Chapter Summaries

Li Fei studied the Bulls’ small offensive flaws and used a team-focused strategy in Game 4 to disrupt their reliance on Jordan. The Suns’ approach forced Pippen to hesitate and helped Li Fei frustrate O’Neal, while Jordan began showing displeasure with his teammate.

• Li Fei reviewed Game 3 footage and identified moments when Jordan, Pippen, O’Neal, and Harper’s offensive choices revealed cracks in the Bulls’ system.
• Li Fei decided to target the Bulls’ reliance on Jordan in Game 4 at the United Center.
• Li Fei set screens for Barkley and Anderson, helping both Suns teammates score while appearing to give up his own scoring chances.
• Li Fei directed the Suns’ defense to leave Jordan open and pressure Pippen, who hesitated before passing inside to O’Neal.
• Li Fei held his ground against O’Neal and disrupted his shot, while Jordan frowned and gestured at Pippen.

Li Fei used Game 4 to weaken the trust between Jordan and his Bulls teammates, even as the Suns lost 115–89 and the series became tied 2–2. With the Suns demoralized and critics writing them off, Li Fei told Barkley and Rodman that they had won the first step of the war by driving a wedge into the Bulls.

• Li Fei directed the Suns to trap Jordan and ease their defense against his teammates, prompting Kukoc to take a shot for himself and miss.
• Jordan grew increasingly distrustful of his teammates as the Bulls relied more on isolation plays, though they led by 20 points at the end of the third quarter.
• The Bulls defeated the Suns 115–89, tying the series 2–2, and Jordan, Phil Jackson, and the media celebrated the Bulls' resurgence.
• Nike sales and stock surged while the LF brand faced pressure, and public opinion declared the Suns beaten.
• At Phoenix's training facility, Barkley asked Li Fei whether the Suns still had a chance, and Li Fei explained that their loss had helped fracture trust between Jordan and his teammates.

Li Fei rallied Barkley and Rodman before Game 5, then led the Suns into the game with a bruising attack on O'Neal and a new defensive plan against Jordan. The chapter ended as Li Fei moved to challenge Jordan's midair bank shot.

• Li Fei told Barkley to wreak havoc in the paint and Rodman to pursue every rebound, while he took responsibility for defense and rebounding.
• Before Game 5, Li Fei brushed off reporters' questions and declared, "Play rough."
• Li Fei powered through O'Neal in the post and finished their first Suns possession with a one-handed dunk.
• The Suns returned to straightforward man-to-man defense, and Jordan beat Bowen before driving toward the basket.
• Li Fei abandoned O'Neal to get ahead of Jordan, who changed his dunk into a high bank shot to avoid the block.

Li Fei dominated the first half of Game 5, leading the Suns to a 68–55 halftime lead with a Finals-record 48 points. The Bulls entered halftime with Phil Jackson searching for answers as O'Neal and Pippen admitted they could not contain him, while Jordan prepared to face the second half.

• Li Fei blocked Michael Jordan’s layup, then finished an alley-oop dunk after Rodman started a fast break.
• Li Fei entered the Zone and scored through the Bulls’ defenses, mixing mid-range shots, passes to Barkley, fadeaways, a reverse layup, and a three-pointer.
• Jordan answered with difficult one-on-one shots against Bowen, but the Bulls’ Triangle Offense stalled as the game became a duel between Jordan and Li Fei.
• At halftime, the Suns led 68–55, and Li Fei had scored 48 points on 19-for-24 shooting, made all 10 free throws, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots.
• In the Bulls’ locker room, Phil Jackson tried to devise a plan, but O'Neal said he could not hold Li Fei off and Pippen said he could not guard him.

Li Fei led the Suns to a 128–101 Game 5 victory over the Bulls, scoring a Finals-record 90 points and decisively outplaying Michael Jordan. He remained focused on winning the championship as the series shifted to Chicago, where the Bulls faced elimination.

• Phil Jackson sent Pippen and Harper to trap Li Fei, but Li Fei used screens and precise passes to set up scores for Anderson, Barkley, and Rodman.
• Li Fei mixed playmaking with relentless scoring, and the Suns ended the third quarter ahead 99–80 as he broke the Finals single-game scoring record with 72 points.
• Li Fei blocked and seized Jordan's signature shot, leaving Jordan and the Bulls visibly defeated.
• The Suns helped Li Fei reach 90 points before the final buzzer, and they beat the Bulls 128–101 as Li Fei recorded 22 rebounds, 8 assists, and 7 blocks.
• At the press conference, Li Fei said the job was not done because he still wanted the Larry O'Brien Trophy, then returned to practice with the Suns the next day.
• The series stood at 3–2, with the Bulls facing elimination in Game 6 at the United Center.

Li Fei’s 90-point performance and decisive block against Michael Jordan in Game 5 triggered a worldwide media frenzy and made him a global phenomenon. The Bulls faced a possible final judgment in Game 6 at the United Center, while China celebrated Li Fei’s achievement.

• Li Fei’s game-ending dunk sealed his 90-point total, and online sports forums erupted with praise, disbelief, and arguments over whether the Bulls could recover.
• Sports Illustrated’s editor-in-chief replaced the planned cover with an image of Li Fei blocking Jordan and the headline “GODZILLA.”
• ESPN devoted an hour to analyzing Game 5, while Bill Simmons praised Li Fei and Kenny Smith said the Bulls’ confidence had collapsed.
• Public opinion shifted toward the Suns as attention turned to Game 6 at the United Center two days later.
• CCTV Sports Channel devoted fifteen minutes of its morning broadcast to reporting on Li Fei’s game as China celebrated.

After Li Fei scored 90 points to put the Phoenix Suns one win from the title, his victory sparked nationwide excitement, shook Nike’s business, and inspired young players Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. The story left the teams two days before Game 6 in Chicago, where Li Fei could claim the championship in Jordan’s arena.

• Li Fei scored 90 points, 22 rebounds, eight assists, and seven blocks as the Suns beat the Bulls 128–101 and took a 3–2 series lead.
• Chinese fans celebrated Li Fei’s performance, and newspapers and stores quickly sold out of items bearing his image.
• Phil Knight watched Nike’s stock fall as retailers canceled Air Jordan orders, while Li Fei’s LF brand received surging orders and rushed to increase production.
• Kobe Bryant watched the game tape, saw Li Fei as a new rival to surpass, and returned to the gym to practice.
• Allen Iverson watched the replay, admired Li Fei’s speed and confidence, and went to the court to work on his game.
• Two days later, the teams prepared to meet for Game 6 at Chicago’s United Center, with the Suns one win from the title.

In Game 6 of the 1996 NBA Finals, Li Fei and Michael Jordan traded baskets in a high-scoring first quarter at the United Center. The Bulls finished the quarter ahead 38–36, with Jordan scoring 22 points and Li Fei scoring 20.

• Li Fei joked with Doris Burke during warmups, treating the challenges of the game like problems to solve.
• Li Fei won the opening tip for Phoenix and scored over Shaquille O'Neal with a spin and step-back jumper.
• Jordan answered with a layup past Bruce Bowen, then Li Fei scored again against O'Neal and Scottie Pippen's defense.
• Jordan hit a three-pointer to give Chicago a 5–4 lead and continued attacking throughout the quarter.
• The first quarter ended with the Bulls leading 38–36 as Jordan scored 22 points and Li Fei scored 20.

Li Fei and Michael Jordan traded historic scoring performances as the Bulls held a narrow lead through three quarters. With Jordan at 59 points and Li Fei at 54, the game entered its final 12 minutes still in doubt.

• The Bulls changed their defense to swarm Li Fei, but he passed around the double-teams and hit a buzzer-beating shot to end the half with Chicago ahead 68–65.
• Jordan scored 41 points in the first half, and both he and Li Fei insisted on playing the entire second half.
• Jordan pushed the Bulls' lead to 10 in the third quarter, but Li Fei rallied the Suns with playmaking and a series of efficient baskets, including a long-range Skyhook.
• Jordan and Li Fei continued trading scores, and the third quarter ended with the Bulls leading 102–98.
• The scoreboard showed Jordan with 59 points and Li Fei with 54 through three quarters.

Li Fei and Michael Jordan traded baskets in a fourth-quarter duel that kept the Bulls narrowly ahead. With three minutes left, Li Fei threw down an and-one dunk to cut Chicago’s lead to one point.

• Li Fei and Jordan both refused to rest before the fourth quarter, and Li told the Suns to defend, rebound, and give him the ball.
• Jordan opened the quarter with a fadeaway three, then Li Fei matched him with a step-back shot to trim the Bulls’ lead to four.
• Jordan and Li Fei traded difficult shots and three-point plays as their point totals climbed and the margin stayed within five.
• With the Bulls leading 118–114 and three minutes left, Li Fei tossed the ball toward the rim, caught it in midair, and dunked over Ron Harper for an and-one.
• Li Fei made the free throw, bringing his total to 71 points and cutting the score to 118–117.

Li Fei and Michael Jordan traded spectacular baskets in the closing minutes, with Charles Barkley tying the game before Jordan hit a go-ahead shot. With one second left, Li Fei caught Rodman’s inbound pass and made a turning fadeaway game-winner, leaving the Suns ahead as the buzzer sounded.

• Jordan scored over Bowen to put the Bulls ahead, and Li Fei answered with a fadeaway against O'Neal.
• Jordan drove past Li Fei and scored before crashing to the floor, giving the Bulls a 122–119 lead.
• Li Fei drew three defenders into the paint and passed behind his back to Charles Barkley, who tied the game with a three-pointer.
• Jordan beat Bowen with a fadeaway to put the Bulls ahead 124–122 with two seconds remaining.
• Li Fei drew up a final play, caught Rodman’s inbound pass in midair, and hit a turning fadeaway as the red light came on.

Li Fei scored 95 points and hit a buzzer-beater to defeat Michael Jordan and the Bulls, giving the Phoenix Suns the 1995–96 NBA championship. After receiving the Larry O'Brien Trophy and his second Finals MVP award, Li Fei celebrated with his teammates in the locker room.

• Li Fei's game-winning shot gave the Suns a 125–124 victory as he finished with 95 points and the championship.
• The Suns rushed onto the court to celebrate while Michael Jordan and the Bulls stood stunned by their defeat.
• Li Fei met Jordan at center court, where Jordan congratulated him and Li Fei thanked him.
• Li Fei raised the Larry O'Brien Trophy and his second Finals MVP trophy as champagne and confetti filled the United Center.
• The Suns celebrated in the locker room as Barkley cried, Ainge sprayed champagne, and Rodman watched quietly from a corner.
• Barkley asked Li Fei if he was an alien, and Li Fei joked with him before Barkley embraced him.

After Li Fei led the Suns to a championship with 95 points in Game 7, he confidently answered reporters and hinted that his dominance would continue. At his Chicago hotel, agent David Falk greeted him excitedly and said his performance had shaken the sports business.

• Li Fei told reporters he practiced unusual shots a thousand times a day and said the championship win was earned, not luck.
• Barkley celebrated his second championship and said he wanted to keep playing alongside Li Fei.
• Li Fei compared Jordan to a final villain and said he preferred a series of greatness to a single standout night.
• Li Fei and his party left the arena and drove to his Chicago hotel.
• David Falk embraced Li Fei and declared that his performance had shaken the sports business.

After Li Fei’s game-winning performance and press conference sent his shoe brand soaring, David Falk announced the Li Fei II as fans turned away from Air Jordan. The chapter then looked ahead to Shaquille O’Neal’s contract decision, Karl Malone’s growing frustration, and Li Fei’s possible role in the 1996 Olympics before Phoenix began its championship parade.

• David Falk told Li Fei that the Li Fei I had sold out worldwide in three minutes and that Charles Barkley’s Flying Pig 1st Generation had sold out soon after.
• David Falk said Li Fei’s remark about preferring TV series had spread worldwide, and announced that the Li Fei II would launch that offseason.
• Fans celebrated the coming Li Fei II as Nike’s Air Jordan line lost momentum and resellers discounted their stock.
• The league awaited Shaquille O’Neal’s decision on his player option, while rumors grew that Karl Malone might leave Utah.
• The chapter raised the question of whether Li Fei would represent Team China at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and face members of the Dream Team.
• Three days later, Phoenix began its championship parade.

The Suns returned to Phoenix to celebrate their championship with a massive parade, where Li Fei thanked the city and spoke about facing the challenges ahead. The story left Li Fei looking toward Atlanta and the team’s road to defending its title.

• The Suns arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and rode a championship parade bus through crowds of cheering fans.
• Charles Barkley celebrated tearfully with the trophies, while Dennis Rodman danced and sprayed champagne over the crowd.
• Li Fei watched the fans from the bus before taking the stage at City Hall Plaza to address Phoenix.
• Li Fei said the championship belonged to the team, its fans, and the city, then promised to keep facing challenges as long as he played.
• Li Fei raised the championship trophy as confetti filled the plaza and looked ahead to Atlanta and the road to defending the title.

After winning the NBA championship, Li Fei agreed to lead China’s men’s basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics. The chapter ended with him studying the team’s preliminary roster and technical reports.

• Director Lan and Gong Luming visited Li Fei in Phoenix to invite him to join China’s Olympic team.
• Li Fei accepted immediately, saying that representing China was his duty and honor.
• Li Fei asked for detailed roster and technical reports so he could learn about his teammates.
• After the visitors left, Li Fei stayed up reading China’s 1996 Olympic basketball team preliminary roster.

Li Fei studied China's Olympic basketball roster and resolved to become its defensive backbone and undisputed leader. After he agreed to represent China at the Atlanta Olympics, the announcement sparked nationwide excitement.

• Li Fei reviewed the roster, assessing the players' strengths and weaknesses and identifying the need for a central leader.
• Li Fei decided to anchor the defense, protect Wang Zhizhi and Bateer, create space for the scorers, and guide his teammates through difficult games.
• Two days later, the General Administration of Sport of China and China Central Television announced that Li Fei would represent China at the Atlanta Olympics.
• Xinwen Lianbo aired a feature celebrating Li Fei's NBA achievements and his return to the national team.
• Newspapers sold out as people across the country celebrated Li Fei's decision to play for China.

After Li Fei agreed to join China’s Olympic team, his teammates celebrated the boost he would bring, and thousands of fans welcomed him home at Beijing Capital International Airport. He accepted their support with a deep bow and prepared to represent China in Atlanta.

• An assistant coach told Gong Luming and the Chinese players that Li Fei had agreed to join the team, prompting a jubilant celebration.
• Gong Luming saw the players’ spirits rise and recognized that Li Fei could become the team’s leader.
• A week later, thousands of fans, reporters, and security officers gathered at Beijing Capital International Airport to welcome Li Fei.
• Li Fei emerged from the arrivals passage, bowed to the crowd, and waved as fans cheered for him and China.
• Li Fei moved through the airport under security protection, ready to represent China in the Olympic battle in Atlanta.

Li Fei arrived at China’s training base and met Gong Luming and the national team before beginning physical tests. He stunned his teammates with his strength and a 105-centimeter vertical jump.

• Li Fei arrived at the training base, where Gong Luming and the national team welcomed him.
• Li Fei insisted on starting immediately, and Gong Luming began the team’s fitness tests.
• Liu Yudong bench-pressed 140 kilograms, then Li Fei pressed 180 kilograms five times with ease.
• Li Fei jumped high enough to slap the top edge of the backboard, and an assistant coach measured his vertical jump at 105 centimeters.

Li Fei stunned the national team players with his extraordinary athleticism and perfect shooting, then dominated a scrimmage with defense, passing, and a powerful dunk. The chapter ended with Wang Zhizhi and Gong Xiaobin helpless beneath Li Fei’s emphatic finish.

• Li Fei revealed a 1.05-meter vertical leap, then made all 100 shots across five shooting spots.
• Gong Luming divided the players into Red and White teams for a scrimmage, with Li Fei joining Hu Weidong and Sun Jun on Red Team.
• Li Fei blocked Wang Zhizhi’s hook shot without jumping, sending the ball out of bounds.
• Li Fei’s precise pass set up Hu Weidong for a three-pointer, and his playmaking helped Red Team’s offense flow.
• Li Fei overpowered Wang Zhizhi in the low post and dunked over him and Gong Xiaobin.