On June 5, 1996, the finals G1 officially started at the United Center in Chicago.
After the messy joint workout, Li You was able to watch the game at the United Center in the evening.
Ray Allen also came to Chicago. The two did not choose to watch the game in the box. Their agent Mark Bartelstein prepared front-row tickets for them.
The fans in Chicago were particularly excited. After two years of silence, they were back on the stage of the finals.
The game that night was very tense, and it wasn't until the Bulls played a wave in the fourth quarter that the point difference gradually widened.
The SuperSonics' head coach George Karl basically rotates seven players, fighting against the main force. Li You saw that Gary Payton still didn't stop for a minute in the middle of the fourth quarter, and he couldn't help but secretly complained:
"You really need to use your strongest tactics to the end!"
The Bulls' Phil Jackson seemed very calm, but Jordan and Pippen didn't have much rest time...
Even if Steve Kerr, who came off the bench tonight, performed mediocrely and scored zero points, the Bulls always insisted on an 8-man rotation.
Michael Jordan broke through Gary Payton's defense, dodged Sean Kemp's block in the air and hit the basket with his right hand. The United Center Arena erupted in huge cheers.
After a 10-0 run, the Bulls have secured the victory!
Ray Allen also cheered along with the audience. He has completely transformed into a crazy fan tonight...
This is Li You's first time to watch a game of this era up close. The Bulls' defense is stronger than he thought. Not only do the old guys have a good understanding of each other, but they also have a lot of moves on their hands.
The Sonics have always wanted to slow down and rely on their forward group to limit the Bulls' offense. However, in turn, the Bulls relied on their excellent defense and caused the opponent to make many mistakes.
"This is the dominance of the 72-win team! No one in this league can beat them!"
The Bulls' outstanding performance made Ray Allen scream with excitement.
The surrounding Chicago fans showed proud expressions. Every fan who comes to Chicago to watch the game will eventually be impressed by their Bulls team.
Li You, however, has no sense of empathy. He has witnessed 73 overturning wins, and that is the most shocking:
"The Bulls will win at home, and you can go to the Celtics for a trial with peace of mind!"
The noisy sound at the scene made Li You raise his voice, and Ray Allen grinned. Everything was as he planned, watching the finals, completing the trial training, and finally going to play for his favorite team.
Amid the cheers of Chicago fans, the score was fixed at 90:107, and the Bulls successfully defended their home court.
Reporters at the scene interviewed Michael Jordan immediately. With 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 2 turnovers, Jordan once again scored the highest score on the team.
"Michael! Michael—!"
While Michael Jordan finished the interview, Ray Allen started shouting again with the fans in the front row. Hearing the shouts, Luodan waved to this side with a smile, causing the stupid fans to cheer again...
Perhaps it was Li You's very calm expression that aroused Michael Jordan's curiosity. The big star looked here twice more, and then slowly turned around when he heard the shouts from the other side.
At the end of the game, the audience slowly left the field, and Li You moved with the crowd. Chicago's home court was always full, which was unique in the league.
"Maybe you can also go to Milwaukee and Minnesota. They have the No. 4 and No. 5 picks."
After leaving the arena, before Mark Bartelstein arrived, Li You reminded Ray Allen next to him.
"I don't want to play there, so I have to make it clear in advance that I will not accept their invitation to try out!"
Ray Allen is devoted to the Celtics. He likes the atmosphere in Boston. Unlike most black players, the environment in which he grew up makes Ray Allen look more like a white man in many cases.
Li You shook his head secretly in his heart. Sometimes the team didn't care about the player's intentions. The vague memory in his mind told him that Ray Allen would most likely not be able to go to Boston.
...
On June 7, Mark Bartelstein, who was in a good mood, accompanied Li You to Madison Square Garden.
Yesterday, Ray Allen's trial training was perfect. The Celtics also confirmed their intentions. Both parties are interested in each other. This is the most perfect result.
Driving the Chevrolet Blazer, Mark Bartelstein couldn't help but hum a tune.
Li You, who was sitting in the passenger seat, felt very helpless about this and couldn't help but remind him:
"I always feel that the Bucks and Timberwolves will not miss this opportunity. The No. 6 pick is not safe."
Mark Bartelstein didn’t care much about this and continued to say proudly:
"No problem, many teams are willing to sell the Celtics to save face. Auerbach is very energetic in the league."
Li You secretly complained that this old man will be tricked by David Stern next year. The old guy is already out of date!
Madison Square Garden, located in Manhattan, New York City, is also a landmark building.
Opened in 1968, it is one of the oldest indoor stadiums in the world. Li You is very familiar with this arena. The regional finals of the Big East Conference have always been held here.
Receiving Li You and the others were Dick McGuire and Jeff Van Gundy, senior consultants of the Knicks.
As an authentic New Yorker, Dick McGuire is not only a legend of the Knicks, but has also been working for the team after retiring.
Jeff Van Gundy used to be Pat Riley's assistant as an assistant coach and just took over this season.
Being able to participate more in the team's work, Jeff Van Gundy, who is not completely bald yet, has a constant smile on his face...
The coaching staff and scouts are also on site. Young Tom Thibodeau is greeting the staff to set up training facilities. Currently, Thibodeau is deeply trusted by Van Gundy and has become the chief assistant coach.
"Oh! We are all old acquaintances, Lee. Welcome again to Madison Square Garden, the best arena in the world!"
"I still remember your performance in the Big East Conference Championship Game. I was there at the time. Move your body first. Mark, thank you for choosing the Knicks."
Dick McGuire, who is 70 years old, is very graceful. When the old man spoke, everyone showed his attitude of listening.
"No one would refuse the Knicks' invitation. Lee has been attending school in Connecticut for the past two years, and New York has always been his first choice!"
Mark Bartelstein immediately expressed his stance, and Jeff Van Gundy on the side greeted Li You:
"Come on, Li, you are familiar with the locker room here. We are ready. Now it's your turn to show yourself."
"And one-on-one sessions? I like this challenge!"
Li You was not polite, and raised his eyebrows at the serious-looking John Starks. Obviously, the other party wanted to see his performance under NBA-level defense.
