Doris was clearly intimidated by the fighting spirit bearing down on her, but she still pressed on. "But the Knicks' defense—especially the interior guarded by Li Fei and Sabonis—is a forbidden zone for every player who drives to the basket..."
Iverson let out a scornful laugh and cut her off.
"Forbidden zone? Listen, I've spent my whole life attacking so-called 'forbidden zones.' People said I was too short to play in the NBA, but here I am. People said I was too selfish to win, but we're second in the Eastern Conference now. They say Li Fei is a god? Fine." Facing the camera, he raised one finger and gently wagged it. "I just want to tell the whole United States that tonight, even a god needs to learn what it feels like to be shaken to the floor."
"He signs my checks, sure. But tonight, I came here to end his myth with my own hands. That matters more than any check. This is about dignity."
With that, he ignored Doris, put his headphones back on, turned the volume all the way up, and jogged away. All he left behind was the number "3" on his back and a crowd of stunned reporters.
This declaration-like interview was broadcast clearly across every corner of the arena through the giant screen, reaching Li Fei at the other end of the court as he was being interviewed.
Interviewing him was another legendary reporter, Craig Sager, world-famous for his flamboyant suits. Today, Sager wore a bright pink suit with an emerald green tie. Standing before the 2.24-meter-tall Li Fei, he looked like a vividly colored mushroom.
"Li," Sager said in his ever-dramatic voice, "I imagine you just heard it too. Your number-one spokesman, Allen Iverson, said he wants to let even a 'god'