Chapter 64: The Inescapable Vanity Fair (Part Two)

On January 21, 1997, at the United Center, as the arena's DJ Ray Clay introduced the members of the Knicks, the Bulls officially took the court.

The familiar melody for Chicago fans began to play. Buoyed by "Sirius," Li You also heard that classic line:

"Let's make some noise for the guard from the University of North Carolina, standing 6-foot-6—"

"Miiiiike—Jooooordan!!"

The United Center erupted with the loudest cheer of the night. Wearing the red-and-white Bulls practice gear, Michael Jordan ran out of the player tunnel with a stern expression.

With the classic background music, the deafening cheers, and the four championship banners hanging high above the arena, Li You, on the Knicks' side, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy:

"I'd give that showmanship a solid 9 out of 10!"

For a rookie player, coming to Chicago to play was practically a chance to meet an idol. John Wallace kept glancing over at Michael Jordan from the side.

If not for the serious expressions on the faces of Ewing, Oakley, and Starks, the rookie might have even tried to walk up and get acquainted with Jordan...

A slightly envious Li You had no interest in fanboying. During the final pre-game warm-up phase, he methodically completed his shooting drills.

Encountering an old friend put Michael Jordan in a good mood. Taking advantage of the warm-ups, he casually chatted with Oakley and Ewing, and smiles appeared on all three men's faces.

Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines noticed that Michael Jordan didn't even bother to look him in the eye, and he was boiling with anger inside.

The holding-a-grudge Jordan hadn't forgotten the previous playoffs when Jeff Van Gundy called him a hypocritical bastard, leaving zero possibility of reconciliation between the two.

The Chicago fans in attendance were exceptionally enthusiastic. With a 34-5 record, the Bulls were still leading the entire league.

Phil Jackson on the sidelines wasn't as stern as Jeff Van Gundy. As the players from both sides walked to the center circle for the tip-off, he sat down on the bench with a smile.

For this game, the Bulls' Ron Harper was out with an injury, giving backup point guard Randy Brown a chance to start in the backcourt alongside Michael Jordan;

The forward positions were manned by Scottie Pippen and Jason Caffey, with Luc Longley at center.

Dennis Rodman was serving an 11-game suspension for kicking a photographer in the groin during a game against the Timberwolves and couldn't play tonight...

On the Knicks' side, Li You once again entered the starting lineup tonight. Jim Durham, the Bulls' home broadcast announcer, was currently joking around:

"It's been a long time since a rookie challenged Michael. Li has no idea what he's about to face; Michael is going to completely dismantle the Knicks!"

Li You hadn't bothered to explain much when facing the media. Clearly, a displeased Michael Jordan was finding an excuse for himself, wanting to use tonight's game to vent his pent-up frustration...

Before the tip-off, a now-cheerful Michael Jordan even smiled and bumped fists with the Knicks players in greeting. As Ewing won the tip-off, the United Center immediately erupted with defensive chants:

"Defense! Defense! Defense!"

Li You controlled the ball and quickly signaled a tactical play. Randy Brown didn't pick him up with full-court pressure.

Nearly halfway through the season, players around the league knew that pressing Li You was useless.

A simple low-post play: Ewing caught the ball on the left low block. Facing Longley's tight defense, he dribbled with his right hand, backed his defender down, approached the paint, and immediately spun toward the baseline. Gathering the ball, he switched to his left hand and smoothly executed a floating layup.

Under defensive pressure, the ball rattled out, and the United Center instantly erupted in cheers.

Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines loudly urged his players to get back on defense, but the Bulls were not in a hurry to push the transition. After catching the ball, Pippen casually walked it past half-court.

On their opening offensive possession, the Bulls ran something very simple. Michael Jordan caught the ball on the left elbow near the free-throw line, and everyone cleared out to create space.

The two big men planted themselves near the baseline on either side, Pippen stayed at the top of the key, and Li You stood with Randy Brown on the right wing outside the three-point line.

Michael Jordan merely held a triple-threat stance, throwing a quick jab step with his right foot. Allan Houston instinctively retreated a small step, only to see Michael Jordan rise up for a pull-up jumper.

"Clang!"

The ball hit the back rim, and Oakley in the paint fiercely secured the defensive rebound. Li You immediately ran over to receive the pass, then accelerated with a sharp change of direction down the right side.

The Bulls players weren't too concerned about Li You's fast break because Michael Jordan was already waiting in front of him.

A confident Michael Jordan didn't opt for a tight press either. Instead, he stopped on the right wing inside the three-point line, lowered his center of gravity, and watched as Li You decelerated.

"Oooooh!!"

The Chicago fans, always eager for a show, immediately joined in the jeering. They desperately wanted to see the rookie get humbled.

Li You, approaching the three-point line, only slightly decelerated while turning his head toward the top of the key. Then, leaning his upper body forward, he suddenly thrust the ball out with his right hand.

Michael Jordan instinctively shifted forward, and Li You instantly lowered his center of gravity, sharply pulling the ball back with his left hand in a sweeping motion.

"OH—! ClayGod!"

Seeing Michael Jordan instantly lose his defensive position, home announcer Jim Durham instinctively let out an exclamation.

Li You scooped the ball with his left hand, taking advantage of Jordan's defensive lapse to drive straight into the paint. At that moment, the Bulls players had just retreated to the three-point line, leaving the paint completely empty.

Michael Jordan, possessing lightning-fast reaction speed, immediately chased back on defense. Seeing Li You take three steps and take off in the paint, Jordan leaped desperately as well, swiftly attempting a block.

After mid-air contact, Li You realized with frustration that Michael Jordan's exceptional leaping speed had made up for his previous blunder. Twisting his body, Li You reluctantly forced up a one-handed shot with his left hand!

Deliberately increasing the arc, the ball just barely cleared Michael Jordan's fingertips.

"Whistle!"

The whistle blew as the ball went in, rattling around the rim twice before finally dropping obediently through the net.

"Oooooh!!"

Inside the United Center, the Chicago fans all gasped in unison, followed by a wave of chaotic shouts. The brilliant play even caused many spectators to cheer in appreciation.

On the Knicks' bench, the hype squad went wild. They frantically whipped towels around, jumping up and down, hugging their teammates, and celebrating loudly.

A "Shandon" crossover with explosive disrespect. Upon landing, Michael Jordan felt like he had been completely played...

Seeing Li You calmly high-five his teammates and walk toward the free-throw line, the smile that had been on Jordan's face since tip-off vanished entirely.

"Nice, great crossover move!"

Taking advantage of Li You's free throw, a stone-faced Michael Jordan tilted his head to praise him from beside the paint. The surrounding Bulls players noticed their leader's emotional shift, and their expressions turned serious as well.

"Too bad you almost blocked it!"

Li You made the bonus free throw, responded with a light smile, and then shrugged as he turned to run back on defense, ignoring Jordan's murderous glare...

Naturally, the fans in attendance couldn't hear the conversation between the two, but seeing the scene unfold, they started jeering loudly again.

The Knicks were in decent spirits; Charles Oakley even flashed a wide grin. But very quickly, the game started to turn sour.

The first casualty was Allan Houston, who was matched up against Jordan. Michael Jordan turned on his back-to-game mode, attacking from both sides. Aside from his jump shots, he also began viciously attacking the rim...

On the defensive end, Randy Brown seemed to have received instructions. No longer sparing his stamina, he played full-court defense, relentlessly pestering Li You.

The Knicks' offense wasn't affected too much. Li You didn't turn the ball over, Ewing was in good form, and they scored frequently in the low post.

However, Jeff Van Gundy noticed that the game's tempo was slipping toward the Bulls' side, and Michael Jordan had even started shooting three-pointers.

By the end of the first quarter, Michael Jordan, who had played the entire period, felt unsatisfied, while Allan Houston walked toward the bench with a blank stare.

26:33. The Knicks had played with good offensive efficiency, but they were still down by 7 points.

Shooting 5-of-9 in a single quarter, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, Michael Jordan put up 18 points in the first quarter alone...

Jeff Van Gundy was very satisfied with the first-quarter performance. Squatting down in front of his players, he shouted words of encouragement:

"Hang in there, play good defense! We're playing great basketball, we need to stay patient on both ends of the floor!"

Li You played the entire first quarter, shooting 2-of-3, including 1-of-2 from three-point range, and 1-of-1 from the line, finishing with 6 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists.

Ewing shot 4-of-6 in the opening quarter, efficiently tallying 8 points and 2 rebounds. Throughout the first quarter, the Knicks' offensive tempo was somewhat slow, but they committed only two turnovers, perfectly executing their pre-game strategy.

They had tightened their defense, attempting to lower the Bulls' shooting percentage and drag the game into the Knicks' preferred tempo.

Jeff Van Gundy had thought it through, but plans never kept up with changes. Michael Jordan switched into an unreasoning isolation mode.

Buoyed by multiple buffs, the displeased Bald One went berserk. Roars, tongue waggles, and fist pumps became a regular sight...

The game's tempo was indeed slowed down, but Jordan's scoring pace showed no signs of slowing. In the second quarter, he shot 3-of-6 for 9 points.

Entering the third quarter, he shot 5-of-7, including 2-of-2 from deep, adding another 12 points.

The turning point of the game came in the final quarter. Ewing's offense short-circuited again, going 1-of-6 for just 2 points in the quarter, while Jordan shot 5-of-8, pouring in another 12 points...

The hole dug in the first quarter was one the Knicks could never climb out of. 84:88. The Bulls maintained control throughout the game and successfully secured the victory.

Michael Jordan played 44 minutes, shooting 18-of-30, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line, exploding for 51 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers...

The United Center was already boiling over. Chicago fans were cheering for Jordan. 51 points—a new season high!

At that moment, Jeff Van Gundy wore a long face. Looking at Phil Jackson, who had idly cruised through the game with a relaxed smile, Van Gundy barely managed to maintain his composure:

"Congratulations, 35 wins!"

Phil Jackson simply offered a handshake, ignored Jeff Van Gundy entirely, and turned to walk away.

"Shit!!"

Surrounded by the taunts of the Chicago fans, Jeff Van Gundy muttered a curse under his breath upon returning to the locker room. Seeing the glum expressions of his players, he reined in his emotions.

Listening to Van Gundy's stale pep talk, Li You secretly lamented the missed opportunity. Without Rodman, they had the advantage in rebounding tonight, only to be shot to death by the Bald One...

That night, Michael Jordan, having claimed the highest single-game scoring performance of the season, once again became the media's darling, with everyone showering him with praise!

Though the Knicks lost, Li You once again claimed the top spot on the Top 10 plays list. ESPN's Sports Center repeatedly broadcast his brilliant 2+1 move past Jordan.

...

On the morning of January 22nd, the Knicks boarded a flight to Indianapolis. Jeff Van Gundy forbade his players from carousing with Michael Jordan after the game; the previous night at the hotel, Oakley had even gotten into a shouting match with the coaching staff.

Once on the plane, Ewing wore a gloomy face as well, and their usual card game was canceled.

"No need to beat yourself up. The Bulls were well-rested, and I don't think anyone in the league can limit Jordan in one-on-one defense."

Li You softly comforted Allan Houston sitting beside him. Being completely outplayed in a head-to-head matchup was certainly not a good feeling.

Michael Jordan's playing style was old-school. He rarely ran pick-and-rolls; regardless of who guarded him, it was always the same style...

"We were so close to winning. The whole team only had 8 turnovers—games like that are rare. Just a couple more defensive stops, and the outcome might have been completely different."

Allan Houston still believed it was a defensive issue. Li You remained silent; in his view, playing against the old-timer squad made offense even more important.

The Bulls clearly lacked firepower, scoring a total of only 88 points. But by frequently slowing the game down into half-court sets, they had given their opponents room to breathe.

Playing 34 minutes, shooting 6-of-13, including 1-of-3 from deep, and 3-of-3 from the line, Li You had followed the coaching staff's instructions the previous night and refrained from launching too many three-pointers, scoring a team-high second-best 16 points.

Ewing went 10-of-23 for 21 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 5 turnovers. The Gorilla had also performed quite well.

However, losing to an old rival in this fashion was truly heartbreaking. Several of the veterans were in low spirits, and upon arriving in Indianapolis, they had no appetite for extracurricular activities.

The loss to the Bulls sent the New York media into a frenzy. The following day's newspapers were filled with articles heavily criticizing Jeff Van Gundy's tactics, and Ewing took his share of the blame as well.

The sensation-seeking media didn't care about locker room chemistry. The *New York Post* even published two articles:

"Patrick Ewing Is Not a Qualified Leader"

"The Rookie of the Year—New York's Future"

These stirring tabloids placed photos of Ewing and Li You side by side. As it turned out, people realized it was a world where looks mattered, and some New York fans began to agree with certain viewpoints...

On the morning of the 23rd, the NBA league announced the voting results for the 1997 Cleveland All-Star Game:

The Bulls' Michael Jordan received 2.45 million votes, successfully being voted the leading vote-getter for the 1997 All-Star Game.

At the same time, Michael Jordan set a record, becoming the first player in NBA history to surpass 2 million All-Star votes.

With 51 points and a record-breaking All-Star voting title, the critics from a few days prior vanished entirely, and the flattery resumed in full force...

Charles Barkley received 1.87 million votes, ranking second, while Grant Hill came in third with 1.86 million votes, maintaining his past ultra-high popularity.

The Gorilla pulled in 1.39 million votes, securing the starting center spot for the Eastern Conference All-Star team without a hitch.

The All-Star starting lineups were officially unveiled:

Eastern Conference Starters:

Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Scottie Pippen, Patrick Ewing;

Western Conference Starters:

Gary Payton, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, Shawn Kemp, Hakeem Olajuwon.

Following the announcement of the All-Star starters, the New York media collectively suffered from amnesia, immediately pivoting to sing praises for Patrick Ewing.

In that day's sports section, the Big Gorilla transformed from a scapegoat back into Patrick Ewing, one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players...

Of course, as minor masters of stoking flames, the New York media hadn't forgotten Li You.

In the Eastern Conference guard voting rankings, Li You secured 580,000 votes, placing right behind Penny Hardaway and outranking several veteran guards.

The New York media began hyping up Li You's All-Star prospects, nearly anointing him as the premier point guard in the Eastern Conference!

During the game on the night of the 23rd, the Pacers' Reggie Miller was green with envy, leading his teammates in chasing Li You all over the court.

The two sides traded verbal jabs repeatedly. Charles Oakley's trash talk lacked a bit of punch, so in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of a drive, he simply knocked Reggie Miller flat on his back...

Pacers fans sitting in the front row saw Li You still standing nearby, clapping with a cheeky smile, and hurled their drinks onto the court.

"Shut your stinking mouth, or you'll get your head cracked open!"

Oakley relentlessly shouted back toward the Pacers' bench.

Reggie Miller hopped up off the floor, wanting to rush over and throw a couple of punches at the old man, only to be shoved off balance by Li You.

Despite the referees scrambling to separate them, both sides eventually devolved into a full-on scuffle...

By the time the coaching staffs pulled everyone apart, an infuriated referee turned around and ejected Li You, Charles Oakley, and Reggie Miller on the spot.

Having received only 500,000 votes and been outpaced by a rookie, alongside the Pacers' mediocre 19-20 record, a grim-faced Reggie Miller walked off with an exceptionally sour mood.

As Li You headed toward the player tunnel, he didn't care about the jeers from the fans on either side, even finding the composure to wave goodbye to the hot-headed brawlers:

"So this is the vanity fair of the NBA..."