The Portland Trail Blazers faced the Utah Jazz in a clash between two established powerhouses at their best.
Both teams were longtime forces in the Western Conference, with physical styles and seasoned experience.
The Jazz boasted the classic pick-and-roll pairing of Malone and Stockton.
The two veterans had unmatched chemistry, steady offense and defense, and had kept their team near the top of the Western Conference for years.
The Trail Blazers had a deep roster, explosive wings, and a bruising style of play.
The teams battled through five games without either side ever running away with the series.
Every game was an intense, physical struggle, with the score tight until the final moments.
After five games, the series stood at 3–2.
The Trail Blazers held the series lead and were one win away from advancing.
But the Jazz's two veterans were resilient and would never surrender easily.
The next two potential games remained full of uncertainty, leaving the Western Conference Finals berth up for grabs.
That also meant the final Western Conference matchup could not yet be confirmed.
The Lakers could only wait quietly for the Jazz and Trail Blazers to produce a winner.
The playoff picture in both conferences had become clear, outlining this season's championship race.
In the Eastern Conference, the undefeated Knicks Dynasty would face the gritty, team-oriented Pacers.
In the Western Conference, the powerhouse Lakers awaited whichever veteran contender survived.
Media outlets across the United States immediately updated their playoff power rankings and championship predictions.
The Knicks and Lakers comfortably occupied the top two spots, without any suspense.
Virtually every expert and fan predicted that the NBA Finals would be a Green-Gold Battle.
Li Fei and Jordan against the OK Duo promised an epic showdown between stars at their peak.
Aboard their chartered plane, the entire