198: 097: Victory of the ‘Big Villain’ (Requesting Monthly Tickets!) 198: 097: Victory of the ‘Big Villain’ (Requesting Monthly Tickets!) The entire Chicago Bulls team was ignited with a fiery fighting spirit at that moment.
Number 23 was not just a number, it was a symbol.
It represented their past glory and the unstoppable man.
It was like a flag for the Chicago Bulls, once raised, it guided everyone towards the fight.
Jordan’s influence had started to decline, but it was still formidable.
Merely changing back to his most classic number had made this round of the series, which seemed to have no suspense left, the center of attention.
The fans were cheering wildly, and the flashes had not stopped since the start of the game.
Millions across America were watching this game, with countless more watching worldwide.
Roger looked around and took a deep breath.
The stage was set, now, execute!
Both teams gathered for the start, and for this game, Webber was directly DNP by the Bulls, Kukoc replaced him as the starter.
Even though he had been beaten by Roger seven times this season, Jordan, with the return to number 23, stared at Roger with a mysteriously confident look, “You’ll regret saying those words, punk!”
Jordan didn’t say another word, he glared at his target like an enraged bull, silent.
Originally in history, the story about Jordan changing jerseys was classic because, in the first game he wore it, he indeed won and even made Nick Anderson shoot one for six from three-point range.
As a result, although the Bulls still lost the series, when people mention the 1995 playoffs, the first thing they recall is Jordan changing his jersey and then brutally avenging the disrespectful comments.
This was Nike’s ability; give them a little story, and they turn it into an epic.
But under Roger’s pen, this story’s process and ending both had to be modified!
The game began, and the Magic Team took the first possession for the fourth consecutive time.
Roger started off directly with a pick and roll with Grant, but this time, Pippen successfully stole the ball just as Roger was about to break through!
After the successful steal, Pippen dove to the floor, pushing the ball to Jordan who was rushing to the front.
Number 23 took off just one step inside the free-throw line, then after a glide that could only be described as artistic, he scored with a powerful one-handed dunk!
It was a perfect start, and when Chicago fans saw number 23 soaring through the air, they forgot their team was down 0-3.
On the second offense, Roger waved his hand, letting Harper take control of the ball.
Then he started moving without the ball.
Roger was not limited to just pick and rolls.
Pippen frantically moved through off-ball screens, but eventually, O’Neal’s screen made Pippen lose sight of his target.
Now, Shaq wasn’t just setting screens for Roger with the ball; he was also starting to embrace off-ball screens.
The echoes of the century’s alley-oop were still having an effect, at least until the end of this season’s playoffs.
Roger moved to the right outside the three-point line, received the ball, and faced Jordan, who was coming up to defend, raised his hand and shot.
“8 wins, 0 losses, 8 wins, 0 losses,” Roger repeated the phrase.
There were no swear words, no messy metaphors, and no mockery.
The “8 wins, 0 losses” taunt was like a needle plunged into Jordan’s heart, painful whenever touched.
Up to now this season, Jordan’s record against Roger was 0 wins, 7 losses.
Losing this game would not only mean a sweep in the playoffs but a season-long sweep by Roger.
He would not let that happen, never!
The game continued, Jordan pulled off a mind-blowing play, a play that truly represented Michael Jordan.
In a powerful drive against Harper, Jordan was so fast that even O’Neal’s help defense was half a beat slow and couldn’t stop him.
After squeezing past O’Neal, Jordan jumped straight for the basket.
But Horace Grant was just standing under the hoop, arms raised to block Jordan.
As Jordan jumped, his hip knocked against Grant, causing his body to twist in mid-air and turn his back to the basket.
Out of balance and facing away from the basket, Jordan could only toss the ball blindly behind him, which, as anyone could guess, went nowhere near the target, hitting the upper part of the backboard.
As the ball fell, Grant prepared to grab the rebound.
But a dark shadow swiftly rose beside him, effortlessly surpassed him in mid-air, grabbed the basketball, and scored on a put-back.
With an incredible display of reflexes, Jordan scored by tipping in his own miss!
4-3, number 23 Jordan pursed his lips and swung his fist; he had regained his old form!
As fans worldwide watched number 23 Jordan start the game with successive spectacular plays, their appetite was whetted.
In the midst of it all, they glimpsed a ray of miraculous hope.
Throughout the entire first quarter, Jordan played extremely well.
He scored 13 points and led the Bulls to a 6-point lead.
The United Center was nearly melting.
Imagine a plump high school cheerleader casting a flirtatious glance at a young boy experiencing his first crush.
The feverish sensation doubled, probably resembling what Chicago fans were feeling at that moment.
Every Chicagoan was cheering, and all cameras were focused on number 23 Jordan.
NBC’s special guest Magic commented, “The young guys on the Magic Team might be shivering right now!”
O’Neal was somewhat angry, but not because of Jordan; he felt that, in the first quarter, Longley had several fouls that the referees hadn’t called.