The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 850 The nightmare reappears
"Michael, you can't keep fighting like this, you can't beat Forrest Gump."

During the break, Phil Jackson knelt down in front of Jordan and pointed out the difficulties Jordan was facing.

Jordan played exceptionally well in the first quarter, but the Bulls were still trailing.

In Jackson's view, Jordan had fallen into Gan Guoyang's trap.

Since becoming the Bulls' head coach in the 1989-1990 season, Phil Jackson has consistently adhered to two principles in his coaching career, which continue to this day.

The first thing is to emphasize defense.

The second thing was to persuade Jordan to become a team player and give his teammates more opportunities.

Jackson did both of these things very successfully, and they were the cornerstones of the Bulls' three championships.

The second thing was persuading Jordan to become a team player, which Jackson considered the most ambitious, complex, and tedious psychological work of his coaching career.

He made Jordan step down from his lofty position, allowing him to experience the feelings of an ordinary role player and participate in the team's offense as a pure team player.

This was no easy task. When he first took over the Bulls, Jordan was the most formidable scorer in the league, the absolute core of Chicago, and Doug Collins' favorite.

If he fails to do the job well and forces Jordan to sacrifice his ball possession and stats to follow the team's style of play, Jackson may not stay in the Bulls' head coaching position for more than a season.

Jackson succeeded. With his unique charm, superb interpersonal skills, and flashy psychological techniques, he gradually made Jordan accept his team-oriented role, only transforming into a superhero to win the game when needed.

However, all of this often loses its effectiveness when facing the Trail Blazers and Forrest Gump.

Jackson didn't know whether this method was simply ineffective, or whether Jordan just couldn't control himself whenever he encountered Forrest Gump.

Jackson believes the latter is true for tonight's situation, because Jordan played normally in the regular season and won a game, handing the Trail Blazers one of their five losses.

Upon hearing Jackson's words, Jordan, who was drinking water, glared at him but did not respond, continuing to drink his water instead.

“I know you don’t like to hear this, but physical fitness has always been Forrest Gump’s strength. You have your strengths too, and you need to play to your strengths. For many years, I have been emphasizing teamwork and getting everyone fully involved in the offense.”

After Jordan finished his water, he didn't argue with Jackson. Instead, he said, "Let's see how things go on, Phil. I trust my instincts. We'll see."

At the start of the second quarter, Jordan sat on the bench for a few minutes to rest.

It's unlikely that either team will field their second-string lineup for an extended period during the finals.

The key players were rotated into the game, allowing the main players to rest briefly before returning to the field.

However, in just a few minutes, the Trail Blazers quickly gained the upper hand.

The Bulls players, who had only rested for three days after the Game 7, were exhausted, while the Trail Blazers, who had rested for a week, were full of energy.

On the bench, young players like Kobe and Jermaine O'Neal charged forward with all their might as soon as they stepped onto the court.

The Bulls used their experience and solid defense to withstand three strong attacks from the Trail Blazers – Kobe's layup and Jermaine O'Neal's putback were both unsuccessful.

Steve Kerr also hit a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to one point.

However, starting with Kerr's three-pointer, the Trail Blazers responded with a three-pointer of their own from Blake Rourke.

Pippen then missed a shot, Rodman grabbed the offensive rebound but committed a turnover, and the Trail Blazers launched a counterattack.

Kobe launched a fast break and finally scored a layup, widening the gap to 5 points.

Next, the Trail Blazers implemented a full-court press, forcing the Bulls to move the ball quickly.

After a series of passes, the Trail Blazers opted to leave Rodman open.

Rodman hesitated for a moment after receiving the ball, then dribbled and drove inside.

As a result, a clumsy floater missed, and the Trail Blazers grabbed the rebound and launched another fast break.

The Bulls wanted to immediately regain possession and contain their fast break within their own frontcourt.

But Kobe, like a dragon in flight, dribbled through the Bulls' tight defense to the basket and delivered a beautiful behind-the-back pass.

Jermaine O'Neal caught the ball and dunked successfully! He also drew a foul from Dennis Rodman!

When 20-year-old Jermaine O'Neal faced 37-year-old Dennis Rodman, he was like a wolfhound with boundless energy.

Perhaps Rodman can use his experience and skills to find a way to deal with the younger players in the later games.

The problem is, it's enough that Jermaine O'Neal performed well in these few possessions; he's just a substitute.

His ability to coordinate with Kobe during transition periods, unleashing his full energy and speed to overwhelm the aging Bulls, makes his performance a success.

With the free throw made, the Trail Blazers extended their lead to 8 points, a gap that would be difficult for the Bulls, whose offensive pace is slow, to accept.

Jordan said to Jackson, "See that?"

Jackson, however, said, "That's precisely the result of the rest of us not participating in the offense."

"No, Phil, I don't think so."

In Jordan's view, if he didn't go all out on offense, the point difference would only widen further.

The Bulls are too old; they are the oldest team in the entire league.

The Trail Blazers are younger, especially their bench, which is very energetic.

When the Bulls start Toni Kukoc, it means their bench firepower won't be able to keep up with the Trail Blazers' pace.

After three rounds of intense and effective defense, the team was immediately forced to call a timeout if they relaxed even slightly.

No team in the league has the same firepower density and physical fitness as the Trail Blazers.

Jackson knew he would have a hard time convincing Jordan, so he went back to square one and said, "Okay, even if you're right, you still can't beat Forrest Gump."

Jordan shook his head and said, "I believe in myself. Only then will we have a chance. Don't worry, I've always been a team player, Phil."

After saying that, Jordan took off his sports jacket and prepared to re-enter the court.

At this moment, Jackson suddenly realized that Jordan was actually very clear-headed. He had not been blinded by his duel with Forrest Gump and had not recklessly attacked.

Yes, Jordan was very efficient in the first quarter. He didn't waste opportunities by taking random shots. If Forrest Gump hadn't played like that, the Bulls might have scored even less.

If the game turned into a shootout between Forrest Gump and Jordan, it would actually be advantageous for the Bulls, because the Trail Blazers' overall strength and rotation depth surpassed that of the Bulls.

If the Trail Blazers' offense can be neutralized, it might not be such a bad thing.

After the timeout, both teams' key players quickly returned to the court, with Gan Guoyang and Jordan rejoining the game.

Neither of them dared to rest for even a minute longer, because the situation could change dramatically in just a few rounds.

Kobe stayed on the court, tasked with guarding Jordan, which was a tough job for him.

Unlike the regular season and All-Star Game, Jordan would show no mercy in the Finals.

With skillful positioning to create distance, he received the ball and used a realistic feint to move Kobe's position, then made a smooth stop-and-shoot jumper to score two points!
Jordan's offensive touch was amazing tonight, while the Trail Blazers didn't seem inclined to add more players for tighter defense, sticking to one-on-one defense the whole time.

The Blazers' consistent strategy is to use Riddell in the first quarter and Kobe in the second; they don't like to disrupt the team's offensive rhythm with particularly sophisticated and complex defense.

You can score if you want, anyway the Trail Blazers will always score more points than you.

The Bulls, on the other hand, returned to the defensive end and began to double-team and rotate Gan Guoyang more aggressively.

Intense physical contact disrupts his ability to receive the ball, and the moment he gets the ball, they immediately double-team or triple-team him.

Gan Guoyang was already used to this kind of treatment. He was not flustered. He took a step back, turned around and launched a difficult jump shot!
Clang! It didn't go in!
Kobe had been waiting with his hand outstretched on the perimeter for ages, but the star player just wouldn't pass the ball!
Why didn't you pass the ball?

"You can't make the shot anyway!"

Gan Guoyang's response infuriated Kobe.

But there's nothing we can do; he's the team's core player, so he can afford to squander his scoring opportunities.

The Bulls seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack. Jordan drove to the basket and, amidst tight defense, passed the ball to Pippen, who was cutting inside.

Pippen made a layup with his left hand, avoiding Gan Guoyang's block attempt, and scored, bringing the Bulls within 4 points.

Both teams' attacks then stalled, and they engaged in intense pressing and tackling near midfield.

The Bulls stole the ball, the Trail Blazers stole it back, and the Bulls forced a turnover by closing in again. Kobe chased down from behind and poked the ball out of bounds.

The Finals are getting increasingly intense, and Phil Jackson is happy to see this kind of situation, getting bogged down in a grueling battle.

Ideally, they should slow down Forrest Gump's offensive efficiency and wear him down little by little; the Bulls definitely have a chance. The Bulls have had less rest, but on the bright side, they just went through a thrilling Game 7 against the Pacers and are in better competitive form.

Therefore, the Bulls want to seize a road victory as soon as possible. Losing the second game doesn't matter. They can regroup back in Chicago and try to win two more games. Then the championship will be within their grasp.

Larry Bird called a timeout, made some personnel adjustments, and replaced Jermaine O'Neal with Domantas Sabonis.

Gan Guoyang can only unleash his full offensive potential when Sabonis is on the field.

Sabonis leaned over and nudged Gan Guoyang, asking, "Sonny, how are you feeling?"

"It's alright, but we need to wait a little longer, until their defense gets more tired and they tighten up their defense."

"No problem, shall we speed things up?"

"Keep speeding up the pace and don't give them a chance to breathe."

The Trail Blazers' intense offensive and defensive battles at midcourt were also aimed at seizing control of the tempo from the Bulls.

They didn't want the game to easily fall into a relaxed, slow-paced positional battle mode, so they had to force the Bulls to move around.

The Bulls' fatigue is deepening, and as the game progresses, it will be an increasingly greater test for the veterans.

Gan Guoyang didn't stop shooting, but his touch was indeed off at the start of the second quarter, making only one of his four attempts.

The Bulls, relying on Jordan's scoring and passing, gradually narrowed the gap. With Jordan assisting Steve Kerr to hit another three-pointer, the score reached 35-36, and the Bulls were only one point behind the Trail Blazers!

The Bulls found their rhythm during this period, remaining tense under pressure from the Trail Blazers, but the Trail Blazers struggled offensively, and the Bulls held on.

With skillful double-teaming and rotations on defense, and a slow but organized offense, prioritizing high-percentage fast breaks over speed, the Bulls seem to be gradually taking control of the game.

At this moment, Kobe dribbled the ball across half-court, and Gan Guoyang suddenly came to the top of the arc to receive the ball. Kobe passed the ball to Gan Guoyang, and Pippen immediately came over to help defend.

Gan Guoyang passed the ball to Kobe, Sabonis moved to the high post, opening up the paint for Kobe to drive, but Kobe's layup was blocked by Jordan.

A very good defensive play. Kobe forced a shot but missed. Gan Guoyang cut into the three-second zone, tipped the ball out, and with a series of jumps, grabbed the rebound.

The ball was then passed to Sabonis, who received it in the low post on the right side, drawing a double team. Sabonis immediately passed the ball to Gan Guoyang, who had retreated to the three-point line.

Gan Guoyang received the ball and immediately launched a three-pointer!
The shot was released very quickly and accurately, and the ball landed precisely in the center of the net, making it a basket!

35:39! The Trail Blazers have widened the gap to 4 points again.

At this point, the Bulls were unaware of the impending danger; only Jordan had a bad feeling.

He felt that Forrest Gump's shooting touch had returned, which would be a problem.

In the next possession, Jordan drove to the basket himself, attempting to draw a foul from Gan Guoyang.

Gan Guoyang didn't fall for the trick and let Jordan into the paint for a layup, making it 37-39, a difference of 2 points.

At this point, Jordan had already scored 22 points, more than half of the team's total.

At this moment, Gan Guoyang dribbled the ball across half-court, and Kukoc marked him closely, maintaining a certain distance.

As a result, just past half-court, Sabonis came over to set a screen, and the pick-and-roll between the giants easily created space.

Gan Guoyang fired directly from the right 45-degree angle, another three-pointer, still with a high arc, and it went in again!
After two consecutive three-pointers, the Bulls sensed danger. Phil Jackson stood up and blew his whistle loudly to warn his players to be wary of Agan.

In the next possession, Pippen tried to take an answer shot, but missed, and Gan Guoyang grabbed the rebound.

It's a headache. With Gan Guoyang on the court, there's almost no hope for offensive rebounds; we can only rely on luck to get them.

Gan Guoyang, after grabbing the rebound, quickly pushed the fast break, which seemed to bring back the scene of Gan Guoyang single-handedly breaking through the Bulls' defense in 1992.

The Bulls immediately moved towards Gan Guoyang, who then passed the ball to Sabonis, who was providing cover nearby.

Sabonis is a towering figure, so it's easy to pass the ball to him. He holds the ball high above his head, so there's no need to worry about the opponent stealing it.

At this point, due to defensive rules, the Bulls could no longer double-team Gan Guoyang; otherwise, it would be a violation.

Rodman was left to defend Gan Guoyang alone. Rodman maintained a certain distance, but Sabonis returned the ball to Gan Guoyang.

Gan Guoyang smiled slightly at Rodman, took a probing step, and launched another three-pointer before the double team could close in!

Gan Guoyang's three-point shots are always released from a high point and are very fast, making them extremely difficult to defend.

Rodman didn't have time to react before the ball had already drawn a beautiful arc and swished into the net!
The Rose Garden Arena erupted once again. With three consecutive three-pointers, Gan Guoyang used his signature long-range shooting to quickly widen the gap back to 8 points.

The Bulls chased them hard for a long time, but Gan Guoyang's hot streak made all their efforts futile.

In the playoffs, Gan Guoyang actually attempted fewer three-pointers than in the regular season, and he was more cautious with his shots.

If he feels his long-range shooting isn't working tonight and his rhythm is off, he'll give up on three-pointers.

Once you feel good and the rhythm is right, you'll unleash a barrage of shots, making your opponent question their existence.

所以看甘国阳的统计数据表，经常是某一场三分球2中0，1中0，下一场会变成8中5，9中6.
Of course, most of the attempts were more conservative three-point attempts, such as 2 out of 3 or 1 out of 2.

As a pioneer of inside three-point shooting and the culmination of this era's three-point shooting prowess, his performance has already surpassed that of other shooters.

Even Reggie Miller wouldn't dare say, "My three-pointers are better than Forrest Gump's." When it comes to explosive three-point shooting, no one can compare to this human-shaped artillery.

Seeing the situation was not good, Phil Jackson immediately called a timeout to adjust. He couldn't let Forrest keep shooting like that; he had to play close defense.

When Gan Guoyang left the stage, he raised his hand and shouted, "Make way, be careful, it's hot!"

Bird shook his head helplessly. What else was there to say?
Jackson's timeout strategy did not have much effect.

After the timeout, Jordan assisted Langley for a basket.

However, Gan Guoyang then exploited the gaps in the Bulls' defense by driving hard to the basket and drawing a foul.

Standing at the free-throw line, Gan Guoyang made both shots without even looking at the ball, his touch was clearly exceptionally good.

He won't be like Malone, chanting incantations for ages before even scoring a free throw, and still not making it.

If Gan Guoyang manages to unleash that bald-headed combination, it will be troublesome, as his height makes him extremely difficult to defend against.

Jordan had to go all out, continuing to trade baskets with Forrest Gump using his individual offense to keep the score from widening.

However, the efficiency gap between two-pointers and three-pointers, and the inherent disadvantages of guards and centers, meant that Jordan always fell just short.

The score was 42-50, still an 8-point difference. Jordan had scored 28 points, but the Bulls were still trailing.

In the final 30 seconds of the first half, each team had one offensive opportunity.

Facing the combined attack of Riddell and Blaylock, Jordan used his skillful dribbling and strong physique to carve out a path.

In a face-to-face confrontation with Gan Guoyang, Jordan stepped forward, dodged the block with a mid-air switch, and put the ball into the basket!

Jordan really did his best. At 35, he was already flying at a low altitude, and his jump height was obviously not as good as before, but he still used his superb physical qualities to put the ball into the basket.

44:50, leaving only 5 seconds for the Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers quickly inbounded the ball from their backcourt, and Gan Guoyang received it, with Bulls players closing in on him.

But they didn't dare to stick too close for fear of committing a foul; once the foul count was reached, it would mean free throws.

Gan Guoyang dribbled with great strides, rushed across half-court, and then unleashed a super long-range three-pointer!

Jordan leaped from behind to try and block, but he couldn't jump any further, and Pippen was a step too slow to reach out and block.

The ball flew rapidly toward the basket with a strong spin, hit the backboard, and bounced into the basket!
"Bang!"

Bill Walton in the commentary booth couldn't help but shout, and he and the fans at the Rose Garden jumped up.

Gan Guoyang hit his fourth three-pointer in the second quarter, bringing the halftime score to 44-53, with the Trail Blazers leading by 9 points.

For Jordan and Pippen, it was like a nightmare repeating itself. In Game 6 of the 1991 NBA Finals, Gan Guoyang made 6 of 7 three-pointers.

Another example is Game 5 of the 1992 Finals, where Gan Guoyang hit a game-winning three-pointer in the final moments. He used his height and strength advantage to launch a long-range missile shot from the outside without any obstruction, leaving the Bulls extremely helpless.

At this moment, Gan Guoyang shrugged at Jordan and Pippen, then spread his hands, indicating, "I can't help it, my touch is just too good."

The camera captured the helpless expressions on Jordan and Pippen's faces, as if their fate in this series was sealed.

(End of this chapter)