759: 258: For the legends of Atlanta, you must have the utmost respect (asking for monthly tickets!)_4 759: 258: For the legends of Atlanta, you must have the utmost respect (asking for monthly tickets!)_4 Perfect understanding, rich experience, outstanding passing skills.
Scottie Pippen continued to utilize the last of his prime heat in the finals, fully supporting his king in creating that great miracle.
In this era of transition, Pippen didn’t want to be left behind.
He wanted to be part of another dynasty’s roster; he still had value!
The Lakers’ significant advantage, with the coordination of Roger and Pippen, came to naught, and David Stern’s efforts were completely wasted.
Nothing could stop the Hawks anymore.
This team was so versatile; they could compete with their rivals in offense, match them in defense, grind it out in trench warfare, vie with star players, and even suddenly intensify the pressure to play a fast-paced basketball game.
They were like having a four-dimensional pocket, able to pull out something to cope with any trouble at any time.
This lineup, full of forwards, demonstrated the ultimate in versatility, and Bill Walton commented, “They’re like a team from the future!”
The Lakers called a timeout, their morale greatly affected after being overturned by 11 points.
Kobe wanted to take over the offense and expressed his wishes.
But Phil Jackson outright refused and drew up a key play for Glenn Rice.
The Zen Master always had a habit of relying on role players at crucial moments.
From John Paxson, Toni Kukoc to Steve Kerr, as well as the original timeline’s Fisher, Vujacic, and others, it was always so.
Only on these two men’s teams can you see role players creating brilliance time and again during critical moments: Phil Jackson and LeBron James.
After learning of the Zen Master’s decision, Kobe’s expression instantly darkened, but once the game started, he still executed the tactic, personally delivering the ball into the hands of the open Glenn Rice.
But Rice’s three-pointer was actually tipped by Pippen’s fingertips, blocked!
Pippen was tired by now, but his state was completely activated.
He used his enthusiasm and 48 minutes of focused attention to block this opportunity, sending Glenn Rice, a key moment prospector, away in dismay.
After completing the block, Pippen let out a long howl to the sky, wanting to prove he was not outdated, not eliminated by the times.
Maybe he was no longer the first choice to lock down perimeter stars, but his defense could still impact the outcome of the game.
He succeeded, he proved himself.
Kobe, looking at the blocked Glenn Rice, felt the wolf inside him struggling to break free.
This is your Triangle Offense?
This is your team basketball?
Glenn Rice missed the opportunity to kill the game, but Roger was not going to make the same mistake.
One round later, Roger hit a steady three-pointer after cutting and receiving the ball.
That long shot made all those once-raised placards in the stands disappear.
Atlanta’s number 14 picked up the knife in his hand and for the third time in the finals, plunged it into the Lakers’ chest.
Turnovers, lost rhythm, and Roger’s coffin-sealing three, utterly destroyed the Lakers.
The will of the Lakers didn’t matter, even the will of David Stern didn’t matter.
What mattered was the will of God.
He decreed Los Angeles must fall, so Los Angeles couldn’t remain.
108 to 104, the Atlanta Hawks completed an 11-point comeback in the final quarter, won this must-win game for the Lakers, and changed the overall score to a despairing 3 to 0!
Pippen’s perfect defense, Pierce’s steady output, and Roger’s cold-blooded killer instinct allowed the Hawks to remain invincible at Staples Center.
In the post-game interview, Pierce held up a finger, “Ready?
The miracle is happening, just one more game!”
The Lakers were utterly defeated, with no excuses for their loss; after all, they had 15 more free throws than the Hawks, and Pierce didn’t use any magic attacks today.
Now the Los Angeles fans were becoming restless, truly fearing a sweep, truly afraid of becoming the biggest backdrop to Roger’s flawless playoff record.
The Los Angeles powerhouse was not meant to be a backdrop for other teams.
O’Neal, with a dazed look, glanced up at the No.
22 jersey hanging in the rafters of Staples Center.
He felt Elgin Baylor’s curse was hanging over his head.
He played beautifully, had a dazzling regular season, and a great sidekick.
But he could only get the runner-up.
He could only be second best.
After Game 3, no one talked about “fighting until the last Laker falls” anymore.
Because all of Los Angeles knew, Roger was a king without mercy.
If you dare to fight until the last Laker falls, he’d make sure you suffer.
When it’s time to hand over the knife, he would not hesitate.
Jerry West, interviewed with empty eyes, said, “We had a great season, so we have to have confidence, it’s not over, it’s not over.”
With such a dim gaze, saying “it’s not over”, it was hard to convince anyone.
At that moment in the Lakers’ locker room, Phil Jackson was muttering, “It’s all over.”
A minute earlier, Kobe Bryant had expressed dissatisfaction with Phil Jackson’s decision to give the ball to Glenn Rice at the critical moment.
He dropped the line “Fuck your Triangle Offense” and then turned and left the locker room.
That wolf, after all, could no longer be suppressed.
Game 4, the day of witnessing miracles.
Although it was highly probable that the game had no suspense, the viewership ratings were still very high.
Because today, we might witness the first in NBA history, and possibly the only team ever to win the championship undefeated in the playoffs!