The final score flashed across the arena's big screen, and the enormous gap was impossible to ignore.
New York Knicks 108:74 Indiana Pacers
With a staggering thirty-four-point margin, the Knicks easily took Game 1 on their home court.
Throughout the game, the Knicks led from the opening tip to the final buzzer, firmly controlling the situation from start to finish.
There were no swings, no comebacks, not even the slightest suspense. It was a complete blowout from beginning to end.
The postgame stats were released in full, and the gap between the core players' numbers was enormous.
Michael Jordan played 36 minutes.
He went 18-for-21 from the field, 3-for-4 from three, and 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
He erupted for 45 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals, with only 1 turnover.
His true shooting percentage neared a terrifying 95%, and he was flawless and unstoppable on both ends of the court.
Against Miller, who had relentlessly mocked him before the game, Jordan delivered a godlike performance.
He completely shattered every spineless accusation of betrayal with his play on the court.
Reggie Miller played 38 minutes, giving everything he had but still unable to salvage the loss.
He shot 6-for-22 from the field, 1-for-8 from three, and 3-for-4 from the line.
He managed only 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, along with 6 costly turnovers.
Jordan targeted him all night on both offense and defense, thoroughly crushing him and leaving him with no chance to fight back.
He had exhausted every ounce of toughness and stubbornness tonight, yet he still could not clear the mountain that was Jordan.
Li Fei coasted through the game, playing 32 minutes while holding back the entire way.
He went 8-for-11 and efficiently posted 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks.