Chapter 498

Da Yao's eyes were burning, "Don't worry, brother Pippen, we will definitely go all out and play this game seriously."

"Understood."

Su Yan also nodded slightly.

The "OK combination" is still in its prime, and there are also Payton and Malone in their twilight prime; this year's Lakers "luxurious Four Giants" are truly powerful.

What is strong is not O'Neal, not Kobe, and not any single person among the "luxurious Four Giants."

It is... the whole.

The Lakers' overall strength is far greater than the Bulls', to the point that even Su Yan must treat it seriously.

On the Lakers' side.

"Zen Master" Phil Jackson gathered everyone and said solemnly: "The Timberwolves have already lost a leg.

Although the Spurs are the defending champions, they have been playing very mediocrely this season.

Although it's a bit metaphysical and a bit incredible, however... the Spurs really seem to have a good year, then a bad year.

This wave of post-game bus blocking by the "Pistons Five" will also have a great impact on them, and they will definitely suffer setbacks in the playoffs.

Their championship prospects are also worrying.

The Pacers and Nets are all "commoner teams"; their regular-season records are good, but they will likely be soft in the playoffs.

Therefore.

The biggest threat to us in the East is the Bulls, especially... the "Dragon Country Twins"; treat them seriously.

Defend against them.

We can win tonight."

"Yes, Coach."

Payton nodded seriously.

Malone also looked high-spirited, "A shooting guard who possesses a bench press stronger than mine? Interesting.

I've long wanted to witness it."

"Hahaha!"

"Big Shark" O'Neal looked indifferent, "Whether it's Su Yan or some 'Twins', it doesn't matter, I will make my move.

Still the same words.

My restricted area, my invincibility!!!"

"Arrogant soldiers will be defeated."

Kobe looked at O'Neal's smug appearance with dissatisfaction, "Su Yan is much stronger than you imagine; underestimating the enemy is just playing with fire."

"Heh!"

O'Neal remained unimpressed, "I have enough confidence in my restricted area; I just don't know if you can defend him on the perimeter."

"Who are you looking down on?"

"What do you think?"

The two were at loggerheads.

"Enough."

"Zen Master" Phil Jackson shook his head, interrupting their argument, and looked at both of them, "Tonight's game is very important.

You two get serious as well."

"Oh~"

O'Neal shrugged.

"Tch!"

Kobe snorted and didn't say anything more.

Compared to the Bulls' unity, the atmosphere on the Lakers' side was somewhat abnormal.

Soon.

"Boom!"

Under cheers louder than a Boeing 747 taking off, the warm-up time ended, and the starters from both sides began to take the court.

Chicago Bulls starters: PG: Hinrich, SG: Su Yan, SF: Pippen, PF: Antonio, C: Da Yao.

Los Angeles Lakers starters: PG: Gary Payton, SG: Kobe Bryant, SF: Devean George, PF: Karl Malone, C: Shaquille O'Neal.

"Jump! Ball!"

The duel between Da Yao and O'Neal.

"Pa!"

Da Yao tipped the ball away first.

However... the 216cm O'Neal had much stronger natural talent than Da Yao; if not for his weight having increased significantly compared to his peak.

In terms of the jump ball.

Da Yao might not necessarily win.

"Bang bang bang!"

Hinrich advanced with the ball, executing the first attack of the game for the Bulls.

"Step!"

Payton immediately pressed up, humming: "A rookie who just entered the league? I am the first PG in NBA history to win DPOY.

You better be careful.

If you're not careful for a second, I'm going to steal the ball from your hands."

As he spoke.

Payton lunged again, giving Hinrich even greater defensive pressure.

"Hiss..."

Hinrich felt his scalp go numb, was scared into a stop, and hurriedly raised the ball, looking left and right, trying to find a teammate.

"This is it."

Payton's gaze focused, and the moment Hinrich was distracted looking for a teammate, he lunged fiercely, poked the ball away, and stole it from Hinrich.

"What?!"

Hinrich was shocked.

Payton had already rushed out to push the counterattack, made a forward pass, found Kobe who had rushed out earlier, and went straight to the rim.

"Boom!"

A stylish reverse dunk sounded the first attack for the Lakers.

【Bulls 0:2 Lakers】.

However... on the next defensive possession, Payton again, like a ghost, stole the ball from Antonio, who was holding it in the high post on the right.

"COME! ON!"

Mike Breen was excited, shouting: "Two steals to start, worthy of 'The Glove', this stealing ability is truly powerful."

But just as he finished speaking.

Payton was on another counterattack, wanting to find Kobe who had rushed out on the other side again, but it was seen clearly by Su Yan.

A backward jump during the chase.

"Pa!"

He intercepted this pass in mid-air.

"Woooow~"

Mark Jackson also exclaimed, "Su Yan steals back from Payton! 'Steal-Cutting Demon' Su Yan, his stealing ability is also top-tier in the league.

'The Glove' vs. 'Steal-Cutting Demon'.

These two are in a rhythm of competing in steals!!!" ===== CHAPTER 500 =====