Undercurrents Stirring Across the League

"No! There's no way we can beat the Lakers like this!" After watching Kobe's 70-point night, Chuck Daly, the godfather of Orlando's Bad Boys, grew anxious.

Too strong!

Kobe was too strong!

Terrifyingly strong! Even at sixty-eight, Chuck Daly had only seen a player with such horrifying dominance a handful of times in his life!

Knowing that he did not have much time left as a coach, Chuck Daly wanted to lead his old comrades, along with Penny, to a championship in the twilight of his career!

That was the confidence of the Bad Boys' head coach!

But judging from the current situation, it seemed incredibly difficult.

This year's Magic had declined at a surprisingly rapid pace.

Despite having two hundred-million-dollar men in Penny and Juwan Howard, they were only 8-6, ranked seventh in the Eastern Conference!

A team with two hundred-million-dollar contracts and a dynasty godfather naturally would not be satisfied with merely making the playoffs.

Yet the Eastern Conference was unusually competitive this year.

Michael Jordan remained remarkably strong despite his age. At thirty-five, he averaged 29.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks on 48.2% shooting and 40.1% from three, leading the Hornets to a 12-3 record and first place in the Eastern Conference.

Nearly all of North Carolina had gone crazy for this team!

Jordan!

That omnipotent Jordan was back!

Though time had left weathered marks on his face, though his steps were no longer as light, though he often served as a spot-up shooter alongside Grant Hill.

He could still dunk! He could still fly!

In an earlier game against the Heat, Michael Jordan had still hit a game-winner with his signature fadeaway jumper!

The God of Basketball had started playing old-man ball! But he was still the baddest old man around!