On the day he received the regular season MVP, Charles Barkley reached a pinnacle in his basketball career.
He held up the MVP trophy, but there wasn't much expression on his face, no triumphant smile, nor exaggerated grimace.
He was unusually solemn, shook hands with David Stern, said some routine words of thanks, and then put the MVP trophy back into his locker.
He didn't want to look at it again until the series was over.
Barkley knew in his heart that the MVP trophy wouldn't increase his chances of winning the West Finals.
On the contrary, it would decrease because he could feel Ah Gan's gaze and hear Ah Gan's inner voice.
How long have they known each other? Almost 10 years, since the 1984 Olympic Training Camp.
Barkley admired Ah Gan's frankness and charm, that sincerity and naturalness, which made Barkley quite envious.
Barkley knew in his heart how much of his own exhibited ease and recklessness was an act.
