334: 138: Perfect lineup?
No, you need me too much!
(Two in one!)_7 334: 138: Perfect lineup?
No, you need me too much!
(Two in one!)_7 The Bulls’ number 33 didn’t go for the steal, nor did he do anything risky.
He just covered Roger, denying him any space to shoot.
Seeing this, Roger immediately pivoted past Pippen.
But Pippen still stuck closely to Roger’s side, and even as Roger executed his trademark turnaround fadeaway shot, the shooting space was still minimal, certainly facing tight interference.
However, after turning around, Roger didn’t choose to shoot; instead, he suddenly pulled the ball back between his legs, retreating a step to create a sliver of shooting space, preparing to bring his hands together on the ball.
Roger actually had no intention of shooting; he wanted to use this move to pump fake Pippen.
But Pippen didn’t fall for it, he simply raised his arms over Roger’s head.
He knew very well that with Roger’s current touch, just a bit of disturbance would suffice to force a miss.
Still the same saying, at this point Pippen wouldn’t do anything risky!
Pippen’s defense was nothing short of perfect.
If the Bulls make it through tonight, then without a doubt, this round of defense would elevate Pippen to divine status, and he would completely shatter Roger’s shadow.
Roger didn’t pump fake Pippen, but he still chose to drive forward.
Pippen immediately shifted his weight to stick to Roger’s side, while Kukoc rushed over to help defend directly in front of Roger.
Horace Grant was left open, but Roger didn’t have the angle to pass the ball.
And because Kukoc’s help defense came so rapidly, it swallowed up Roger’s shooting space, making it very difficult for Roger to even attempt a stop-and-shoot.
So there, a half-step behind the free-throw line in an extremely narrow space, Roger jumped, flicking the ball out with his fingers.
All the Bulls fans in the venue gasped; this was a finger roll layup even more iconic than a turnaround jumper!
With a light flick of Roger’s fingers, swift, soft, weightless, elusive.
The ball sailed over Kukoc’s head, and under everyone’s watchful gaze, dropped steadily into the net!
Like an assassin from a martial arts novel, Roger’s seemingly effortless flick had his opponent crashing down, utterly defeated!
Kukoc swallowed hard, knowing all too well that this trouble named Roger wasn’t going to be easily resolved!
“The ball’s in, Roger scores his 47th point of the game, and in the last 8 seconds, he helps the Magic Team take the lead by 1 point!
This is a Finger Roll layup of legendary proportions; even the Iceman never used this move to make it to the finals!
The Iceman, respected in both the ABA and NBA, but never a champion.
Roger is different; he is a true winner!
In the face of Shaq’s foul trouble, Roger, with one beautiful offensive move, changed his destiny!”
After Roger’s basket, the Bulls, now out of time, quickly resumed the game from the baseline.
Under Roger’s pressure, Michael Jordan struggled past half-court, then from two steps away from the three-point line, he forced a jump shot.
The ball grazed past the net and flew out of bounds, the backboard glowing red.
An airball, for Michael Jordan, this was the most humiliating end.
As the game ended, the United Center fell dead silent.
And every fan could distinctly hear Roger yelling at Jordan:
“No matter how perfect a roster you guys construct, Michael, as long as I’m not there, you won’t make it to the finals.
You fucking need me too much!”
Having said that, an exhausted Roger collapsed directly onto the floor.
He had truly given every drop of his sweat, tears, and blood, fearlessly pressing forward into the unknown.
He didn’t get knocked down by fear like Shaq did; instead, he turned fear into excitement.
Thus, he was truly great.
(There’s only one update today, as it’s combined with another.)