In the fourth quarter, Jordan continued to muster his strength, although he felt a tinge of frustration deep down.
Actually, so much trash talk was exchanged between Gan Guoyang and Jordan, but it rarely affected each other’s performance.
Like when Karl Malone got distracted by a comment from Pippen or someone, causing him to miss a free throw and lose the game, such a scenario wouldn’t happen to the two of them.
If Pippen were to trash talk when Gan Guoyang was shooting free throws, Gan Guoyang would definitely retort, then calmly make the free throw.
Jordan was the same—he would close his eyes, make the free throw, and then tell his opponent, "This is fucking for you."
Both of them had nerves of steel, a hardened heart, and were fearless in the face of failure.
Because they were fearless in the face of failure, any intimidation about losing a game was useless to them.
On the contrary, it would spark their fighting spirit, allowing them to retaliate against their opponents with improved performance and condition.
Rather than feeling scared, hesitant, letting the opponent’s words come true.
Even if they lost due to various reasons, they could accept it calmly, stand back up and keep moving forward next time.
This resilient mentality forged their strong and decisive character on the court.
Many times when they trash talked each other, it was more for their own enjoyment than to disturb an opponent.
It had become a habit, a joy for them, and if they didn’t spar verbally, the game felt incomplete.
However, this time it was really different; Gan Guoyang didn’t actually spout any "trash talk," he spoke the truth.
Their rivalry essentially began even before the 1984 draft, at the Olympic Training Camp, where Jordan was the best player.
But there was a premise, without considering Ah Gan, who was a Chinese player and was there as a sparring partner.
After entering the league, Ah Gan overshadowed Jordan at every turn, winning the championship first, stepping over Jordan to build a dynasty, whatever Gan wanted, he would achieve it, leaving Jordan with no chance.
Even so, Jordan never truly got disheartened, and he constantly encouraged himself to strive forward.
In 1994, when Gan Guoyang retired, Jordan was the angriest person—you didn’t even give me the chance to beat you.
In 1996, when Gan Guoyang made a comeback, Jordan was the happiest—because I finally have the chance to defeat you in the finals.
Jordan is not a pure person—he’s addicted to gambling, hedonism, infidelity, and is ambiguous on certain issues.
But in basketball, in his feelings towards Ah Gan, Jordan is pure; he just wants to beat this greatest rival fair and square.
At 35, he is the same as when he first met Ah Gan at 22.
He still remembers the first time they met was on the bus to the Olympic Training Camp.
Jordan sat by the window, when Gan Guoyang and Stockton got on the bus and greeted everyone.
Jordan asked Gan Guoyang what it felt like to be a champion, Gan Guoyang asked Jordan the same question.
Jordan said it’s been so long, he forgot, Gan Guoyang also said he forgot, it’s been a month.
No one knew who handed whom the gum, they sat and chewed together.
At that moment, Jordan knew they were alike, but he didn’t know that for the next decades he’d be chasing this person’s shadow, running endlessly.
Just to catch up, pat his shoulder, and stand shoulder to shoulder with him, even though they started sitting together from the beginning.
Gan Guoyang took a two-year break in between, while Jordan never stopped, even at 35 he didn’t stop.
No matter what setbacks came—unreliable teammates, terrible team, disgusting management, a hypocritical owner, public doubts—Jordan never wavered.
But at this moment, during the halftime break of the first game of the 1998 Finals, Jordan felt a moment of hesitation.
He suddenly felt a bit tired, not only because Ah Gan’s words were like sharp knives cutting through the brutal truth, but also because of the current situation, making it hard for Jordan to find a reason to keep going.
The collapse of the Bulls was inevitable; whether they won or lost, it wouldn’t shake Jerry Krause’s determination to disband the team.
If they won, another three-peat would be achieved, Jerry Krause would have built a dynasty, fulfilling his aspiration, then he could rightfully build his next dynasty.
If they lost, the failed attempt at another three-peat, there would be no reason to maintain this aging lineup, Pippen could leave, and Jordan could choose to stay or go at will.
For Jordan, holding on till now, his body and mental willpower were stretched to their utmost limit.
If the opponent wasn’t Ah Gan and the Trail Blazers, against any other team in the league, Jordan could persist till the end, gritting his teeth to win the series.
But here he stood, against an opponent he had never beaten, the gap between their strengths was significant, Jordan persisted, but Ah Gan’s words were truly heart-piercing.
Even so, after a brief two-minute rest, when the fourth quarter started, Jordan was still full of energy, striding onto the court to continue his struggle and performance.
Phil Jackson likewise hadn’t given up, continually making strategic adjustments, hoping to use team defense to suppress the Trail Blazers’ offense, creating opportunities for Jordan to catch up.
The Bulls were a resilient and strong team, with 4 championships in 3 years, it was an astounding feat.
Their core structure had been forming since 1990, operating steadily for eight seasons.