Ginobili was at a loss for words.
If Zhang Yang was provoking him or teasing him, he could have responded with harsh words or just walked away.
But the 18-year-old kid's eyes were clear and bright, like a college student...
Ginobili replied, "Coming off the bench, I get more shots. With Tony and Tim as starters, there's less opportunity to shoot when I'm on the floor with them."
Zhang Luyu said, "Really? I don't believe it."
Ginobili said, "Believe it or not, it doesn't matter. I'm heading back."
Zhang Yang watched Ginobili's retreating figure with some regret; his challenge hadn't provoked the maestro.
Ginobili's sprint away was purely because at 29 and at the peak of his career, he felt embarrassed to come off the bench.
Zhang Yang had heard about the reasons Ginobili played as a substitute, and certainly it wasn't the nonsense reason that he had more shooting opportunities off the bench.
