Under circumstances where early double teaming and zone defense aren’t possible, this kind of mid-range shooting is unbeatable. Jordan could tell that Ah Gan had already entered a state of unbridled flow.
"This son of a bitch... his innate conditions are too good—stamina, height, wingspan, strength foundation... damn it, losing to him seems perfectly normal."
Jordan watched while he complained, fully recognizing Gan Guoyang’s capabilities.
He believed that in tonight’s game, he couldn’t play like this himself; he might be able to go all out and score 50 points.
But at 35, in an away game, against the Spurs, in Texas, scoring 74 points? It’s unimaginable, an achievement beyond human capability.
After watching each of Gan Guoyang’s scores, Jordan couldn’t resist picking up the phone and dialing Gan Guoyang’s number.
As soon as the call connected, Gan Guoyang’s hearty voice came through: "Good morning, Michael! You’re only calling me now!? Did you stay up all night playing video games again!?"
"You clever bastard, scoring 74 points and not bothering to call me? I didn’t watch the game; I only heard about it this morning. Nicely done, you played brilliantly."
"Was it really brilliant? You’re an American, and many now feel that my 74 points are a provocation to America."
"Let them go to hell; I don’t care about that nonsense. You indeed played great, Sonny, although I believe this wasn’t a victory of technique but of stamina. I still admire you; I couldn’t do this at 35."
Jordan has never been very interested in politics or military stuff; his visit to military bases in Germany was more about selling shoes than genuinely supporting war.
"You couldn’t do this at 25 either, Michael. It’s about stamina but, more importantly, resolve—a resolve concerning dignity. By the way, how have you been lately? Have you thought about coming back?"
"Come back? No, no, no, I’m living happily, not even considering it; don’t try to pull me back. I’m really tired, and I want to rest, Sonny. You keep on laboring; I won’t accompany you."
Since Jordan retired, their relationship quickly reverted to the carefree state of their youth, frequently calling each other for chats.
Like many friends from youth, close at first, then gradually distant as they grow up, until reaching an age where they put things in perspective and let go, finding the old connection again.
Because at a certain stage, one realizes that there’s only a handful of lifelong friends you can truly talk to.
Most people are merely fleeting acquaintances met through interests or coincidences; when the interest fades or coincidences end, so do the people.
It’s then that those time-tested friends become especially valuable.
After Jordan retired, his life changed considerably, and he suddenly saw through many things.
For instance, Jerry Krause and Reinsdorf’s hypocrisy, fans’ preference for the new over the old, and old teammates harboring grudges against him, among other things.
However, the deepest wound was inflicted by Phil Jackson. Jordan always regarded Jackson as a mentor and spiritual guide.
But after leaving the Bulls, Jackson wrote many articles about the Bulls and Jordan, candidly discussing how Jackson motivated Jordan through various means, using psychology to stir Jordan’s interest in playing and improve his relationships with teammates.
The books sold well, yet they left Jordan feeling deeply betrayed.
He realized that throughout their eight-year mentor-student relationship, it was laced with manipulation and calculation.
Furthermore, Jackson’s departure from the Bulls wasn’t solely because Klaus didn’t want to renew his contract; it was partly due to Jackson’s own desires.
Jackson wanted to leave the Bulls and create his new world, but he didn’t tell Jordan, leading to Jordan’s decision not to continue.
All of this deeply hurt Jordan. Being a very proud person, realizing his sincere respect and friendship was met with manipulation and control, their close relationship was devastatingly broken.
They never publicly had any disputes or conflicts; only people within their circle knew that mutual trust and closeness had faded.
Reflecting on his relationship with Ah Gan, Jordan realized how pure it really was.
No manipulation, no exploitation—just straightforward, fierce competition and heartfelt admiration, with Ah Gan smoothing things over for him numerous times.
Jordan identified who his real friends were, and they reconciled, reverting to the frequent calls reminiscent of their youth.
"Michael, are you really not considering a comeback? It feels so lonely without you."
"No, I’ve made up my mind, and I won’t easily look back unless..."
"Unless what?"
"I’m not sure; I feel... something needs to happen to give me the opportunity and motivation for a comeback. But what that is, I don’t know."
"Really? Then we’ll just wait for things to unfold."
"So, are you going to keep playing?"
"I don’t know either; honestly, I’m tired. With no one chasing, running alone feels too lonely. Also, I have a hunch, Michael, that David Stern and this League won’t let me keep leading the way; they’ll find a way to deal with me."
Gan Guoyang likewise views Jordan as his best friend, so he speaks freely, sharing his inner thoughts.
"If you can’t keep up, retire; it’s time to pass the baton to the younger generation. Holding onto the position indefinitely doesn’t look good."
"I’ll consider it, Michael. When the time comes, we’ll play golf together. I’ll show you my strength and range!"
Gan Guoyang’s golf swings sometimes create sounds even akin to explosions; his power and explosiveness are immense.
"Bring it on; I’ll show you what the god of golf is!"
Jordan wasn’t going to be outdone, and the two "old guys" were already planning their life after retirement.
Still, Gan Guoyang doesn’t intend to retire easily; he promised Bird he’d keep fighting and throw some obstacles for the younger guys.
At the very least, he aims to secure the 1999 championship as a perfect end to Bird’s coaching career.