan Guoyang led the Trail Blazers in a counterattack, with a wave of 7:2 to tie the score.
The teams were tied at 47:47 going into halftime, with the Trail Blazers looking better and the Suns appearing a bit downcast.
Sure enough, in the third quarter, things reversed. Porter started the second half with two consecutive three-pointers.
One was a three-pointer after a pick-and-roll with Gan Guoyang, the other an abrupt stop three-pointer on the break—both signature offensive moves by Porter.
With these two threes made, the atmosphere at the Rose Garden heated up, as people witnessed the return of champion Portland.
Having fought to the sixth game of the Western Conference finals, the Trail Blazers, who swept across the land, finally seemed to be coming back.
Before, that wasn’t the real Trail Blazers; it was Ah Gan playing ball with his teammates.
These two threes seemed to awaken the entire Trail Blazers’ offensive spirit.
Petrović then made a stop-and-pop jump shot.
Lewis also scored after a pick-and-roll with Ah Gan.
Gan Guoyang became the best screen on the court and the best defensive attractor.
But the Suns didn’t collapse; they put up a very strong resistance.
After the Trail Blazers extended the lead to 10 points, Westphal called a timeout.
After returning, the Suns played steadily, continued to attack inside, and timely spaced the ball to both corners.
Marley and An Ji both made three-pointers, holding on tightly to the score.
Barkley faced Ah Gan’s defense without forcing shots, instead combining organization with individual play like in game one.
They were all experienced players, understanding how to use different rhythms and styles to best help the team win.
Both teams shot well from outside, with the third-quarter scores alternating up, Trail Blazers scoring 34 points in the quarter, Suns scoring 30 points.
77:81, before entering the fourth quarter, the Suns tenaciously narrowed the gap to 4 points, keeping their hope alive.
The final quarter began, and the Suns launched a strong counterattack, with Barkley coming to life and scoring consecutive mid-range jumpers.
At this point, Porter and Sabonis each responded with mid-range shots, as both teams shot like in a shooting contest, one after another.
Shooting percentages were very high.
However, commentator Magic Johnson could spot some differences:
"The Trail Blazers’ offense is simpler and more effortless. With Sabonis shooting from high post, the Suns have hardly any options, only hoping he misses."
"Whereas the Suns’ offense requires much effort and good coordination to succeed; the Trail Blazers’ two inside players are formidable on defense."
"With them, opponents’ offenses naturally become much more complicated than usual, which is a big advantage for the Trail Blazers."
Besides Portland locals, no one understands the Portland Trail Blazers better than Magic Johnson.
The game reached its most intense moment as the Trail Blazers maintained about a 4-point lead throughout the fourth quarter.
The Suns showcased their incredible resilience, refusing to give up in absolutely unfavorable situations.
Whenever the Trail Blazers executed a flawless offense, the Suns had an answer, ensuring the game didn’t slip away.
Besides Barkley, Marley, Dumars, An Ji, and Salley all gave it their all.
This forced the Trail Blazers players to exert full effort, as hoping for a few three-pointers to cause the opponents to surrender was not going to happen here.
The teams battled all the way to the end; under a minute remained with the score at 103:107, the Trail Blazers still leading by 4 points.
Suns with ball possession, Kevin Johnson received the ball to organize an offense, feigned a central drive and passed to Marley on the wing.
Marley caught the ball for a three-pointer, but missed; Gan Guoyang grabbed the rebound but Barkley didn’t relent, scrambling with him.
If this basket goes, the Suns still have a chance; if it misses, the game is essentially over.
Barkley obviously didn’t want to give up; he fought hard and secured a jump ball opportunity.
The two stood in the free throw circle for the jump ball, and Barkley knew he couldn’t beat Ah Gan, so he subtly signaled to Johnson.
Johnson understood, and during the jump ball, Barkley didn’t exert fully, allowing Gan Guoyang to leap up and tip the ball to Porter.
However, Kevin Johnson burst in from the side and stripped the ball from Porter’s hand!
After seizing the ball, he turned and charged the basket, and as Barkley also moved inside, Kevin Johnson aimed a high pass for Barkley to perform an alley-oop!
Everything happened in the blink of an eye, and at the critical moment, Barkley used a clever trick; their tactical play was about to succeed.
However, Gan Guoyang stood like an impenetrable iron curtain between Johnson and Barkley.
In the air, Gan Guoyang intercepted the pass, which was slightly low from Johnson.
After securing the ball, Gan Guoyang landed heavily on both feet, gripping the ball tightly like a vice.
Barkley landed at the same time; at this instant, he knew his 1992-1993 season was over.
Yet Barkley instinctively charged at Ah Gan hands clutching tightly onto the ball without hesitation.