Chapter 30: You Cannot Control Who the Audience Favors

October 10, 1996. The New York Knicks were about to enter the preseason, but for the veteran players, the preseason was little more than a government-funded vacation.

Tomorrow night, the Knicks would host the Bulls. Tickets were already sold out; while the New York media often lambasted the Bulls, most fans still loved watching Michael Jordan play.

The Park Avenue Country Club, opened in 1994, was an upscale nightclub that could also be described as a private club. After the Bulls arrived in New York, Patrick Ewing and Charles Oakley had brought John Starks, Charlie Ward, and Li You there to host Michael Jordan and his teammates.

Blending the elements of an American country club with those of a British gentleman’s club, the environment was elegant and comfortable. Li You breathed a sigh of relief upon arriving; he wouldn't have to listen to rap music blaring all night. Unlike the dingy, smoke-filled clubs in the slums, most of the people having fun here were wealthy spenders. Although the scene was lively, there were rarely any shouts of "fuck" to be heard.

"Haha, Pat Riley’s little lackey wouldn't even let us meet, claiming I’m a liar. Who does he think he is?!"

"We’re partners. When have I ever deceived my friends? Old Oak, you know me best. I have never deceived my friends!"

Michael Jordan, having had a bit too much to drink, had tossed his suit jacket aside. His face flushed, he was loudly rehashing old grievances. Charles Oakley, feeling that his young protégé had always respected him, chimed in without hesitation:

"Exactly. Michael might be a jerk on the court, but he’s solid when it comes to friends. Don’t pay any mind to Van Gundy’s bullshit!"

On the other side, Scottie Pippen was all over his girlfriend of over a year, Larsa. If they hadn't been in public, they probably would have already started going at it. Ron Harper and Steve Kerr were busy downing drinks, having just come back from the dance floor to quench their thirst.

Li You was feeling a bit hazy himself. Drinking, gambling, and chasing girls—the entertainment of this era was simple and unpretentious. Patrick Ewing didn't join his friends in berating Van Gundy. As the gambling portion of the night began, he quickly called out to Li You:

"Li, it’s your turn to shine. 21, let’s clean them out tonight!"

Michael Jordan, completely caught up in the fun, began calling for the staff to change the drinks and then handed out cigars to everyone:

"Try this classic Cuban cigar. The aroma is incredibly rich. I’ve been obsessed with this one lately!"

"Kid, you’re from New Mexico. Charles told me you don’t touch the green stuff. That’s good. I don’t deal with junkies!"

Drunkenly, Jordan handed a cigar to Li You, delivered his little speech, and then laughed as he motioned for everyone to start puffing away.

Larsa, a model by trade, didn't mind the smoke-filled room. Instead, she leaned closer into Pippen’s arms and said coquettishly:

"Don't lose too much. Your luck at the tables hasn't been good lately."

Watching the two of them cuddling again, Li You was speechless. It was no wonder that in the future, the younger Jordan would end up in a "Damn, she’s my aunt" situation; an ordinary person really couldn't handle that.

***

Once at the gambling table, there were no "big brothers." After playing a few rounds, Li You loosened his shirt and started shouting along with the rest:

"Double down! I’m winning this hand for sure!"

After a few rounds, Jordan’s eyes were bloodshot from losing, and his gambling addiction flared up:

"Damn it! No one is leaving tonight!"

***

On the morning of the 11th, Jeff Van Gundy looked at the listless Charles Oakley and Patrick Ewing on the practice court with a grim expression.

The omnipresent New York media had already broken the news of the Bulls players' movements since arriving in New York. A photo of Dennis Rodman dancing wildly on the dance floor appeared on the sports page of the *New York Post*. No one knew where the information came from, but several articles vividly described Li You cleaning up at the gambling table, leaving Michael Jordan with bloodshot eyes.

The reports were a bit exaggerated; Li You had only won less than $10,000 all night, and eventually, if you didn't lose a few times, no one was getting home.

New York fans loved these stories and eagerly gobbled them up, and the media had plenty of fodder:

"Jeff Van Gundy cannot control the team. Perhaps we should consider replacing him with a competent head coach!"

***

The old guys couldn't handle the late night, but Li You was as fresh as if nothing had happened. Youth was his greatest asset; after less than four hours of sleep, he was basically back at full health.

At 7:00 PM that night, half an hour before tip-off, Madison Square Garden was already packed. As an international metropolis, the Knicks never had trouble selling tickets, and many fans had bought tickets tonight just to see Michael Jordan. Even if it was just a preseason game, MSG Network broadcast it as usual.

Marv Albert, known as the "Voice of New York," and basketball analyst John Kennis were a bit bewildered after the game started. Both teams' starting lineups were shooting bricks.

Seven minutes and twelve seconds into the first quarter, the score was 15:13. Neither starting lineup was in any form. Phil Jackson didn't care about the score at all, even finding time to joke with Spike Lee on the sidelines. On the other side, Jeff Van Gundy looked stern, standing on the sidelines and shouting instructions.

"Whistle!"

Michael Jordan blew past Allan Houston and drew a foul on Charles Oakley, earning two free throws. The arena immediately erupted in boos. Taking advantage of the break, a frowning Van Gundy pulled starters Oakley and John Starks, sending in Li You and veteran Buck Williams.

***

"Li, control the tempo. No more amateur mistakes!"

Perhaps because of the late night of cards, the Knicks had already committed three turnovers in the first quarter. Wearing the Knicks' white jersey with the number 1 on the back, Li You listened to Van Gundy’s instructions while adjusting the long white compression sleeve on his right arm.

Standing on the sidelines, Li You immediately drew the attention of the fans; the long sleeve was a fresh look. After bumping his right elbow two days ago, Li You had ordered several sets of sleeves—he wore this thing just to show off!

Michael Jordan, having made both free throws, saw Li You enter the game. As he retreated on defense, he patted Harper and gestured for him to turn up the intensity.

Madison Square Garden was exceptionally noisy. After watching half a quarter of constipation-inducing offense, the fans who had paid for tickets were losing patience.

Allan Houston inbounded the ball in the backcourt. As soon as Li You caught it, Harper pressed up, showcasing a completely different defensive approach. After a behind-the-back dribble, Li You accelerated with the ball in his right hand, muttering to himself:

"The old man is really petty!"

After crossing half-court, Li You shielded the ball, and Patrick Ewing quickly moved to the arc to set a screen. Just as he stood set, Li You, holding the ball in his right hand, suddenly executed two rapid behind-the-back dribbles and lunged forward.

Patrick Ewing’s screen was a fake; the big man grazed his defender and immediately rolled toward the basket, waiting for the pass. Harper continued to chase without effort. With Li You near the three-point line at the arc, he took advantage of Harper’s slide and suddenly performed a massive between-the-legs step-back.

Caught in the sudden stop, Harper immediately lost his defensive position. Before he could recover, Li You gathered the ball outside the three-point line and launched it!

"Swish!" The three-pointer went through the net, nothing but net!

Having seen nothing but stagnant offense, Li You’s flashy move combined with the clean shot instantly ignited the atmosphere, and the fans erupted in cheers.

Retreating on defense with a smile, Li You could see the surprised looks on everyone’s faces. He felt great:

"A coach can dictate who the core is, but he can't control who the fans want to watch play!"