194: 095: What he wants is more than just victory (Vote for me monthly!)_3 194: 095: What he wants is more than just victory (Vote for me monthly!)_3 Nick Anderson’s instability made Jordan unable to trust him.
Toni Kukoc could handle the connecting segment well, but he couldn’t solve the Bulls’ real pain point.
In the end, you would find that Luc Longley, who was mocked for being “stupid and clumsy,” was the only one who could help Jordan and Pippen share their worries.
At least, he really could foul O’Neal without any burden, then let that shark struggle at the free-throw line.
So, the Bulls never had a hope, never.
They sailed on this leaky ship, and sinking was only a matter of time.
But, this ship was originally fit for a long voyage.
However, Jordan thought the man who did all the dirty and tiring work for him was a snitch, so he left.
He thought the young man with extraordinary talent was an usurper, so he left.
It was Michael Jordan himself who chose to board a broken ship.
He believed that even commanding a broken ship he could reach the shores of victory.
No, he was too confident.
With a 2-0 lead, Roger returned to Chicago once again.
When Bulls fans saw Roger appear at the United Center in a Magic jersey, they could only feel regret.
Just a year ago, Chicago fans didn’t miss Roger that much.
Although they lost Roger, they gained a mature shooting guard who averaged 15 points per game, three first-round draft picks, and a power forward with unlimited potential designated by Jordan—could Webber’s potential be questioned with Jordan’s insight?
Everyone believed he was bound to succeed.
Michael Jordan also made everyone believe that the future of the Chicago Bulls was bright.
But who would have thought, now they are in such a sorry state.
Roger looked at the dome of the United Center, where the flag of the 1993-1994 East champions hung.
Did anyone care that Roger was once part of Bulls’ history?
Did anyone care that Roger took the Jordan-less Bulls to the Finals and won 57 games?
No, because people here only worship Black Jesus.
Roger withdrew his gaze, staring at the Bulls’ logo on the floor of the United Center court.
He was certain Chicago fans would remember him forever.
Not for that one East championship, but because he would do the most cruel thing on this court!
In Game 3 of the series, the Bulls’ life-saving battle, they led throughout the first half, ending the second quarter with a 7-point advantage.
Roger’s shooting was a bit off today, not as unsolvable as the first two games, which was why the Magic were behind at halftime.
But in the second half, O’Neal and Grant controlled the offensive rebounds.
O’Neal and Grant always managed to grab their teammates’ missed shots inside, and even when Grant rested, substitute Michael Cage fought hard for rebounds—he was, after all, a former rebounding champion.
The visible advantage in the paint for the Magic Team began to take effect, as they firmly controlled the rebounds.
Chris Webber and Longley looked like two children who were in primary school but wandered into a high school game, watching the Magic’s interior players take all the rebounds away.
With more second-chance opportunities, the Magic launched a tidal wave of a comeback.
In the final moments of the third quarter, Roger scored five points in succession, and the Magic overtook with a score of 67 to 66, entering the last quarter with the lead.
During the break, Jordan completely abandoned his great image and turned into the most terrifying demon:
“Chris, you’re as soft as a piece of toilet paper!
Now I know why you lost so many games in Orlando, I finally understand why!
I feel sorry for you, your cat is sick, go home and feed it cat food, that’d be more useful than putting you on the court!
Get out, I don’t need you!”
Brilliant, utterly brilliant.
The script the Bulls got was exactly the same as last year.
Last year, it was the Eastern Conference finals, where Roger spat venom at Pippen, who refused to play, in front of tens of thousands of people.
That signified the complete breakdown of their fragile relationship.
This year, still the Eastern Conference finals, Michael Jordan tore his face off with Webber in front of the home crowd.
This is the real Michael Jordan, treating his teammates like a prison warden tyrant treats prisoners in movies.
He doesn’t see anything wrong with doing so because winning comes at a cost.
He forced the lazy ones, challenged those who didn’t want to be challenged, and in his eyes, this power that overrides everyone’s dignity was the team leader’s rightful due.
Last year, Roger spat venom at Pippen, then killed the game himself.
Could Jordan do the same?
In the fourth quarter, people found Chris Webber pinned to the bench, with a towel covering his face buried deep.
Toni Kukoc replaced Webber in the game; he could do what Webber did, but equally couldn’t do what Webber couldn’t.
The Bulls’ fundamental problem was not addressed; the defense at the four-position was still being targeted.
Roger was tough on his former good friend, using screens to put Kukoc in the same awkward position as Webber.
In the ninth minute of the fourth quarter, Roger broke through directly after a screen and dunked over the desperately defending Kukoc.
Roger didn’t say anything to Kukoc, just turned and walked away, leaving the last bit of dignity for his friend.
Kukoc felt helpless; this was Jordan and Roger’s war.
Brutal, bloody, and merciless.