We're here, get ready to accept the challenge.

David Stern and his team were feverishly arranging an entirely new schedule.

To make up for the enormous losses caused by the lockout and reignite the fans' enthusiasm in the shortest possible time, they had to produce a schedule shocking enough to generate plenty of buzz.

The new season would officially begin on February 5. Each team would play 50 regular-season games, with the schedule compressed to the extreme. Back-to-backs, even four games in five days, would become commonplace.

After several rounds of discussions among league executives, the opening-night matchups were finally confirmed.

When the schedule was announced, basketball fans across North America and even around the world erupted into a frenzy.

Opening day would feature two nationally televised marquee games.

In the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets would host the Los Angeles Lakers. The Big Three versus the OK Duo—a matchup filled with the weight of destiny and inheritance.

And in the Eastern Conference, there was the true blockbuster.

The New York Knicks, at home in Madison Square Garden, against the Chicago Bulls!

The defending champions versus a former dynasty!

Li Fei, the league's best player, against Michael Jordan, the God of Basketball!

This was more than just a game. It was a collision between two eras, the ultimate battle for the throne!

As soon as the news broke, tickets for Madison Square Garden sold out within five minutes, while prices on the secondary market soared to staggering astronomical figures.

Media outlets around the world turned their cameras toward New York and Chicago. Analysis, predictions, and hype surrounding the game came flooding in from every direction.

Inside the TNT studio, the three prominent commentators—Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton—launched into a heated discussion.

"Gentlemen, I can hardly believe my eyes!" Harlan exclaimed, waving his arms excitedly. "David Stern