Chapter Summaries

Li Fei rallied the Knicks to focus on their playoff game against Milwaukee instead of speculating about the Lakers and Spurs. In Game 3, he dominated the first half and had scored 32 points by halftime.

• Sprewell, Donyell Marshall, and Stephen Jackson debated whether the Lakers or Spurs would win the Western Conference, then asked Li Fei for his prediction.
• Li Fei said the Knicks should focus on beating the Bucks, and he urged his teammates to send Milwaukee home before returning to New York for the next round.
• The Knicks faced the Bucks at the Bradley Center, where Milwaukee hoped to avoid being swept.
• Li Fei repeatedly scored over the Bucks' defense, using powerful post moves and accurate mid-range shots.
• Li Fei hit a buzzer-beating pull-up jumper near the end of the second quarter to reach 32 points by halftime.

Li Fei dominated the Bucks in Game 3, scoring 55 points as the Knicks completed a 3:0 sweep and advanced to the second round. Afterward, Ray Allen described the overwhelming difficulty of facing Li Fei and accepted Milwaukee’s defeat.

• Li Fei sealed the Knicks’ lead with a powerful fast-break dunk over the Bucks’ center.
• The Knicks defeated the Bucks 112:98, completing a 3:0 sweep and advancing to the second round.
• Li Fei finished with 55 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks, while Sprewell, Allan Houston, and Sabonis also contributed.
• Li Fei quietly left the court as reporters and Bucks fans watched.
• Ray Allen told reporters that playing against Li Fei had felt like a struggle for survival and said no one in the league could guard him one-on-one.

After the Knicks swept their first-round playoff series, Li Fei learned that his 55-point performance and Ray Allen’s public praise had boosted his brand’s stock and shoe sales. He remained confident about facing either Philadelphia or Charlotte next, while the 76ers’ series against the Hornets stood at 2–1.

• David Falk told Li Fei that Li Fei Sports Brand’s stock had risen 15 percent and Tyrant 3 sales had tripled.
• Li Fei said he intended to challenge Jordan’s Air Jordan line after winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
• David Falk reported that Charlotte had beaten Philadelphia 98–92, cutting the 76ers’ series lead to 2–1.
• Allen Iverson scored 32 points for Philadelphia, while Eddie Jones, David Wesley, and Derrick Coleman led Charlotte to victory.
• Li Fei dismissed the uncertainty over his next opponent and said he would use the extra time to inspect the company’s operations.
• Monica Bellucci praised Li Fei’s expanding business empire as his brand’s stock continued to rise.

Li Fei watched the Pacers defeat the Bulls in Game 4, tying their series and setting up a decisive Game 5. The SuperSonics and Rockets also advanced to the Western Conference second round.

• The Pacers beat the Bulls 93-89 in Chicago as Reggie Miller scored 29 points and Sam Cassell missed a potential game-winning three, tying the series at 2-2.
• Li Fei and David Falk reviewed the game as analysts and fans debated whether the Bulls could overcome the Pacers in the deciding Game 5.
• The Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Utah Jazz 102-94 to win their series 3-1 and advance.
• The Houston Rockets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 108-99 to win their series and advance to the second round.

Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton debated whether the Houston Rockets or Seattle SuperSonics would advance from their Western Conference semifinal matchup. They concluded that the series was too evenly balanced to predict and could go to a Game 7.

• Kevin Harlan introduced the Rockets-SuperSonics matchup and asked Bill Walton and Marv Albert to predict who would advance.
• Bill Walton picked Houston, citing Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Scottie Pippen’s experience, strength, and half-court skills.
• Marv Albert argued that the Rockets’ aging stars would struggle against Gary Payton and Seattle’s pressure defense and fast breaks.
• Bill Walton countered that Rudy Tomjanovich could slow the pace and exploit the Rockets’ size and interior offense.
• Kevin Harlan summarized the teams’ contrasting strengths and said the series could become a long battle ending in Game 7.

Allen Iverson led Philadelphia past Charlotte to advance to the second round, setting up a highly anticipated series against Li Fei and the New York Knicks. Iverson vowed to challenge Li Fei on his home court as the media fueled the matchup.

• Li Fei watched the Western Conference playoffs from his Manhattan office while the Eastern Conference appeared settled.
• Allen Iverson scored 46 points as Philadelphia beat Charlotte 105–96, taking the series 3–1 and advancing.
• The second-round matchup between the Knicks and 76ers was set, prompting TNT commentators to debate the teams’ strengths and predict the series length.
• Iverson thanked Li Fei for his shoes in an interview, then declared that he had no boss or friends on the court and would challenge Li Fei at Madison Square Garden.
• Sports media across the United States publicized the Li Fei–Iverson showdown, while Philadelphia outlets predicted Iverson would win the championship at Madison Square Garden.

Li Fei and Allen Iverson traded taunts ahead of their Eastern Conference semifinal, while TNT commentators debated the Knicks' overwhelming roster advantages against the 76ers. Marv Albert began to challenge the prediction that the Knicks would advance easily.

• At his Long Island estate, Li Fei told Monica Bellucci he respected Allen Iverson's fighting spirit but planned to dominate him on the court.
• Li Fei read Iverson's provocative text promising to defeat him at Madison Square Garden and sent back a warning about blocking him in the paint.
• On TNT, Kevin Harlan introduced the Knicks–76ers semifinal preview and asked Bill Walton and Marv Albert to predict the series.
• Bill Walton compared the teams' lineups and argued that Li Fei and the Knicks' depth made them overwhelming favorites.
• Marv Albert agreed that the Knicks looked stronger on paper but argued that basketball was not decided by roster comparisons alone.

Bill Walton and Marv Albert predicted that the New York Knicks would defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 4–2, with Allen Iverson stealing two games but Li Fei leading New York through the series. The showdown was set to begin three days later at Madison Square Garden.

• Marv Albert argued that Iverson's scoring ability and Larry Brown's defensive plan would keep the 76ers from being swept.
• Bill Walton noted Iverson could win games with explosive scoring, while the 76ers could target the aging Sabonis with pick-and-rolls.
• Bill Walton predicted the Knicks would win the series 4–2, with Li Fei closing it out in Game 6 in Philadelphia.
• Marv Albert agreed, citing the Knicks' depth and Li Fei's ability to dominate late in games.
• Kevin Harlan announced the experts' 4–2 prediction and said the series would begin in three days at Madison Square Garden.

The Chicago Bulls upset the Indiana Pacers in overtime to complete a rare seventh-seed series win, setting the conference semifinal matchups. The Lakers then beat the Spurs in Game 1 after Kobe Bryant hit three consecutive mid-range jumpers late in the fourth quarter.

• Michael Jordan hit a fadeaway with twelve seconds left, and Karl Malone stole the Pacers' inbound pass as the Bulls won 104–103 and took the series 3–2.
• The conference semifinal matchups were set, including the Lakers against the Spurs and the Knicks against the 76ers.
• The Lakers and Spurs battled to a 72–72 tie after three quarters as San Antonio repeatedly double-teamed Shaquille O'Neal.
• Kobe Bryant ignored O'Neal's call for the ball and scored three consecutive mid-range jumpers to break through the Spurs' defense.
• The Lakers defeated the Spurs 98–94 to take the first game of the series.

After Kobe led the Lakers to victory over the Spurs, Li Fei prepared for his playoff matchup with Allen Iverson and the 76ers while his brand turned their rivalry into a marketing campaign. The chapter left the teams bracing for their game at Madison Square Garden and announced an “Ice and Fire” Answer 3 colorway.

• Kobe scored the Lakers’ final six points to beat the Spurs, while he stayed composed in interviews and O’Neal celebrated his performance.
• Li Fei told David Falk he would defeat Iverson in New York, despite the 76ers star’s booming shoe preorders and Nike’s effort to cast negative publicity on Li Fei Brand.
• The New York Post framed Li Fei and Iverson as rivals for Eastern Conference supremacy, while Pat Riley urged Sprewell to contain Iverson at practice.
• Li Fei told Sabonis that he would overpower Theo Ratliff in the paint and asked Sabonis to space the floor and feed him the ball.
• David Falk announced that Li Fei Brand would release an “Ice and Fire” Answer 3 playoff colorway representing Li Fei and Iverson.

Allen Iverson rallied the 76ers before their playoff series against Li Fei’s Knicks, then declared at Madison Square Garden that he was the best player on the planet and would beat Li Fei. As the opening game neared, Li Fei prepared in the Knicks’ locker room.

• On Philadelphia’s flight, Allen Iverson told the 76ers they would go to New York to defeat the Knicks and urged anyone afraid to leave.
• At dinner, Li Fei told Monica Bellucci he was not nervous about the game and said Madison Square Garden had only one king.
• Two hours before tipoff, Allen Iverson told reporters he respected Li Fei but came to New York to beat him, declaring himself the best player on the planet.
• Allen Iverson said the game would decide who was stronger, then left for the players’ tunnel.
• In the Knicks’ locker room, trainers wrapped Li Fei’s ankles as he sat preparing for the game.

The Knicks and 76ers opened their playoff showdown at Madison Square Garden, with Li Fei challenging Allen Iverson to prove his claim as the best player. The game began in a clash of team offense and Iverson’s individual scoring, and Li Fei left Iverson facing his first major obstacle.

• David Falk told Li Fei that Iverson had called himself the best player in the world and vowed to take him down.
• Li Fei said Iverson would have to beat him at Madison Square Garden to prove he was the best.
• Both teams took the court as Monica Bellucci cheered for Li Fei and Spike Lee taunted Iverson.
• Li Fei won the opening tip, then helped set up Allan Houston for a mid-range jumper that gave the Knicks a 2–0 lead.
• Iverson answered with a twisting layup against Sprewell and Marshall, tying the score at 2–2.
• Li Fei intercepted Iverson’s next drive by snatching the ball out of the air, then welcomed him to New York; David Falk ordered more stock of their Ice and Fire shoes.

Li Fei controlled the Knicks’ defense against Allen Iverson, blocking him repeatedly as New York steadily widened its lead over Philadelphia. After Li Fei knocked Iverson to the floor during a drive, Iverson refused to leave the game and insisted on staying on the court.

• Li Fei answered Iverson’s scoring with a pull-up jumper, then blocked shots and helped Sprewell score in transition as the Knicks’ lead grew.
• The Knicks’ defense focused on letting Iverson drive into Li Fei, who recorded five blocks in the first quarter while Iverson scored 12 points on 10 attempts.
• Iverson continued attacking the basket in the second quarter despite Li Fei’s rim protection.
• Li Fei blocked Iverson’s Up and Under and sent him crashing to the floor, prompting a timeout and a call for the team doctor.
• Iverson rejected Coach Larry Brown’s request to rest and insisted that he remain in the game.

The Knicks led the 76ers 58–46 at halftime as Li Fei quietly outscored Allen Iverson and prepared to intensify the defense. In the third quarter, Li Fei stole Iverson’s pass and launched a fast break that ended with Donyell Marshall’s dunk, extending the Knicks’ lead to 60–46.

• The Knicks entered halftime ahead 58–46, with Iverson scoring 22 points on 18 shots and Li Fei scoring 25 on 10-for-12 shooting.
• David Falk told Li Fei that his performance had boosted interest in their brand, and Li Fei said the second half was time to close the net.
• The Knicks opened the third quarter with Sprewell guarding Iverson closely and Allan Houston joining him in a double-team.
• Li Fei intercepted Iverson’s pass toward Tyrone Hill and threw a long outlet pass to Donyell Marshall.
• Marshall finished the fast break with a two-handed dunk, giving the Knicks a 60–46 lead.

Li Fei dominated the third quarter with forceful defense, mid-range jumpers, and fast-break plays as the Knicks pulled away from the Philadelphia 76ers. New York ended the quarter ahead 90–68, with the Garden roaring and the game seemingly slipping beyond Philadelphia’s reach.

• Li Fei overwhelmed Theo Ratliff and Tyrone Hill inside, then scored a turnaround jumper off a pass from Sabonis.
• Li Fei pushed the pace himself and hit a pull-up long two over George Lynch as the Knicks widened their lead.
• Allen Iverson answered with a difficult three-pointer over Sprewell, but Li Fei set up Allan Houston for an easy layup on the next possession.
• Sprewell stole Eric Snow’s pass and tossed the ball off the backboard, and Li Fei followed with a one-handed putback dunk.
• The third-quarter buzzer sounded with the Knicks leading 90–68 after outscoring the 76ers 32–22.

The Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 115–93 in Game 1 as Li Fei dominated on both ends of the court. After Li Fei and Iverson left the game, the Knicks closed out the win, leaving the 76ers facing a 22-point loss.

• Larry Brown kept Iverson in the game despite the 76ers trailing by 22, and Iverson continued attacking the Knicks’ defense.
• Iverson was knocked down by Li Fei and Marshall, scraped his knee, then got up and made both free throws.
• Li Fei scored efficiently from mid-range and passed 50 points with a jumper over George Lynch before Pat Riley called him to the bench.
• Pat Riley and Larry Brown took Li Fei and Iverson out, and the teams’ reserves played out the remaining minutes.
• The Knicks won 115–93 as Li Fei finished with 55 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 8 blocks, and 2 steals, while Iverson scored 40 points.

After Li Fei led the Knicks to a dominant win over the 76ers, he told Allen Iverson that Iverson’s sneakers had sold out during the game. The media celebrated Li Fei’s 55-point performance and reported that his business had profited from Iverson’s tragic-hero image, leaving the Knicks’ commercial and on-court dominance in the spotlight.

• Kevin Harlan revised his prediction, saying the Knicks could beat the 76ers in five games or even sweep them.
• Li Fei congratulated Iverson after the game and told him that the “answer” sneakers Iverson wore had sold out during the second half.
• Monica Bellucci blew Li Fei a kiss as he waved to the fans at Madison Square Garden.
• ESPN, The New York Times, the Philadelphia Times, and TNT published coverage highlighting Li Fei’s 55 points and Iverson’s 40-point loss.
• Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Li Fei’s brand had profited from Iverson’s performance, with the sneakers selling out in stores and online orders backlogged for three months.

After Li Fei led the Knicks to a dominant playoff win over the 76ers, Chinese media celebrated his performance while Philadelphia’s management met to confront the team’s failures. The meeting ended with Larry Brown arguing that the 76ers needed reliable outside shooters to take pressure off Allen Iverson.

• Li Fei scored 55 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked eight shots as the Knicks defeated the 76ers in their playoff opener.
• Chinese newspapers and CCTV-5 commentators praised Li Fei’s performance and predicted that Philadelphia could be swept.
• Billy King called the 76ers’ defensive showing a disgrace after Li Fei made nearly 80 percent of his shots.
• Larry Brown said the Knicks had neutralized Iverson by funneling his drives toward Li Fei, forcing him into difficult shots that drained his stamina.
• Larry Brown told the management that the 76ers lacked a reliable outside shooter who could punish the Knicks for leaving the other players open.

After Philadelphia’s playoff loss to Li Fei, the 76ers’ executives agreed they needed to rebuild around Allen Iverson. Meanwhile, Li Fei celebrated his victory with Monica Bellucci and learned his business profits had soared, leaving him to direct a media campaign exploiting Iverson’s image.

• Billy King and the 76ers’ staff discussed how their one-dimensional offense and lack of support for Iverson had left them unable to challenge Li Fei.
• Larry Brown called for a strong interior defender and a second scoring option, and Billy King ordered scouts to search for help for next season.
• In his Manhattan penthouse, Li Fei spent the morning with Monica Bellucci after his win.
• David Falk told Li Fei that The Answer sneakers had sold out nationwide and Li Fei Sports Brand stock had surged fifteen percent in pre-market trading.
• Li Fei told Falk to promote Iverson as a tragic lone hero to drive sneaker sales.

Li Fei ordered the Knicks to crush Philadelphia in Game Two, while the teams’ executives considered their next moves. Jeff Van Gundy learned that Arvydas Sabonis’s knee was in serious condition and planned to limit his minutes, then discussed driving down Sabonis’s contract price.

• Li Fei told Falk to relay that he would make Game Two brutal and sweep Philadelphia, while Monica Bellucci praised his conquest.
• Billy King considered Philadelphia’s need for a second scoring option and searched free-agent listings for interior players.
• Scott Layden showed Jeff Van Gundy footage of Allen Iverson repeatedly targeting Sabonis in Game One and described the damage to Sabonis’s knee.
• Van Gundy ordered Sabonis’s minutes reduced to under 18 in Game Two and preferred using Stephen Jackson in a small-ball lineup.
• Layden warned that Sabonis’s contract was expiring, and Van Gundy said the Knicks should offer him a veteran minimum or an incentive-based short contract.