The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 693 Black OR Yellow

Chapter 693 Black OR Yellow
At the end of the first half, Gan Guoyang's three-pointer gave the Trail Blazers a huge morale boost.

Tonight is destined to be a tough battle, a struggle in the mud, with the final score difference possibly only around 1 to 2 points, making every goal precious.

The significance of this play goes beyond just a three-pointer, and beyond giving the Trail Blazers a psychological advantage by taking the lead. The greater encouragement comes from the fact that the team's new system is rapidly being internalized into the very core of every player.

Sabonis's dribbling breakthrough, his wide-ranging quick passes from the corner and 45 degrees, and his manipulation of the Bulls' dense defense ultimately created an excellent shooting opportunity for Agam.

In the past, Gan Guoyang always used his defensive presence to create opportunities for his teammates. Now, his teammates can also create opportunities for him by creating space and moving the ball around.

Therefore, this was a very meaningful goal-scoring combination, and it will be included in the Trail Blazers' classic goal highlights, becoming one of Gan Guoyang's classic goals in his career.

Of course, the Chicago Bulls will not give up just because of one three-pointer, and the two sides remain evenly matched.

Throughout the first half, the Bulls did a very good job of containing Gan Guoyang.

For many years to come, a strong, steal-prone perimeter forward/guard combined with a physically imposing, mobile interior defender will be the standard setup to counter Gan Guoyang's perimeter attacks.

Without such a setup, it's practically impossible to reduce Gan Guoyang's offensive efficiency or contain his attacking runs. The only hope is that he can't shoot accurately from beyond the arc.

Jordan's defense tonight was truly outstanding. His ability to disrupt was even stronger than Pippen's, forcing Gan Guoyang to be extremely cautious. This meant that Gan couldn't think more about offense while dribbling and had to focus on protecting the ball.

Once the ball handler focuses most of their energy on protecting the ball, the offensive organization is basically ruined.

Although the score was low, the shots were often missed, and the game was somewhat ugly, it was just as exciting.

During halftime, Jordan told all his teammates in the locker room: "In the second half, I'll keep watching Forrest Gump. You guys have to take care of the rest of the team! I'll do my job, you guys do yours. Everyone do their part. Don't think about the championship, don't think about what tomorrow will bring. We only have today left. Today is the only day. Give everything we have to this game, no matter the outcome. That's me, and that's what we can do!"

Jordan's rare eloquent speech in the locker room inspired everyone on the Bulls team.

No matter how much of a jerk or how annoying Michael was off the court, he was impeccable on the court.

Forrest Gump was indeed very powerful, a fearsome and abhorrent giant, but Michael never backed down.

Even when he lost, Jordan would fight to the death standing up, never allowing himself to be afraid, break down, or ultimately fall.

"We've come a long way, it's been so long, such an amazing and exhilarating journey. We're almost at the end, so are we going to fall here? Not even be able to win an away game? No, this is not what we want, everyone knows that's not it."

"No matter what system the Portlanders play, no matter what breakthroughs Forrest Gump makes, he's still human. He makes mistakes, misses shots, and loses. We play the same game, basketball, and nobody in this league knows how to win a basketball game better than us! Come on, guys! Come on!"

Jordan became more and more agitated as he spoke; he didn't want to fall here, and he didn't want to lose to Forrest Gump again.

If they win this game and return to Chicago, the championship will be theirs.

The Bulls returned to the bustling Rose Garden Arena with high morale, and the two sides began their decisive battle in the third quarter.

Phil Jackson was much more sober than at the start of the game; he knew that at this point, it would be pointless to come up with any more ridiculous tactics.

In defense, besides Forrest Gump, we focused on one-on-one marking and gave it our all.

On offense, give the ball to Jordan, even if he only made 3 of 11 shots in the first half, you still have to give the ball to Jordan.

During this year's Chicago Bulls playoffs, Jordan played mostly unremarkable games.

On offense, move around like a regular shooting guard, receive the ball, and shoot a jump shot.

Occasionally, he'll show his true colors, driving to the basket for a score or showcasing his dunk on a fast break.

So in many games, Jordan might seem to play mediocrely, but when you look at the statistics, he still scored 30 points.

In games like this, the Bulls always easily crush their opponents, dominating from start to finish, and widening the score gap with just a little effort.

If Jordan makes a lot of spectacular plays in a game, including numerous drives to the basket, many free throws, and many hard-fought crossovers, dunks, and mid-air pause shots, it means that the Bulls had a tough game.

In games like this, if you look at the stats, Jordan always takes a lot of shots, his shooting percentage isn't very high, and he scores 40 or even 50 points, making it a tough win for the Bulls.

This shows that the rest of the Bulls team was no longer up to par, and Jordan had to step up and solve the problem with his individual offense.

Jackson realized that now was the time for Michael Jordan to solve the problem.

Great minds think alike; Bobby Bellman thought the same thing.

It's time for Gan Guoyang to solve the Portland Trail Blazers' problems.

At the start of the third quarter, Jordan backed down and boxed out Reggie Lewis at the right 45-degree angle.

Pippen passed the ball to Jordan, who caught it, turned around, and smoothly launched a fadeaway jump shot.

hit!

The Bulls have taken the lead!
Gan Guoyang no longer received double teams on the perimeter.

He dropped to the low post, received a pass from Porter, quickly turned outward with his heel, and launched a forward-leaning shot from a zero-degree angle.

Horace Grant didn't even have time to react before Gan Guoyang made his two-pointer, putting the Trail Blazers back in the lead.

Two flames quickly ignited, and they supported their teams with the simplest and most reliable scoring methods, engaging in a desperate battle.

Neither player relied on a fixed strategy of dribbling and attacking, but instead made full use of their teammates' positioning and screens, leveraging their own strengths within the tactical system.

Jordan would use his speed and strength to get past Reggie Lewis's defense, cut to the basket to receive a pass from his teammate, and attack the rim.

Gan Guoyang would provide screens for his teammates and then create scoring opportunities by cutting inside, retreating outside, and attacking the basket to grab offensive rebounds.

Both players were at their peak in terms of attacking desire and physical condition, and on the court, the other eight players were all playing around them.

They were like the eyes of two storms, whipping up two category 12 typhoons on the field, fiercely battling each other.

The typhoon is moving faster and faster, as if it's going to sweep everything away.

The score climbed from 44-45 at the start of the third quarter to 64-65, with all the points coming from these two players.

In any given round, the ball must pass through the hands of these two players; otherwise, the attack cannot be sustained.

Under immense pressure, no one dared to step forward and play the hero; everyone obediently handed the ball over to the strongest player.

Because if a player misses a shot or the defense falters on a possession, the point difference can widen.

The two teams were locked in a tight battle, and the atmosphere at the Rose Garden Arena was suffocating.

As the game progressed to the end of the third quarter, after Jordan hit a three-pointer on a fast break, Gan Guoyang immediately responded with a three-pointer of his own on the next possession!

With the score at 67-68, the Trail Blazers maintained their one-point lead. This exciting yet nerve-wracking answer ball caused a fan in the arena to collapse from a heart attack.

On-site medical personnel immediately provided him with first aid, and the game was suspended for ten minutes. Thanks to timely treatment, the fan was quickly out of danger.

On the way to the hospital, he clenched his fist and raised his right hand, signaling to the Portland Trail Blazers to keep going.

After the brief interruption, the game continued, giving the players a chance to catch their breath after ten minutes.

Sweat soaked everyone's clothes. The air conditioning system in the Rose Garden was not broken, but both teams were exhausted.

Gan Guoyang remained on the court the entire time, without taking a single minute of rest in the third quarter.

Even Phil Jackson, who is known for his bold player selections, dared not substitute Jordan off the court.

They suffered a setback in last year's finals, when Gan Guoyang seized the opportunity and scored a decisive blow at the end of the third quarter.

The two were locked in a fierce battle, fighting for every single point.

Their competition has transcended position and has nothing to do with guards or centers.

Jordan will lead the defense against Forrest Gump, and Gan Guoyang will also help defend Jordan; it will be a head-to-head matchup.

Tonight's head referee, Hugh Hollins, kept an eye on Jordan and Gan Guoyang throughout the third quarter.

He didn't call any fouls on either of the two players, not even once. It wasn't that he was being lenient on purpose; rather, he couldn't find any faults.

The two players controlled their movements so perfectly, teetering on the edge of fouls and putting as much pressure on their opponents as possible, but they always managed to pull back at the right moment when the referee was about to blow the whistle.

The exquisite control over every detail, whether in offense or defense, is so perfect.

Jordan's fadeaway jumper and Gan Guoyang's turnaround jumper could both be used as the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Gan Guoyang's defensive coverage and blocks, and Jordan's bravery and steals on the defensive end, were all clean and straightforward, without any underhanded tactics.

During the break between the third and fourth quarters, Hugh Hollins couldn't help but say to his colleague Jess Kossie, "Keep an eye on Jess, I'm afraid I'll get too engrossed and become a spectator."

Koch said, "Oh, I'm now just a spectator, don't count on me."

Even the seasoned referees were captivated by the two players' performance.

Not to mention the audience, fans, and commentators.

Tonight's game will break NBA viewership records again.

What's even more frightening is that, regardless of who wins or loses tonight, the sixth game will definitely break this record.

During the short two-minute break, Gan Guoyang kept drinking water because he was thirsty.

Every cell in his body was screaming, he was exhausted yet excited.

With one quarter left in the game, the decisive moment, he rose from the bench.

“Don’t make me rest. If you let me rest, then I’ll let you rest,” Gan Guoyang said to Bellman.

Berman patted Gan Guoyang on the shoulder without saying anything. At this point in the match, there was nothing more to say.

The situation was similar with the Bulls; Jordan demanded that Jackson not substitute him out of the game to rest, or he would be let go that summer.

The two players scored 19 and 20 points respectively in the third quarter, and their scores will undoubtedly continue to climb in the fourth quarter.

Neither side wanted to give the other any breathing room whatsoever.

In the Bulls vs. Trail Blazers game, whoever tries to relax will be doomed.

Porter passed the ball to Gan Guoyang at the top of the arc, and Gan Guoyang immediately started his run, breaking through with his left hand!

Jordan and Horace Grant did not expect Gan Guoyang to go to the left. Gan Guoyang cut all the way to the basket and scored with a left-handed layup.

Jordan received the ball at a 45-degree angle on the left side, backed down Reggie Lewis, and after a series of spin moves, gracefully launched a fadeaway jump shot, which missed.

Gan Guoyang grabbed the rebound and dribbled the ball up the court, but was double-teamed by Jordan and Grant, so he passed the ball to Porter.

Porter drove to the basket, but Pippen blocked his layup attempt. A scramble ensued under the basket, but the Bulls secured the defensive rebound.

The Bulls launched a counterattack. Jordan cut into the middle like a dagger, received a pass from Pippen, and made a 270-degree spin layup, dodging the defense of Agan and Sabonis. The ball spun sharply and went in off the backboard.

This goal was arguably the most spectacular goal of the game, and perhaps even the entire series so far.

Gan Guoyang was stunned. That goal was so beautiful that he even wished Jordan could do it again.

Without time to think about that, Gan Guoyang immediately received the ball in the low post, turned and drove hard to the basket, drawing a foul. Rarely, he made only one of two free throws; Gan Guoyang rarely misses free throws, and this missed attempt left him extremely frustrated.

In a game like this, every point is extremely valuable.

Jordan said from the side, "Sonny, you might lose by this point."

He tried his best to provoke Gan Guoyang's mentality, and then immediately broke through with his left hand, making a side shot while in a graceful state!
The Bulls have taken the lead, and the Trail Blazers called a timeout. Bellman replaced Porter with Petrovic.

As the fourth quarter ticked away, the Bulls regained the lead thanks to Jordan's consecutive baskets.

The atmosphere at the scene became increasingly tense, and the score remained at 74-72 for quite some time without either side scoring.

The Bulls led the Trail Blazers by 2 points. Bellman's substitutions had little effect, and the Bulls' double-teaming of Gan Guoyang became increasingly fierce.

But the rest of the Trail Blazers couldn't score.

Sometimes you have to admit that feel is conserved.

When you make a lot of mid-range and long-range shots in the third and fourth games, you are likely to miss in the fifth game.

Fortunately, the Trail Blazers' defense didn't collapse; they did their best and defended quite well.

"I feel like I can't breathe. Anyone selling oxygen cylinders at the Rose Garden Arena right now would make a fortune."

Bill Walton, who was providing commentary on site, was so nervous that his heart was pounding, and his commentary became sluggish.

My attention was completely focused on the game; I couldn't think straight.

It wasn't just him; all the seasoned commentators had the same problem.

At that moment, Jordan casually pulled up for a jump shot at the top of the arc and scored 2 points to break the deadlock!

76-72, this is the biggest lead the Bulls have over the Trail Blazers tonight.

Jordan has already scored 39 points, with 4 minutes left in the game.

The Rose Garden arena quieted down considerably, with everyone holding their breath, hoping the Trail Blazers could regain their form.

Gan Guoyang received the ball at the top of the arc, and Jordan and Grant surrounded him again. Gan Guoyang passed the ball to Petrovic.

Petrovic drives straight to the basket and launches a floater!
The ball missed due to Cartwright's interference.

But Gan Guoyang squeezed past the Bulls players in the middle and grabbed the offensive rebound.

He lifted himself up, spun around quickly, and slammed the ball home with a powerful left-handed dunk!
At 76:74, the rose garden exploded again, like a pot of boiling oil filled with water droplets.

At that moment, Jordan's touch was as hot as lava. He circled out to the right at a 45-degree angle, received a pass from Pippen, and launched another mid-range jump shot.

Reggie Lewis had the ball in his face, but Jordan still managed to make it!
The Trail Blazers felt a thorn in their side with their 78-74 lead.

Gan Guoyang received the ball on the outside, and was immediately double-teamed. Gan Guoyang then passed the ball to Sabonis, who came out to receive it.

After passing the ball, Gan Guoyang immediately cut to the wing, and Sabonis understood and passed it to Gan Guoyang.

Gan Guoyang received the ball and immediately took a mid-range jump shot, which went in!
With the score at 78-76, both players hit consecutive mid-range shots, which then kicked off one of the most dramatic and exciting duels in NBA Finals history.

Jordan immediately changed direction repeatedly at the top of the arc, and facing the combined defense of Lewis and Gan Guoyang, he made a strong shot.

Gan Guoyang, with his back to Jordan, pressed in and then, standing on one leg at the free-throw line, made a powerful shot that swished through the net!

Jordan's counterattack was lightning fast: a drive, a sudden stop, and another mid-range jumper that went in off the backboard!

Gan Guoyang passed the ball to Porter, then circled around to his familiar right-side bottom position.

He received a pass from Porter, faced Grant's defense, and easily made the shot!
The atmosphere of the crucial battle at Tianwang Mountain gradually reached its climax, and the score was pushed up little by little.

The two players had entered a state of complete absorption in their offense; as soon as they got the ball and took a shot, it went in.

The Rose Garden Arena was filled with cheers and shouts; everyone, including the commentators, stood to watch the game, and no one sat down.

Even disabled people who came to watch the game had their family and friends help them up to watch the game.

This is a showdown to decide who is God.

They fought their way to 86-84, with the Trail Blazers still trailing the Bulls by 2 points and the Bulls having possession of the ball.

With less than 30 seconds left in the game, Jordan received the ball on the perimeter, watching the clock tick away.

In a decisive offensive possession, if the Bulls can make this shot, they will win the game.

The championship will also be theirs.

Jordan adjusted his breathing; he felt like his lungs were about to explode.

The relentless attacks left his arms and legs exhausted, and his knees felt like they were burning.

Willpower kept him going; he had to score.

Jordan has scored 49 points, while Gan Guoyang has scored 47 points.

Throughout the second half, apart from those two, almost no one else was able to score.

Grant came over to set a screen for Jordan, but that wasn't a good option.

Because Gan Guoyang immediately came out to switch defenses, Gan Guoyang took the main responsibility for guarding Jordan!
Jordan tensed all his muscles, staring intently at Gan Guoyang like a black panther.

Gan Guoyang lowered his center of gravity, hunched his back, and, like a golden lion, kept a close watch on Jordan.

A life-or-death struggle between commanders—it's either you die or I die.

Time seemed to slow down at that moment, as years of confrontation culminated in this crucial offensive and defensive maneuver.

The moment their eyes met, time seemed to warp, and they felt as if they had returned to 1984, when they first met on the NBA court.

In the regular season, in the dilapidated Chicago arena, the exhausted Trail Blazers and the lone Bulls fought to the end, and it was all about scoring, scoring, and more scoring.

It was as if the world consisted of only the two of them, the ball in their hands, and the basketball hoop behind them; everything else was superfluous.

The strongest spear and the strongest shield clashed together.

With five seconds left on the shot clock, Jordan started his attack.

On the left, a simple and unpretentious breakthrough, without any fancy techniques.

His pure speed and explosive power tore a hole in Gan Guoyang's impenetrable defense.

With unparalleled explosiveness, if anyone else were guarding him, Jordan could have dribbled one more step and then pulled up for a powerful dunk.

But he was being defended by Gan Guoyang. The moment their bodies collided, a side impact as solid as a boulder blocked Jordan's path to rise and advance.

Time was running out, and Jordan had to jump and launch an attack. If he made another fake move and turned around, there was a possibility that the time would be exceeded.

But at the moment of takeoff, Jordan could feel a slight weakness in his legs, indicating that he had not jumped high enough!

The two remained locked in mid-air, with Gan Guoyang's outstretched arms completely blocking Jordan's shooting space.

Jordan, who didn't jump high enough, stalled in mid-air, his body leaning back, giving him very little time to make a choice.

My own difficult pause-and-shoot, or...

"Michael Jordan, suddenly, passed the ball to Scottie Pippen who was cutting in from the middle!"

"Pippen dunks!"

"Woh, that spike went wide! The ball flew out!"

"He got the ball! He got the ball! Sabonis rushed out and got the ball back!"

"Reggie Lewis advances, passes to Porter, Porter then passes to Forrest!"

In just a few seconds, the situation took a dramatic turn.

Jordan made a good pass, but Pippen missed the dunk.

A seemingly inevitable dunk bounced off the rim and was sent flying.

Sabonis grabbed the ball without hesitation and eventually passed it to Gan Guoyang, who had sprinted to the frontcourt.

Time was running out. If they called another timeout, the Bulls would set up their defense, making it difficult for the Trail Blazers to launch an offensive attack.

Gan Guoyang received the ball outside the three-point line on the right side, took a step forward and stopped, this time standing outside the three-point line.

I glanced at it out of the corner of my eye, and I didn't cross the line!

Jordan pounced on him, and Gan Guoyang didn't have time to fake a move and get up again.

The two jumped at the same time. In mid-air, Gan Guoyang dodged to the side, paused slightly in the air, avoided Jordan's block, and threw the ball toward the basket.

The ball flew into the air, the lights came on, and the game ended.

The ball continued to fly, flying, until it reached its highest point and fell.

A high, beautiful arc, finally crashing heavily into the net.

With a "whoosh," it was as crisp as celestial music.

The Rose Garden Arena erupted in cheers as the game came to an end.

86-87, the Trail Blazers miraculously defeated the Bulls in the final moments.

After scoring, Gan Guoyang did not raise his arms in celebration or jump around wildly.

He and Jordan both fell to the ground after losing their balance.

He looked at Jordan, and Jordan looked at him.

"Michael, are we still friends?"

Gan Guoyang asked loudly, and fans and teammates rushed over.

Jordan struggled to his feet, by which time Gan Guoyang was surrounded by teammates and fans and lifted up.