Zhang Hao's calm demeanor surprised both teams' players—it was overly composed. In such conflicts, it's not just the victim of the foul who loses their composure; even the offenders' teammates get heated.
This feeling of a conflict being suppressed before it truly erupted seemed odd to the Bulls' players, but the Lakers' players felt a surge of energy.
The referees, who had prepared to break up a potential fight, found it most peculiar… Is this high school rookie really the troublemaker some veterans claim?
It doesn't seem so! Such a calm young man.
Even though everyone on the court felt strange, the fans got riled up, shouting Rodman's name loudly.
Both teams' players also got agitated, standing up to watch the game.
The referees remained alert, wary that the conflict might escalate later… They needed to be ready to intervene quickly—preferably before any fights broke out.
Conflicts were normal in this era, and referees were used to it, but they preferred to avoid them.
