Chapter 1 Dennis Rodman's Rotten Season

For Dennis Rodman, the 96/97 season could be described as utterly dreadful.

During the regular season, after that kick, unlike the previous season where he was sought after no matter what he did off the court...

He was criticized by reporters, cursed by fans, and ostracized by teammates...

Almost overnight, Rodman had been preemptively labeled as the reason the Bulls wouldn't be able to defend their title.

Rodman, who always did things his own way, appeared not to care about these so-called worldly opinions on the surface, but unless you've become an immortal, who can truly live detached from the world?

In Su Feng's previous life, Rodman's poor performance in the playoffs that season was related to his frequent use of multiple partners off the court to relieve stress.

Rodman wasn't a time management master like Jordan, so naturally, he couldn't be as carefree off the court and still be "God" on the court like Jordan.

No matter how you looked at it, it was definitely an unacceptable performance for the league's rebounding champion to not even grab an average of 9 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

Besides the off-court pressure, the 35-year-old Rodman was no longer young.

In the second half of the regular season, his recurring injuries also restricted his legs.

In addition, character determines destiny.

Rodman's inferiority complex and introverted personality destined him to be someone who easily went to extremes.

When he was with the Pistons, because Chuck Daly treated him like a father, in return, he was always a member of Daly's "well-behaved" "good boy brigade" during his time in the Motor City.

But after Daly stepped down from the front lines, Rodman became increasingly arrogant and unruly.

The reason was that, like Afu from *Slam Dunk*, he was the kind of person who desperately craved attention.

In Su Feng's previous life, Rodman had many attention-grabbing behaviors.

The most famous of which was that he "made up" all kinds of lewd jokes to criticize Madonna, which angered her so much that she later directly called him a rotten person in the media.

Of course, whether these jokes that Rodman "made up" were true or false, only he and Madonna probably knew.

In short, in Chicago, without the privileges and tolerance given by Jackson, coupled with his admiration for Jordan, Rodman's focus might have long been derailed by that pile of "balls" off the court.

And as the facts proved, this Bulls team ultimately still needed Rodman, otherwise, the defensive power of their small lineup would be greatly reduced.

So, even though he performed poorly in this series against the 76ers, Jordan had been using his personal charm, borrowed from God, to appease Rodman.

And it was precisely because of this that after being ostracized by Pippen in Game 3, Rodman had the idea of "I want to help the team by doing something I can still do."

As the saying goes, the NBA in the 80s and 90s was as dirty as the shoes you wear after walking through a muddy field.

During his time in the Motor City, Rodman, who had learned from Rambil, learned many small tricks that were enough to change the game.

In Game 3, when the Bulls were about to be pushed into the abyss, Rodman's original target was Su Feng.

However, the very shrewd Rodman quickly discovered a problem, that is, targeting Su Feng was not cost-effective.

Regarding doing bad things, Rodman always remembered the earnest teachings of his predecessors.

If you really decide to do it, then you must identify the target and eliminate the opponent's most important member.

Therefore, from beginning to end, Rodman's target had always been Iverson.

In the second half of Game 3, Iverson didn't give him such a chance, and in Game 4, Iverson was always able to cleverly avoid him.

And as time passed, the 76ers gradually caught up with the score, and Rodman couldn't wait any longer.

Fortunately, Rodman felt that God still favored him.

Because when he noticed that Iverson and Su Feng were accelerating towards the Bulls' territory at the same time, Rodman knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for had come.

At that time, Iverson, who jumped up to feed Su Feng the ball, was focused entirely on Su Feng, and the referee's and the people's attention were all attracted by Su Feng's handsome dunk.

Pretending to retreat poorly, Rodman hugged his head in frustration, and while approaching Iverson, he made a hand-flinging elbowing motion towards Iverson's face that was not easily noticed.

Bang!

Rodman's combination punches were quite successful, because the completely unprepared Iverson was so hard hit in the head by him.

And to Rodman's surprise, what he originally just wanted to do a bad move to anger Iverson, he reaped an even better effect on this elbow...

Because Iverson stepped on the back of his left foot while falling.

Although he didn't know if Iverson had twisted his ankle, according to the original plan, after Iverson fell to the ground, Rodman began to shake his head frantically, looking aggrieved, flustered, and at a loss.

At this moment, he seemed to be saddened by this "accident."

He didn't do it on purpose, he really didn't do it on purpose!

"You f**king..."

According to Rodman's experience, even if he was suspended for a few games next, as long as the Bulls could get past the 76ers, then the Bulls would definitely be able to wait until he was reinstated.

Scotty, did you see that?

Even though you don't like me, on the court, as long as the team needs me, I have my ways to "help" the team.

Lie down under my crotch and output like crazy!

So what if I'm a clown?

As long as the Bulls can successfully advance, Rodman can still sacrifice himself.

Who says bad guys can't have championship dreams?

Mid-State Arena, after the first half, the score between the two teams had already widened to 56 to 42.

Sympathizing with your opponent is the greatest cruelty to yourself.

Jordan and Pippen had no intention of sympathizing with the 76ers in the slightest.

And unlike when Iverson was injured and the team could still come together...

At this moment, as the point difference between the two teams gradually widened, in the face of cruel reality, the 76ers players who had lost Iverson were suffering from inner torment.

Once the thought of "we can't do without Iverson" is generated, then the current gap in the lineup between the 76ers and the Bulls will be undoubtedly highlighted.

Under Jordan's smothering defense, Su Feng reluctantly took 10 shots in the second quarter, but the result was only 4 points.

Is it over?

At the end of the second quarter, Su Feng had asked himself this question more than once.

Unfortunately, in all the games against the Bulls that Su Feng had simulated before, the 76ers would definitely not be able to win without Iverson.

Just like what Iverson had said to Su Feng, Su Feng had always been the one guarding Philadelphia, and Iverson had been guarding him.

And it is worth mentioning that, similar to the fate of the 76ers, in Orlando, the Magic had also been pulled apart by the Heat.

Although the fans in Orlando were furious, without Hardaway, the Magic just couldn't win.

Where is there so much "justice" in reality?

Perhaps many years later, people will still question Rodman's malicious foul, but if the Bulls can win the championship this year, they will still gain a large number of championship fans.

Just like in Su Feng's previous life, most people only remember the Spurs' five championships and the Warriors' one championship, and after a long time, who will remember the "souls" under Bowen and Pachulia's feet except for true fans and older fans?

Sportsmanship or fair play, absolute fairness will always only exist in ideals...

The Bulls will not miss the opportunity of Iverson's absence, because as long as they can bring this game back to Chicago, they can completely reverse the balance of this series.

And during halftime, the on-site DJ had already announced to the fans that Iverson was confirmed not to be returning to the game.

This news was recommended to be announced by Pat Krause.

This was to avoid the fans' expectations for Iverson's "return of the king" being too high, so as to make some irrational behaviors after this game.

In fact, compared to the players, Pat Krause and Berlin Berger were more rational at this time.

Of course, they also hated Rodman, but in the face of reality, these two spokespersons chose...

Endurance.

Wait, Chicago Bulls, we will definitely come back next season!

……

During halftime, the 76ers' locker room was very quiet...

Iverson had already gone to the hospital for further diagnosis. Although in terms of the score, losing this game didn't mean they would be eliminated, but...

Game 5, going to Chicago, without Iverson, how should we play?

And the most terrible thing is that if this game was Game 5, it would be fine.

In Game 4, with a 2-1 lead, it is easy for the players to have the idea of "if this game doesn't work, let's just give it up and try to fight in Game 5 after we've rested."

Kenny Smith, who has two rings, kept comforting his teammates.

But...

Even if he is eloquent, at this moment, the 76ers are no longer a question of fighting spirit.

Of course, the 76ers have fighting spirit.

However, the biggest problem for the 76ers now...

Is not seeing the hope of a comeback.

Davis had already given the players big bowls of chicken soup before the start of the third quarter, but what's the use?

In the third quarter, as the Bulls continued to play steadily, time...

Was consumed minute by minute.

Inside the quiet Mid-State Arena, it was full of dull-eyed fans who didn't know what they were watching.

In front of the TV, the bunnies were heartbroken at this moment, and they all hated Rodman in their hearts.

……

"I said... why don't we just play here today?"

Vaguely, I don't know why, Kobe's figure suddenly appeared in Su Feng's mind.

"Anyway, you can't win against me no matter how many times you play." Kobe said, looking at Su Feng while dribbling the ball.

Speaking of which, it's also strange, if it was just to simply gain iron-forging points, then Su Feng would have given up long ago.

After all, after becoming friends with Kobe, he would have countless one-on-ones with Kobe every day.

But I don't know why, Su Feng just doesn't want to admit defeat.

As a die-hard Kobe fan, Su Feng can't remember how many Kobe games he watched in his previous life.

And if you were to ask Su Feng which game left the deepest impression on him...

That would really be Kobe's farewell battle.

"Let's continue, Kobe! Are you afraid of me?" After losing to Kobe again and again, Su Feng could always stand up again and again without shame.

And Kobe was also happy to do so.

Is it fun to abuse Su Feng?

No...

Kobe just wanted to know where Su Feng's limit was.

So, unconsciously, Kobe competed with Su Feng day after day. Su Feng went to the court at 3:50 a.m. every day, so he would go to the court at 3:49 a.m.

"Isn't it because there's no giving up in my dictionary... but because of Kobe?"

When the camera returned to Mid-State Arena again, Davis requested a timeout in order to give the players a break.

And vaguely, Su Feng suddenly began to talk nonsense.

Pa, pa, pa!

After giving himself three loud slaps in the face, Su Feng looked up at the dome of Mid-State Arena, and on it, Kobe's shadow seemed to appear...

"Hey, I said, you trashy 76ers starting lineup, I'm going to the Finals!"

Thinking of Kobe's smug expression, Su Feng felt both funny and annoyed.

Reality is really cruel.

Su Feng knew that even if Kobe helped him again tonight, what was waiting for him was a 99.99% chance of defeat.

But at least, the act he put on for Iverson, he had to make it come full circle.

68 to 52, 16 points...

5 minutes and 29 seconds left in the third quarter...

Su Feng suddenly held Da Ben's hand.

Da Ben: "......"

"Ben, please!"

And then, Su Feng held Ratliff's hand again.

"Theo, please!"

Needless to say, Da Ben and Ratliff knew what Su Feng meant.

Stakhouse saw this and went forward to ask for a handshake, and this time, Su Feng didn't refuse him.

"Ben and Theo can get you rebounds... then I'll lend you my touch." Stakhouse said seriously to Su Feng.

Su Feng: "......"

To be honest, with your sprinkler-like touch, Su Feng really didn't want it...

And then, every 76ers player shook hands with Su Feng, as if they were performing a prayer ritual.

"Su, go ahead and play!" Davis said, patting Su Feng on the back.

And perhaps feeling that his sentence was not suggestive enough, Davis added:

"I allow you to launch an attack from any position, any place!"

Su Feng's mouth curved slightly, and he said, "Coach... I've been playing like this for a long time."

Davis: "......"

Damn it, didn't I feel that saying this in this environment was more sensational?

To be honest, although Su Feng's persistence in not giving up did move Davis very much, as the game progressed, Davis really didn't have any hope for a comeback.

He just didn't want this 76ers team to lose their fighting spirit.

Maybe, we still can't escape the fate of being defeated by the Bulls 2-3 this year, but we have already been here, haven't we?

We scared the Bulls into a cold sweat, we forced the Bulls to even use tricks like Rodman's!

We deserve to be proud, deserve to leave with our chests held high.

Don't blame yourself, and don't hate yourself for not being strong enough, turn all this into the motivation to move forward, and next year, we will definitely come back.

Mid-State Arena, the originally somewhat confused fans, when they saw this scene on the team's bench, although everyone's hearts were still a little blocked, the cheers rang out again.

Never giving up is not just shouting it out.

Even if reality is like ten thousand years of unmelting ice, in a basketball game, as long as you don't give up, the suspense of the outcome still exists.

NBC TV, seeing this scene, Williams said with emotion: "The 76ers... have really brought us too many surprises this season."

Especially their number 23...

Tell me, how durable are the bunnies?

"Ben, how about you give me a buzz cut after this game?" At the end of the timeout, Su Feng suddenly laughed, patting Da Ben on the shoulder.

Da Ben nodded, "Okay!"

Okay, now that even the script of "shaving your head to show your ambition" after losing the game has been arranged, then let's go and play a game happily!

First, we have to make sure that we don't leave ourselves any regrets, so that we can welcome a better tomorrow!

And on the court, just as Su Feng completely relaxed...

Di, di, di.

"It has been detected that the host has not given up."

"Detecting the degree of desperation in the fourth game of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 1996/1997 season."

"Desperate level: ★★★★★★★★★★!"

"Detecting the conditions for activating the [Nirvana] badge..."

"Ding——!

The [Nirvana] badge has been activated!"

"Passive effect after the [Nirvana] badge is activated: Increases the host's shooting stability in all areas by 10%, and the host's shooting interference resistance by +10."

"[Nirvana] badge active skill: Last Stand (unique): After activating this skill, the system will automatically open the full-area shooting hot zone effect for the host."

"Note that Last Stand is a unique skill.

Therefore, after the host uses it, this skill will be automatically replaced by another hidden skill of the [Nirvana] badge.

Please confirm whether to activate 'Last Stand'!"

Reality is indeed very cruel, but reality is sometimes even more distorted than novels and comics.

"Does this full-area shooting hot zone mean... that as long as it's within my range next, then I will be as smooth as when I'm shooting in my hot zone?"

As we all know, the shooting hot zone is a table that is made on the basketball court based on the shooting percentage of players in different areas to facilitate viewing the areas where the player is good at shooting.

Each player has their own shooting hot zone, such as the future Curry, the outside of the three-point line is his hot zone.

Generally speaking, when players shoot in their favorite hot zones, their shooting percentage will be much higher than their usual shooting percentage.

Therefore, Su Feng, who didn't have much time to analyze, after reading the introduction of the [Nirvana] badge, simply understood it as a cheat that could improve his touch next.

So the question is, this is the first time Su Feng has triggered the [Nirvana] badge.

And judging from the setting of Last Stand, this skill can only be used once.

Should it be used in this game, or should it be kept for the future?

In a few short seconds, Su Feng made a decision.

Judging from the activation of the [Nirvana] badge, Su Feng was not sure that he would be able to activate the [Nirvana] badge in the next Game 5.

Because... this badge, in addition to requiring the degree of desperation of the game, also requires Su Feng not to give up in the face of adversity.

Su Feng is not a god. Before undergoing special training, he cannot enter this state of not giving up unconsciously.

If he keeps thinking about this badge in Game 5, then in Su Feng's opinion, this badge will definitely not be activated.

Therefore, it is definitely not realistic to keep it for Game 5.

As for the future...

Although from a selection point of view, using this badge will not change the 76ers' defeat tonight, it is indeed better to put it in the future.

But...

Su Feng didn't want to wait for the future.

The big deal is, just become super strong in the future, and never play this kind of desperate ball again, wouldn't it be better?

But tonight is different...

Even if there is only a one in ten thousand chance, Su Feng wants to try it.

Because with Iverson likely to miss the next playoffs, the 76ers' chance to defeat the Bulls is this game.

Don't look at the Bulls leading the 76ers by 16 points at the moment, but in order to maintain their lead, coupled with the huge consumption in the previous three games, the Bulls are also tired at the moment.

As for where this season will go?

That's not important, what's important is that only by winning this game can Su Feng pray that Iverson still has a chance to come back.

Where are there so many futures in basketball games?

Didn't Duncan's big hand tell James?

Cherishing the present is the key!

"Activate!" Before stepping onto the court, Su Feng communicated with the system in his mind.

"Ding——! 'Last Stand' has been activated!"

……

ps: This chapter is nearly 9,000 words, plus the previous chapter, there are 14,000 words, there are still 6,000 words left, um, today I applied to give A Qiao two more hours! A Qiao strives to bring the next chapter before 2:00 a.m., completing the 20,000-word update promise!