Reborn in 96, I started by taking charge of the Dallas Mavericks.

After defeating the Heat, the Mavericks will continue to play at home, and their next opponent will be the Chicago Bulls led by basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Without a doubt, the Bulls will be the strongest team the Mavericks have faced since the start of the season.

The Mavericks, from top to bottom, from coach Chen to players, all took this game very seriously.

Both teams are undefeated since the start of the new season, and the outcome of this game will mean that one of them will end their winning streak. Neither of them wants to be the one to lose.

Before the game, the outside world overwhelmingly favored the Bulls, believing they would win and end the Mavericks' five-game winning streak.

Because of Chen Fang's previous remarks, this match became the most talked-about match among the many games of the day.

TNT will broadcast the entire match live, and China Sports Channel will also rebroadcast it.

Before the game, ESPN reporters interviewed Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman.

When faced with reporters, Jordan's response remained as calm as ever, stating that he would do his best to help the team win.

On the contrary, Rodman criticized the Mavericks and Kobe Bryant to the point of being completely worthless.

He believes the Mavericks' five-game winning streak is because they haven't faced any truly strong teams.

If the Mavericks had faced the Bulls earlier, they wouldn't have had their five-game winning streak.

It's 8 PM US time.

The Chicago Bulls will visit Reunion Arena to face the Dallas Mavericks.

"Hello everyone, you are watching the Mavericks vs. Bulls game brought to you by CCTV Sports Channel. I am your commentator, Sun Zhengping."

"Hello everyone, I am Zhang Weiping."

In this match, CCTV Sports Channel once again dispatched the golden duo of Sun Zhengping and Zhang Weiping to provide commentary.

"Today, you can still call us and leave a message to participate in the lucky draw. We will draw 5 lucky audience members during halftime to give away Kobe 1 sneakers!"

"Now, please have the director switch the camera to the competition venue."

As soon as Coach Zhang finished speaking, the scene suddenly changed.

At this moment, the players' entrance ceremony is taking place at the match venue.

The Chicago Bulls were the first to enter the arena, and out of respect for the basketball god, the fans gave Michael Jordan a huge cheer.

Other Bulls players did not receive this treatment.

After introducing the Bulls players, it was time for the Mavericks players, who were playing at home, to speak.

When the Mavericks players entered the arena, the entire crowd went completely wild.

With a five-game winning streak at the start of the new season, they have been completely won over by this brand-new Mavericks team.

"Now, let's welcome our players onto the field with the warmest applause and cheers."

"The first one walking towards us is Steve Nash, who is known as the Son of Maple Leaf Country Style!"

"Next up is Peja Stojakovic, the three-point sharpshooter from Croatia!"

"..."

"The last one is the King of Dallas, the Black Mamba Kobe Bryant!"

The moment Kobe emerged from the player tunnel, a spotlight shone directly on him from above.

At the same time, the screams and cheers from the fans in the stadium increased by another decibel.

"Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!"

"Black Mamba! Black Mamba! Black Mamba!"

"Kobe! I love you!"

"Kobe! He'll beat Jordan, he'll beat the Bulls!"

Even in the team's earlier promotional materials, Chen Fang had intentionally incorporated the nicknames that fans would use for the players in later generations.

Son of the Wind, Croatian sharpshooter, Benitez, Black Mamba—these names that would become household names were already etched in the memories of fans from that moment on.

As we all know, when Kobe first entered the league, he was called the "Little Flying Man".

But Kobe himself actually preferred the nickname Black Mamba.

The Black Mamba is a highly venomous snake, ruthless and cold-blooded. Kobe felt that he was like the Black Mamba, possessing unparalleled speed and aggression.

Chen Fang also believes that Black Mamba is a better fit for Kobe than Little Flying Man, which is why he promoted it so much that fans would remember Kobe as Black Mamba.

Amidst thunderous cheers, Kobe stepped onto the court, staring intently at Jordan through the crowd.

Seemingly sensing a chill behind him, Jordan turned around and met Kobe's icy gaze.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds, and a strong killing intent filled the entire scene.

After the opening ceremony, the players from both sides entered the field to warm up.

Soon, the warm-up ended, and the substitutes from both sides returned to their respective benches, leaving only the starting players from both teams on the field.

The Bulls' starting lineup is:

Point Guard: Ron Harper, Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan, Small Forward: Scottie Pippen, Power Forward: Dennis Rodman, Center: Luke Longley.

Chen Fang made some adjustments to the Mavericks' lineup.

Sean Bradley replaced Zydrunas Ilgauskas in the starting lineup.

Compared to Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Shawn Bradley is a better defender.

Against the Bulls, defense is crucial, especially the ability of the interior players to protect the rim.

Because everyone knows that the Bulls' winning formula is based on Rodman's presence in the paint.

Jordan was great, but he couldn't be accurate every game, which is why rebounding is so important.

Rodman's value lies in this, which is why Chen Fang started Sean Bradley to increase the advantage in the paint.

The players from both sides took their positions, the referee blew his whistle, and tossed the ball high into the air.

Shawn Bradley and Chicago Bulls center Luke Longley began the jump ball.

Luke Longley was the 7th overall pick in the first round of the 1991 NBA draft and a key contributor to the Bulls' championship win last season.

However, he plays a blue-collar role for the Bulls, not their main offensive weapon, and his athleticism is not particularly outstanding.

After the orange basketball was tossed to its highest point, Sean and Luke jumped one after the other.

Whether it was because he was too nervous playing against the Bulls or because he hadn't jumped the ball in a long time, Shane couldn't beat Luke and was able to jump for the ball first.

The Bulls earned the first possession of the game, with Ron Harper controlling the ball in the half-court, but showing no intention of launching a fast break.

After landing in position, Jordan called for the ball at a 45-degree angle on the right side, and Ron immediately passed the ball to him.

As the team leader, Jordan should rightfully take the lead on the first basket.

Besides, Kobe had provoked him before the game, so if he didn't step up and respond, people would think he chickened out.

As soon as Jordan got the ball, Kobe immediately closed in.

Kobe's expression was ferocious, his eyes filled with murderous intent.