Chapter Summaries

As the Western Conference Finals drew attention to the Lakers and Spurs, the Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals against Michael Jordan’s Bulls sparked a fierce rivalry between Li Fei Brand and Nike. Both companies launched campaigns to capitalize on the series, leaving the battle for sales and basketball prestige underway.

• Bill Walton and Marv Albert predicted that the Lakers-Spurs series would likely go to Game 7.
• Fans crowded Li Fei Brand and Nike flagship stores in New York, arguing over Li Fei’s rise and Jordan’s legacy.
• David Falk ordered Li Fei Brand to buy major advertising slots and prepare the Flying Sky 3 Heart of the Champion colorway for presale if the Knicks reached match point.
• Phil Knight launched Nike’s The Last Dance campaign, telling the company to promote Michael Jordan’s greatness and make consumers pay for sentiment and legend.

The Knicks and Bulls met at Madison Square Garden for the Eastern Conference Finals, where Li Fei was assigned to wear down Michael Jordan while playing small forward. After Sabonis won the opening tip, Li Fei drew a double-team and passed the ball around to an open Larry Johnson.

• Jordan told reporters he had come to New York to win, while Karl Malone showed unease at the prospect of guarding Li Fei again.
• Li Fei confirmed the Knicks' starting lineup had not changed, signaling he would play small forward against Jordan.
• Van Gundy and Li Fei planned to use Li Fei's youth and stamina to wear down Jordan and the Bulls over the game.
• The Knicks and Bulls announced their starting lineups, with Li Fei matched against Jordan at small forward.
• Sabonis tipped the opening ball to the Knicks, and Li Fei drew Jordan and Malone into a double-team before passing to an open Larry Johnson.

Li Fei dominated the opening moments of the Eastern Conference Finals, scoring off an offensive rebound, blocking Michael Jordan, and finishing a spectacular fast break dunk. After putting the Knicks ahead 4:0, he fixed his gaze on Jordan as the Bulls crossed half court.

• Larry Johnson missed a three-point shot, but Li Fei grabbed the rebound and scored a putback to give the Knicks a 2:0 lead.
• Jordan backed Li Fei down and attempted his signature baseline fadeaway, but Li Fei blocked the shot against the backboard.
• Li Fei collected the blocked ball and raced downcourt past Ron Harper and Sam Cassell.
• Li Fei soared over Harper and Cassell and dunked, extending the Knicks' lead to 4:0.
• Li Fei turned toward Jordan and held his gaze as Jordan crossed half court.

Li Fei’s soaring dunk over Ron Harper and Sam Cassell stunned audiences worldwide and prompted media outlets to hail it as a historic moment. Back on the court, Jordan tried to answer with a fadeaway, but Li Fei disrupted his shot and forced a miss that looked like a complete airball.

• Li Fei’s dunk over Harper and Cassell aired around the world, drawing shock and excitement from viewers and media staff.
• Adrian Wojnarowski urged the Taigu Times editor-in-chief to publish his article declaring Li Fei’s rise, and the editor approved it for the front page.
• Sports Illustrated editors chose a photograph of Li Fei’s dunk for a cover titled “The Leap.”
• Jordan encouraged Harper and Cassell to recover, then took the ball and challenged Li Fei with a crossover and step-back fadeaway.
• Li Fei’s long reach disrupted Jordan’s shot, which struck the side of the backboard without touching the rim.

Li Fei’s defense and the Knicks’ balanced offense overwhelmed the Bulls early, forcing Jordan to adjust and attack through screens instead of challenging Li directly. The Knicks led 58–48 at halftime, while Jordan sat haunted by the realization that the Bulls were avoiding Li Fei.

• Li Fei drew Cassell’s help and passed to Allan Houston, whose jumper helped the Knicks build a 6–0 lead.
• Li Fei’s defensive pressure and the Knicks’ smooth offense helped them extend the lead to 10–0, prompting Phil Jackson to call a timeout.
• Jordan recognized that his own aging body might be declining and, after Jackson advised him to stop forcing shots over Li Fei, agreed to play smarter.
• Jordan used screens from Karl Malone to get a mismatch against Donyell Marshall and scored the Bulls’ first basket.
• Jeff Van Gundy switched the Knicks’ defensive assignments and kept Li Fei near the middle as the teams traded scores.
• The Knicks took a 58–48 halftime lead, and Jordan brooded over commentators’ claim that the Bulls’ offense revolved around attacking away from Li Fei.

Li Fei dominated the third quarter as the Knicks extended their lead over the Bulls to 12 points. He refused to rest before the fourth quarter, intent on crushing Chicago’s hopes and challenging Jordan directly.

• Li Fei blocked Karl Malone’s hook shot, then finished a fast break with a powerful dunk to give the Knicks a 60:48 lead.
• Jordan missed a corner jumper, and Li Fei set up Donyell Marshall for a layup as the Knicks increased their lead to 62:48.
• The Bulls struggled to score while the Knicks played with greater confidence, ending the third quarter ahead 78:66.
• Li Fei told Van Gundy not to take him out, and Van Gundy agreed to keep him in for the fourth quarter.
• Li Fei began the fourth quarter by switching into personal attack mode.

Li Fei led the Knicks to a 110–88 blowout of the Bulls in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, scoring 55 points as the Garden hailed him with MVP chants. Jordan vowed the Bulls would respond, while Li Fei stressed that the Knicks still had to win the championship.

• Li Fei scored over Karl Malone and Luc Longley, then drove past Michael Jordan and dunked over Patrick Ewing to ignite Madison Square Garden.
• Li Fei hit a pull-up three to put the Knicks up by 20, and Jeff Van Gundy soon pulled him and the other starters from the game.
• The Knicks beat the Bulls 110–88, with Li Fei finishing with 55 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals.
• The commentators called the loss a slaughter and said Jordan’s decline was apparent beside Li Fei.
• Jordan said the Bulls had played poorly but promised they would return tougher in Game 2, while Phil Jackson said the team needed to make changes.
• Li Fei credited the Knicks’ focus and defense, respected Jordan, and said the team’s goal remained winning the championship.

After Li Fei’s 55-point performance led the Knicks to a 22-point win over the Bulls, media coverage hailed his dominance while some fans expressed sympathy for Michael Jordan. Jordan rejected their pity, then fell asleep and dreamed that Li Fei blocked his final shot in a Game 7 Finals loss.

• Sports media and fans praised Li Fei’s performance and discussed Jeff Van Gundy’s defensive strategy against the Bulls.
• Some fans respected Jordan’s 32-point effort but expressed regret and sympathy for him.
• Jordan shut his laptop in his Chicago apartment and angrily rejected the public’s pity.
• Jordan fell asleep and dreamed that Li Fei blocked his final shot in a Game 7 Finals loss to the Knicks.
• Jordan watched Li Fei raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy as the crowd chanted “MVP.”

After dreaming that Li Fei had eclipsed him, Michael Jordan woke in a panic and went to the Bulls’ practice facility to train, vowing never to yield. The chapter then shifted to San Antonio, where the Lakers and Spurs prepared to open the Western Conference Finals.

• Jordan dreamed that Li Fei stood above him as the new king and woke drenched in sweat.
• Jordan drove to the United Center before dawn and practiced shooting alone.
• The chapter introduced Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Lakers at the Alamodome.
• ABC commentators previewed the matchup between the Lakers’ Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant and the Spurs’ David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
• The Spurs and Lakers starters were announced as the arena erupted, with both teams preparing to pursue a chance to face the Eastern Conference champion.

The Spurs stifled Shaquille O'Neal with their Twin Towers, while Kobe Bryant kept the Lakers competitive with a scoring outburst. San Antonio won 105–93, leaving the Lakers with a road loss and O'Neal struggling against the defense.

• David Robinson tipped the opening ball to Avery Johnson, giving the Spurs the first possession.
• Tim Duncan and David Robinson double-teamed Shaquille O'Neal, who missed repeatedly as the Lakers fell behind 4–13.
• Del Harris called a timeout and made Kobe Bryant the Lakers' primary scorer.
• Kobe scored 12 points late in the first quarter, helping the Lakers cut the Spurs' lead to 30–24.
• The Spurs kept trapping O'Neal and rotating against Kobe as San Antonio won 105–93.
• Kobe finished with 31 points, while O'Neal had 12 points and seven turnovers; Duncan and Robinson combined for 45 points and 28 rebounds.

The Chicago Bulls recovered from their Game 1 blowout and took control of Game 2 against Li Fei and the Knicks. The chapter left the game in a tense deadlock, with Chicago still ahead and Jordan leading its charge.

• At the postgame press conference, O'Neal complained about the referees while Kobe accepted responsibility for the loss and vowed the Lakers would return.
• Li Fei watched the interviews, considered the Bulls' threat in the 2-3-2 series format, and prepared for a fierce Game 2.
• Michael Jordan opened Game 2 by scoring efficiently, helping the Bulls take a 30–28 first-quarter lead over the Knicks.
• Sam Cassell and Ron Harper led a 10–2 Bulls run against New York's reserves, and Chicago went into halftime ahead 60–55.
• Jordan, Karl Malone, and Cassell kept answering the Knicks in the second half, leaving the game in a tense deadlock.

The Bulls defeated the Knicks 122–115 in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, tying the Eastern Conference Finals 1–1 despite Li Fei’s 58-point performance. Michael Jordan concealed how completely the win had exhausted him, then declared that the series was far from over as the Bulls prepared to return to Chicago.

• Li Fei scored 58 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, and blocked 7 shots, but the Knicks’ poor shooting helped the Bulls win 122–115 and tie the series.
• Jordan patted Li Fei on the back after the final buzzer, then left the court as the Bulls celebrated their road victory.
• Jordan collapsed from exhaustion in the visitors’ locker room and worried he might not be able to play at the same level in Game 3.
• Jordan gathered himself for the press conference and said that the doubts about him and the Bulls had motivated him.
• Malone praised the Bulls’ team effort and promised the Knicks a hostile reception at the United Center.

After the Knicks lost Game 2 and the series was tied, Li Fei calmly studied Jordan’s exhausted performance and prepared to rally New York before the upcoming road games. In Houston, Scottie Pippen seethed at the Bulls’ success without him and desperately hoped Jordan would lose the series.

• Sports media praised Jordan’s 42-point performance as the Bulls beat the Knicks on the road and tied the series 1–1, while New York fans feared the three upcoming games in Chicago.
• Li Fei repeatedly watched Game 2 footage and concluded that Jordan could not sustain his extraordinary effort throughout the series.
• Li Fei called the Knicks’ public relations manager and demanded an immediate exclusive interview to reassure the team’s fans and media.
• Scottie Pippen recalled leaving Chicago to prove he could win as a team’s centerpiece, then watched the Bulls succeed without him after Houston’s playoff elimination.
• Pippen angrily wished for the Knicks to beat the Bulls, insisting that Jordan was nothing without him.

Li Fei publicly vowed that the Knicks would win on the road and bring match point back to New York, then traveled with his subdued teammates to Chicago. In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers adjusted to the Spurs’ defense and took an eight-point lead in Game 2 behind Kobe Bryant’s perfect first quarter.

• Li Fei praised Michael’s performance but declared that the Knicks would win in Chicago and finish the series at Madison Square Garden.
• The Knicks flew to Chicago, where Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, and Sprewell quietly prepared for the pressure of three road games while Li Fei read about Hannibal.
• The Spurs again double-teamed Shaquille O’Neal and pressured Kobe Bryant, but the Lakers responded by moving the ball out of the paint to open scoring chances.
• O’Neal calmly set up teammates as Kobe scored efficiently, going five-for-five for 12 points in the first quarter.
• The Lakers led the Spurs 30–22 at the end of the first quarter, silencing the Alamodome.

The Lakers defeated the Spurs 102:88 to tie their series and take home-court advantage, while analysts debated whether the Bulls and Lakers could pull off upsets. Watching from a Chicago hotel, Li Fei dismissed the idea that winning three straight road games was impossible.

• The Lakers relied on Shaq, Kobe, and their role players to beat the Spurs 102:88 and even the series at 1:1.
• Inside the NBA host Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton debated whether the Bulls and Lakers or the Knicks and Spurs would advance.
• Marv Albert predicted the Bulls and Lakers could finish their series within five games, while Bill Walton argued the Knicks and Spurs would win road games and extend the series.
• Li Fei watched the discussion from a Chicago hotel, turned off the television, and resolved that nothing was impossible.

The Knicks faced the Bulls at the United Center, where Li Fei prepared to use an unconventional tactic despite Jeff Van Gundy’s concern about his stamina. When the game began, Li Fei unexpectedly guarded Karl Malone instead of Michael Jordan, leaving Malone confused.

• The Bulls entered to a thunderous welcome, while the Knicks were met with boos and insults.
• Li Fei calmly studied the Bulls’ starters as Van Gundy asked whether he would follow through with his demanding defensive plan.
• Li Fei insisted that unconventional methods were necessary, and Van Gundy chose to trust him.
• The Knicks started Li Fei at small forward, Larry Johnson at power forward, and Donyell Marshall at small forward, while the Bulls fielded Jordan and Malone.
• On the Bulls’ first possession, Donyell Marshall guarded Jordan while Li Fei dropped into the low post to guard Karl Malone, who was left bewildered.

The Knicks used a defensive lineup change to put Li Fei on Karl Malone while Sprewell and Larry Johnson took turns pressuring Michael Jordan. Li Fei dominated both ends and carried New York to a 68–56 halftime lead, before Jordan took over as the third quarter began.

• Li Fei grabbed a rebound over Malone and launched a fast break after Jordan missed a difficult shot against Sabonis.
• Van Gundy replaced Donyell Marshall with Sprewell, setting a lineup that assigned Li Fei to Malone and used Sprewell and Larry Johnson to wear down Jordan.
• Li Fei shut down Malone in the post, holding him to four points in the first half, while Jordan struggled against the Knicks' physical defense.
• Li Fei scored 42 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked three shots as the Knicks took a 68–56 lead into halftime.
• Jordan came out of the locker room furious and took over the game at the start of the third quarter.

Li Fei led the Knicks to a 135:115 road victory over the Bulls in Game 3, scoring 65 points as New York took a 2:1 series lead. After the win set off a media and fan frenzy, the Knicks celebrated in the visiting locker room while Li Fei calmly iced his ankle.

• Jordan and Li Fei traded baskets throughout the third quarter, with Li Fei matching Jordan’s 20-point outburst with 18 points of his own.
• The Knicks carried a 118:101 lead into the fourth quarter and defeated the Bulls 135:115, taking a 2:1 lead in the series.
• Li Fei played all 48 minutes and finished with 65 points, 21 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6 blocks.
• Media outlets reversed their predictions again, while Knicks and Bulls fans clashed on AOL and CompuServe forums.
• Sprewell, Alan Houston, and Larry Johnson celebrated the win in the Knicks’ locker room as Li Fei sat quietly icing his ankle.

After the Knicks’ Game 3 victory, Phil Jackson promised the Bulls would try a radically different lineup and strategy in Game 4, while Li Fei stayed focused despite receiving congratulatory messages. The chapter then shifted to the Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers began exploiting the Spurs’ stubborn defensive plan.

• Jeff Van Gundy praised the Knicks’ victory and warned the team that the series was still far from over.
• Jerry Krause demanded that Phil Jackson win the next game, and Jackson promised the Bulls would make major adjustments.
• Phil Jackson revealed a new lineup and tactical plan that stunned the Bulls and reignited Karl Malone’s desire for revenge.
• Li Fei received congratulatory messages from Monica Bellucci, Angelina, and Larsa Pippen but turned off his phone to focus on the next game.
• The Lakers faced the Spurs in Game 3, and San Antonio doubled O’Neal and pressured Kobe until Los Angeles found a way to exploit the defense.

The Lakers beat the Spurs 98:96 to take a 2:1 series lead, while commentators predicted a Knicks-Lakers Finals. In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks built an early lead before Phil Jackson shocked them by replacing Luc Longley with Sam Cassell and moving Karl Malone to center.

• Kobe Bryant hit a clutch fadeaway over Elliott, and Tim Duncan missed a contested hook shot as the Lakers defeated the Spurs 98:96.
• Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and ESPN praised the Lakers and predicted they could reach the Finals against the Knicks.
• The Knicks opened Game 4 against the Bulls with patient offense and built an 8:2 lead as Li Fei continued to contain Karl Malone.
• Phil Jackson called a timeout, then removed Luc Longley and brought in Sam Cassell, forming a small lineup with Malone at center.
• The commentators and Jeff Van Gundy reacted with disbelief to the Bulls' unexpected lineup change.