Chapter Summaries

After the All-Star Game, Kobe and Iverson pushed their teams to prepare for challenging Li Fei and the Knicks in the playoffs, while Li Fei relaxed at home and heard that Answer III sales had surged. The chapter ended with Li Fei’s brand gaining momentum through Iverson and Stephen Jackson.

• Kobe practiced through the night on his flight home and went straight to the Lakers’ training facility before dawn.
• Iverson returned to a huge welcome in Philadelphia and told the 76ers he wanted to lead them to the championship and challenge the Knicks.
• Larry Brown asked whether the team was ready to face the Knicks, and Iverson inspired the 76ers to play every game and practice with full effort.
• Li Fei relaxed at his Long Island estate, saw a newspaper celebrating his All-Star performance, and remained unconcerned about Kobe and Iverson’s challenges.
• David Falk told Li Fei that Answer III sales had risen 300% in forty-eight hours and that Stephen Jackson’s Rookie Game MVP had accelerated plans for his signature shoe.

Li Fei returned from All-Star Weekend and discussed Kobe’s potential and the success of Iverson’s Answer shoe line with Monica Bellucci aboard his private jet. Monica invited him to join her in the spacious bathroom as their flight continued.

• Falk worried that Li Fei had pushed Kobe too hard, but Li Fei said the Lakers were stepping stones on his path to glory.
• Monica Bellucci joined Li Fei on the jet, and they discussed Kobe’s hunger to win and the defeats he needed to develop into a champion.
• Monica showed Li Fei a sales report revealing that Answer 1 sales had exceeded projections by 300 percent during All-Star Weekend.
• Monica said the Answer line’s popularity had also boosted sales of Charles’s Flying Pig 4 shoes and her own fashion line.
• Monica headed to the bathroom and hinted that Li Fei should join her.

After the All-Star break, Li Fei led the New York Knicks into an intense training session as they prepared to defend their title and pursue a three-peat. The chapter ended with the team recommitting to the playoff push and Li Fei heading to the weight room for extra work.

• Li Fei and Monica Bellucci spent an intimate night together at his Long Island mansion.
• After the All-Star break, Jeff Van Gundy put the Knicks through grueling conditioning drills as the team resumed preparations for the playoffs.
• Li Fei challenged Arvydas Sabonis in a scrimmage, scoring with a turnaround jumper before Sabonis answered with a hook shot.
• The Knicks' scrimmage intensified as Latrell Sprewell battled Stephen Jackson and Allan Houston showcased his mid-range shooting.
• Jeff Van Gundy reminded the team that their rivals were chasing the championship, then asked Li Fei to address the players.
• Li Fei said the Knicks needed one more title for a three-peat, assigned extra shooting practice, and went to the weight room.

The Knicks managed their veterans through the end of the regular season, finished first in the East, and drew the Milwaukee Bucks in the first playoff round. Li Fei began preparing for the series and continued training, refusing to underestimate the Bucks.

• The Knicks rested Arvydas Sabonis and limited Li Fei’s minutes in a win over the Nets, then Li Fei scored 38 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to overwhelm the 76ers.
• The Knicks focused on health during the season’s final weeks as the Lakers, Trail Blazers, and other Western contenders battled for position, while the Rockets missed the playoffs.
• The regular season ended with the Knicks first in the East at 65–17, matched against the eighth-seeded Bucks in the first round.
• Li Fei asked Jeff Van Gundy to prepare Bucks game footage and analysis of Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and Sam Cassell before practice.
• Li Fei dismissed the television coverage, finished his whiskey, and trained alone at his mansion’s basketball court.

ESPN and TNT debated the first-round playoff matchups, focusing on the Knicks’ series against the Bucks and the Pacers’ series against the Bulls. The analysts agreed the Knicks would advance, but clashed over whether the aging Michael Jordan could lead the Bulls past Indiana.

• ESPN predicted the Knicks would beat the Bucks 3:1, while forecasting outcomes for the other first-round series.
• Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton discussed how the Bucks’ shooting trio could challenge the Knicks, but predicted New York would win 3:1.
• The TNT analysts described the Bulls as weakened by Jordan’s age, Karl Malone’s poor fit, and the trade of Sam Cassell to Milwaukee.
• Marv Albert predicted the Pacers would eliminate the Bulls 3:1, citing Indiana’s strength and execution.
• Bill Walton argued that Jordan and Malone would rally in the playoffs and predicted the Bulls would narrowly beat the Pacers 3:2.

As playoff analysts debated the Eastern and Western Conference matchups, Li Fei recovered from the regular season with two days of intensive rehabilitation at his Long Island villa. With his condition restored and the Knicks fans predicting a sweep of the Bucks, the playoffs approached.

• Marv Albert, Kevin Harlan, and Bill Walton predicted first-round outcomes, including Spurs and Lakers advances in the West.
• Monica Bellucci accompanied Li Fei through massage, leg treatments, and steam-room recovery on the first day.
• Angelina Jolie joined Li Fei for flexibility training, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and pool recovery the next day.
• Li Fei completed two days of conditioning and felt physically ready for the playoffs.
• Knicks fans debated the Bucks series on HoopsWorld and predicted that Li Fei and the Knicks would sweep Milwaukee.

Fans debated the playoff matchups and predicted how the Bulls, Lakers, and Spurs would fare. Li Fei welcomed the expectations, and the 1999–2000 NBA playoffs officially began with his focus on the hunt ahead.

• Bulls fans worried about the team's struggles but hoped Jordan could lead them past the Pacers.
• Lakers fans predicted a sweep of the Kings and looked ahead to a championship showdown with Li Fei's Knicks.
• Spurs fans backed their defense and Twin Towers against the Suns, predicting a 3–1 series win.
• Li Fei read the online discussions at his Long Island villa, then told Angelina Jolie he was ready for the playoffs.
• The 1999–2000 NBA playoffs officially tipped off, beginning the pursuit of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

The Lakers, Spurs, Raptors, and 76ers opened their playoff series with wins, led by dominant performances from the OK Duo, Tim Duncan, Vince Carter, and Allen Iverson. The first games left the Kings, Suns, Heat, and Hornets needing answers as the series continued.

• The Lakers crushed the Kings 118-98 as Shaquille O'Neal scored 42 points and Kobe Bryant added 35.
• The Spurs beat the Suns 92-85 behind Tim Duncan's 28 points and a disciplined defensive effort.
• The Raptors defeated the Heat 102-90 on the road as Vince Carter scored 32 points and Tracy McGrady added 20.
• Allen Iverson scored 45 points, including a clutch step-back jumper, to lead the 76ers to a narrow 98-96 win over the Hornets.

The Trail Blazers and Jazz won their Western Conference playoff games before the Bulls upset the Pacers behind strong performances from Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. The chapter ended with the Knicks preparing to face the confident Bucks at Madison Square Garden.

• The Trail Blazers defeated the Timberwolves 104-97 as Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire helped counter Kevin Garnett's strong performance.
• The Jazz beat the SuperSonics 98-93, with John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek leading the way against Gary Payton and his teammates.
• Michael Jordan and Karl Malone powered the seventh-seeded Bulls to a 105-98 upset of the second-seeded Pacers.
• Marv Albert, Bill Walton, and Kevin Harlan praised Jordan and Malone's performances and suggested the Bulls could threaten the Pacers in the series.
• Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson expressed confidence before the Bucks faced the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Li Fei led the Knicks to a 120–85 rout of the Bucks in the playoff series opener, dominating on both ends and posting 38 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks in three quarters. After declaring the Knicks’ championship goal, he became the focus of widespread media coverage.

• Li Fei blocked Ray Allen’s early three-point attempt and followed with a spinning midrange jumper over Glenn Robinson and the Bucks’ help defense.
• Madman Sprewell attacked the basket while Allan Houston hit outside shots, and the Knicks held Ray Allen and the Bucks’ offense in check to lead 65–40 at halftime.
• Li Fei powered through a double-team for a two-handed dunk late in the third quarter as Madison Square Garden chanted “MVP!”
• The Knicks defeated the Bucks 120–85, and Li Fei finished with 38 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks.
• Li Fei told reporters the Knicks intended to win the series and the championship, while major sports outlets published prominent coverage of his performance.

Li Fei led the Knicks to a 35-point playoff win over the Bucks, strengthening New York’s standing as a title favorite. The Lakers then dominated the Kings again in Game 2, taking a 118–95 victory.

• Li Fei scored 38 points with 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks as the Knicks overwhelmed the Bucks by 35 points.
• New York fans celebrated the win and backed the Knicks as the Eastern Conference’s strongest playoff team.
• The Lakers opened Game 2 against the Kings with Shaquille O'Neal overpowering the paint and Kobe Bryant attacking on both ends.
• The Lakers built an 18-point halftime lead as Sacramento’s passes and three-point attempts faltered under pressure.
• O'Neal’s forceful third-quarter dunk helped break the Kings’ resistance, and the Lakers won 118–95.

The Lakers crushed the Kings to take a 2-0 series lead while Li Fei expanded his basketball shoe empire and vowed to defend his five-peat. In San Antonio, the Spurs overwhelmed the Suns in Game 2, establishing a commanding lead as their twin towers dominated the paint.

• The Lakers beat the Kings by 23 points as Shaq O'Neal scored 34 points and Kobe Bryant added 26, putting Los Angeles ahead 2-0.
• Marv Albert, Bill Walton, and Kevin Harlan praised the Lakers and Knicks and discussed Li Fei's dominance and the prospect of a Finals matchup.
• David Falk told Li Fei that Flying Dragon sneaker sales had surged 300 percent, and Li Fei ordered increased production and an Allen Iverson appearance at a Los Angeles store opening.
• The Spurs' Tim Duncan and David Robinson shut down the Suns' attacks and helped San Antonio build a 15-point halftime lead in Game 2.
• The Spurs' perimeter shooters widened the lead in the second half as San Antonio unleashed its full firepower.

The Spurs crushed the Suns to take a 2–0 series lead, while the Raptors and 76ers also won their games. Allen Iverson scored a playoff-record 48 points against the Hornets, and Li Fei anticipated a surge in sales for his sneaker brand.

• The Spurs defeated the Suns 106–82, with Tim Duncan scoring 28 points and grabbing 14 rebounds as San Antonio took a 2–0 series lead.
• Vince Carter scored 32 points as the Raptors beat the Heat 98–89 on the road.
• Allen Iverson scored 48 points as the 76ers routed the Hornets 112–95 and took a 2–0 series lead.
• TNT commentators praised Iverson's performance and predicted he could become a future scoring champion.
• Li Fei watched Iverson play in shoes from his brand and expected the performance to boost sneaker sales.

Li Fei reflected on his growing sports-brand empire and claimed the 1999–2000 regular-season scoring title for the sixth consecutive year. The chapter left the season’s statistical honors established, with Dikembe Mutombo taking the rebounding crown while Li Fei’s move to small forward reduced his rebounds.

• Li Fei and David Falk’s Li Fei Sports Brand went public, expanded through Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson signature lines, and gained ground against Adidas and Nike.
• The NBA announced the 1999–2000 statistical leaders as the playoffs began.
• Li Fei won his sixth consecutive scoring title, averaging 35.0 points per game despite playing more at small forward and facilitating for the Knicks.
• Shaq O'Neal finished second in scoring at 29.7 points per game, followed by Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, and Karl Malone.
• Dikembe Mutombo won the rebounding title with 14.1 rebounds per game after joining the Atlanta Hawks midseason.

The 1999–2000 statistical leaders were finalized, with Li Fei claiming both the scoring and blocks titles. A live TNT panel compared his six consecutive scoring crowns with Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, and began recounting Jordan’s run.

• Li Fei ranked fourth in rebounding and led the league in blocks, while Jason Kidd led assists, Eddie Jones led steals, and Dikembe Mutombo led rebounds.
• The final regular-season leaders were announced, with Li Fei averaging 35.0 points and 4.8 blocks per game.
• TNT aired a special NBA Inside Stuff panel featuring Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton discussing Li Fei’s sixth consecutive scoring title.
• Bill Walton and Kevin Harlan described Wilt Chamberlain’s seven straight scoring titles, including his 50.4-point average and 100-point game in 1961–62.
• The panel turned to Michael Jordan, whose seven-title streak began with his 37.1 points per game in 1986–87.

TNT commentators hailed Li Fei as a potential Scoring God, while Li Fei focused on building a five-peat dynasty and expanding his shoe company. He also recalled Kobe Bryant's late-game heroics as the Lakers swept the Kings 3–0 and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.

• Bill Walton declared that Li Fei could surpass Chamberlain and Jordan as the NBA's greatest scorer.
• Li Fei dismissed regular-season honors and set his sights on winning a five-peat dynasty.
• David Falk told Li Fei that his company’s stock had jumped after his scoring title and the launch of Allen Iverson’s signature shoes.
• Li Fei ordered Falk to expand production and marketing for the Flying Pig and The Answer shoe lines.
• A radio recap reported that the Lakers beat the Kings 109–103 to complete a 3–0 sweep.
• Kobe Bryant hit a clutch jumper over Doug Christie to put the Lakers ahead 103–101 late in Game 3.

Li Fei heard the Lakers and Spurs advance to a second-round showdown, then joined his Knicks teammates at practice. He dismissed the Western contenders and declared that New York would crush whoever emerged to face them in the Finals.

• The Lakers swept the Kings, and Kobe Bryant said the team had no time to celebrate because it needed to prepare for the next round.
• Shaq O'Neal warned that the Spurs' Twin Towers of Tim Duncan and David Robinson would make the next series a brutal challenge.
• The Spurs swept the Suns, with Duncan and Robinson overpowering Phoenix inside and securing a second-round matchup against the Lakers.
• Li Fei arrived at the Knicks' practice facility, where Sprewell and Allan Houston welcomed him and discussed the Western Conference contenders.
• Li Fei drained a three-pointer without bending his knees and told his teammates to crush whichever team came out of the West in the Finals.

As the Lakers and Spurs prepared for their Western Conference semifinal, Los Angeles erupted in confident, extravagant hype while San Antonio remained quietly passionate. The chapter ended with farmer John and his son preparing to watch the game at home after finding no seats at a local bar.

• Sports media across the United States hyped the Lakers-Spurs series, and Woj reported that the Spurs had practiced the Hack-a-Shaq strategy.
• The Los Angeles Times published Bill Plaschke’s boastful preview, predicting Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant would overwhelm San Antonio.
• Jack Nicholson and other Hollywood figures discussed seeking courtside seats, while Venice Beach players argued over which team would prevail.
• Women at the Starlight Bar praised Li Fei and debated the Lakers-Spurs matchup as Los Angeles embraced Purple and Gold Glory.
• Outside San Antonio, farmer John’s son told him that every bar seat for the game was taken, so they would have to watch at home.

San Antonio residents and Old John voiced confidence in the Spurs’ grit against the Lakers, while Li Fei anticipated profiting from the Western Conference battles and facing the survivors in the Finals. A TNT panel began debating the Lakers-Spurs matchup, with Bill Walton arguing that San Antonio’s defense could counter Los Angeles’s star power.

• Old John told his son that Popovich and the Spurs could wear down O’Neal and the Lakers by turning the series into a physical battle.
• San Antonio residents expressed confidence in the Spurs’ teamwork and defense ahead of their Western Conference semifinal against the Lakers.
• David Falk reported to Li Fei that the series had boosted broadcast interest and sales for Li Fei Brand merchandise.
• Li Fei said he would face whichever team emerged from the West when it reached the Finals.
• Kevin Harlan and Marv Albert discussed the matchup on TNT, and Albert rated the Lakers’ O’Neal and Kobe Bryant slightly above the Spurs’ Twin Towers.
• Bill Walton challenged Albert’s assessment, arguing that basketball depended on more than talent and that the Spurs had the league’s strongest defense.

TV analysts debated the Lakers–Spurs matchup and predicted a close series, then the Knicks gathered in Milwaukee before their chance to clinch their first-round series against the Bucks. The chapter left the players discussing which Western Conference contender would advance.

• Bill Walton, Marv Albert, and Kevin Harlan compared the Lakers and Spurs, weighing their stars, supporting casts, and coaches.
• The analysts concluded that the teams were evenly matched and suggested the series could go to Game 7.
• The Knicks arrived in Milwaukee for Game 3 against the Bucks after taking a 2–0 series lead at home.
• Latrell Sprewell told his teammates that TNT’s analysts had spent two hours debating the Lakers and Spurs.
• Allan Houston asked Sprewell who he thought would win, and Sprewell picked the Lakers.