Chapter Summaries

Charles Barkley joined the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $58 million contract, completing a Big Three with Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler and setting up a contest with the Chicago Bulls. A television panel celebrated the Rockets’ championship prospects while concluding that the Phoenix Suns faced a dire season after losing Barkley.

• Charles Barkley appeared with general manager Patterson at a Houston press conference and raised his No. 4 Rockets jersey after signing a four-year max contract worth $58 million.
• Houston fans celebrated the new lineup of Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler as a challenger to the Chicago Bulls.
• Inside the NBA held a special episode to compare the Rockets’ interior strength with the Bulls’ perimeter stars and Triangle Offense.
• Kevin Harlan assessed the Phoenix Suns’ projected lineup and warned that, outside Li Fei, they lacked reliable scorers.

With Barkley gone and the Suns’ roster weakened, commentators predicted Li Fei would face relentless double-teams and might need to average 60 points to keep the team competitive. David Falk feared they had lost their championship hopes and negotiating leverage, but Li Fei declared that his own scoring ability could challenge the league’s superteams, leaving Falk to face the prospect of a season he called the twilight of the gods.

• Commentators Harlan, Bill Walton, and Albert discussed how Barkley’s departure left Li Fei isolated and predicted he might need to average 60 points per game.
• Fans reacted to the Suns’ weak lineup, with some doubting Li Fei and others looking forward to seeing him take over the offense.
• David Falk lamented that the Suns had lost their title prospects and trade leverage after turning down a $120 million extension offer.
• Li Fei asked Falk what basketball was and argued that the game ultimately came down to putting the ball in the basket.
• Li Fei declared that while the Bulls and Rockets relied on several stars, he could score on his own and make next season the twilight of the gods.

As NBA contenders loaded up for the 1996 season, David Falk worried that Li Fei and the weakened Phoenix Suns would be overwhelmed. One month into the season, Li Fei’s extraordinary statistics stunned the basketball world, including five games over 70 points and three over 80.

• Li Fei told David Falk that the era of the gods was nearing its twilight, then left him to reflect on the league’s changing landscape.
• Jerry Krause strengthened the Bulls by signing Karl Malone, while the Rockets added Charles Barkley to Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.
• Jerry West drafted Kobe Bryant and signed Shaquille O’Neal for the Lakers, while the Knicks paired Arvydas Sabonis with Patrick Ewing.
• After losing Barkley and gaining little in return, the Suns entered the season weaker as rival teams assembled championship-caliber rosters.
• On November 30, ESPN’s NBA on TNT revealed that Li Fei was averaging 68 points, 24.1 rebounds, and 8.3 blocks through fifteen games.
• The broadcast reported that Li Fei had scored over 70 points five times and over 80 three times, including an 83-point, 32-rebound, 12-block game against the Mavericks.

Li Fei’s unprecedented scoring performances turned him into a basketball phenomenon and sent his brand’s merchandise sales soaring. As the New York flagship store sold out of popular products, the story shifted to David Falk’s office at Li Fei Brand headquarters in Phoenix.

• Marv Albert and Charles Barkley discussed Li Fei’s dominance, with Barkley explaining that Li Fei had become the Phoenix Suns’ entire offense and defense.
• Fans grew devoted to Li Fei’s record-breaking performances, while opponents came to accept that they were watching an unprecedented legend.
• A huge crowd lined up outside the Li Fei Brand flagship store on Fifth Avenue, eager to buy Li Fei II shoes and other merchandise.
• Customers rushed into the store when it opened, quickly buying up Li Fei II shoes, Flying Pig 2nd Generation shoes, and commemorative shirts.
• Manager Emily ordered preorders for sold-out shoes and urged the factory to increase production as sales overwhelmed the store.
• The scene shifted to David Falk’s office at Li Fei Brand headquarters in Phoenix, where events were even crazier.

Falk grappled with a surge of global demand for Li Fei’s brand and ordered production expanded as a commercial war began. At the Suns’ practice facility, Li Fei questioned the team’s lack of offensive support and asked Rodman about the trade the front office had promised.

• Falk learned that Li Fei’s brand had received more than five thousand franchise applications and declared that Li Fei was forging divinity.
• Falk ordered the factory manager to expand production by buying neighboring factories so the brand’s shoes could reach customers worldwide within twenty-four hours.
• At the Suns’ practice facility, Li Fei focused on defending John Stockton and Karl Malone’s pick-and-roll while Rodman described how much the team relied on Li Fei for offense.
• Li Fei asked Rodman about the trade the front office had promised.

Li Fei confronted Suns general manager Bryan Colangelo over the team’s failure to acquire a second scoring option and warned that he would reassess his future in the summer. After claiming the scoring, rebounding, and blocks titles, he appeared in a commercial that cast him as a solitary warrior, boosting his brand’s sales.

• Rodman told Li Fei that management had promised to build around him but had failed to add another capable scorer before the trade deadline.
• Li Fei confronted Colangelo, challenged his excuses for not pursuing available players, and asked whether the team saw him as a competitor or a source of profit.
• Colangelo admitted the roster would not change that season, and Li Fei warned him that he would reassess his future in the summer.
• Li Fei averaged 68.2 points, 22.1 rebounds, and 6.8 blocks per game, winning the scoring, rebounding, and blocks titles for the third consecutive season.
• Li Fei Brand aired a commercial portraying Li Fei as a lonely warrior, and sales rose by thirty percent overnight.

Li Fei dominated Shaquille O'Neal and led the Suns past the Lakers in the first round, while the league's MVP debate narrowed to Li Fei and Michael Jordan. The chapter left the award undecided as both players made compelling cases.

• The Suns faced the Lakers in the first round, where Li Fei repeatedly overpowered O'Neal on offense and defense.
• With 30 seconds left in Game 4, Li Fei stole the ball from O'Neal and dunked to seal a 3–1 series win for the Suns.
• O'Neal sat in the locker room in despair after the loss, unable to overcome Li Fei.
• Jordan's Bulls swept the Washington Bullets, while the Jazz and Rockets also advanced from the first round.
• The league's regular-season MVP debate focused on Jordan's record-setting Bulls season and Li Fei's extraordinary individual statistics.

The NBA delayed announcing the regular-season MVP amid the rivalry between Michael Jordan and Li Fei, while Li Fei earned spots on both All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams. The Suns then began their Western Conference Semifinals series against the SuperSonics, with Gary Payton promising to contain Li Fei before Game 1.

• David Stern postponed the MVP announcement until after the conference finals amid the fierce debate over Jordan and Li Fei.
• The league announced its other awards, and Li Fei made the All-NBA and All-Defensive First Teams for the third straight year.
• Rodman teased Li Fei about his many honors, and Li Fei joked about winning trophies made of gold.
• The Suns faced the SuperSonics in the Western Conference Semifinals, renewing their rivalry after last season's seven-game conference finals.
• Gary Payton claimed the SuperSonics had found a way to stop Li Fei before Game 1 began at Seattle's home court.

Li Fei broke through the SuperSonics’ defensive scheme by scoring and setting up his teammates, leading the Suns to a 4–0 sweep and the Western Conference Finals. Houston also advanced, setting up a series against Li Fei’s former teammate Charles Barkley, who called to promise he would not go easy on him.

• George Karl had Gary Payton pressure Kevin Johnson and assigned Kemp and the other SuperSonics to contain Li Fei, stalling the Suns’ offense early.
• During a timeout, Li Fei asked Paul Westphal to give him the ball in the high post, then passed to Bruce Bowen for a three-pointer and beat Kemp to score at the rim.
• Li Fei organized the Suns’ offense throughout the series, and Phoenix swept the SuperSonics 4–0; Gary Payton punched a wall after the loss.
• Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Clyde Drexler led Houston past Sacramento 4–2, setting up the Western Conference Finals against Phoenix.
• Barkley called Li Fei the night before the series and said he needed the championship and would not go easy on him; Li Fei promised to be waiting.

The Eastern and Western Conference Finals matchups were set, with the Suns facing the Rockets and the Knicks facing the Bulls. After Patrick Ewing’s season-ending injury, nearly everyone predicted the Bulls would advance, while most analysts favored the Rockets over Li Fei’s Suns.

• Michael Jordan’s Bulls defeated Reggie Miller’s Pacers 4–1, while the Knicks narrowly beat the Heat in Game 7.
• Patrick Ewing suffered a severe torn ligament in his left knee during Game 7 and was ruled out for the season.
• The Eastern Conference Finals were set as the Bulls against the Knicks, and the Western Conference Finals as the Suns against the Rockets.
• ESPN’s NBA Countdown host framed the matchups as “Three Heroes Against Lü Bu,” contrasting Li Fei and Arvydas Sabonis with their opponents’ three-star lineups.
• Most media analysts predicted the Rockets would defeat the Suns, citing their star power and playoff experience.
• Analysts and bookmakers heavily favored the Bulls to defeat the injured Knicks and reach the Finals.

As the Bulls swept the Knicks to reach the NBA Finals, the Suns prepared to defy expectations in their tied Western Conference Finals against the Rockets. Li Fei’s extraordinary performance had carried Phoenix through the first four games, leaving the series poised for a bloody Game 5.

• At the Suns’ training facility, Rodman repeated the media’s doubts about Finley and Bowen, and Westphal rallied the players against the predictions that Phoenix would fall short without Li Fei.
• Li Fei joked that the story of three heroes fighting Lü Bu had been remembered incorrectly, making his teammates laugh and restoring their confidence.
• Jordan, Pippen, and Malone led the Bulls to a 4:0 sweep of the Knicks, sending Chicago to the NBA Finals.
• The Rockets and Suns entered the Western Conference Finals tied 2:2 after four games, with Li Fei averaging 72.5 points, 25.3 rebounds, and 6.1 blocks in 46 minutes per game.
• Magic Johnson marveled on TNT at Li Fei’s numbers and said he had neutralized the Rockets’ Big Three.

In Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, Li Fei overwhelmed the Rockets with 92 points, leading the Suns to a five-point victory. The chapter ended with Phoenix celebrating as Li Fei’s record-breaking performance secured the game.

• At America West Arena, Li Fei opened Game 5 with 28 points in the first quarter against Olajuwon’s defense.
• When the Rockets triple-teamed him, Li Fei passed to Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley for open three-pointers, then reached 54 points by halftime.
• Li Fei held firm against Barkley and Olajuwon’s physical attacks and continued scoring from mid-range.
• With the Suns leading by five in the final minute, Drexler dunked after a steal to cut the gap to three.
• Li Fei hit a buzzer-beating fadeaway over Olajuwon, restored the five-point lead, and finished with 92 points as the Suns won Game 5.

After Li Fei scored 92 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a Game 5 win, the world celebrated his performance. At NBA headquarters, executives debated whether Michael Jordan or Li Fei should receive the regular-season MVP.

• At the press conference, Li Fei said the Suns believed they would win the series after taking a 3–2 lead, then left without answering more questions.
• Sports media around the world highlighted Li Fei’s 92-point performance, while fans in China celebrated and praised him.
• David Stern asked NBA executives to discuss the regular-season MVP, and several supported Michael Jordan because of the Bulls’ record and Jordan’s comeback.
• Adam Silver argued that Li Fei’s league-leading statistics and impact on the Suns made him a stronger candidate despite Phoenix winning fewer games than Chicago.

David Stern argued that Li Fei deserved the regular-season MVP despite the Chicago Bulls’ record, citing his historic Game 5 performance and impact on the league. Li Fei won his third consecutive MVP and DPOY, but remained focused on the next game against the Houston Rockets.

• Stern defended Li Fei’s candidacy, saying his 92-point performance in Game 5 and influence on the NBA outweighed arguments based on team records and voter fatigue.
• Stern declared that Li Fei should receive the MVP for the third consecutive year, and the room raised no further objections.
• The NBA announced that Li Fei had won the 1995–1996 regular-season MVP and his second consecutive DPOY.
• Stephen A. Smith, a Washington Post columnist, and fans celebrated Li Fei’s awards and debated his place among basketball’s greatest players.
• Li Fei watched Game 5 footage alone in the Suns’ film room after training, concentrating on the next game rather than his awards.

After the Houston Rockets tied the Western Conference Finals at 3–3, Li Fei faced the first Game 7 of his career amid doubts about his ability to handle the pressure. The game began with Houston ahead, but Li Fei’s quiet approach gave way to a sudden shift in the second quarter.

• Kevin Harlan asked Bill Walton and Marv Albert whether Li Fei belonged in the GOAT discussion after he won his third consecutive MVP and DPOY awards.
• Bill Walton called Li Fei the God of Basketball, while Marv Albert said he was already a top-five player and could establish himself as the GOAT with another title.
• The Phoenix Suns lost Game 6 to the Houston Rockets, 108–102, tying the Western Conference Finals at 3–3.
• Analysts warned that Li Fei faced a difficult Game 7 in Houston against the experienced Rockets Big Three.
• Houston’s Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Clyde Drexler scored early as the Rockets took a 30–28 first-quarter lead.
• The Rockets’ veterans began to run out of energy in the second quarter, as the game’s expected close contest abruptly shifted.

Li Fei dominated Game Seven against the Houston Rockets, scoring 99 points as the Phoenix Suns won 125–95 and advanced to the Finals. The game ended with Li Fei one point short of Chamberlain’s single-game record, and Barkley helped him pursue the milestone.

• Li Fei overwhelmed Olajuwon and scored 42 first-half points as the Suns built a 68–45 lead.
• After the Rockets trapped him, Li Fei passed to Finley, hit jumpers, and drove through defenders to reach 78 points by the end of the third quarter.
• Li Fei refused to leave the game, and Barkley set screens and eased his defense to help his former teammate keep scoring.
• Li Fei raised his total to 90 points, then reached 99 with a deep three-pointer while the Peak Arena crowd cheered.
• The Rockets conceded their final possession, and the Suns won 125–95 as Li Fei finished one point short of the 100-point record and advanced to the Finals.

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns 4-2 to win the championship, but Li Fei’s extraordinary Finals performance sparked debate over whether he was the league’s best player. Afterward, Li Fei rejected commercial success as a substitute for a title and told Michael Finley to recover and return next season.

• The Bulls celebrated their championship after a 72-10 season, while Li Fei averaged 72.1 points, 26.3 rebounds, and 8.5 blocks in the Finals.
• Fans and commentators debated whether Li Fei was better than Michael Jordan, citing the Suns’ thin roster and Michael Finley’s injury as reasons for their defeat.
• Dennis Rodman joked with Li Fei during his postgame massage, and Li Fei told the injured Finley to focus on recovering and winning next season.
• David Falk told Li Fei that his shoe sales had surged and his popularity had surpassed basketball, but Li Fei said he wanted a championship rather than a sales report.

After the Bulls' championship, Michael Jordan brooded over Li Fei's extraordinary Finals performance and vowed to stop the new era he represented. In Phoenix, amid outrage over the Suns' roster and praise for Li Fei, Li Fei told David Falk he would opt out of his contract, shaking the NBA.

• Michael Jordan watched Finals highlights featuring Li Fei's 72.1 points per game and resolved to keep his era alive.
• Phoenix Suns fans blamed the front office for trading Charles and for the injuries and roster gaps that cost the team the championship.
• Commentators praised Li Fei's Finals performance and criticized the Suns' front office, while fans petitioned for Jerry Colangelo to resign.
• Li Fei told David Falk to notify the Suns that he would opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.
• Adrian Wojnarowski reported Li Fei's decision, sending shockwaves through North American sports.

Teams across the NBA made extraordinary offers to sign Li Fei, including the Lakers pairing him with Shaq and the Rockets offering their Big Three for his signing rights. On TNT, commentators debated the choices and focused on whether Li Fei and Shaq could thrive together.

• David Falk received a flood of calls as twenty-eight teams pursued Li Fei.
• Jerry West offered the Lakers roster, except Shaquille O'Neal, as trade bait to bring Li Fei to Los Angeles.
• Scott Layden offered Li Fei a max contract and a central role alongside John Stockton in Utah.
• Rick Pitino offered Li Fei a max contract and five percent ownership of the Celtics upon retirement.
• Steve Patterson offered Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Clyde Drexler to the Suns for Li Fei's signing rights.
• Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton discussed the offers on TNT, weighing the Lakers' Shaq-Li pairing against its potential fit and defensive power.

Commentators debated which team could best help Li Fei win, while Bill Walton argued that Li Fei would choose based on what kind of comrades he wanted beside him. At his Phoenix mansion, Li Fei dismissed offers from small cities, hinting that his ambitions extended beyond a championship.

• Marv Albert compared the Lakers, Jazz, Celtics, and Houston offers, weighing their tactical fit and risks for Li Fei.
• Bill Walton argued that Li Fei left Phoenix because he needed comrades capable of standing against the powerful Chicago Bulls.
• Walton said Li Fei's choice would depend on whether he wanted a star partner, a playmaking teammate, or a chance to lead role players.
• Li Fei lounged by his pool while David Falk listed lucrative offers from the Lakers, Jazz, and Houston.
• Li Fei told Falk to throw out the offers from small cities, and Falk remarked that his appetite exceeded a championship trophy.