Kevin Harlan spoke in a deep voice, "Malone's anger is understandable. This is the obsession of an old Bull."
"In everyone's mind, Jordan and the Windy City Bulls were supposed to be a legend bound together for life."
Marv Albert picked up the thread, his tone filled with emotion.
"That's the charm of this game. Sentiment, grudges, and competitive confrontation are all intertwined."
Bill Walton's eyes were sharp as he watched the players at both ends of the court.
"Malone has been completely fired up. He'll target the Knicks relentlessly on the floor."
"But don't forget, Jordan has always responded to every doubt with nothing but his performance on the court."
The pregame interview segment ended, and the players from both teams took the court as the starting lineups were officially introduced.
Knicks starters: Sprewell, Allan Houston, Michael Jordan, Donyell Marshall, Li Fei.
Bulls starters: Ron Harper, Sam Cassell, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Luc Longley.
When the referee blew the whistle for the opening tip, the entire arena fell silent in an instant, tens of thousands of eyes focused on center court.
Li Fei and Luc Longley stood in the center circle, their difference in size creating a striking visual contrast.
At 2.24 meters tall with an incredible wingspan, Li Fei held an absolute advantage in the jump ball.
The moment the referee tossed the ball into the air, Li Fei rose lightly and precisely flicked the basketball away with his fingertips.
The ball landed securely in the Knicks' backcourt, and the first showdown of the new season officially began.
Everyone knew that the Knicks' unquestioned tactical centerpiece would always be the unstoppable interior force, Li Fei.
His interior gravity, low-post domination, and control on both ends of the floor were the foundation of the Knicks Dynasty.
But this game