The lights abruptly dimmed for the fourth quarter, leaving only the court blazing white beneath the overhead spotlights.
All three cameras at the TNT broadcast desk pointed toward the court. Kevin Harlan gripped his microphone, his voice taut with excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the fourth quarter is here!"
"This isn't the closing quarter of some ordinary regular-season game. This is Game 6 of the 2000 NBA Finals—twelve minutes that will decide who takes the championship!"
Marv Albert leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the players lining up on both sides.
"Forty-nine apiece. A clean slate. Whoever survives this ultimate test of body and mind will lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy."
Bill Walton nodded slowly, tapping his fingers against the edge of the broadcast desk.
"Both teams are running on empty. This isn't about skill anymore. It's about willpower, about the instinct to win buried deep inside every superstar."
"If the Lakers win this one, the series goes to Game 7. If the Knicks win, their dynasty will be crowned with a four-peat."
At courtside, the Staples DJ made his announcement, his voice carrying through the arena.
"The fourth quarter begins!"
The referee's whistle rang out, short and sharp, and the ball sailed into the air.
Li Fei and O'Neal jumped at center court, their massive bodies colliding with a dull thud.
A flick of the fingertips sent the basketball toward the Knicks, and Jordan gathered it securely.
The Knicks launched the first attack.
Jordan brought the ball up. Kobe stayed glued to him, keeping a hand in front of Jordan to disrupt his passing lanes.
Jordan tried two consecutive jab steps but found no opening to drive. He could only pass back to Li Fei at the top of the arc.
With O'Neal switched onto him, Li Fei lowered his