"You've overlooked one critically important factor: Allen Iverson's individual ability to destroy any tactical system, and the ironclad defensive scheme Coach Larry Brown tailored specifically for him."
"Yes, Li Fei is unstoppable in the paint. But the 76ers absolutely won't let him receive the ball comfortably in the low post. Perimeter stoppers like Eric Snow and George Lynch will frantically cut off the Knicks' passing lanes to Li Fei. They'll use every bit of physical contact, every little dirty trick, even fouls, to wear down the Knicks' guards."
"And on the offensive end, Iverson is the biggest uncontrollable variable."
"Sprewell can certainly defend, and Stephen Jackson is certainly ruthless, but Iverson's change-of-direction speed and explosiveness exceed the limits of human reaction. Once Iverson fully unleashed his offense and entered that realm where 'the only thing in his eyes is the basket,' no one could contain him one-on-one."
"More importantly, Iverson had that defiant, never-say-die spirit. The stronger the opponent he faced—especially a lofty 'king' like Li Fei—the more fiercely the fighting spirit inside him burned. He was the kind of player who, once his offense got rolling, could single-handedly defy fate, change the outcome, and defeat anyone."
Marv Albert looked into the camera, his tone utterly certain. "So, I don't think this will be a one-sided series. For the Knicks to sweep the 76ers 4–0, or even beat them 4–1 in a gentleman's sweep, would be pure fantasy. Iverson will never allow that kind of humiliation to happen to his team."
Kevin Harlan rubbed his hands together excitedly. This kind of clash of opinions was what he loved most.
"Then, gentlemen, now that you've both given such detailed analysis, it's time for your final series predictions!"
"Bill, you go first."
Bill Walton pondered for a moment, his brow faintly furrowed