Marv Albert added, "Karl Malone at small forward is indeed an adjustment, a strategy, a way the Chicago Bulls came up with to break the deadlock. But the question is—who knows what effect this adjustment will have? Judging by their historical matchups, Malone has never gotten any advantage against Li Fei. Back in the Western Conference, Li Fei was with the Phoenix Suns and Malone was with the Utah Jazz, and Li Fei won every playoff meeting. Last year, Malone came to the Eastern Conference and Li Fei went to the Knicks, and Li Fei won the Eastern Conference Finals again. History doesn't lie."
On the court, Malone expressionlessly picked up the ball from the floor and walked out of bounds to inbound it.
His gaze was as calm as if nothing had happened.
After fifteen years in the league, getting dunked on was neither the first time nor the last.
He bounced the ball, passed it to Harper, then ran toward the frontcourt.
The Chicago Bulls' offensive tempo was slow. Harper brought the ball across half court and handed it to Jordan.
Jordan held the ball on the right wing at a forty-five-degree angle, facing Houston's defense. His movements were unhurried, as though he were testing something.
Malone began calling for the ball on the left low block.
He sealed Li Fei behind him, raised his right hand, and signaled for the pass. Jordan glanced at him and sent the ball over.
"Malone is posting up Li Fei," Harlan said. "This is such an interesting sight. Just now, Li Fei faced up against Malone. Now Malone is backing down Li Fei. Two power forwards, playing a small forward position, with the height of a center—this matchup has become completely chaotic."
Malone caught the ball with his back to Li