NBA's Monster Rookie

Chapter Fourteen: Western Conference Finals

October 15, 1997, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

In Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, the Clippers faced off against the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz are the third-best team in the Western Conference this season, with 58 wins in the regular season. They eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-2 in the semifinals, and Karl Malone and John Stockton's pick-and-roll game has become incredibly refined.

This was Arthur's first time playing in a conference finals in his career. But he showed no signs of nervousness during the warm-up, hitting ten consecutive three-pointers, each one swish.

Before the match, Malone was asked by reporters what he thought of Arthur Thorne.

"He's the MVP, he's very strong," Malone said. "But the playoffs are a different level of competition. We have a lot of veterans, and we know how to win."

Arthur heard this while Coach Fitch was giving him tactical instructions in the locker room. His lips twitched slightly—not a smile, but a confirmation.

Game start.

During the jump ball, Arthur faced Jazz center Greg Ostertag, a 6'6" white giant weighing 127 kilograms. Ostertag's task was simple: use his body to block Arthur and prevent him from easily receiving the ball in the low post.

Arthur passed the ball to Barry. On the first possession, Arthur called for the ball in the low post, with Ostertag guarding from behind and Malone coming over to help from the weak side. Arthur received the ball but didn't force a shot; instead, he passed it to Williams, who was cutting to the basket, for a layup.

The Jazz are on offense. Stockton dribbles across half-court, and Malone sets a screen at the high post. This is one of the most classic pick-and-roll plays in NBA history. Stockton drives to the basket after the screen, Malone cuts to the basket, and Stockton's pass always arrives at the perfect moment.

Arthur switched to defend Stockton, who faked a move and passed the ball to Malone cutting down the court. Malone caught the ball and jumped, but Arthur flew in from the side and swatted the ball away with his massive hand.

The entire venue erupted in cheers.

After landing, Malone looked at Arthur, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had seen many defenders, but few could simultaneously cover Stockton's drives and Malone's cuts to the basket.

Arthur's stats: 38 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, 7 blocks. He only played 32 minutes.

With the score at 3-2, the Clippers have a match point.

May 25, 1997, Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Salt Lake City, Delta Center.

The Jazz have no room for error. Win, and they'll go to Los Angeles for Game 7; lose, and they're out fishing.

Before the match, Ma Long said to his teammates in the locker room, "This is our last chance. We may never have another chance like this in our lives."

Malone is right. The Jazz's core players are all over thirty, and their championship window is closing. The Clippers' core players, on the other hand, are only nineteen, and their window is just opening.

After the game started, the Jazz played with all their energy. Malone scored 14 points in the first quarter, and Stockton had seven assists. The Jazz led 35-30.

Arthur scored 15 points in the quarter, but the Clippers' defense was torn apart by the Jazz's pick-and-roll.

In the second quarter, Arthur began to solve problems on his own. He no longer relied on his teammates' help defense, but instead used his abnormal speed to cover the entire paint. In one defensive play, he blocked Malone and Ostertag's shots in succession, first blocking Malone's mid-range shot, and then quickly turning around to block Ostertag's putback.

This round was replayed hundreds of times by ESPN.

At halftime, the Clippers led 59-58 by one point.

In the second half, the game entered a heated phase. The lead changed hands frequently, with neither side able to pull away. Arthur and Malone wore each other down on both ends of the court, their sweat soaking the entire paint.

With three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the score was tied at 105.

Arthur had the ball at the top of the key, facing Malone's defense. He dribbled to the right, stopped abruptly, and stepped back. Malone rushed towards him, but Arthur didn't shoot. Instead, he jumped forward, drawing a foul from Malone.

Malone fouled out of the game.

As Malone walked off the court, he glanced back at Arthur. There was no anger, no resentment in that look, only a complex emotion, like a farewell.

Arthur made both free throws. 107 to 105.

Without Malone, the Jazz's offense lost its core. Stockton tried to take over, but Arthur's defense made it difficult for him to move.

With 30 seconds left, Arthur grabbed the defensive rebound, and the Jazz fouled. Arthur went to the free-throw line and made both shots. 109-105.

On the Jazz's final possession, Stockton's three-pointer missed. Arthur grabbed the rebound and tossed the ball into the air.

Time has passed.

The Clippers defeated the Jazz 4-2 to advance to the NBA Finals.

Arthur's stats: 45 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, 7 blocks.

After the game, Arthur stood in the center of the Delta Center and looked up at the dome.

Barry rushed over and hugged him. Rogers, Williams, and all the teammates rushed over. They formed a circle around Arthur.

"The Finals!" Barry shouted. "We're off to the Finals!"

Arthur didn't speak. The lack of a smile on his face wasn't due to displeasure, but rather because he knew the work wasn't finished.

Malone walked over and patted Arthur on the shoulder.

"Go win it," Malone said. "Don't let Jordan win another championship."

Arthur looked into Malone's eyes.

"I won't."

The Clippers have reached the NBA Finals for the first time in their history.

Their opponents were Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

A regular season record of 69 wins. Defending champions. The god of basketball.

Arthur Thorne is four wins away from his goal.

Four games.