Chapter 89: Rodman and Karl Malone! Alex Mo Goes Full Single-Core Mode!

"What are you watching, Dennis?"

Hearing Rodman's voice, Scottie Pippen walked over to check it out.

On the screen, the replay of Allen Iverson punching Garnett played again, followed by Alex Mo breaking through the Timberwolves' defense like a bulldozer.

"Damn, Scotty, that was a solid punch," Rodman chuckled. "Iverson's technique looks pretty polished—like he's been practicing."

"I'd have to agree," Pippen added. "His form is too perfect for it to be spontaneous."

Turning his head, Pippen waved at Michael Jordan."Mike, you gotta see this! These young guys are something else."

Jordan glanced at the screen, unimpressed.

"I've seen worse," he said casually. "Back in the 'Bad Boys' era, things were way more brutal."

As if reminded of those days, Jordan shot Rodman a knowing look."Dennis, when we play the Lakers, those kids are yours to handle."

"Leave it to me, Mike," Rodman grinned.

Although Rodman was now wearing a Bulls jersey, his "Bad Boy" DNA hadn't gone anywhere. He'd wrestled Karl Malone in the NBA Finals before, and facing tough guys like Big Ben, Iverson, and Alex Mo sounded like fun to him.

"As for how I'll play with them," Rodman smirked. "That depends on my mood."

In Utah: Karl Malone Joins the Conversation

Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, the Utah Jazz had just wrapped up practice. The team gathered in the locker room when John Stockton noticed the replay on TV.

"Karl, come take a look," Stockton called over. "This No. 1 pick might've been taking notes from you."

Karl Malone walked over, wiping sweat from his forehead. After watching Alex Mo's plays for a few seconds, the "Mailman" stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Yeah, his elbow work does look familiar," Malone admitted. "He's right on the edge—any bigger, and it'd be a foul. Any softer, and it wouldn't have the same impact."

As they say, "amateurs watch the show, experts watch the technique."

Karl Malone could immediately tell that Alex Mo's elbow game wasn't just for show—it was perfectly calibrated.

However, the Mailman couldn't help but chuckle.

"He's good, but not better than me."

Jazz Coach's Warning

As the conversation continued, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan joined them.

"Karl, John, you guys keeping tabs on the Lakers?" Sloan asked. "They're on a 9-game winning streak, and with two rookies leading the way, they might just be this season's dark horse in the West."

The Jazz had their sights set on the NBA Finals this season. To get there, they had to survive the wild, unpredictable Western Conference.

In addition to traditional powerhouses like the Houston Rockets and Seattle SuperSonics, the young and fiery Lakers were emerging as serious challengers.

"Them? A team led by two rookies?" Karl Malone laughed. "Come on, coach. The future might belong to those kids, but right now, the West is ours."

John Stockton wasn't so quick to dismiss the Lakers. "Still, it's best to be prepared," he thought. "Alex Mo and Allen Iverson are dangerous—especially together."

NBA's Official Punishments

On November 19, the NBA officially announced the punishments for the Minneapolis brawl:

Kevin Garnett received a $50,000 fine and 12 hours of community service. He managed to avoid suspension, but Garnett couldn't help but regret his decision to throw the ball at Alex Mo.

"Why didn't I just let it go out of bounds?" he muttered, touching his still-tender nose.

The Timberwolves players who surrounded Iverson received verbal warnings and community service as well.

Ben Wallace was hit the hardest. He was suspended for 6 games, fined $80,000, and given 36 hours of community service.

"But I didn't even hit him!" Big Ben protested.

Unfortunately for him, David Stern had made it clear: "You've already been warned once. This time, you pay the price."

Allen Iverson received a 4-game suspension and a $150,000 fine for punching Garnett. But Iverson didn't seem to care at all.

In fact, Reebok had just signed him to a new endorsement deal and offered to cover his fine. Iverson shrugged it off, thinking, "Guess I just got a paid vacation."

Single-Core Mode Activated

With Iverson suspended, the media buzzed with speculation:

"Can Alex Mo lead the Lakers on his own?"

ESPN released a preview, questioning whether Mo's success had always depended on Iverson's presence.

Coach Del Harris wasn't having it. He tossed a newspaper onto Mo's table at the practice facility.

"Mo, the media is doubting your ability to lead the team solo."

Mo glanced at the headlines but didn't bother reading further. "So what do you want me to do, coach? Slap them all?"

Del Harris chuckled. "Not literally. Just give them a metaphorical slap—with your performance."

He clapped a hand on Mo's shoulder.

"For the next four games, you'll have unlimited firepower. Go out there and show the world what you can do. Make them regret ever doubting you."

A confident smile spread across Alex Mo's face. "You got it, coach."