NBA: Built to Dominate

Rodman Complains—But the Referees Don't Care

Dennis Rodman wasn't happy.

After getting bodied and sent flying by Alex Mo, he immediately turned to the referee, waving his arms in protest.

But Rodman wasn't just a reckless player—he was a master at getting into his opponents' heads.

His usual tactic?

Get the refs to start calling fouls on his opponent.Frustrate the other player until they make a mistake.Then strike when the time is right.

But this time?

The refs didn't even blink.

David Stern had already warned them before the game:

"Let them play. Let this game be physical."

And even without Stern's orders, the refs could tell—

Rodman flopped.

There was no way he got knocked back two full steps from just an elbow.

"If this were soccer, we'd have to give Rodman a yellow card for diving."

That's how ridiculous it looked.

But what the referees didn't know?

This time, Rodman wasn't faking it.

Alex Mo's strength was real.

Rodman had genuinely been sent flying.

But as much as it hurt his pride, he also learned something important:

"If the refs aren't calling that… then today is gonna be a war."

Jordan Takes Over – The Triangle Offense in Full Swing

Next Bulls possession—

Pippen receives the ball on the right wing.Harper spaces the floor in the corner.Jordan sets up in the low post.

This was the Bulls' signature triangle offense.

Pippen immediately passes to Jordan inside.

Byron Scott tries to hold his ground, but Jordan spins past him in one fluid motion, driving into the paint.

Alex Mo steps up.

Jordan rises into the air.

Mo jumps with him.

But instead of going straight for the basket,

Jordan does what only Jordan can do.

Double-clutch.Glides past Mo mid-air.Reverses the ball behind his head.Scores off the glass.

The United Center erupts.

Watching from home, Kobe Bryant jumps out of his seat.

"That's it! That's how you score on Alex Mo!"

He had spent months trying to figure out how to beat Mo's defense.

Jordan had just given him the answer.

Iverson Trash-Talks Jordan—And Pays for It

Back on offense, Iverson faces Jordan.

Jordan is locked in, forcing AI into tough shots.

But Iverson has one advantage—his speed.

Quick crossover.Explosive first step.Jordan can't keep up.

Iverson finishes a tough layup at the rim.

And as he runs back on defense, he can't resist.

"Your time is over, old man!"

"It's the new era now—just retire already!"

BIG MISTAKE.

Jordan hated one thing more than anything—

Being called old.

Iverson had just poured gasoline on the fire.

Next possession?

Jordan goes berserk.

Pull-up jumper – Swish.Fadeaway from the baseline – Cash.Step-back mid-range – Buckets.

By the end of the first quarter, Jordan had 20 points—his highest-scoring quarter of the season.

"Mile Jordan is on fire!"

"He's out for blood!"

It was a statement.

"I'm still the best player in the world."

Alex Mo Answers Back – The First Quarter Ends in a Shootout

But Jordan wasn't the only one dominating.

Alex Mo was just as unstoppable.

In just 10 minutes, he had 20 points and 12 rebounds—a double-double in the first quarter.Most of his points? Off of putbacks and second-chance dunks.Even when Iverson missed, Mo was cleaning up.

Mo & Iverson combined for 30 points in the first quarter.

The Lakers led 37-35 after one.

David Stern Watches in Satisfaction

Watching from his office, David Stern was grinning.

"This is perfect."

The game was physical.The stars were playing at an elite level.The pace was high, but the referees weren't interfering.

"This is exactly what I wanted for Christmas."

But for the Lakers?

The real problem wasn't Jordan.

It was their perimeter defense.

Jordan could go off all he wanted, but unless someone stopped Mo, the Lakers would still have the edge.

Rodman's Frustration Grows – Phil Jackson Adjusts

As the Lakers headed to the bench, Rodman was fuming.

"I said I'd shut him down, and he's already got 20 and 12?!"

His pride was taking a hit.

Phil Jackson noticed.

"Dennis, we need a new plan."

"If we let Jordan go all-out on offense, we need to slow Mo down on defense."

The adjustment?

Rodman would stop focusing on rebounds.Instead, he'd play tighter defense on Mo—maybe even double-team him.

Rodman nodded.

"Got it."

But what Jackson didn't know?

Rodman had his own plan.

"If I can't stop Mo with defense… I'll stop him with something else."

The Second Quarter – Lakers Unleash Their Big Lineup

Start of the second quarter.

Phil Jackson adjusts first:

Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Kukoc, Harper.No true center.Rodman at the five.

Del Harris sees the change…

And makes a bold move.

"Close the doors—release the monsters!"

The Lakers unleash their ultimate big-man lineup:

IversonScottCorseyBen WallaceAlex Mo (at small forward!)

Mo was now playing the 3!

The commentators were in shock.

"What is this lineup?!"

"Mo at small forward?! How do you guard that?!"

First Lakers possession—

Mo catches the ball on the wing.

Pippen is guarding him.

At 6'8", Pippen was an elite defender.

But Mo is 7'0" with a 7'6" wingspan.

He rises over Pippen—

Pull-up three.

Buckets.

Rodman Decides to Make It a Wrestling Match

Phil Jackson gives Rodman a signal:

"Help Pippen on Mo!"

Rodman nods.

But instead of helping on defense…

He charges at Mo and wraps his arms around him.

Rodman grabs Mo in a full-body bear hug, WWE-style.

The arena gasps.

Mo, furious, reacts instantly—

He swings his elbow right into Rodman's forehead.

BOOM.

Rodman stumbles back.

His eyes burn with rage.

"Alright then, kid. You wanna play rough?"

Rodman lunges forward.

The referees blow their whistles frantically.

THE FIGHT IS ON.

The First Round of the Chicago Martial Arts Club Begins!Rodman vs. Mo.Wallace vs. Harper.Iverson trying to hold back Jordan.

The United Center explodes.

The Christmas Game had just turned into a war.