Jordan saw Link's face, full of "humility," "eagerness to learn," and "modesty," and nodded with satisfaction, saying, "Alright, let's play to 11 points. No change of possession on makes, secondary offensive rebounds are allowed. Whoever gets to 11 points first wins."
"Okay." Link nodded.
"But since it's a one-on-one, it's more fun with a little wager. Kid, even though you're a rookie, you signed a big contract with Nike before entering the NBA. You're much richer than players from our era." Jordan's tone revealed a hint of envy.
Of course, Jordan's words weren't false.
However, Link didn't take the bait, instead wanting to see what Michael Jordan, this "gambler," really wanted to play for.
"How about this, if you lose, you train my two sons for a week?" Jordan said.
Jeffrey and Marcus, who were by the court, exchanged speechless glances upon hearing this; they naturally understood Jordan's good intentions, hoping to influence them through Link, but they really weren't very interested in playing basketball.
"Deal." Link agreed without hesitation.
After speaking, Jordan was about to start.
At this moment, Link was considering how to ask Jordan what he would give him if he lost. But it was hard to say, after all, if he angered Michael Jordan, his one-on-one match would become very troublesome.
"Ugh... Damn it, I must be the most miserable transmigrator in history. For the system's paltry rewards, I'm actually compromising and being so cautious," Link thought to himself.
"Dad, you haven't said what you'll do if you lose yet," Jordan's second son asked with a smile at this moment.
"What? Are you crazy? You actually think your old man will lose?" Jordan said unhappily, but then turned to Link and said, "Link, if I lose, I'll give you my newly bought golf club for free."
"Let's start!"
Link nodded and said, "Okay."
The two first decided the first possession by shooting Three-Point Shots.
To gain an advantage quickly, Link immediately activated Moment of Dominance: Sharpshooter Lv2.
After two rounds, Jordan missed a Three-Point Shot, and Link successfully gained possession for the first offense.
...
...
Michael Jordan, already 38 years old, began recovery training after announcing his comeback, and his current condition was well adjusted. Of course, he couldn't compare to his prime.
After Jordan passed the ball to Link beyond the Three-Point Line, he immediately entered "battle mode," his eyes becoming sharp.
Link received the ball, made a triple threat, and took a big step forward with his right foot. Jordan slid to keep up; Link pulled his foot back, and Jordan seemed to guess his offensive intention, stepping forward to steal.
With a "swish!" Link pulled up directly for a Three-Point Shot, and Jordan jumped with him.
News media in his previous life reported Jordan's wingspan as a mystery, some saying 212cm, others 218cm; at this moment, seeing Jordan's outstretched long arms, Link could confirm that Jordan definitely had a 218cm wingspan.
Despite a 2cm height and wingspan difference, even at 38, his Explosiveness was still faster than Link's current Explosiveness. Link, who had the offensive initiative and a physical advantage, was almost touched by Jordan's large hand.
The two landed almost at the same time, but Jordan did not immediately retreat under the basket. Instead, he posted up with his back to prevent the offensive player from grabbing a rebound.
With a "swish!"...
The Three-Point Shot went in cleanly.
3 to 0!
"Hmm... Kid, your Three-Point Shot is pretty accurate," Jordan said.
"It's alright," Link said calmly.
"Kid, it seems those news reporters' rumors about you are true..." Jordan said, chewing gum.
"Ah!?" Link was slightly startled.
"Media reporters say you like to praise your opponents before a game, and then crush them during the game," Jordan said.
Just then...
The system's cold, mechanical electronic voice sounded in Link's mind again.
"Ding, Host has triggered a god-level choice."
"Option A: Flatter Michael Jordan and continue to use your'sycophant defense.' If you defeat Michael Jordan, you will receive an additional 500 Goat points."
"Option B: Show your cards, I'm not pretending anymore. Express your determination to defeat Michael Jordan. If you defeat the enraged Michael Jordan, you will receive an additional [Super Physique Sports Sprint Card (One Week)] and 1000 Goat points."
...
...
"Damn!"
"What's there to consider?"
Link chose B without hesitation.
"Michael, you've always been the player I've most wanted to personally crush." Link laid his cards on the table, completely dropping the act.
"Haha." Jordan was slightly startled, then laughed, saying, "rookie, you were still drinking milk when I was playing in the NBA."
"Michael, sure enough, when people get old, they like to talk about their glorious past deeds." Link reverted to his true self - the Little Shakespeare.
"Continue, you outwardly humble, inwardly arrogant rookie." Jordan passed the ball to Link.
The moment he passed the ball, Jordan sprang into action, immediately sticking close to Link.
This was completely to deny Link any shooting opportunity; once the ball was raised, Jordan would immediately swipe it away.
At the same time, Jordan began to exert force, applying physical pressure, and didn't forget to say, "rookie, let me give you an early taste of playoff-level defense. See how players from our 90s era played?"
Shooting Guard Michael Jordan's strength was at a forward's level, but coincidentally, Link's strength was also at a forward's level. Link was not at a disadvantage in terms of physicality. This also surprised Jordan; this rookie's physique was surprisingly robust.
Link used his back to box out Jordan, then suddenly spun right and backward, getting half a step past Jordan; Link continued to accelerate, driving into the restricted area. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Jordan lurking behind him, ready to block his shot. Link chose a reverse layup, avoiding the block in mid-air, and banking it in.
"Wow..."
"Link..."
"You're amazing."
"Brother, go for it!"
"Beat our old man!"
Jordan's two grown sons cheered excitedly when they saw Link score 5 consecutive points.