In turn, I loved showing him my full arsenal of weapons. One of them was mental: knowing my opponent. I knew he was competitive, as much then as he is now, so I knew he would bite at the opportunity to block my shot. So I’d throw him a hard pump fake and either get fouled or go right by him.

That was just Russ being youthful. He had to learn, and I was there?to teach him.

As time progressed, I’d attack him with a little bit of everything. The?goal, though, was to shoot over the top—I had a few inches on him—and take him to spots on the floor where I could overpower him. I?didn’t want to dribble or fuss with the ball when he was on me. I’d?slice to the post, move to the elbow, and be patient.