On the defensive end, the Glory Team suddenly switched to a 3-2 zone defense, with Gan Guoyang coming to the top of the three-point arc, pressuring the Lakers' perimeter.
Though this left the inside empty, the Lakers couldn't get the ball to O'Neal, leading to errors under pressure.
This unexpected defensive change disrupted the Lakers' rhythm, and the Glory Team launched a fierce counterattack with Gerald Wallace leading the charge.
But this time he made a beautiful behind-the-back pass to Gan Guoyang, who caught the ball, jumped up, and scored a two-handed slam dunk!
Then, in the paint, the Lakers had a mismatch, I could receive the ball for a one-on-one against Bell, but was held off by Bell, as Gan Guoyang came from the side to block Walker's shot.
Another chance for a fast break, Gan Guoyang first passed to Arenas, who feigned an attack in the center before passing back to Gan Guoyang, who shot a three-pointer from a 45-degree angle on the left side — and scored again!
Twice on the break, Gan Guoyang didn't force it himself but collaborated with his teammates, utilizing their passes to complete the offense.
This caught Jackson by surprise, even more surprising was the Glory's zone defense; they really defended well.
The Lakers, who were inadequately trained in breaking zones, found themselves in a dilemma, alternating between 2-3 in the first half and 3-2 in the second.
If they played another quarter, they might be able to break it, but there isn't another quarter's time left now.
Pippen faced Gan Guoyang's sticky defense, and his pass resulted in a turnover, out of bounds.
The atmosphere on-site was reaching a climax, with the Glory Team aggressively chasing points, everyone was nervous.
With over three minutes left till the end of the game, the Glory Team was trailing by only 4 points with possession.
Sideline throw-in, positional play, Gan Guoyang calling for the ball in a shallow position to avoid double-teaming.
After receiving the ball, Gan Guoyang used his signature heel turn to cleanly pass Holi.
Cutting into the paint against O'Neal, he leaned forward for a jump shot and scored two points, drawing a foul from O'Neal!
A massive roar erupted in the MGM Arena, with Gan Guoyang already having scored 7 consecutive points; if he made the free throw, they'd be just 1 point away.
And Gan Guoyang wouldn't miss such an opportunity, his additional free throw went in, only 1 point apart now in the game.
Phil Jackson called for a timeout, using a brilliant sideline strategy to charge the basket, employing O'Neal's appeal and massive physique as cover for Pippen to cut in for an easy dunk.
Pippen no longer had explosive power, as his playing style became slicker in the match.
He relied mainly on outside shots and inside sneak scores, his understanding of Jackson's tactics was the deepest.
Tonight facing the inexperienced Gerald Wallace, Pippen repeatedly used his experience to toy with his opponent.
Of course, he seriously couldn't hold off Gerald Wallace's fast charging on defense, he couldn't keep up with the counterattacks.
The Lakers regained a three-point advantage, then Gan Guoyang's turnaround jump shot in the low post was disrupted by the double-team and missed.
O'Neal grabbed the rebound, passed to Pippen, who dribbled continuously, cutting inside for a layup, only to get blocked from behind by Wallace!
A clash of youth and experience, Raja Bell came up from behind to control the ball, then passed to Gan Guoyang.
Gan Guoyang at the left 45-degree angle, in his accustomed position, and hit another three-pointer!
The Glory Team's transition offense was their most powerful weapon, leveling the score at 92:92.
Gan Guoyang had already scored 45 points, nearly half of the team's score by himself.
With one remaining minute, the decisive moment for both sides, Pippen dribbled past half-court.
The final match of the first day was about to reach its peak moment.
At this point, Gan Guoyang finally stood inside the Three Second Zone, directly matching up against O'Neal!
O'Neal still lacked the courage to challenge Ah Gan in the low post, even though Ah Gan looked much slimmer.
The Shark chose to move outside for a pick and roll to assist Pippen, then followed the roll back to the basket.
Pippen didn't dare to pass, because Ah Gan was on the route, knowing a pass might lead to a turnover.
Pippen opted to drive himself, breaking through with large strides, extending his arms for a layup, as O'Neal rushed in to grab a rebound.
Wallace had been screened off, if Gan Guoyang went to the aid, O'Neal would be uncovered and likely to make a put-back.
Gan Guoyang had to go; he rushed forward to challenge Pippen's layup but then O'Neal completed the put-back dunk.
Gan Guoyang could no longer defend two; his explosiveness wouldn't allow it.
Tomjanovich didn't call for a timeout but entrusted the game to the players.
Since a positional play by the Lakers would definitely double-team Gan Guoyang, it was better to play quick offense.
Gan Guoyang immediately inbounded, Arenas swiftly crossed half-court, piercing the basket, passing to Miller at the high post.
Miller drew O'Neal even further out, then fed the ball to Gan Guoyang posting up down low, as the Lakers collapsed their defense but Gan Guoyang pushed through the crowd with a big hook, evading all interference, scoring two points!
Tied at 94:94, the teams reached the most intense, breathless moment.
Phil Jackson likewise didn't call for a timeout, he still held onto one.
The regular season left to players to handle the final moments.
It was still Pippen with the ball, wasting time, down to the last 7 seconds, O'Neal came out for a screen.
This time the Glory Team chose to double-team, with Raja Bell coming from the wing for support.
Pippen distributed the ball to the wing to Richmond, who drove in briefly, stopped for a jump shot.
The ball hit the backboard and bounced into the basket, scoring! Leaving Glory Team only 4 seconds!
Tomjanovich called for a timeout, the arena's decibels reached an oppressive level.
No roar, only noise; everyone was anxiously waiting, uncertain if a miraculous display would manifest.
Everyone knew Ah Gan would take the shot, yet couldn't be completely sure as Ah Gan also sometimes assisted teammates.
Phil Jackson's requirement was simple, watch Ah Gan closely but don't double-team, not giving him a chance for assists.
Tomjanovich subbed in all players capable of shooting threes, completely stretching the floor, and set up a simple catch-and-shoot play.
"It's up to you to handle it, any problems?" Tomjanovich asked Gan Guoyang, realizing afterward it was unnecessary.
Gan Guoyang is known as the player with the most buzzer-beaters since records began, with the highest clutch accuracy.
Even so, Gan Guoyang took a long breath and replied, "No problem, coach, leave it to me."
After the timeout, returning to the court, standing near the center circle, Scottie Pippen approached closely.
"You're here as the backdrop again, Scottie? Phil really hates you."
"Don't think you can distract me, Sonny."
"Shouldn't I be saying that to you? Don't foul, fouls mean free throws."
At the last moment, Pippen personally shadowed Gan Guoyang, not even letting him catch the ball.
Nearby Gan Guoyang, Lakers players clustered but didn't dare come too close.
The Glory Team subbed in Porter and Cole, veterans capable of one-shot finishes.
The sideline ball was handled by Brad Miller, who had enough height and decent passing skills.
The most exciting moment arrived, the referee blew the whistle, Gan Guoyang's footwork shrugged off Pippen.
Pippen kept a tight watch, but the ball still got to Gan Guoyang, as Miller passed a lead ahead.
Gan Guoyang caught the ball and immediately turned to walk to the center, Pippen followed closely, but suddenly Gan Guoyang made an abrupt stop, shaking Pippen off balance to one side.
Pippen was indeed getting old.
Gan Guoyang swiftly spun, creating space between him and Pippen, and drove forward a step.
From a step outside the three-point line, he launched a direct three-point shot! The opportunity fully emerged!
The ball traced a high arc, beautifully; Gan Guoyang knew at release, it would go in.
He landed, before the ball went through, raising his arms high, turning to face the audience, prematurely receiving applause.
The cheers delayed by 0.5 seconds, a brief suppressed chant by fans, surged like desert heatwaves.
The ball in, light on! Game over.
97:96, Glory Team defeated the Lakers!
By this time, Gan Guoyang had already walked to the center circle, enjoying the applause he deserved, as MGM Arena fell into hysterics.
New season, new team, opening game, 50 points, a three-point buzzer-beater!
Truly, like a sword's edge extending for eighteen years, a cold light over fifty states.
Another iconic match for Gan Guoyang, adding another brilliant note to his career.