Chapter 78: The Power of Will

After the game, the Bulls' representatives at the press conference were defiant, believing that a crushing defeat was not the end of the world and that the Bulls' strength would increase once Rodman returned.

The Knicks players, while excited, all stated that they would not take the upcoming games lightly.

Van Gundy used the 1993 games as an example. "That year, we led the Bulls 2-0, but then lost four straight games and were eliminated. The Bulls are the defending champions and a super team. We must give it our all and not relax until we eliminate them."

Yang Rui also attended the press conference. The Knicks' offense was impressive, and several adjustments were brilliant, making the reporters eager to interview him. Currently, he is the most popular among the assistant coaches.

A reporter asked, "Atkins, who is usually on the fringe, was heavily used in the final quarter and scored 9 points and 2 assists. Was this your arrangement?"

"It was a result of discussions between Jeff and me. Chucky had only played 4 minutes before, so he was full of energy. When the Bulls put Longley on the court, we thought it was a good opportunity to use his speed advantage."

Yang Rui always said "we" and did not exclude Van Gundy, which made Van feel more comfortable.

A reporter who supported the Bulls and wanted to stir up trouble asked, "Jerry Yang, some fans believe you are the key factor in the Knicks' breakout this season. What do you think?"

Yang Rui thought for a moment and smiled, "First of all, I am very grateful for the recognition from these fans, but I must clarify that basketball is a team sport. The Knicks are the best team, and I am just one member of it. The scores are made by the players on the court. We coaches don't play, so how can we be the key factor?"

His answer was flawless and also praised the players, leaving the reporter with nothing to say.

Another reporter asked, "Do you think the Knicks can win the championship this season?"

"I hope so," Yang Rui remained humble.

He didn't believe Jordan could lead the Bulls to defeat the Knicks, but as someone about to change history, he wanted to give Jordan enough respect before the dust settled.

1998 was originally supposed to be Jordan's year, sweeping three MVPs and winning the championship. Now, because of a new variable in the basketball world, Jordan had already lost the regular season MVP that should have been his. It was truly a tragic season.

After a day's rest, the two teams faced off again, and Rodman was back.

The Bulls' defense was much stronger. Rodman could not only guard Johnson one-on-one but also switch on pick-and-rolls and help Pippen with rotations, ensuring the team's defensive system operated quickly.

In the final quarter, when the score was tight, Rodman dived out of bounds to save the ball, reminding Yang Rui of Hanamichi Sakuragi. Rodman's physical fitness was average, but he played against everyone as if they were his mortal enemies, often intimidating his opponents.

Unfortunately, Rodman couldn't help the team much on offense, and the Bulls ultimately fell short, losing 90-98.

The main reason for the Bulls' loss was still the center position. Longley and Wennington couldn't defend the guards well. The Knicks' off-ball screens allowed Starks and Houston to get free, and if the center was slow to switch, it often resulted in a deadly three-pointer.

Rodman primarily defended the strong-side pick-and-roll, giving Johnson opportunities to isolate the center on the weak side.

Longley was an excellent big body, comparable in size to Shaquille O'Neal. His presence could make up for Rodman's lack of height and protect the paint, but he was a liability on the perimeter.

If Ewing didn't attack the basket directly, Longley's only strength was nullified, leaving only his weaknesses.

Many people said Longley was the worst starting center in the playoffs, and they had a point. He lacked agility and jumping ability, couldn't defend guards, and couldn't grab rebounds. He was a true CBA-level teammate, which is why future Australian number one pick Andrew Bogut dared to criticize him as soon as he entered the league.

After joining the NBA, Bogut considered himself the best Australian basketball player and openly disrespected Longley, believing Longley couldn't compare to him.

In an interview, he said, "I went to college in the U.S. and played in the NCAA. I have more credentials than any Australian player who has gone to the U.S. to play. I'm not slow like Longley. I run faster, shoot better, and am better at fighting for rebounds. So I think it's unfair to compare his name with mine."

In Yang Rui's previous life, many people who hadn't seen Longley play defended him because of his three championship rings. In reality, Longley was the weakest link in the Bulls, and many Bulls fans of that era didn't like him.

The Knicks couldn't easily eliminate the Bulls, of course. In the third game, Yang Rui felt the power of will and witnessed the incredible atmosphere of the Bulls' home court in the playoffs.

The fans all wore commemorative T-shirts, turning the United Center into a sea of red. When they moved, it looked like a raging fire, putting immense psychological pressure on the visiting players.

Jordan would not allow the Bulls to be eliminated in a humiliating manner. He vowed before the game that he would win even if he had to break his leg, and he looked murderous when he took the court.

In Yang Rui's previous life, he had heard many legends about Jordan online. He was a god-like figure, incredibly strong in these two seasons.

In the 1997 Finals Game 5, it was said that Jordan got food poisoning after eating pizza at the hotel and was poisoned again before the game when someone switched his drink.

Even so, he insisted on playing. Fans asked him, "Michael, when are you the number one in the NBA?" He coolly replied, "What do you think?" The fans answered, "Today! Today!"

As a result, despite having a high fever, Jordan still scored 38 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, helping the Bulls win Game 5 of the Finals against the Jazz.

Perhaps Jordan was never poisoned, but his desire to win was unmatched.

Phil Jackson adjusted the strategy, instructing the perimeter players to drive to the basket aggressively to draw fouls and disrupt the Knicks' defensive system.

In just 3 minutes, Ewing was called for two fouls by Jordan and had to sit out.

Jordan, Pippen, and Harper frequently attacked the basket, even if they missed, they sought contact to draw fouls.

By halftime, Oakley, Bowen, Ward, and Ewing each had 3 fouls.

The Knicks kept adjusting their lineup, and in the third quarter, they withstood the Bulls' offensive surge, but their own offense faltered. In the latter part, Ewing was troubled by fouls and had to rest with 4 fouls. The "Zen Master" employed the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy on Ben Wallace, who made only 2 of 8 free throws, missing the chance to close the gap.

In the final quarter, Ewing and Houston led a 15-4 run, cutting the deficit to 6 points with two minutes left. Unfortunately, Pippen and Kerr each hit a three-pointer, extending the lead back to 12 points.

The Knicks gambled on three-pointers but failed, losing 100-111, making the series score 1-2.

Jordan made 13 of 22 shots, 15 of 18 free throws, scoring 41 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.

Pippen made 6 of 18 shots, 2 of 6 three-pointers, and 8 of 10 free throws, scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.

Bulls supporters saw hope again, believing that if the Bulls could win another home game, they could tie the series.