Chapter Summaries

The Houston Rockets defied expectations by defeating the Lakers 102-94 on the road to take Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Rockets left Los Angeles with a 1-0 series lead.

• Chicago Bulls fans accepted their 21-point loss to Li Fei and said they were grateful to watch Jordan play again.
• The Lakers entered Game 1 as overwhelming favorites to beat the Houston Rockets.
• Olajuwon used his Dreamy Footsteps to score against O'Neal, while Barkley dominated Horry and Pippen held Kobe to four first-quarter points.
• The Rockets led 52-48 at halftime as their veterans steadied the game against the Lakers' second-quarter push.
• Barkley scored 14 points in the third quarter, helping the Rockets extend their lead to 78-68.
• Kobe and O'Neal led a fourth-quarter comeback attempt, but Pippen hit a late three-pointer and the Rockets won 102-94.

The Houston Rockets beat the Lakers on the road in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, with Charles Barkley exploiting the Lakers’ weakness at power forward and Houston’s veterans outplaying them in crunch time. The Lakers left stunned, while Phil Jackson resolved that they could not lose the next game.

• Charles Barkley scored 34 points and led the Houston Rockets past the Lakers to take Game 1.
• Scottie Pippen limited Kobe to 18 points and forced six turnovers as Hakeem Olajuwon helped contain O'Neal.
• Kevin Harlan, Bill Walton, and Marv Albert explained how Houston’s strategy had exposed the Lakers and cost them home-court advantage.
• Phil Jackson told the Lakers to regroup, then paused to study a photograph of Jordan’s 1998 Finals game-winner and decided they could not lose the next game.
• O'Neal replayed his late turnovers and missed shots, while Glen Rice reflected on how Pippen had troubled him on defense.

After the Lakers lost at home to the Rockets, Kobe took responsibility and laid out a detailed plan for the next game. He left the team with an eight o’clock film session scheduled for the morning.

• Fisher reflected on being targeted by the Rockets and struggling during his twenty minutes on the court.
• Kobe admitted that his decisions had fallen behind Pippen’s and that he had not supported his teammates enough.
• Kobe described the opponents’ habits and drew up adjustments for the Lakers, including plans for Oakley and O’Neal.
• Kobe said he had studied the Rockets’ game film through the night and told the team to meet in the film room at eight.
• O’Neal rallied the locker room, and Fisher said he would arrive early to prepare for Cassell’s pick-and-rolls.

After the Rockets won Game 1, Barkley, Olajuwon, and Pippen planned how to beat the Lakers again while acknowledging the toll of the series on their aging bodies. Fans debated whether Houston could sustain its success, and the chapter ended with a popular comment framing the series as a passing of the torch between generations.

• Barkley, Olajuwon, and Pippen discussed their injuries and planned defensive adjustments for the next game, with Barkley agreeing to help disrupt Kobe in the post.
• Olajuwon said the Rockets needed to win Game 2 and urged the others to rest before their next matchup.
• Fans online praised Houston's strategic Game 1 victory but predicted the Lakers' youth and stamina would win out over a long series.
• A comment about the older generation burning its last flame while the new generation took up the torch received twelve hundred likes.

The Knicks overwhelmed the Bulls 112–82 in Game 2, extending their series lead as Chicago’s exhausted lineup failed to find an answer. Li Fei recorded a quadruple-double in three quarters, while Kevin Harlan declared that the Bulls had no hope left.

• The Bulls started the same three-big lineup, briefly kept pace with the Knicks, and ended the first quarter trailing 28–22.
• Ewing’s knee swelled, Kukoc and Jordan slowed, and Malone played the entire second quarter as the Knicks built a 58–42 halftime lead.
• Hamblen switched the Bulls to their regular lineup, and Van Gundy countered by sending in Sabonis to exploit their lack of size.
• The Knicks stretched their lead to 22 points in the third quarter and entered the final quarter ahead 84–62.
• Li Fei finished with 40 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 blocks as the Knicks defeated the Bulls 112–82.
• Harlan concluded that the Bulls had no hope left after losing their first two games by a combined 51 points.

Commentators declared the Knicks and Li Fei had surpassed Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, predicting the series would end within five games. After the loss, Jordan said Chicago would play better at home and reflected on the possibility that it was his last playoff game at the United Center.

• Bill Walton, Marv Albert, and Harlan said the Bulls could not overcome the Knicks and that Li Fei had won their five playoff matchups over five years.
• Bulls fans gathered outside the United Center to watch Jordan’s highlights, while an old man held a sign thanking him for every game.
• Jordan told reporters the Knicks were stronger but promised the Bulls would play better at home and try to win one more time.
• Jordan said that if it was his last playoff game at the United Center, he hoped fans would remember how he played in a Bulls jersey.
• The old man lowered his sign and left with a companion as fans continued watching Jordan’s fadeaway replay.

The Lakers adjusted their offense and defense in Game 2, taking control against the Houston Rockets and building a 20-point halftime lead. The game remained underway as the teams headed into the second half.

• O'Neal arrived early and sat quietly to calm his anger, while Kobe Bryant practiced hundreds of shots before the game.
• O'Neal won the opening tip, and Kobe scored over Pippen with a quick post-up fadeaway.
• O'Neal defended Olajuwon without falling for his fakes, then rebounded his missed hook shot and started a fast break that ended with Kobe making a jumper.
• The Lakers led 32–18 after the first quarter as Kobe's quick decisions and the team's defense stifled the Houston Rockets.
• Fisher, Horry, and Travis Knight scored for the Lakers' bench, while Barkley and the Rockets struggled against the Lakers' physical play.
• The Lakers went into halftime ahead 58–38, with Barkley showing signs of fatigue.

The Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 108-93 in Game 2, tying the Western Conference Finals at 1-1. Shaquille O'Neal dominated inside while Kobe Bryant dismantled Houston's defense, and the Rockets left with concerns about Hakeem Olajuwon's knee and the veterans' stamina.

• Shaquille O'Neal scored 18 points by halftime and capped the first half with a dunk over Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley.
• Kobe Bryant scored 14 first-half points, defended Scottie Pippen, and repeatedly found open teammates against Houston's double-teams.
• The Lakers answered Houston's third-quarter scoring run with jumpers from Kobe and threes from Fisher, extending their lead to 22 points.
• Tomjanovich benched Olajuwon, Barkley, and Pippen in the fourth quarter as the Lakers won 108-93 and tied the series 1-1.
• O'Neal finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds, while Bryant recorded 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists; Olajuwon's knee swelled and Barkley's mobility declined.

After the Lakers evened the series with a Game 2 win, Shaq declared they would finish the series in Houston while Kobe focused on the next game. The Rockets acknowledged their fatigue and the Lakers’ adjustments, with Pippen warning that Kobe was learning and becoming harder to predict.

• Shaq celebrated the Lakers’ home win, blamed Houston’s fatigue for its loss, and said the series would end in Houston.
• Kobe skipped interviews and mentally prepared for Game 3, considering how the Rockets might adjust.
• Barkley admitted that fatigue had slowed him and said Houston would rest and adjust before Game 3.
• Olajuwon explained that Shaq and Kobe had changed their approaches and said the Rockets would respond.
• Pippen said Kobe had adapted by attacking from the post and worried that he would keep learning new ways to play.

The Knicks routed the Bulls 108–86 in Game 3, taking a 3–0 series lead as Li Fei dominated and Chicago’s lineup changes failed. The chapter ended with commentators warning that Game 4 could be Michael Jordan’s final game with the Bulls.

• Li Fei arrived in Chicago focused on the NBA Finals and believed the Bulls’ veterans had lost hope.
• Hanburen repeatedly changed the Bulls’ lineup, but the Knicks built a 24-point halftime lead as Li Fei scored 14 in the first quarter and dunked twice on Willingham.
• The Knicks widened their lead in the third quarter, and Li Fei finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks before sitting out the fourth.
• The Knicks defeated the Bulls 108–86, taking a 3–0 series lead after outscoring them by a combined 73 points across three games.
• Kevin Harlan, Bill Walton, and Marv Albert discussed the Bulls’ collapse and warned that Game 4 could be Jordan’s final game in a Chicago uniform.

The Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-85 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead. In Game 4 at the United Center, Michael Jordan scored 55 points as the Bulls beat the Knicks 102-98, leaving his future with the Bulls uncertain.

• Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Lakers past the Rockets, while Hakeem Olajuwon's knee began swelling during the game.
• Michael Jordan touched the Bulls logo before Game 4, which Kevin Harlan and Bill Walton suggested might be his final home game in a Bulls uniform.
• Jordan scored 18 points in the first quarter and 14 more in the second, giving him 32 by halftime as the Bulls led the Knicks.
• The Knicks double-teamed Jordan in the third quarter, but he scored 12 points while Li Fei and his teammates kept the game close at 78-74.
• Jordan finished with 55 points, and the Bulls beat the Knicks 102-98 after he sealed the win with a fadeaway jumper.

Jordan scored 55 points in the Bulls’ win over the Knicks, avoiding a sweep and leaving the series 3-1. After the game, his teammates discovered he had played 44 minutes with a 39.4-degree fever, but he insisted he would play Game 5 in New York.

• Jordan scored 55 points as the Bulls beat the Knicks and forced the series to continue.
• After the final buzzer, Jordan struggled to stand from exhaustion, and Malone and Ewing came over to him.
• Jordan told Malone and Ewing that the series was not over and that the next game would be in New York.
• In the locker room, Harper noticed Jordan’s arm was unusually hot and touched his forehead, realizing he had a fever.
• The team doctor measured Jordan’s temperature at 39.4 degrees, but Jordan said he was fine and walked toward the showers.

Michael Jordan scored 55 points and led the Bulls to a win in his final home playoff game despite playing with a 39.4-degree fever. The chapter ended with the media praising his performance as the Knicks looked ahead to ending the series in the next game.

• Ewing and Harper praised Jordan’s extraordinary performance after the game.
• Jordan told reporters he had done what his team needed, and said he was glad to give the United Center fans a win.
• Harper revealed that Jordan had played 44 minutes with a 39.4-degree fever, and Jordan said he had played because the team needed him to win.
• Jordan left the press conference, while an old fan outside the United Center learned of his fever and admired his determination.
• ESPN, TNT, Woj, and The New York Times published headlines about Jordan’s performance, with the Times predicting the Knicks would end the series in the next game.

The Lakers dominated the Rockets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, winning 96-78 to take a 3-1 series lead. Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant overwhelmed Houston as Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Scottie Pippen struggled with injuries and fatigue.

• After Michael Jordan's 55-point performance while sick, fans celebrated him online while others predicted the Knicks would still eliminate the Bulls.
• The Lakers opened Game 4 with a 12-2 run as Shaquille O'Neal repeatedly dunked over Houston's defenders and Kobe Bryant outplayed Scottie Pippen.
• Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Scottie Pippen rallied in the third quarter, but the Lakers answered and stretched their lead to 20.
• Rudy Tomjanovich rested Houston's veterans in the fourth quarter, and the Lakers won 96-78 to take a 3-1 series lead.

The Knicks faced the Bulls in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden as Jordan struggled through the physical toll of the previous game. New York built a 16-point halftime lead, leaving Chicago in danger of elimination.

• Commentators said the Lakers were poised to finish off the Rockets and reflected on the possible end of Houston’s Big Three.
• Li Fei and Jordan exchanged a silent look before Game 5, then Li Fei opened the scoring with a post-up jumper.
• Jordan answered with a fadeaway, but the Knicks’ balanced offense gave them a 28–20 first-quarter lead.
• Van Gundy replaced Sabonis with Jackson in the second quarter, and Jackson’s speed helped the Knicks pull further ahead.
• The Knicks led the Bulls 56–40 at halftime.

The Knicks defeated the Bulls 108–82 in Game 5, won the series four games to one, and advanced to the NBA Finals. Li Fei shook hands with Jordan after the game, and Jordan vowed to challenge him again next season.

• The Knicks pulled further ahead in the third quarter as Li Fei scored repeatedly against Malone, and they entered the fourth with an 82–58 lead.
• Hanburen benched Jordan and Malone for the fourth quarter, and the Knicks completed a 108–82 blowout to eliminate the Bulls.
• Kevin Harlan, Bill Walton, and Marv Albert discussed the Knicks' decisive series win and Jordan's age and accomplishments.
• Li Fei approached Jordan at the Bulls' bench, praised his play, and shook his hand as Madison Square Garden applauded.
• Jordan told Li Fei he had not conceded defeat and promised to face him again next season.

After the Knicks eliminated the Bulls, Li Fei and Jordan exchanged a final farewell, while Jordan’s fans mourned what might have been his last game at the United Center. The Knicks celebrated reaching the NBA Finals and set their sights on a three-peat as Jordan reflected on whether he would retire.

• Li Fei told Jordan, “See you next season,” and Jordan left the arena without conceding defeat.
• An old fan outside the United Center remembered Jordan’s career after the game had ended.
• The Knicks celebrated their victory while Li Fei thought about winning a third consecutive championship.
• Van Gundy told the team to rest for two days before preparing for the NBA Finals, and Li Fei declared that a three-peat was their goal.
• At a press conference, Jordan said he did not know whether the game was his last with the Bulls and described his 55-point performance as a good enough farewell.

After the Knicks eliminated the Bulls, Michael Jordan thanked Chicago and said he would return next season, as news outlets and fans declared the end of his era and the rise of Li Fei. The next day, Li Fei’s sports store in New York was crowded with customers celebrating his success and anticipating the Finals.

• Jordan reflected on the Bulls’ era, thanked Chicago’s fans, and said he would be back next season wherever he played.
• News outlets framed the Knicks’ 4-1 win as the end of Jordan’s era and the continuation of Li Fei’s.
• Fans online shared and analyzed Jordan’s press conference and speculated about what Li Fei whispered during their embrace.
• The next day, hundreds of customers lined up outside the Li Fei Sports Brand flagship store on Fifth Avenue to buy Li Fei’s shoes.

After the Knicks eliminated the Bulls, New Yorkers bought shoes to honor both Li Fei and Michael Jordan, while Chicago fans watched Jordan’s highlights and wondered if they had seen his last game at the United Center. The league then named Li Fei the 1999–2000 Defensive Player of the Year and MVP, giving him six consecutive awards of each.

• The Li Fei Sports Brand and AJ flagship stores drew huge crowds, with customers celebrating Li Fei’s rise and paying tribute to Jordan after the Knicks eliminated the Bulls.
• An ESPN reporter described the two lines as a shared celebration of basketball and the five-year rivalry between Jordan and Li Fei.
• Chicago fans watched Jordan’s signature fadeaway replay on the United Center screen, wondering if it might be the last time.
• The NBA announced Li Fei as the 1999–2000 Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.
• ESPN, TNT, and Woj reported that Li Fei had won six consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards and six consecutive MVPs.

Li Fei’s sixth consecutive MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards drew widespread attention, while the league announced its All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. The chapter ended with Sprewell named to the All-NBA Third Team.

• The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and online fans celebrated Li Fei’s six straight MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
• ESPN and TNT commentators discussed Li Fei’s historic dominance and whether he could become the greatest player in history.
• The league announced the All-NBA Teams, placing Li Fei on the First Team and Sprewell on the Third Team.