Chapter 911 - 59 Rescue_2

Over the past two years in Beelman’s system, Kossie has been a pseudo-starter. In critical moments, Beelman prefers using Lewis, Porter, and Petrović in the lineup.

If he can’t score early or in the middle stages of the game, his impact is greatly reduced. However, Kossie doesn’t care about his low status.

He loves Portland, loves the Trail Blazers, and loves Gan. As Gan’s number one follower, he can’t tolerate performing so poorly.

The Bulls played steadily, methodically creating opportunities through the Triangle Offense. Jordan passed the ball to Buck-Williams, who then handed off to Cartwright.

Cartwright locked down his position in the middle lane, spun towards the basket against Sabonis, and attempted a layup but was blocked by Sabonis.

Sabonis’s low-post defense is top-notch. The Bulls’ choice of offense here wasn’t ideal. Jordan initiated the play without pulling Sabonis out of position.

The Trail Blazers counterattacked, still calm and cautious in their approach.

Lewis had a chance to drive to the basket, but he chose not to attempt a layup, instead circling around to pass the ball out.

Porter positioned himself centrally, passing the ball to Kossie at the three-point line.

Kossie had the chance to shoot but didn’t. Instead, he executed a high pick-and-roll with Sabonis.

Kossie feigned a drive, took one step forward, then passed it to the cutting Sabonis.

Sabonis caught the ball and pulled up for a three-point shot—it’s good!

52:66, the gap shrank to 14 points, and the Chicago Stadium crowd caught a whiff of danger.

Sabonis’s versatility was often overshadowed by Gan’s presence, but in reality, he’s incredibly outstanding.

The Bulls finally found Jordan, who received the ball at a 45-degree angle on the right side. Facing off against Lewis, he immediately jumped and scored!

The Bulls finally scored, and the fans breathed a sigh of relief. They had Michael—there’s no way the Trail Blazers stand a chance.

52:68, the lead extended back to 16 points.

But the Trail Blazers quickly responded. Porter and Gan executed a high pick-and-roll. Porter drove to the basket and made a floater—it’s in!

54:68, this shot visibly frustrated Jordan. The Bulls’ central defense felt nonexistent—completely pierced through.

"Stay focused! We’re letting them score way too easily!" Jordan said angrily.

The Bulls players appeared slightly complacent. Who wouldn’t relax a bit while leading by 19 points?

Jordan stepped up again, receiving the ball in the low post. Sabonis came over to double-team him, forcing Jordan to pass.

Cartwright cut through the lane, grabbing the ball to attempt a dunk, only to be intercepted by Kossie midway through.

Kossie stole it! The Trail Blazers made a quick counterattack. Lewis sprinted like the wind and attempted a layup but missed.

Sabonis trailed from behind, storming in for a two-handed put-back dunk!

Pippen could’ve contested this rebound but hesitated for a moment to box out Gan. That slight delay allowed the towering Sabonis to catch up and slam the ball into the net.

56:68, the gap narrowed to 12 points, inching closer to 10.

Less than two minutes into the third quarter, Gan Guoyang had barely touched the ball.

The Bulls’ attention remained on Gan Guoyang, not realizing the others were launching an offensive charge.

Phil Jackson keenly noticed issues in the Bulls’ offense and defense. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers were playing completely differently compared to the first half.

Everyone was contributing—playing with intensity but also with composure, almost like a transformed team.

This wasn’t like Game 1 or 2. Their focus no longer revolved entirely around Gan, yet they were still playing excellently.

Does this mean Gan isn’t important? No, Gan is omnipresent—that’s what makes him truly terrifying.

Jackson refrained from calling a timeout, trusting the players to resolve the problem themselves.

The game continued, and Lewis fouled Jordan while defending.

Jordan stepped to the free-throw line and sank both shots. All of the Bulls’ second-half points had come from Jordan so far.

56:70, the 14-point lead offered a bit more comfort.

Next, the Bulls successfully stopped the Trail Blazers’ attack and retaliated quickly. Jordan received the ball and dunked it home!

56:72, the gap extended back to 16 points. It seemed like the Bulls had weathered the storm.

Gan Guoyang then took a jump shot from the high post but missed—a rare error. Williams secured the rebound.

After taking some hits during halftime, Gan Guoyang’s body was aching slightly, which affected his shooting.

Jordan then faced Lewis one-on-one, executing a clean crossover to break through, stopping abruptly for a jump shot—nothing but net!

Jordan racked up 8 straight points in the second half, pushing the score to 56:74, widening the lead to 18 points!

The Bulls fans’ anxiety dissipated like a heavy weight off their shoulders. They wouldn’t lose now—not with such a margin. The Trail Blazers were done.

Jackson also felt relieved, thinking his decision to avoid calling a timeout was the right one. His players could handle it themselves.

Things got worse for the Trail Blazers when Porter committed a turnover in their next possession.

The referee called him for traveling, handing the ball back to the Bulls.

John Paxson then received a pass from Jordan, scoring the Bulls’ first non-Jordan basket of the second half.

56:76, the difference widened to an unsettling 20 points, reassuring the Bulls fans completely.

Phil Jackson, who had been standing courtside since the beginning of the third quarter, finally returned to his seat.

Bobby Beelman called a quick 20-second timeout, briefly asking his players, "Do you have the confidence to win this game, ladies?"

Everyone, wiping sweat off their brows, nodded and said, "No problem, Bobby."

Beelman didn’t say much more. When the game resumed, the Trail Blazers players weren’t rattled by the ebb and flow of the match.

They remained steady, defending well and attacking with precision.

Gan Guoyang received the ball in the low post, swiftly turned, and sunk a fadeaway jumper—finally scoring his first points of the third quarter.