After a day's rest, the Nuggets had to face back-to-backs, performing three games in three days.

Back-to-back is more common in a shrinking season, and even for strong teams, it is very difficult, and even three consecutive defeats are possible.

On February 24, 1999, the Nuggets sat at home, ready to take on the Jazz.

Although 'Utah Twins' is a year older, Karl Malone is still in excellent form and feels like he is at his peak.

If history doesn't change, Karl Malone will win his second MVP in a season, and then set a record for the oldest player to win an MVP.

Of course, because of Chi Liang, history may change. But Malone's MVP, the possibility of change is very small.

Although Stockton's form is slightly worse than that of Malone, last season, Stockton averaged 29 minutes per game and was still able to get 12 points and 8.5 assists.

In terms of consistency and durability, the 'Utah Duo' is the number one active player, and their ability to maintain their form is mainly related to their discipline. Their success is not a fluke, and at this point, you have to admire their work ethic.

In addition, under the leadership of the 'Utah Twins', the Jazz achieved an astonishing record of 9 wins and 1 loss in the first ten games, temporarily ranking first in the league.

After the Nuggets defeated the Lakers twice, this game against the Jazz became a heavyweight game that attracted much attention because it was broadcast live across the United States.

If you beat the Jazz, I believe everyone will be impressed by the Nuggets.

"Double kill Lakers? No, no, no, the Jazz are not the Lakers, and I believe it will be us who will have the last laugh! ”

In an interview, Stockton said that he is now 37 years old, but no one dares to take him lightly.

"I have to admit that for a rookie, he played quite well and could become a superstar in the future. But the future is the future after all, and with the strength and run-in of the Nuggets, it will be difficult for them to beat us! ”

This is the words of 'postman' Ma Long, the previous sentence is an evaluation of Chi Liang, he did not despise Chi Liang, but for this game, Ma Long is also full of confidence.

Unlike the high-profile Jazz, the Nuggets' players are relatively low-key, and no one is speaking wildly, but sharpening their knives to prepare for the game.

"In this game, the team's offense is dominated by the outside line, but the inside line must also maintain a certain amount of offensive strength! Can you win this game, Chi Liang, your performance is very important, you must speed up the tempo, it's better to drag them to death! ”

For this game, D'Antoni believes that the key to victory and defeat is not on the inside, although McDis has become a top power forward, but compared with the 'postman' Malone, at most they will blow each other up.

As for Lafrentz, he is still a rookie, that is, a qualified starting center, and D'Antoni naturally does not count on him.

In D'Antoni's view, the key today is still on the outside, whether Ji Liang can continue to play magically and penetrate the Jazz defense, which will be the key to victory or defeat.

"I see!"

Chi nodded in agreement, but he had a layer of concern in his heart, the Jazz point guard is Stockton, one of the best point guards in league history, and the difficulty of controlling the rhythm is extremely difficult.

At the Pepsi Center arena, Nuggets fans flocked to the arena, and since the team showed signs of rising, more and more fans began to go to the scene to cheer for the team.

Compared to the last game, there are many more fans wearing the No. 1 jersey, almost occupying 'half of the country'.

"Let's welcome our superstar with the warmest applause - 'King of the Fourth Quarter' Chi Liang!"

Driven by the voice of the DJ on the spot, Chi Liang left the players' tunnel and waved his hand to the side, his resolute face made him look a little more manly.

After Chi Liang appeared, the Pepsi Center instantly became feverish, and countless fans cheered hoarsely, all looking forward to Chi Liang's continuation of his state and defeat the Jazz.

"Now for our 'center sharpshooter' - Lafrentz!"

Although Lafrenz is often abused, his shooting accuracy can still open up space when he encounters a super center.

Soon, Billups and Fortson appeared one after another.

"Finally, our top power forward, McDyes!"

Amid the cheers of the fans, McDis stretched out his arms and left the tunnel with a smile on his face, laughing and greeting the fans before standing next to his teammates.

This season, McDyce has improved across the board, contributing 20+10 All-Star stats in almost every game.

It was also at this time that the Nuggets' mascot, the Rocky Lion, came to the sidelines and began to put on an antics.

The Rocky Lions are one of the NBA's most popular team mascots and a key member of every Denver Nuggets home game. His fierce acrobatics and creative antics entertained fans and players alike.

Nuggets starting lineup: Lafrentz, McDyce, Fortson, Billups and Ji Liang.

Jazz starters: Greg Ostertag, Karl Malone, Brian Russell, Jeff Hornacek and Stockton.

The Jazz have a strong roster, but they are not without their weaknesses, and like the Rockets, they have a very old roster, in addition to the 'Utah Twins', and Hornacek is also 36 years old.

Even if the state is maintained well, but after all, when you are older, your performance will naturally be affected, and in order to save physical strength, the rhythm of the Jazz team is difficult, mainly based on positional battles.

As for the Jazz's tactics, they still rely on the 'Utah Twins' to play to the extreme to charge into the battle.

During the warm-up, Chi Liang saw Ma Long, his eyes focused on his 'unicorn arms', these arms are very strong, even if he just glances at them, his heart is a little worried.

Being hit by such a strong arm is hard to imagine the consequences.

There are many rumors about this pair of iron elbows, Isaiah Thomas once ate a cubit, and as a result, he had more than 40 stitches; 'Admiral' David Robinson also ate an elbow and was in shock for two minutes, which shows the strength of these iron elbows.

By the way, McDyce also ate an elbow a few days ago, and then he was 'good' in an instant. According to his description, after eating Ma Long's iron elbow, he almost couldn't stand up, and his performance was even more affected.

Compared with Malone who swings his elbows at every turn, Stockton is not a good thing, don't look at his harmless people and animals, and he looks very thin, but this product's 'crotch digging magic skill' is unique in the world, and the 'Kicking Egg Green' of later generations can be compared with him.

The reason why Jazz's blocking and pick-and-roll is difficult to defend is not only due to the tacit cooperation between the two, but also related to their bad moves.