章 154: Celtics VS Suns
The day after.
The Suns flew to Boston to face the Celtics at the TD Garden, the Celtics' home arena.
At 8 PM...
An hour before the game, both teams were already warming up on the court, and the stands were almost filled with fans, all of whom couldn't contain their excitement, showing up early to support the Celtics and maximize the home-court atmosphere.
This match of the day also attracted several celebrities, such as 'Superman' Dwight Howard and the NBA's first overall draft pick John Wall, who were there to see if the Suns could live up to their reputation.
Additionally...
'Basketball God' Michael Jordan and his famed teammate 'Batman' Scottie Pippen were in attendance.
"Michael, which team do you favor tonight?" Pippen asked with a laugh, his gaze on Carlos, who wore the number '0' jersey and was warming up on the court. Chewing gum, Jordan pursed his lips and replied:
"I'm actually hoping Carlos wins. The league could use some fresh blood to continue showcasing basketball at its highest level. However...
After a 22-game winning streak, the Suns have become a target for many teams. Continuing this streak will undoubtedly meet with fierce resistance.
You know...
The talk is that this rookie, Carlos, is going to explode against the Celtics' All-Star five. For Ray Allen, Pierce, Garnett, O'Neal, and Rondo, that's a matter of pride, and they won't let the Suns walk over them, especially not Carlos. And tonight, on the Celtics' home court, it won't be easy for the Suns to win."
"Indeed..."
Pippen nodded and added, "The Celtics have strong overall strength, and despite currently being fourth in the Eastern Conference, their seasoned experience makes them formidable opponents. Especially in the playoffs, their experience is a major advantage that can propel them towards a championship run!"
"Yes..."
In the stands...
Jordan, Pippen, and the fans enjoyed pre-game discussions.
Meanwhile, across the ocean in Mexico, in a television studio...
José clenched his fists, nervously saying, "Mr. Miguel, to be honest, I'm feeling unexpectedly tense, despite having commented for so many years."
"Yes..."
Miguel smiled and responded, "I'm a bit nervous too. Today could be the night when Carlos surpasses Gustavo Ayon, marking a new milestone in our basketball history. I'm so looking forward to it!
However, the Suns can't take it lightly. As the public says, it's Carlos against the Celtics' All-Star five – a true All-Star caliber opponent. It won't be easy!"
"Exactly!"
José nodded earnestly and said, "The tension comes from wanting Carlos to win against such a strong opponent. But I will unconditionally cheer for Carlos and support the Suns! Hopefully, they can continue their unstoppable momentum, laugh last today, and secure the second-longest winning streak in history with 23 consecutive wins!"
The game progressed swiftly amid widespread anticipation.
On the court...
After the warm-up...
Both teams' starting lineups took to the floor for the second and final regular-season clash between the two sides.
"Jump, ball!"
The tip-off between Carlos and O'Neal.
Carlos, who hadn't lost a jump ball to date, leaped up like a shot from a cannon, tipping the ball away from O'Neal once again.
"Snap!"
Nash caught the ball and advanced to the top of the key, while Carlos set a screen for Curry without the ball. Curry circled out and called for the pass.
"Step!"
Ray Allen quickly followed suit, with Pierce also ready to help on the wing.
"Whoosh!"
Nash passed the ball. Not to Curry, though, but to Carlos, who had moved to the right corner after setting the screen and was now left unguarded.
"Snap!"
Carlos caught the ball and without hesitation, launched a three-pointer.
Garnett from the paint reacted quickly but could only stretch out in vain as Carlos released the ball. The high release point left Garnett wanting.
Turning back, he watched in astonishment.
"Swoosh!"
A heart-piercing shot...
The ball swished through the net.
A three-pointer for Carlos, setting the tone for a potential 23-game winning streak.
Celtics' possession...
Rondo brought the ball up, passing it to Pierce at the top of the key. Rondo cut to the basket, signaling for a pass, while Pierce drove past Carter.
"Swish!"
Pierce went under the rim and hook-passed the ball back.
Rondo, having moved to the left high post, caught the ball and without a pause, flicked it behind without looking, finding Ray Allen circling to the top of the key.
"Whoosh!"
Ray Allen raised up and fired a cold-blooded three-pointer.
"Swoosh!"
A swift release...
And the three-pointer hit its mark...
A direct response.
Celtics (3): (3) Suns.
Suns' possession...
Curry brought the ball up, with Carlos once again setting a screen and then flaring out to the side, calling for the ball. Pierce hurried over to cover.
Ray Allen was in front of Curry but was mindful of Carlos as well.
At that moment...
"Whoosh!"
Curry launched an unexpected three-pointer, catching Ray Allen off guard who hurried to contest.
To little effect...
"Swoosh!"
Accompanied by a crisp net sound, Curry's three-pointer found its target.
"Catch off guard!"
Ray Allen, realizing his focus had been drawn by Carlos, neglected Curry.
Rondo pushed the ball up, passed it to Pierce, who, after drawing out the defense, again accelerated and drove hard against Carter.
"Bang, bang, bang!"
After a series of physical plays, Pierce spun around, shaking off Carter and pulling up for a jumper.
"Clang!"
Missed...
Under the rim, Garnett leaped powerfully, tipping the ball away from Frye, with Rondo catching the ball at the right high post and immediately accelerating with a feint drive.
"Whoosh!"
He passed to Ray Allen in the low right post, who caught the ball, stepped back to the three-point line, and with another raise of his hand, launched another three-pointer. His hot hand delivered back-to-back threes.
"Swoosh!"
Another three-pointer sank.
"Boom!"
Ray Allen started with two straight threes, eliciting a thunderous cheer from the home crowd, further inflaming an already heated atmosphere.
But...
This heat didn't last 24 seconds.
"Whoosh!"
Carlos, handling the ball himself, stood a meter outside the three-point line on the left elbow, and faced with Garnett's defense, fired off a long-distance three-pointer.
"Hmm!"
In the midst of a cold snort, Garnett went up to contest, but was still slightly short.
The basketball sailed over his fingertips, spinning through the air, and plunged straight into the net, causing a splash.
"Swoosh!"
It also hit...
Returning the favor straight on.
"Wow!"
Back in the Mexican National Sports TV studio, Miguel opened his mouth in a smile and said, "Ray Allen, Curry, and Carlos, three of the league's top shooters. When they share the stage, it's a three-point shootout with splashing all around."
"Hehehe!"
José also chuckled, "When three shooters take center stage, each delivers a performance. In the first two minutes, five threes were made, igniting the highly anticipated battle straight into an intense state."
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