A very good defense, Kobe forced a shot but missed. Gan Guoyang cut into the three-second zone, tipped the ball out, and after consecutive jumps, secured the rebound.
He passes it to Sabonis, who catches the ball on the right low post, attracting a double team. Sabonis immediately distributes the ball to Gan Guoyang retreating outside the three-point line.
Gan Guoyang catches the ball, and shoots a quick three-pointer directly!
The shot is incredibly swift, fast and accurate, the ball drops into the center of the net, score!
35:39! The Trail Blazers extend the lead back to 4 points.
The Bulls are unaware of the looming danger, only Jordan has a bad feeling.
He feels Gan’s hand is getting hot, and that could be trouble.
In the next possession, Jordan carries the ball himself, trying to draw a foul from Gan Guoyang.
Gan Guoyang doesn’t fall for it, lets Jordan layup in the basket successfully, it’s 37:39, a 2-point difference.
At this point, Jordan has already scored 22 points, more than half of the team’s total.
Now, Gan Guoyang dribbles past half court, Kukoc is defending, maintaining a certain distance.
Then, just as he crosses half court, Sabonis comes over for a screen, two giants in a pick and roll, easily creating space.
Gan Guoyang directly launches a three-pointer from a 45-degree angle on the right, another high-arcing shot, hitting again!
Two consecutive three-pointers, the Bulls sense danger, Phil Jackson stands up loudly blowing his whistle, warning players to pay attention to Gan.
In the next play, Pippen attempts an answer ball but misses, and Gan Guoyang collects another rebound.
It’s a headache, with Gan Guoyang there, offensive rebounds are almost hopeless, can only rely on luck to pick up.
Taking the ball, Gan Guoyang quickly drives the fast break, reminiscent of 1992 when he pierced through the Bulls’ defense alone.
The Bulls immediately converge on Gan Guoyang, Gan immediately passes the ball to Sabonis who is assisting him nearby.
Sabonis, the tall tower, easily receives the pass, holds it high over his head without worrying about opponents stealing the ball.
At this moment, due to defensive rules, the Bulls can’t double-team Gan Guoyang anymore, otherwise it would be a violation.
Only Rodman is left to defend Gan Guoyang, maintaining a certain distance, and Sabonis returns the ball to Gan Guoyang.
Facing Rodman, Gan Guoyang smiles slightly, takes a probing step, and before the double team arrives, shoots another three-pointer!
Gan Guoyang’s three-point shooting always has a high release point and quick speed, making it very difficult to defend.
This time, Rodman barely reacts before the ball gracefully arcs through the air, swishing into the net!
The Rose Garden Arena erupts again, with three consecutive three-pointers, Gan Guoyang uses his skilled long-range shooting to quickly expand the lead back to 8 points.
The Bulls worked hard to catch up, but when Gan Guoyang’s hand explodes, all their efforts seem futile.
In the playoffs, Gan Guoyang actually takes fewer three-point attempts compared to the regular season; he is more cautious.
If he feels his long-range touch is off, or the rhythm is wrong, he will abandon the three-pointer.
But when he feels good and in rhythm, he shoots like rapid-fire cannonballs, shaking his opponents.
Thus, examining Gan Guoyang’s stats often shows games with 0/2 or 0/1 from three-point range, while the next game changes to 5/8 or 6/9.
Of course, more often it’s conservative attempts like 2/3 or 1/2.
As the pioneer of inside-outside shooting and a top performer of this era, his performance has surpassed other shooters.
Even Reggie Miller wouldn’t dare say, "My three-point shooting is better than Gan’s"; in terms of three-point explosiveness, no one compares to this human cannon.
Phil Jackson sees the unfavorable situation and immediately calls a timeout for adjustments, not allowing Gan to continue shooting freely, needing tight defense.
As Gan Guoyang exits, he raises his hand, shouting, "Make way, be careful of the heat!"
Bird shakes his head helplessly, what else is there to say?
Jackson’s timeout strategy didn’t have much effect.
After the timeout, Jordan assists Lang Li to score a shot.
But soon after, Gan Guoyang exploits a gap from the Bulls’ defensive change, drives the ball to the basket, and draws a foul.
He steps to the free-throw line, makes both shots without even aiming, his touch is evidently remarkable.
He wouldn’t chant spells like Malone before making free throws, fiddling for ages and still uncertain of scoring.
Once Gan Guoyang starts this streak, the trouble multiplies as his height makes him difficult to defend.
Jordan has to go full throttle, continuing to duel Gan’s scoring to keep the gap from widening.
But the efficiency difference between twos and threes, the inherent disadvantage of guards against centers, leaves Jordan always a bit behind.
The score reaches 42:50, an 8-point difference remains, Jordan has already scored 28 points, yet the Bulls still trail.
With 30 seconds left in the first half, each team has one offensive chance.
Confronted by Riddle and Brellock enclosing him, Jordan skillfully dribbles and muscles his way through.
Facing Gan Guoyang up close, Jordan rises, switches hands in mid-air avoiding the block, and places the ball into the hoop!
Jordan really gave it his all, at 35, he’s already flying low, noticeably less airborne compared to before, but still relies on outstanding athleticism to score.
44:50, leaving only 5 seconds for the Trail Blazers.
The Trail Blazers quickly inbound from the backcourt, Gan Guoyang takes the ball, and the Bulls players close in.
However, they don’t dare get too close for fear of fouling; foul count is high, a foul means free throws.
Gan Guoyang takes big strides dribbling, crosses half court, then shoots a horseback riding ultra-long three-pointer!
Jordan leaps from behind attempting a block but can’t manage, Pippen reaches out in front but is a step late.
The ball speeds towards the hoop, carrying intense spin, hits the backboard, and bounces into the basket!
"Bang!"
Bill Walton in the commentary booth can’t help but shout, jumping up with the Rose Garden Arena’s fans.
Gan Guoyang hits the fourth three-pointer of the second quarter, rewriting the halftime score to 44:53, Trail Blazers lead by 9 points.
For Jordan and Pippen, it’s like a nightmare revisited, the 1991 finals game six when Gan hit 6 out of 7 from three.
Also the 1992 finals game five, Gan Guoyang’s last-second three-pointer game-winner, using his height and strength outside to launch uncontested missiles, leaving the Bulls extremely frustrated.
This time, Gan Guoyang shrugs at Jordan and Pippen, spreads his hands indicating, "I can’t help it, my touch is just too good."
The camera captures Jordan and Pippen’s resigned expressions, seemingly sealing their fate in this series.