Michael Jordan, in his second comeback of his career, was having a tough time being defended by The Madman, Latrell Sprewell, managing only 1-of-4 shooting, 2-of-2 free throws, plus 1 turnover and 1 foul.
But the god of basketball refused to show his age, his face full of stubbornness.
However, the New York Knicks quickly adjusted their defensive strategy, and Sprewell was assigned by New York Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy to guard the in-form Link.
This, of course, enraged the god of basketball, Michael Jordan.
"rookie, give me the ball later!" Jordan said through gritted teeth.
Link, dribbling the ball, glanced at him, and Jordan immediately understood the dissatisfaction in his eyes, quickly saying, "Link, I'll ask for the ball in the elbow area later."
"Okay, don't worry, Michael," Link said, finally smiling.
The enraged Jordan ran off-ball to the elbow area. Link, on the strong side of the offense, used a pick-and-roll with Bison White as the offensive initiator. After clearing the strong side, he passed to Jordan on the weak side. Jordan unleashed his signature fadeaway jumper, using eye and shoulder fakes to directly shake off Allan Houston and make the shot.
He hit two consecutive shots with almost the same move. On the third time, Allan Houston finally learned his lesson and wasn't fooled into jumping. However, Michael Jordan executed a smooth back-turn, easily getting past Allan Houston and driving into the restricted area. Facing Marcus Camby guarding the basket, he stuck out his tongue in mid-air and completed a reverse layup.
In just 3 minutes, Link teamed up with Michael Jordan to launch an 8-3 run...
However, at the end of the first quarter, the Wizards were only leading by 4 points.
26 to 30!
Mainly because the bench was too good at digging holes.
It's worth noting that Link and Jordan, the absolute core of this team, played for 9 minutes and 11 seconds.
...
...
As the game entered the second quarter, Michael Jordan's accuracy was still online, and Allan Houston was getting absolutely hammered...
"rookie, if you've got the guts, attack yourself, don't always look for Michael," The Madman tried to provoke Link with trash talk.
"Buddy, you'd better mind your own business... If this keeps up, I'm going to get a triple-double," Link said, having already racked up 5 assists just from Michael Jordan's scoring.
"Get lost, rookie, you're not worthy of a triple-double," The Madman retorted angrily.
Facing The Madman, Link indeed found it difficult, but by using a screen to gain some initial speed, he still had a chance.
Link drove past a high pick-and-roll from Bison White. The Madman quickly squeezed through the screen. Link immediately stopped, made a sudden stop and go, planted his right foot, and spun back to his left...
Although the entire motion was choppy and stuttering, Link's physique and the timing of his fadeaway were exceptionally well-executed. His broad shoulders acted like a city wall, blocking The Madman, and the arc of his fadeaway combined with his long arms created ample shooting space.
With a "swish!", the basketball went cleanly through the net.
After scoring, Link smiled at The Madman, whose face was not looking good, and said, "Buddy, you told me to go at you, and when I did, you weren't happy."
The next second...
Link spread his hands, saying helplessly, "So hard to please!"
"Fuck, damn rookie..." The Madman's eyes blazed with anger as he stared intently at Link.
Link was not afraid in the slightest. If The Madman really dared to make the first move, he would be more than happy, knowing that he had learned the "essence" of fighting from Ran Mouri.
The referee stepped in to give a warning, and teammates pulled them apart, extinguishing the conflict.
...
...
"Wow... Link... he used one of Michael's signature fadeaway jumpers."
"Of course, Link... his spin fadeaway jumper is like an old CD, always stuttering..."
"Dear Sir Charles, may I ask, how many points does Link have now?"
In the TNT Broadcast Booth, Kenny Smith asked Barkley mischievously.
Barkley rolled his eyes and reluctantly said, "He's got 21 points..."
By the 5 minute and 11 second mark of the fourth quarter, Link's personal score had reached 25 points.
For this NBA rookie, not yet 18 years old, it was absolutely stunning!!!
Kenny Smith used one of the most frequently heard compliments in the NBA: "Sir Charles, genius is his only limit!"
After Link was primarily defended by The Madman, although he didn't take many shots, his efficiency remained quite good. The secret to this was, of course... Link used both Moment of Dominance: Sharpshooter Lv2 and Moment of Dominance: Gods Weapon Lv1 on himself. Because of this, even if the shooting opportunities weren't ideal, or if he lost balance after contact, he could still maintain a good shooting percentage.
25 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, with 6 minutes and 49 seconds left in the game...
A triple-double, it seemed unlikely.
But a double-double was definitely achievable. Link quickly "forced an assist" to Jordan, and the 38-year-old Michael Jordan was compelled to perform, completing an alley-oop layup.
"Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" Michael Jordan, who had just made the shot, was panting heavily. He had already played 32 minutes.
Link, who was not yet 18, had played 3 minutes, but Michael Jordan's Stamina on the court was much better than Link's.
The score difference had also been extended to 14 points, and the momentum was with the Wizards.
76 to 90!
New York Knicks star Allan Houston was thoroughly tormented by Michael Jordan tonight, currently with only 12 points.
"The game is pretty much over..."
"Yeah..."
"The big point guard, Link, not only achieved a double-double but also delivered a perfect NBA debut."
Washington Wizards home announcer Phil Chenier said.
However...
No sooner had he spoken than things took a turn.
New York Knicks Sharpshooter Allan Houston quickly scored with a Three-Point Shot to catch up, but Jordan wouldn't just hand over the victory, chasing him fiercely.
Link saw this...
He decisively activated Moment of Dominance: Rebound Maniac Lv1.
Rebounds were hard to grab in this era; a bunch of people were fighting and pulling under the basket. Although Link's physique was sturdy for a perimeter player, it couldn't compare to an inside player.
But now it was different...
Link, having activated Rebound Dominance, transformed into a maniac and successfully snatched Allan Houston's missed long Three-Point Shot rebound.
"This guy has a nose like a dog... so keen..." The Madman cursed inwardly as he watched Link running all over the place.
After grabbing the long rebound, Link was near the Three-Point Line, allowing him to effectively launch a fast break...
"Buddy, shoot!"
"Don't hesitate!"
Link passed the ball to Hamilton and shouted loudly.
In the remaining time, Link, whose Stamina was not in great condition, played the role of an outside Rebound Maniac, a scavenger king.
"Wow..."
"Link... truly worthy of being the number one draft pick!"
"28 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 Steals!!!"
With 58 seconds left in the game, Link was substituted out, Phil Chenier said with a smile.