The atmosphere inside Oakland Arena remained charged with excitement after Carter's miraculous performance.
On the massive four-sided screen, that unbelievable "Elbow Dunk" was still being replayed. Every replay sparked another wave of astonishment from the crowd.
Yet when the players stepped back onto the court, the relaxed atmosphere of an exhibition game that had filled the air began to shift quietly.
Especially Kobe Bryant.
His gaze was sharper than it had been in the first half, like an unsheathed sword gleaming with cold light.
He rolled his shoulders and twisted his ankles, every movement brimming with strength and purpose. His eyes locked onto the Eastern Conference's blue-clad number 23—Li Fei.
At the TNT commentary desk, the experienced Marv Albert keenly caught that detail.
"Kevin, Bill, did you see that? Kobe's eyes have changed. He looks... like he isn't here to enjoy the game. He looks like he's here to hunt."
Bill Walton adjusted his headset and said gravely, "Yes, Marv. That's Kobe Bryant. There is no such word as 'exhibition' in his dictionary—only 'competition.' His back-and-forth duel with Iverson in the first half was merely an appetizer. Now, he has his eyes on the real prey—the king of the league, Li Fei."
Kevin Harlan added, "This is exactly what we came to see! The All-Star Game shouldn't be nothing but alley-oops and no-look passes. It should also be a stage for clashes between the strongest players! Let's see what happens when the Black Mamba tangles with the Oriental Dragon!"
The second half began, with the Eastern Conference in possession.
Iverson brought the ball up and, just after crossing half court, handed it to Li Fei at the top of the arc.
The instant Li Fei caught the ball, Kobe closed in on him like a cheetah.
He lowered his center