"Chen, what are you thinking about?" Andre Miller called from the baseline, reminding Li Chen to take the ball.
Li Chen snapped out of his thoughts and reached out with both hands to catch the pass from Andre Miller.
At the other end of the court, keeping his promise to David Stern, Jordan took the initiative and guarded Li Chen.
This surprised everyone, from the fans in the arena to those watching on TV—and even the fans back in China.
After all, being guarded by the God of Basketball, Jordan, was a kind of recognition.
Li Chen stood beyond the three-point line, intently watching Jordan. His eyes burned like twin suns, radiating fervor and an unyielding will.
That look sent Jordan drifting into memories. Iverson had looked that way. Kobe had, too. And hadn't he himself?
As Jordan's thoughts turned, Li Chen lowered his body slightly and bent his knees. Like a nimble leopard, he was ready to pounce at any moment.
The basketball moved back and forth between his hands, his motions fluid and graceful, displaying his consummate control of the ball.
Suddenly, Li Chen made an almost crazy decision: he would drive past the God of Basketball, Jordan.
A determined light flickered in his eyes as he took a quick, powerful step to the right.
His body flashed like lightning. At that moment, Li Chen seemed to become one with the ball in his hands.
Jordan's feet shifted rapidly as he stretched out his powerful arms, cutting off Li Chen's route to the basket.
But Li Chen wasn't the least bit afraid. His eyes revealed an astonishing resolve.
He stopped abruptly. The exaggerated change of direction made everyone who saw it worry that he would snap his ankle.
Jordan's eyelid twitched at the sight. This Eastern Kid was