All the lights in Madison Square Garden were blazing, and the VIP sections and courtside seats were already packed.
Unlike the rabid fans in the stands, this area brought together NBA superstars, entertainment celebrities, and business tycoons from across the United States. Every figure there had an aura of their own.
In their reserved courtside seats, the Houston Rockets' Big Three sat side by side, drawing particular attention.
Charles Barkley wore a casual suit. His frame was still imposing, and a reflective look crossed his face as he watched the court intently.
As Li Fei's former teammate on the Suns, he had witnessed Li Fei's rise. Now, watching his former junior teammate lead his team in pursuit of a three-peat, his eyes were filled with pride and anticipation.
Beside him, Scottie Pippen sat with a composed expression and his arms folded, quietly observing both teams with a professional player's keen eye.
Olajuwon, The Dream, looked calm, occasionally exchanging a few quiet words with Barkley. Their conversation was full of anticipation for this clash at the summit.
Although all three had already been eliminated, as legends of the league, they were unwilling to miss this ultimate battle to decide the championship.
Not far away, Michael Jordan sat alone. He looked somewhat forlorn, yet his presence remained commanding.
He wore a black trench coat and sunglasses, his posture straight. He watched the court with a complicated expression, speaking to no one.
The Chicago Bulls had fallen short of expectations that season and had long since missed their chance at the NBA Finals. Jordan no longer had the hopes for this team that he once had.
Rumors about where he would go next season swirled throughout the league. No one knew where the God of Basketball would head next.
Perhaps he had come