Chapter 79: Hardaway + Mourning vs. Iverson + Alex Mo — Two Bets, Two Duels!

Alex Mo's last Georgetown Civil War was the second game of the season.

In that game, Alex unleashed his enhanced KD-style offensive skills, turning the Atlanta Hawks into helpless goslings. Georgetown senior Dikembe Mutombo famously said afterward, "This younger brother has no respect for the five virtues!"

Alex used his unguardable offense to make his point: he was the future, and the old guard could only stand by and watch.

Now, another Georgetown Civil War is looming on the horizon.

The Miami Heat, who offered Alonzo Mourning a massive contract this past summer, also boast a Georgetown connection. Mourning, like Mutombo, came from the same university. He's known as a relentless defender and one of the toughest players in the league.

The first word that comes to Alex's mind when thinking about Mourning? Tough.

Mourning has been the background for many of the NBA's most memorable dunks. Vince Carter alone dunked on him four times. Despite all that, Mourning never backs down. Even when he was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2000 and doctors warned him playing could kill him, Mourning famously responded, "Then let me die on the basketball court!"

Alex admires Mourning deeply but makes no mistake—on the court, admiration means nothing.

"We have no reason to lose the next game," Alex says to reporters. "Whether the opponent is from Georgetown or North Carolina, victory is always mine."

The mention of North Carolina immediately catches the media's attention.

"Alex, are you referring to players from North Carolina like... Michael Jordan?" an ESPN reporter asks."If you faced the Chicago Bulls, would you still be this confident?"

There's no shortage of North Carolina alumni in the NBA, but the one name that matters most is clear: Michael Jordan.

At this point in the season, there are three undefeated teams in the league: the Bulls, the Rockets, and the Lakers. Naturally, everyone wants to know—can the Lakers beat the Bulls? And does Alex Mo believe they can take down Jordan?

"Of course," Alex answers calmly. "No disrespect to anyone, but no matter who stands in front of us, nothing can stop this team from winning."

The media is delighted. Even His Airness has been brought into the conversation. It's headline gold.

Meanwhile, in Miami...

Alex's bold comments reach the Heat locker room, where Tim Hardaway smirks at Alonzo Mourning."Alonzo, your rookie's got a sharp tongue. Are we really about to lose two in a row?"

Mourning refuses to entertain the idea. "The last game was a fluke because you couldn't hit anything, Tim."

The Heat had started the season strong with a 5-1 record, but their momentum was crushed by a 32-point blowout loss to the Bulls, thanks in part to Hardaway's disastrous 2-for-10 shooting performance.

"Fine, that was my bad," Hardaway admits. "But let's focus on the next game. How about we teach those two Lakers rookies a lesson?"

Mourning raises an eyebrow. "Are you saying we make it interesting?"

"Yeah. Let's bet on who can shut down their rookie better—$50,000 on the line," Hardaway proposes.

Mourning grins. "You're on."

Back in Los Angeles...

At the Lakers' practice facility, Allen Iverson is hyped."Mo, you won't let Alonzo Mourning embarrass you, right?" Iverson asks. "He's Mutombo's best friend—you dunked all over Mutombo, so you know Mourning's coming for revenge."

"Don't worry about me," Alex replies. "I'm more worried about Tim Hardaway making you look like a traffic cone."

Iverson's eyes narrow. "Oh really? You wanna bet on that?"

"Sure. If Hardaway blows past you, you owe me $100,000. Same deal—if Mourning dominates me, I owe you $100,000."

Iverson accepts the challenge without hesitation. "Deal! And when I win, we're going straight to the best nightclub in L.A., on you."

Game Day – November 14, Staples Center

The crowd is electric as the Heat and Lakers prepare for battle. Even Lakers legends Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West are in the building.

In the Heat locker room, Mourning reminds Hardaway of their bet. "We're winning this one. No excuses."

Meanwhile, in the Lakers locker room, Iverson is still buzzing with confidence. He's already planning how to spend the money he'll win from Alex.

"Mo, why is Allen training so hard today?" Coach Del Harris asks.

Alex shrugs. "He's about to lose $100,000. He's trying to sweat out the stress."

As the players take the court, the stage is set for an epic showdown between two rookie sensations and two of the league's toughest veterans.

Iverson locks eyes with Hardaway. Alex faces off against Mourning.

It's not just a game anymore—it's personal.

Let the battle begin.