Chapter Summaries

After the Lakers took a 3–0 series lead over the SuperSonics, Monica Bellucci visited Li Fei in Chicago and brought designs for a high-end fashion sportswear line. The next day, Li Fei warmed up for Game 4 against the Knicks with visible marks on his neck.

• O'Neal scored 49 points and led the Lakers to a 3–0 series lead over the SuperSonics.
• Monica Bellucci arrived at Li Fei's Chicago hotel with a bag of clothing designs and reunited with him.
• Monica showed Li Fei her ideas for a high-end fashion sportswear line for his brand.
• Li Fei and Monica spent the night together discussing inspiration, and he appeared at Game 4 warmups with red marks on his neck.

Michael Jordan and Li Fei traded dominant scoring performances as the Bulls took a narrow halftime lead in Game 4. Li Fei volunteered to guard Jordan after the break and immediately disrupted his fadeaway, leaving the matchup unresolved.

• Jordan opened the game by scoring over Allan Houston with a twisting layup past Li Fei's help defense.
• Li Fei answered with an and-one drive through Karl Malone, giving the Knicks an early lead.
• Jordan scored 35 points in the first half, while Li Fei scored 32, and the Bulls went into halftime ahead 62:60.
• Li Fei asked Van Gundy to let him guard Jordan in the second half, with Sabonis moving to center.
• Li Fei's defense altered Jordan's fadeaway, and the shot hit the front of the rim and bounced out.

Li Fei and Michael Jordan traded spectacular shots before Jordan tied Game 4 at the buzzer and led the Bulls to a 138:134 overtime win, tying the Eastern Conference Finals at 2:2. The Knicks returned to New York for the pivotal Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.

• With the score tied late in regulation, Li Fei hit a deep three, but Jordan answered with a buzzer-beating shot to send the game into overtime at 129:129.
• Jordan scored two crucial jumpers in overtime, and the Bulls won 138:134 after the Knicks' final possession failed.
• Jordan finished with a playoff-career-high 66 points, while Li Fei recorded 56 points, 20 rebounds, 8 assists, and 7 blocks.
• At the postgame press conference, Pippen mocked Li Fei by suggesting Monica Bellucci had drained his energy.
• Li Fei returned to the hotel, where Monica Bellucci comforted him, and the two resumed their private practice.
• The Knicks boarded a plane back to New York ahead of Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.

The Lakers swept the SuperSonics and advanced to the Finals, while the Knicks prepared for a must-win Game 5 against the Bulls. Li Fei opened the game with two quick jumpers, and the contest continued.

• The Knicks' coach told Li Fei he needed to do more in Game 5 after Michael Jordan had beaten them in Game 4.
• Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal led the Lakers past the SuperSonics 110–105, completing a 4–0 sweep and reaching the Finals.
• O'Neal and Kobe declared that they were ready to face either Michael Jordan or Li Fei in the Finals.
• Li Fei won the opening tip for the Knicks and made a pull-up mid-range jumper on their first possession.
• Jordan answered with a fadeaway, then Li Fei made another pull-up jumper against Scottie Pippen.

Li Fei dominated the Knicks’ game against the Bulls, scoring 34 points in the first quarter and matching one of Jordan’s signature moves with an even more astonishing airborne switch-hand layup. The Knicks built a huge lead, and Li Fei entered the fourth quarter two blocks short of a historic quadruple-double, with the crowd waiting to see if Jordan would be his final victim.

• Li Fei scored on his first ten shots and challenged Jordan as he poured in points for the Knicks.
• Jordan recreated his famous switch-hand layup, and Li Fei answered with the same move after taking off from inside the free-throw line.
• Li Fei scored 34 points and blocked five shots in the first quarter as the Knicks took a 45–28 lead.
• The Bulls struggled against the Knicks’ defense, while Li Fei’s passing helped his teammates extend the lead to 32 points by the end of the third quarter.
• Li Fei reached 50 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and eight blocks, then recorded his ninth block against Pippen in the fourth quarter.
• The crowd waited for Li Fei’s tenth block, hoping it would come against Jordan.

Li Fei led the Knicks to a crushing Game 5 victory over the Bulls, recording a historic quadruple-double and putting New York ahead 3–2 in the series. After the win sparked talk of a changing NBA era, he returned to his Long Island villa, where Monica Bellucci congratulated him.

• Li Fei blocked Michael Jordan’s fadeaway for his tenth block, completing a quadruple-double as the Knicks beat the Bulls 135–98 and took a 3–2 series lead.
• The arena and broadcasters celebrated Li Fei’s record-setting performance, while Chicago fans feared the Bulls’ season was nearly over.
• Bill Walton, Kevin Harlan, and Marv Albert praised Li Fei and predicted that the Knicks would reach the Finals.
• Li Fei returned to his villa on Long Island, where Monica Bellucci welcomed him with wine and congratulated him for defeating Jordan.

The Lakers prepared for a likely Finals matchup with Li Fei and the Knicks after their sweep, while the Bulls faced elimination in Game 6. Michael Jordan led Chicago to a 105–91 victory, tying the Eastern Conference Finals at 3–3 and forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 in New York.

• Kobe Bryant praised Li Fei’s Game 6 performance, while Shaquille O’Neal worried about facing the Knicks in the Finals.
• Del Harris told the Lakers to build their game plan around the Knicks, believing Chicago no longer had a chance.
• Michael Jordan came out determined as the Bulls hosted the Knicks in a must-win Game 6.
• Scottie Pippen shut down Allan Houston, while Karl Malone battled Sabonis and Oakley as Chicago’s defense contained the Knicks.
• Jordan scored 45 points to lead the Bulls to a 105–91 win, despite Li Fei recording 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, and six blocks.
• The Bulls tied the series 3–3, sending the teams to New York for Game 7.

After the Bulls tied the series 3–3 with Michael Jordan’s 45-point performance, the world braced for Game 7 between the Knicks and Bulls. The chapter ends with the matchup promoted as a global showdown that could decide the league’s next face.

• Kevin Harlan, Bill Walton, and Marv Albert admitted they could not predict the Game 7 outcome.
• Kobe Bryant worried that the Knicks might lose their chance to reach the Finals, while Shaquille O'Neal hoped the Bulls and Knicks would wear each other down.
• The NBA’s Path of Miracles highlight reel featured five plays from the Knicks-Bulls series, including Li Fei’s Game 5 layup as its top play.
• NBA TV and TNT released Throne: Old Gods and New King, framing the Jordan–Li Fei rivalry as a clash of basketball eras and commercial empires.
• The documentary sparked worldwide excitement, with Game 7 tickets selling for five-figure sums and broadcasts planned across more than a hundred countries and regions.

After losing Game 6, Li Fei found comfort with Monica Bellucci and gathered himself for the decisive Game 7 against Jordan. On the morning of May 31, 1998, he arrived at Madison Square Garden to a citywide frenzy and a roaring crowd.

• Li Fei returned to his villa after losing G6 and collapsed on the sofa, weighed down by the defeat.
• Monica Bellucci held Li Fei and urged him to release his frustration with her, and he kissed her fiercely.
• On the morning of May 31, fans across New York rallied behind Li Fei ahead of Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
• Li Fei ignored reporters at the arena entrance and walked inside with security surrounding him.
• The crowd chanted "MVP!" as Li Fei stepped onto the court for warmups, and viewers noticed the courtside seats when the cameras panned across them.

The Knicks and Bulls faced off in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals amid a celebrity-filled Madison Square Garden, with Michael Jordan and Li Fei trading defiant pregame declarations. Li Fei answered the Bulls’ opening double-team with a pass to Arvydas Sabonis for a basket, and the chapter ended as Jordan prepared to attack.

• Spike Lee, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Jay-Z, Muhammad Ali, Patrick Ewing, and Charles Barkley watched the decisive game from Madison Square Garden.
• Michael Jordan vowed to defend his throne, while Li Fei said he intended to snuff out the torch completely.
• Li Fei tipped the opening jump ball to Richard Ward, giving the Knicks the first possession.
• Karl Malone and Luc Longley immediately double-teamed Li Fei, who passed across the court to an unguarded Arvydas Sabonis for a layup.
• Ron Harper brought the ball up for the Bulls and passed to Michael Jordan, who prepared to make his move.

The Knicks and Bulls both double-teamed the opposing star, turning the opening quarter into a battle of passing and supporting players. Li Fei led New York to a 32–27 advantage with 12 points and 10 assists, leaving the Bulls searching for a way to stop his attack.

• Richard Ward abandoned his assignment on Allan Houston and joined Li Fei in double-teaming Michael Jordan, while the Knicks also sent two defenders at Jordan.
• Jordan passed through the pressure to Scottie Pippen, whose layup was blocked by Sabonis, and Li Fei collected the rebound.
• Li Fei repeatedly passed out of double-teams to set up Allan Houston and Larry Johnson, while Jordan found teammates who faced tighter Knicks defense.
• The first quarter ended with the Knicks ahead 32–27, as Li Fei recorded 12 points and 10 assists and Jordan had six points and five assists.
• Bulls fans worried that Li Fei's passing was dismantling their defense, while Knicks fans celebrated New York's early advantage.

The Bulls switched to a 2-3 zone to disrupt the Knicks and briefly took the lead, but Li Fei adapted by creating from the free-throw line and scoring over the defense. The Knicks rebuilt a six-point lead by halftime, 55-49.

• Phil Jackson ordered the Bulls into a 2-3 zone to block Li Fei's passing lanes.
• The zone stalled the Knicks' offense as Jordan scored and the Bulls went on an 8-2 run to take a 35-34 lead.
• Li Fei moved to the free-throw line and passed through the zone to Sabonis for a dunk.
• When the Bulls closed off his passing options, Li Fei scored a mid-range jumper.
• Li Fei dismantled the zone as the Knicks reclaimed a six-point lead, 55-49, by halftime.

Li Fei urged the Knicks to rely on their size, physicality, and willpower rather than change tactics in the second half. New York deployed a three-big lineup, overwhelmed Chicago on the boards, and ended the third quarter ahead 78-70.

• At halftime, Li Fei rallied his teammates and told Jeff Van Gundy to keep the big lineup and turn the game into a physical battle.
• Van Gundy put Arvydas Sabonis, Li Fei, and Charles Oakley together to fortify the paint against the Bulls.
• The Knicks repeatedly stopped Chicago's attacks and secured defensive rebounds, with Sabonis and Oakley denying the Bulls second chances.
• Li Fei grabbed an offensive rebound and dunked over Karl Malone and Luc Longley after Allan Houston missed a jumper.
• Sabonis tipped a loose ball to Houston, who made a three-pointer to help the Knicks take a 78-70 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Bulls’ Death Five lineup erased most of the Knicks’ lead, prompting Li Fei to take over in the final two minutes. He scored over Karl Malone, blocked Michael Jordan, and launched a fast break that ended with both stars colliding in midair beneath the basket.

• Phil Jackson sent Ewing, Longley, Malone, Pippen, and Jordan onto the court, and the Bulls cut the Knicks’ lead to two points.
• Jeff Van Gundy called timeout, and Li Fei told the Knicks to abandon their tactics and give him the ball.
• Li Fei isolated against Karl Malone and hit a jumper to put the Knicks ahead 98-94.
• Jordan drove past Houston and attempted an Up and Under, but Li Fei raced back and blocked the ball out of Jordan’s hands.
• Li Fei sprinted downcourt on the fast break as Jordan chased him, and the two collided in midair beneath the basket.

Li Fei dominated the final minutes of Game 7 against the Chicago Bulls, helping the New York Knicks win 105–97 and advance to the NBA Finals. The chapter ended with the Knicks celebrating their victory and the final statistics highlighting Li Fei’s historic performance.

• Li Fei dunked over Michael Jordan for an and-one, giving the Knicks a seven-point lead and leaving the Bulls’ morale shattered.
• Jordan faced Li Fei on the Bulls’ next possession, but Li Fei blocked his fadeaway jumper and secured the Knicks’ possession.
• Scottie Pippen fouled John Starks, who made both free throws to extend the Knicks’ lead to nine points with 41 seconds remaining.
• Jordan hit a late three-pointer, but the Knicks held on to win Game 7 by a score of 105–97.
• The Knicks celebrated advancing to the NBA Finals as the scoreboard showed Li Fei had finished with 52 points, 24 rebounds, 21 assists, and 8 blocks.

Li Fei led the Knicks past Jordan and the Bulls in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, recording a 52-point, 24-rebound, 21-assist performance and sending New York to the NBA Finals. Jordan accepted the defeat but vowed the Bulls would return next season, while Li Fei focused on the series ahead.

• Li Fei’s 52 points, 24 rebounds, and 21 assists, along with two late blocks and an and-one dunk over Jordan, secured the Knicks’ Game 7 victory and drew worldwide headlines.
• Scottie Pippen raged in the Bulls’ locker room, Karl Malone accepted the loss, and Patrick Ewing mourned after joining the Bulls in pursuit of a championship.
• Jordan acknowledged Li Fei’s late defensive plays and promised that no one would want to face the Bulls in next season’s playoffs.
• Van Gundy said he would begin preparing for the NBA Finals, and Li Fei told reporters the Knicks still had four wins to go.
• Larry Johnson and Sabonis celebrated the Knicks’ Finals berth, while Charles Oakley embraced Jordan before reaffirming his loyalty to the Knicks.
• Li Fei and Jordan stopped face-to-face in the tunnel as the crowd around them fell silent.

Li Fei shared an emotional farewell with Michael Jordan after leading the Knicks past the Bulls in Game 7, then received congratulations from Monica Bellucci. The world’s media celebrated his historic performance and the Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals, where they would face the Lakers.

• Jordan congratulated Li Fei, embraced him, and said the future of the league belonged to him.
• Li Fei told Jordan he would continue to treat him as his target, and Jordan promised to wait for him.
• Li Fei read a congratulatory text from Monica Bellucci and looked toward the cheering Knicks fans, determined to win the championship.
• News outlets reported Li Fei’s 52 points, 24 rebounds, 21 assists, and 8 blocks as he led the Knicks to the Finals for the first time in 25 years.
• Fans and commentators celebrated Li Fei’s victory and anticipated his Finals matchup against the Lakers and Shaquille O'Neal.

TNT commentators praised Li Fei for leading the Knicks past Michael Jordan and predicted the Knicks would beat the Lakers in the NBA Finals. In Los Angeles, Shaquille O'Neal dreaded facing Li Fei and Arvydas Sabonis, while Kobe Bryant insisted the Lakers should focus on how the Knicks would defend them.

• Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton discussed Li Fei's victory over Jordan and praised his decisive blocks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
• Harlan, Albert, and Walton predicted the Knicks would defeat the Lakers, citing Li Fei and Arvydas Sabonis as a daunting matchup for Shaquille O'Neal.
• O'Neal smashed a crystal goblet and complained that the Knicks' twin towers would make the Finals a punishing matchup.
• Kobe Bryant arrived after practice and told O'Neal to think about how the Knicks would defend the Lakers instead.

Kobe rallied Shaq to embrace the Lakers’ Finals matchup against Li Fei and the Knicks, while international media framed the series as a clash of stars, eras, and cultures. The chapter left the teams preparing for a heavily anticipated championship showdown.

• Kobe reminded Shaq of his dominance and urged him to face Li Fei without fear.
• Shaq regained his confidence and told Kobe to have Phil Jackson prepare the Lakers’ tactics for the trip to New York.
• Kobe and Shaq returned to training, determined to prove themselves in the Finals.
• Media outlets analyzed the Knicks’ advantages and the challenges Li Fei, Sabonis, and the Lakers’ stars would face.
• Reports highlighted Kobe’s possible shoe deal with Li Fei Brand and described the Finals as a new stage in the NBA’s globalization.

As the Knicks prepared to face the Lakers in the Finals, Monica Bellucci visited Li Fei at his Manhattan apartment to help him relax. Li Fei dismissed the Lakers as no threat, and the chapter ended with him embracing Monica from behind while she cooked steak.

• New York Times coverage and fan comments declared Li Fei and the Knicks favorites against the Lakers, with many predicting a sweep.
• After recovery therapy, Li Fei relaxed in his apartment while Monica Bellucci arrived and said she had come to help him unwind before the Finals.
• Li Fei said the Lakers could not make him nervous, and Monica teased him about nearly losing to the Chicago Bulls and warned him against arrogance.
• Monica prepared Philly Steak for a victory feast while Li Fei came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and called her more beautiful than a work of art.