"I like the Knicks. Li Fei can contain O'Neal inside, and Jordan can keep Kobe in check."
"The Lakers have the better shot! O'Neal's physical gifts are historic. Li Fei might not be able to handle him."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves with the NBA Finals. Neither series is over yet. The Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns won't surrender easily."
"Even if the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers fight tooth and nail, they'll struggle to stop these two powerhouses from advancing."
Plenty of basketball commentators also published columns.
The consensus among most industry insiders was clear.
As long as neither team suffered widespread injuries.
A meeting in the NBA Finals was the most likely outcome.
Of course, it was still far too early to declare the current series settled.
The Philadelphia 76ers were about to return home to Philadelphia, and Iverson would surely make adjustments.
The Phoenix Suns would not simply roll over either. They would do everything possible to find weaknesses in the Lakers.
But everyone could see it.
The Knicks and Lakers were moving side by side toward the ultimate stage.
Every victory brought the two teams a little closer to the NBA Finals.
Night fell over New York, the city glowing with countless lights.
Li Fei rode back to his apartment.
He pushed open the door, and soft, warm light filled the living room.
Wrapped in a soft robe, Monica Bellucci leaned against the sofa as she waited for him.
Pregnancy had left a trace of fatigue on her face, but the moment she saw Li Fei enter, a tender smile spread across it.
Li Fei took off his jacket, walked over, and sat beside her, gently taking her hand.
All the steely toughness he showed on the court faded away at home.
"The game's over.