Li Fei: I Never Sign Weaklings or Softies! The final buzzer echoed through Madison Square Garden.
The electronic scoreboard froze on the final score, the bright red numbers painfully glaring.
105 : 78.
The New York Knicks crushed the Philadelphia 76ers at home, claiming victory in their home opener of the new season.
Fans throughout the arena rose to applaud, and cheers swept through the entire venue.
Even though the game had entered garbage time early in the second half, the fans had still enjoyed every moment.
This game had featured every iconic scene basketball fans wanted to see.
Iverson had charged ahead alone to desperately cut the deficit, Jordan had held firm on the perimeter despite his age, and Li Fei had delivered an unstoppable interior dominance in the second half.
The arena's big screen simultaneously displayed the complete player statistics for both teams.
First were the team statistics for the home-side New York Knicks:
Li Fei: 30 minutes played, 36 points, 22 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, 2 steals; 16-of-22 shooting, 4-of-4 free throws.
He shot 100 percent in the second half and completely dominated the paint at both ends of the floor.
Michael Jordan: 32 minutes played, 28 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 11-of-23 shooting.
He provided steady offensive production, while his targeted lockdown defense on Iverson in the second half had produced remarkable results.
Allan Houston: 17 points, 2 rebounds, hitting three crucial mid-range shots throughout the game.
Sprewell: 13 points, 3 assists, providing ample supplementary firepower from the perimeter.
Everyone off the bench performed steadily, with not a single player held scoreless, fully demonstrating the team's depth.
Next came the full-game statistics for the visiting Philadelphia 76ers:
Allen Iverson: 40 minutes played, 41 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals; 17-of-32 shooting.
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