Chapter 19: Divergent Paths (Part One)
June 5, 1996. Game 1 of the Finals officially tipped off at the United Center in Chicago.
After enduring a chaotic joint tryout, Li You was able to watch the game at the United Center that evening.
Ray Allen had also arrived in Chicago. The two chose not to watch the game from a box; their agent, Mark Bartelstein, had secured them front-row tickets.
Chicago’s fans were especially excited. After two years of silence, their team was back on the Finals stage.
The game was fiercely contested that night. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Bulls went on a decisive run, gradually pulling away.
Sonics head coach George Karl stuck to a tight seven-man rotation, battling hard with his starters. Li You noticed Gary Payton had not rested a single minute by mid-fourth quarter, silently thinking, “They’re really using their best tactic to the fullest!”
The Bulls’ Phil Jackson remained calm, though Jordan and Pippen had little rest as well.
Even though Steve Kerr, coming off the bench, had an average performance and failed to score, the Bulls maintained an eight-man rotation throughout.
Michael Jordan drove past Gary Payton’s defense, soared in the air to evade Shawn Kemp’s block, and scored a delicate right-handed layup. The United Center erupted with thunderous cheers.
After a 10-0 run, the Bulls had effectively sealed the victory!
Ray Allen joined the crowd in celebration, fully embracing the role of superfan for the night.
It was Li You’s first close-up experience of this era’s games. The Bulls’ defense was even stronger than he had imagined; the veterans not only displayed impeccable coordination but also played with aggressive hands.
The Sonics tried to slow the pace, relying on their frontcourt to limit the Bulls’ offense. Yet, the Bulls’ stellar defense forced multiple turnovers.
“This is the dominance of a 72-win team! No one in this league can beat them!” Ray Allen shouted excitedly.
The Chicago fans around wore expressions of pride. Every fan who came to watch the Bulls in Chicago eventually became captivated by them.
Li You, however, felt little connection. He had witnessed the collapse of the 73-win season—that was the truly shocking moment.
“The Bulls will take the home court. You can go try out for the Celtics with peace of mind,” he said.
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The noisy crowd prompted Li You to raise the volume; Ray Allen grinned broadly. Everything was unfolding according to plan: watch the Finals, complete the tryout, and ultimately play for his preferred team.
Amid Chicago fans’ cheers, the final score settled at 90-107, with the Bulls successfully defending home court.
Reporters immediately interviewed Michael Jordan, who posted 28 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 2 turnovers—once again leading the team in scoring.
“Michael! Michael—!”
While Jordan was being interviewed, Ray Allen joined the front-row fans in loud cheers. Jordan noticed the calls, smiled, and waved in their direction, sending the superfan into another burst of joy.
Perhaps Li You’s calm demeanor piqued Jordan’s curiosity; the superstar glanced their way a couple of times before turning back after hearing the shouting.
The game ended, and the crowd slowly dispersed. Chicago’s home arena remained sold out—a rarity in the league.
“Maybe you should check out Milwaukee and Minnesota, they hold the 4th and 5th picks,” Li You suggested to Allen after leaving the arena, before their agent Mark Bartelstein arrived.
“I don’t want to play there, so I’m making it clear now—I won’t accept tryout invitations from those teams!” Ray Allen replied firmly.
He was fully focused on the Celtics, drawn to Boston’s atmosphere. Unlike many black players, Allen’s upbringing made him often seem more like a white player.
Li You silently shook his head. Sometimes teams don’t care about a player’s preferences. His vague recollections warned him that Allen likely wouldn’t land in Boston.
...
On June 7, in high spirits, Mark Bartelstein accompanied Li You to Madison Square Garden.
Ray Allen’s tryout the day before had gone perfectly, and the Celtics had expressed clear interest. Both sides were mutually eager—that was the ideal outcome.
Driving a Chevrolet Blazer, Bartelstein hummed a tune.
Li You, sitting in the passenger seat, felt helpless and reminded him, “I’m sure Milwaukee and Minnesota won’t miss this chance. The sixth pick isn’t guaranteed.”
Bartelstein was unbothered and confidently replied:
“No problem. Many teams want to do the Celtics a favor. Red Auerbach still wields a lot of influence in the league.”
Li You silently scoffed. That old man would get played by David Stern again next year. The veteran was past his prime.
Madison Square Garden, located in Manhattan, New York City, was a landmark building.
Opened in 1968, it was one of the oldest indoor arenas in the world. Li You was very familiar with it, as the Eastern Conference playoffs had long been held there.
Greeting Li You were Knicks senior advisor Dick McGuire and Jeff Van Gundy.
A true New Yorker, McGuire was a Knicks legend who had stayed with the team after retiring.
Van Gundy had previously been Pat Riley’s assistant coach and had just been promoted this season.
Eager to take on more team responsibilities, the not-yet-bald Van Gundy wore a constant smile.
The coaching staff and scouts were also present. Young Tom Thibodeau was overseeing the setup of training equipment, trusted by Van Gundy as the lead assistant.
“Oh! We’re old friends, Li. Welcome back to Madison Square Garden—the best arena in the world!”
“I still remember your performance in the Eastern Conference championships. I was there in person. Go warm up now, Mark, thanks for choosing the Knicks.”
The 70-year-old McGuire was gracious, and everyone listened attentively when he spoke.
“No one refuses an invitation from the Knicks. Li has been studying at Connecticut these past two years, but New York has always been his first choice!”
Bartelstein quickly voiced his support, while Van Gundy beckoned Li You:
“Come on, Li. You know the locker room here. We’re ready. Now it’s your turn to show us what you’ve got.”
“A one-on-one session? I love that kind of challenge!” Li You didn’t hold back, flashing a cheeky glance at the serious John Starks nearby, who clearly wanted to see how Li You would handle NBA-level defense.