The reputation was merely superficial; the real test still lay in the Christmas Day Game. At the same time, it was emphasized that O'Neal's interior dominance would limit Li Fei's performance.
Kobe's elite perimeter defense could shut down Jordan's fadeaway mid-range jumper.
Public opinion across the United States was sharply divided. One side wildly praised the Knicks' godlike performance.
The other waited for the Lakers to complete their revenge and stop them in the Christmas Day Game.
At nine that night, after the game ended, public discussion across the United States remained at a fever pitch.
TNT temporarily added a special late-night roundtable program.
There was no game broadcast and no outside guests.
Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton, three ace commentators, held a closed-door review of this historic showdown.
The studio's giant screen replayed highlights of a single player scoring 20+ points in each of the three quarters.
The lights focused on the three commentators as the live broadcast began simultaneously across the United States.
As the host, Kevin Harlan was the first to set the tone.
"We watched the game this afternoon, and even now, we still haven't recovered from the shock."
"Putting aside the outcome and the teams' records, if we evaluate Li Fei and Jordan purely as a duo—"
"Do you think they are the greatest duo in NBA history?"
After he spoke, the studio fell silent for two seconds.
Former legendary NBA center Bill Walton was the first to take the microphone, his stance utterly firm.
"My answer is yes. Without a doubt, they are number one in history."
"In terms of offensive ability alone, they are already a tier above every other duo in history."
Bill Walton raised a hand and pointed at the images of legendary duos from different eras on the