Pippen Collapsed, Without Jordan, I Can't Get Into the Conference Finals!

The Western Conference was in full swing, packed with twists and suspense, and it had the Eastern Conference fans on edge.

Fan forums in New York and Chicago were flooded with posts urging them to hurry up.

"Can those two teams out West wrap it up already? They're dragging their feet—we're practically smoking from all this waiting!"

"Exactly! The fated showdown between Fei and Jordan is the main theme of this era, okay? Who cares about the grudges between those old guys and a couple of brats?"

The fans were anxious, but neither the Knicks nor the Bulls relaxed in the slightest.

The long layoff was meant to be a test for the veteran-heavy Chicago Bulls, but Jordan's obsessive training mentality kept the entire team in peak competitive form. In the practice gym, Malone repeatedly simulated matchups against Li Fei, sweat pouring down like rain.

The Knicks were no different. Coach Van Gundy's tactical board was practically covered beyond recognition. He had devised several defensive plans for every single aspect of the Bulls' game.

Finally, two days later, the world's attention returned to the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles.

Game 7 between the Lakers and the Houston Rockets was about to begin!

This was the first Game 7 of Kobe's career. Countless people worried whether the young man could withstand the pressure and redeem himself.

When the game began, Kobe did not rush into isolations like he had in the previous game. He was calmer now, relying more on passing and movement to find opportunities. O'Neal remained an unstoppable giant in the paint, forcing the Rockets to double-team him.

An opening quietly appeared.

Kobe took O'Neal's pass and faced Pippen rotating over. Without the slightest hesitation, he rose into his signature fadeaway jumper. The ball swished through the net!