268: 4-0 Advancement to Eastern Finals, a 43-point Victory!

In the other Eastern Conference semifinal, the Chicago Bulls hosted the Miami Heat at the United Center.

In the previous game, hampered by the fatigue of a back-to-back, the Bulls had suffered an upset loss.

But after two days of rest, the rejuvenated Bulls showed the strength of the defending champions.

Michael Jordan switched into attack mode from the opening tip, shooting 15-for-28 and efficiently posting 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Karl Malone had his way in the paint as well, delivering a steady double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. Against the Bulls' full-throttle offense, even the defense-minded Heat had no answer.

In the end, the Bulls crushed the Heat 105:88, taking a 3:1 series lead. With three chances to clinch, they stood just one win away from the Eastern Conference Finals.

Meanwhile, in the wild Western Conference, the most highly anticipated matchup—Houston Rockets versus Los Angeles Lakers—welcomed Game 4.

The Lakers had held a 2:1 lead through the first three games. But back on their home court, the Rockets erupted with astonishing energy.

Charles Barkley, Li Fei's former teammate and close friend, seemed to have returned to his prime. He gave Shaquille O'Neal no ground in their matchup, exploding for 35 points and 18 rebounds as he repeatedly battered his massive frame into the Lakers' paint.

Olajuwon used his dreamlike footwork to spin the young O'Neal in circles, contributing 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Pippen flawlessly connected the team, handing out 14 assists.

For the Lakers, Kobe Bryant and O'Neal combined for 55 points, but the collective explosion of the Rockets' Big Three was clearly even better.

In the end, the Rockets defeated the Lakers 112:101 at home, tying the series at 2:2!

This clash-of-the-titans series was about to enter its cruelest and