Capítulo 35: 44-44
Arjun's height made him a versatile defender, able to switch from the perimeter to the paint and block shots with ease.
In the NCAA, Arjun's natural talent alone made him a standout defensive player.
"What a monster block!"
"Great wingspan! He gave Augustin a nasty surprise just when he thought his layup was a sure thing."
"After that block, the counterattack was sharp—a bullet pass that set Westbrook up for a one-on-one."
"Westbrook's got some serious hops, that dunk was explosive."
Scouts at courtside were constantly buzzing about Arjun and Westbrook.
Arjun's defense was scoring him points, while Westbrook's speed and power caught many scouts' eyes.
The fans at Oracle Arena were continuously cheering for that brilliant defense and assist.
Especially the UCLA fans, they were thrilled to see Arjun stepping up.
"I told you, Arjun's no fluke."
"We were only passive because Arjun wasn't in."
Texas was only four points ahead now, and their momentum seemed stifled.
Augustin dribbled up the court, hesitant to make a move himself after Arjun's intimidating block had left a mark on him.
He passed the ball to Durant, still guarded by Arjun.
Durant, struggling to find space, decided to keep driving hard.
He made a big crossover move at the top of the key, between the free-throw and three-point lines.
Despite not shaking Arjun off completely, he forced the shot.
Though the move was simple, Durant relied on it to dominate most defenders.
But Arjun wasn't phased by such tactics—quick reflexes, matching talent, and knowing Durant's move wasn't unstoppable.
Arjun stretched his long arms, fully contesting the shot.
Durant, trying to avoid the block, adjusted the arc of his shot.
"Clang!"
The ball hit the front of the rim, a clear miss.
UCLA's big men were boxed out by Texas, and just when it seemed UCLA would lose the defensive rebound, Westbrook leaped up.
"This rebound is mine!" Westbrook roared as he grabbed the ball.
The centers cleared out, an opportunity too good to miss.
"Here, Russell." Trusting Westbrook's rebounding, Arjun quickly filled the lane.
Westbrook forcefully threw the ball forward!
Near midcourt, Arjun caught Westbrook's pass.
Augustin and Durant both hustled back, with Augustin helping to guard Arjun.
Arjun dribbled forward, slowing down right before the three-point line as if he was going to pull up for a shot.
Augustin lunged at him, but Arjun didn't pull up,instead, he faked him out with a slick pump fake.
Augustin was fooled, and by the time Durant got back to the front of the paint, he was just covering up.
Arjun, ball in hand, charged forward.
Facing Durant, Arjun didn't slow down but instead gathered for a Euro step.
With long strides, he moved from Durant's left to his right, completely bypassing him, took off, and slammed the ball with his left hand.
"Clang!"
44-42.
Arjun's Euro step wasn't just a layup,it was a dunk right in Durant's face.
Arjun hung on the rim, letting his body swing with it.
Durant looked disheveled under the basket, caught off guard by Arjun's moves.
"Timeout!!!"
Texas's coach immediately called for a break.
The game had clearly shifted in UCLA's favor.
For Arjun, it was just another dunk, but for the fans, it was a visually stunning display.
Arjun's dunk was a perfect blend of skill and physical talent.
His move resembled something the Greek Freak might pull off, though the real Greek Freak wasn't around yet, but it was still breathtaking.
Everyone in the arena and on the sidelines was stunned.
"This guy's a beast."
"A Euro step into a dunk..."
"His physical talent is top draft pick material."
"He's a point guard, but he plays like a forward."
The commentator was going wild.
"Arjun, you're incredible!"
"Ha, he dunked it like it was nothing."
"Oh, God!"
As soon as the timeout was called, UCLA players swarmed around Arjun, high-fiving and chest-bumping him.
Arjun had only been on the court for two minutes, and he'd already helped UCLA close the gap to just two points.
Now the teams were neck and neck, and the Bruins were feeling confident.
Arjun high-fived every teammate.
He wasn't cocky, his expression calm,it wasn't time to relax yet.
During the timeout, Coach Howland emphasized building the offense around Arjun.
Arjun had the highest authority on the court,no one was to go against his commands.
Howland knew well that UCLA's depth could only be fully utilized through Arjun.
This was why UCLA had swept through the tournament and regional championships undefeated.
Westbrook, too, stayed on the court due to his stellar performance, tasked with driving and finding Arjun.
Westbrook's presence was a nightmare for Texas's defense, creating numerous opportunities for Arjun.
Soon, the timeout ended.
Durant looked at Arjun with determined eyes, feeling immense pressure for the first time.
Arjun's height and reach were on par with his, making it tough for Durant to score easily against him.
Durant dribbled up the court, still under Arjun's watchful defense.
Facing Arjun, Durant tried multiple crossovers.
Left!
Right!
Arjun stuck close to him.
Arjun was quick, denying Durant any advantage.
Eventually, Durant had to pass the ball.
Augustin tried to initiate an attack, but Westbrook wasn't intimidated by his dribbling and kept pressuring him, leaving Augustin no chance to shoot.
Augustin passed the ball away.
With Augustin and Durant both tightly guarded, Texas couldn't break through UCLA's defense.
UCLA's advantage was even more apparent in other positions.
In the end, Texas was forced into a 35-second violation.
Once UCLA found their rhythm in offense and defense, Texas faced challenges not just from Arjun.
UCLA's offense.
Westbrook brought the ball up.
He passed it to Arjun.
Arjun directed the tactical movements, then passed it back to Westbrook, signaling him to drive.
Westbrook nodded, called for a screen, and Raynor stepped up to set it.
Westbrook exploded past Raynor's screen.
His drive was like a sharp sword thrusting straight into the opponent's heart.
Durant moved to help defend.
Westbrook quickly passed to Arjun, who had positioned himself near the right baseline for a long two-pointer.
Augustin was on him, attempting a normal block.
Augustin thought his leap would disrupt Arjun.
But Arjun didn't even glance at Augustin, shooting normally.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
"Swish!"
44-44.
After the basket, Arjun taunted Augustin, "DJ, you'd need another four inches to bother that shot."
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