Bab 150: At their peak
The Suns (42) are leading the Rockets (27).
Carlos has scored 29 points in a single quarter, outscoring the entire Rockets team by himself, turning the first quarter into his own personal showcase.
The lead is 15 points at the end of the quarter.
As Carlos nails his seventh deep three-pointer at the buzzer, the home crowd erupts into thunderous cheers. Countless fans are raising their arms, wildly waving flags and banners in celebration.
Cheering for Carlos, for the Phoenix Suns, for Carlos who has become their savior – they're going crazy!
"Carlos is amazing!"
"29 points in a quarter, more than the whole Rockets team – what kind of sorcery is this offense? Insane!"
"Unbelievable."
"Carlos, this revolutionary center, is too strong!"
The atmosphere in the home arena is electric!
"Shh!"
On the Rockets' bench.
Players like Martin and Battier are feeling the hostile energy of the away game, shuddering as they look at Carlos' 29 points and the 15-point deficit.
Their faces show their distress.
The fiery speeches about winning the game before the match, the blazing passion in their hearts... now nearly extinguished, with only embers left.
"Can we still win this?!"
Rookie forward Patrick Patterson mutters, and Lowry shakes his head slightly.
Win? How?
How can you win against a player who has hit 7 three-pointers, scored 29 points in a single quarter, and outscored your entire team?!
Of course...
Lowry might think this way, partly because his morale was shattered by Carlos dunking on him.
And while Martin is still in good form, Scola and other Rockets players haven't thought about giving up, at least not after just the first quarter.
A 15-point deficit.
There's still a chance...
In the second quarter...
It starts with the rotation among the reserves.
Considering the first quarter was almost a solo performance by Carlos, coach Gentry starts the second quarter with Curry and Carter on the floor, paired with George.
During a 4-minute and 13-second rotation.
Already ahead by 15 points, the Suns play even more fiercely. Curry's shooting and Carter's seemingly rejuvenated dunking highlight the night.
And the rookie, Paul George.
"Swish!"
Known mostly for his defense this season, tonight he hits 2 three-pointers, not just off screens, but in one-on-one situations.
This sort of solo performance...
Shows a glimpse of a future 'Jordan-esque' grace, and defensively, he continues to excel in his role.
On the bench...
Coach Gentry watches every moment, etching it into his memory.
"Whistle!"
Rockets' head coach, Rick Adelman, quickly calls for a timeout. Because... the deficit has grown from 15 to 21 points, even without Carlos on the court.
Carlos sits on the edge of the bench, celebrating with high-fives with Curry, George, and others who return to the sideline.
On the Rockets' bench.
Rick Adelman gathers his players with a tactical board, focusing them with the words, "Guys, get serious. Do you want the Suns to tie our winning streak by stepping on our heads?
I don't!
No matter how tough it is tonight, we have to rally, we must turn this around, we have to win this game, we have to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and end the Suns' 21-game winning streak. Got it?!"
The Rockets players respond loudly.
Despite being 21 points behind and some, like a dejected Lowry, having lost their composure, they haven't given up, including Battier, who's been blown past repeatedly.
His mindset is still positive.
However… as much as their spirit is willing and their confidence is intact, in the face of such overwhelming power and an insurmountable point difference, it all seems in vain.
As the starters return…
When the Rockets begin to double-team Carlos and intensify their defense against him, not only are they unable to fully restrain him, but they also further liberate other Suns players.
By halftime…
Carlos scores another 11 points under strict defense, and the lead skyrockets from 21 to a staggering 31 points. The Rockets are blown away by the halftime score. They want to win, but they just can't keep up!
The 31-point deficit turns the entire second half into garbage time.
Carlos, with 40 points including eight 3-pointers in the first half, doesn't play in the second half, and the game sees no turnaround. In the end, the Suns win by 23 points, achieving their 22nd consecutive victory!
Inside the Mexican National Sports Television Studio.
As the timer lights up for the last quarter, Mario claps and laughs, "Hehe, congratulations to the Suns for defeating the Rockets and achieving their 22nd consecutive victory of the season. This win is significant, isn't it?"
"Absolutely..."
Jose interjects, "Before we go on, we need to acknowledge tonight's MVP, Carlos, and his impressive stats.
Seven 3-pointers in a single quarter, 29 points in the first quarter alone, which is 2 points more than the entire Rockets team, and 40 points by halftime.
These are Carlos's stats for tonight. Looking at the NBA's historical single-quarter scoring list, only seven players stand ahead of Carlos with the likes of Vernon Maxwell, Jordan, and Kobe scoring 30 points in a quarter, 'Big Dipper' Chamberlain with 31, David Thompson with 32, George Gervin with 33, and 'Melo' Anthony also with 33, which is the record for points in a quarter.
All these players were at their peak when they hit these numbers.
Now...
Carlos, as a rookie, has entered the top 10 of this list, which is incredible. Also… his 29 points set the record for points in a quarter by a rookie.
Record after record is being rewritten by Carlos.
With his 29 points tonight, I also believe that soon, Carlos will be able to break the record of 33 points in a quarter held by Anthony and George Gervin!
Go, Carlos!"
"Yep!"
Mario smiles, saying, "It's widely acknowledged that Carlos is awesome, his performance has always been very consistent, even on an off day, I believe his stats are heights many stars can't reach.
Tonight…
Carlos, with his 29 points in a single quarter, leads the Suns to their 22nd consecutive victory, officially equaling the 22-game winning streak of the '07-08 Rockets in the 'GT' era.
Defeating the 20-win Bucks for their 20th straight win, and seizing their 22nd against the Rockets with 22 victories, the Suns are just that unreasonable, that dominant in matching the record!
Carlos also equals Mexico's strongest player, Gustavo Ayon, with the longest streak of 22 consecutive NBA wins, and as a rookie, no less – Carlos is incredible!
He's the pride of Mexico! But... the game a day later against the Celtics will undoubtedly be the best showdown to watch!"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone