Barkley scored 10 points in the half, while Gan Guoyang had 5 points and 7 rebounds. He was clearly saving his energy for the second half, for the third quarter.
For the Trail Blazers, the team is gradually forming a new gaming style and rhythm. The days of sweeping through everything are over; they need to be more precise.
During halftime, Gan Guoyang apologized to Barkley, saying he shouldn't have called him a pig.
Barkley shrugged, casually saying, "It's okay. Until I win a championship, I'm a pig."
Clearly, Barkley's mindset improved after joining the Trail Blazers, and knowing that this was his last season, there was nothing he wouldn't accept for the championship.
Carl also came over to talk to Barkley, "I know you have the strength to start, but being a substitute will be a better choice for the team. When needed, you'll still be the team's starting choice."
Barkley accepted and respected Carl's choice, the atmosphere in the Trail Blazers' locker room remained perfect.
