"OH—MY GOD!" The commentators at the broadcast table leaped straight out of their seats.
That shot had completely killed any remaining suspense in the game.
The final buzzer sounded. The Sophomore Team defeated the Rookie Team, 135 to 126.
Stephen Jackson played 24 minutes, shooting 11 of 17 from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. He efficiently put up a game-high 28 points, along with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
Without any suspense, the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy was awarded to him.
When league vice president Rod Thorn handed him the crystal trophy, Jackson excitedly kissed it and shouted at the camera, "New York! This is for you! Boss, I didn't let you down!"
In front of the television, Li Fei, who was watching the game with his teammates in their hotel room, smiled with satisfaction.
He knew that this "jackal" from Texas was announcing his arrival to the world in his own way. Who else could possibly take this year's Sixth Man of the Year award but him?
After a night of revelry, the main event of All-Star Weekend finally began.
Oakland Arena felt like the center of the universe that night. Above the dome, massive four-sided LED screens played dazzling opening animations. Heavy metal rock blended with electronic dance music, every drumbeat seeming to pound against the hearts of twenty thousand spectators. In the celebrity seats by the court, Hollywood superstars, pop divas, and Silicon Valley's rising elites sat interspersed among one another. Their jewelry and camera flashes reflected off each other, forming another spectacle beyond the basketball itself.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2000 NBA All-Star Game!"
The DJ's magnetic voice boomed through the surround sound system, instantly driving the atmosphere to its first peak.
The lights in the center