Once again the Wizards!（ +1 chapter for our 358 power stones）

Who is it?!

With a sense of confusion, Carlos, after getting permission from the security guard on duty, entered the training facility.

At this moment...

The player training in the facility turned out to be none other than Stephen Curry.

"Curry?!"

Carlos exclaimed in surprise, "Why aren't you going home at this late hour? You're still training here."

"Carlos?!"

Clearly...

Curry was also surprised that Carlos came over at this time, "And what about you? It's already early morning, why are you here?"

In the rest area...

Curry wiped away the sweat, sighed, and looked somewhat disappointed, "To be honest, in that showdown with the Lakers, the last dribbling mistake that led to going out of bounds, wasting a possession, almost cost us the game. I'm really sorry. Although you pulled off a miracle in the end, winning the game, my mistake is an unavoidable reality. You know, if I hadn't made that mistake, the three-pointer with almost an open shot would have had a high chance of going in. The possibility of a buzzer-beater would have been much greater, at least... I think the probability of me winning the game with that method would be much higher."

He didn't expect Carlos to respond, just to have someone to listen to.

Curry continued, "A buzzer-beater with a steal and layup in 3.8 seconds, something that may not happen once in a season, a year, or even several years. But if I keep making mistakes, it will only endlessly drag down the team. In the end... it's because I'm not good enough, Carlos... I don't have your physique and talent, so I have to work even harder to establish myself in the NBA."

So, this was why he was diligently practicing three-pointers late at night.

Understanding the situation, Carlos comforted him a bit. After accompanying Curry in training for a while, the two of them returned. But Carlos felt happy inside.

Because he knew.

Even in his sophomore year, Curry's change in mentality and determination, something that should have taken several more years, might happen sooner, and he could become an unreasonable super shooter ahead of schedule.

And this...

was one of the reasons Carlos chose Curry!

...

The next morning...

Suns' training facility!

Coach Gentry gathered the players, smiling, "Guys, how was your Christmas after the 17-game winning streak?"

"Nice!"

Dragic gave a thumbs up, George nodded, saying, "It feels great, a fantastic Christmas."

"Very nice!"

Curry also cheered with a fist pump. Clearly, he was so lively now despite being so dejected last night. As expected... kids are kids in reality!

"Pretty good."

Carlos also nodded, thinking about the enjoyable time spent with Cindy.

"That's good, I'm happy too."

Gentry smiled, then took out the schedule, saying, "After a pleasant Christmas, let's focus back on the regular season. Next... we have six opponents: the Wizards, Spurs, Bucks, Jazz, Rockets, and Celtics, except for the Rockets, all are away games! During this stretch, the Rockets, Spurs, and Celtics are all playoff teams, especially the Celtics and Spurs, they are powerhouses. I think you should know how powerful the Celtics' 'Big Four' is. And the Western Conference leader, the Spurs, those three carriages are quite formidable. They are undoubtedly our top opponents on the upcoming winning streak. Be sure to take them seriously. Of course... we can't be careless against the other three teams."

"Oh!"

The players nodded in response. The Suns, with a 17-game winning streak, possessed strong confidence, and with Carlos, the "Big Heart," they were fearless against any opponent.

"Well..."

Seeing the players' attitudes, Gentry nodded in satisfaction, "Let's go, heading to Washington to defeat the first opponent after Christmas... the Wizards."

...

As everyone flew to Washington...

The upcoming game stirred up some controversy on the internet.

A new fan joined the discussion and asked with confusion, "Huh? Why is the debate so intense? The Wizards are the 13th in the East, with a record only better than the Raptors and Cavaliers, who have 'CB4' Bosh and 'King' LeBron. They are just a weak team in the East. Why do people think there's suspense in the Suns vs. Wizards matchup? What's the controversy?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"It looks like you didn't watch the game yesterday. In the Wizards vs. Thunder matchup last night, Wall, facing Harden, Russell, and Kevin in the third quarter, had an impressive performance. A drive, a three-pointer, a floater—three consecutive plays, scoring over the heads of these three players, ignited the Wizards' home court. Wall, who had an explosive performance throughout the game, scored a career-high 44 points, along with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Despite ultimately losing the game, his individual performance shone throughout. After the game, even Kevin couldn't help but praise Wall as a highly talented and strong rookie. Importantly, after a period of low performance last month, Wall has found his form recently, showing great strength. It seems like he has adapted to the NBA's pace. As the first overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, his outstanding performance directly corresponds to challenging Carlos, the 'super rookie,' and this debate has emerged right at this critical moment before the Suns vs. Wizards matchup. Wall vs. Carlos! It's become the most intense debate topic this afternoon, heating up the Suns vs. Wizards matchup."

...

At 8 PM...

MIC Center Arena.

An hour and a half before the game, both teams were already warming up in the arena. After the break for Christmas and Boxing Day, everyone hadn't played for several days. It was necessary to warm up and find their rhythm.

In the ESPN commentary box...

Van Gundy and Mike Breen were commenting on tonight's game.

Van Gundy straightened his tie and said, "Mike, tonight's game has several highlights."

"Oh? What are the highlights?"

Mike Breen asked with a smile.

Van Gundy continued, "Firstly, tonight is the showdown between Wall and Carlos, the battle of the strongest rookies. Although in my heart, Carlos is the strongest rookie. But, to be honest, Wall's recent performance has indeed been eye-catching. If he can maintain this hot streak, he might be able to compete with Carlos. Secondly, if the Suns win tonight, it will be their 18th consecutive victory, breaking the franchise's winning streak record. Another interesting point is that in the 06/07 season, the season the Suns had their historic 17-game winning streak, it was the Wizards who ended that streak. And tonight... the Suns' opponent is once again the Wizards!"

"Wow!"

Mike Breen was quite surprised, "Is it really such a coincidence?"

"Yes."

"Well... how do you know all this?"

"Huh?"

Van Gundy was also surprised, "Did you not hear about the symposium this afternoon by commentators Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller regarding the mysterious upcoming schedule of the Suns?!"