After the game ended, Duncan approached Heximon and said, "If we had your perimeter lineup, we would have definitely won this series, not you..."
Judging by his tone, the rookie still didn't seem convinced!
"Maybe you're right! But games are like life, there are no 'what ifs'! If you've got the ability, why don't you ask the Spurs management to build you a perimeter lineup like this?"
"Hmm... Good idea, I will!" Duncan paused for a moment, solemnly agreed, and then hugged Heximon in congratulation.
"Lastly, congratulations on advancing, my brother!"
As Duncan spoke, his large hand was not idle, and he directly ruffled Heximon's hair, messing up his hairstyle...
Seeing Heximon furiously escape his grasp, Duncan flashed a cunning smile, raised his eyebrows, and turned away with satisfaction...
Duncan's first season as a rookie thus came to an end! In the 82 regular season games, Duncan posted averages of 21 points, 12 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks. In the 9 playoff games, Duncan contributed 20.7 points, 9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.6 blocks. He was truly a terrifying rookie...
At the same time, the other Western Conference Semifinal matchup also concluded.
The Jazz defeated the SuperSonics 4-1, successfully setting up a Western Conference Finals clash with the Lakers.
In the East, the Bulls defeated the Hornets 4-1.
For the Hornets, trading for Divac with their "twin stars" and pairing him with Glen Rice, David Wesley, and Dell Curry, reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals was their limit. What's more, Divac's contract was expiring, making it highly unlikely for the Hornets to retain him...
In the other Eastern Conference matchup, due to Ewing's injury, Allan Houston was unable to carry the team alone, losing 1-4 to Reggie Miller's Pacers.
The Eastern Conference Finals would be contested between the Bulls and the Pacers.
Peak Miller challenging peak Jordan!
In the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, with the home-court advantage, "Air" Jordan secured a 2-0 lead, narrowly avoiding trouble.
Back in Indiana, Miller led his team in a ferocious counterattack!
In Game 3, the score remained tight until the final 30 seconds of the game!
Jordan uncharacteristically hit a three-pointer, tying the score at 102-103, with the Bulls trailing the Pacers by just one point.
The Pacers fans in the arena stood up nervously, fearing that "Air" Jordan would once again activate his protagonist halo and complete a comeback in the dying moments.
Reggie Miller drove and passed to Dale Davis, who was cutting to the basket. Dale Davis attempted a strong dunk on Kukoc, but Kukoc's block sent Davis to the free-throw line.
Dale Davis calmly sank both free throws, extending the Pacers' lead to 105-102.
It was the Bulls' turn to attack. Jordan drove strong, and Reggie Miller, unable to stop his penetration, ultimately resorted to a foul.
As a result, "Air" Jordan made only one of his two free throws, giving the Pacers an opportunity to extend their lead.
With only 10 seconds left in the game, the Pacers inbounded the ball to Miller.
Harper immediately fouled, sending Miller to the free-throw line, hoping to regain possession and see if Miller would make a critical mistake in the clutch.
However, as one of the league's most renowned closers, Miller was famously known for his big heart.
Miller sank both free throws, successfully extending the Pacers' lead to four points!
107-103, Miller's free throws sealed the victory!
But the Bulls refused to give up. They quickly inbounded the ball to Jordan, who caught and shot for a long two-pointer, but the ball bounced off the rim...
Pippen fought hard for the offensive rebound, didn't shoot himself, but passed to Harper on the perimeter. Harper caught the ball and hit a long two-pointer just inside the line!
105-107, the Bulls still trailed by 2 points, with only 2 seconds left on the clock.
The Bulls intended to call another tactical foul, send a Pacers player to the free-throw line, and then see if they had a chance for a final shot.
However, the Pacers, under Coach Larry Bird's bold strategy, did not pass the ball to the clutch shooter Miller. Instead, they faked and passed to the farthest player, center Rik Smits!
Rik Smits caught the ball without dribbling and passed it back to Mark Jackson at the high post...
This passing route completely caught the Bulls off guard. The Bulls were unable to foul immediately.
The countdown could start the moment the ball touched Rik Smits' hands. By the time it was passed back to Mark Jackson, there was very little time left...
Mark Jackson dodged Harper's tugging and successfully used up the final second.
The buzzer sounded, and the game ended!
107-105, the Pacers successfully defeated the Bulls on their home court, narrowing the series deficit by one game.
"Air" Jordan, however, accepted the outcome with displeasure. They were just one shot away from winning that game... but in the final moments, his missed free throw and an unmade mid-range jumper prevented him from carrying the team to victory...
In Game 4, "Air" Jordan exerted himself and led by 8 points at the end of the third quarter.
Just when it seemed the Bulls had a stable lead, Pacers rookie Jalen Rose scored 5 consecutive points, initiating the Pacers' comeback.
By the time the game entered the final minute, the score was tied at 92-91.
Derrick McGee's mid-range jumper was blocked by Jordan. Even more crucially, Jordan then turned around and hit a mid-range shot over Miller with his back to the basket.
Back and forth, the Bulls extended their lead to 3 points, 94-91, putting the Pacers in a very unfavorable position!
Fortunately, on the next possession, the Pacers executed a play successfully, with Travis Best hitting a floater to narrow the score to one point.
Immediately after, the Bulls committed a simple mistake. Rodman, while setting a screen for Jordan, made an excessive motion and was called for an illegal screen by the referee.
Possession changed hands, giving the Pacers an excellent opportunity to turn the tide!
Head coach Bird confidently drew up a cutting play for Miller, but the Bulls saw through it!
Derrick McGee, responsible for the drive and kick, was tightly guarded by Pippen. The moment he extended his arm to pass, Pippen anticipated it and stole the pass...
Derrick McGee turned and tried to get the ball back but was called for a foul by the referee!
The Pacers were in the penalty, giving Pippen two free throws!
If Pippen made both free throws, the Bulls would secure a 3-point lead, putting them in an insurmountable position!
The Pacers, who were on the verge of a comeback, were now pushed to the brink of defeat with free throws looming.
Faced with this sudden turn of events, the Pacers fans in the arena were stunned...