French sports car
The following day.
8:30 p.m.
Thirty minutes before the game, the arena is already packed with no seats left unoccupied. Tonight's grand face-off broadcasted nationwide has also attracted the attention of many sports stars.
Such as, the "tennis master" Roger Federer has once again shown up, and famous pop stars Lady Gaga and Avril Lavigne are also here to watch this confrontation.
Additionally...
Last game's defeated top pick Wall is here tonight, too. Has he come to cheer for Carlos?
Certainly not...
After the humiliation of the last game, tonight he wants to see the Spurs end the Suns' winning streak, to watch the "GDP" trio crush Carlos - even if it's through someone else's victory, he wishes to see Carlos taste defeat.
Even if just for once.
Also, last year's number one pick "White Howard" Griffin has come to watch the game. Is he here to root for Carlos?!
Not really...
Carlos's comment after the last game, "The last top pick who said something like that already has grass growing two meters high on his grave." was aimed at Wall. However, Griffin got caught in the crossfire, with the internet abuzz with ridicule towards him.
Griffin is not pleased.
With the Clippers set to play the Spurs tomorrow night, Griffin's visit tonight is not just to scout the competition but also to watch Carlos, the catalyst of his mockery, get a beating.
In the commentary booth...
Jon Barry is brimming with energy, laughing as he says: "Carlos, playing as a center, has such a unique style and entertaining play that watching him is a treat. So... thanks to Carlos's popularity, the Suns' games are now very popular, especially against the stronger teams."
"Yes..."
Mark Jackson nods and adds: "Because of Carlos, Phoenix now rivals the popularity it had during the peak Stat+Nash era.
The key...
This popularity continues to rise rapidly. That's the energy and effect a rising superstar, no, a superstar can bring. Carlos truly is the strongest rookie from Mexico since Gustavo Ayon!"
"Heh!"
Jon Barry chuckles, saying, "Indeed, Carlos's strength is undeniable, but let's cut the chit-chat, the warm-up is over, and the game is about to start. The battle for the top spot in the West between the Spurs and the Suns, number one and number two, is upon us.
Let's see who will reign supreme tonight!"
On the court...
The warm-up ends...
Both teams' starters begin to take the floor.
San Antonio Spurs' starters: 188 cm tall point guard Tony Parker, 198 cm tall shooting guard Manu Ginobili, 201 cm tall small forward Richard Jefferson, 201 cm tall power forward DeJuan Blair, and 211 cm tall center Tim Duncan.
Phoenix Suns' starters: 191 cm tall point guard Steve Nash, 191 cm tall shooting guard Stephen Curry, 198 cm tall small forward Vince Carter, 211 cm tall power forward Channing Frye, and 215 cm tall center Carlos.
"Jump, ball!"
The tip-off between Carlos and Duncan.
Despite Duncan being one of the most formidable power forwards in NBA history, he is also adept at playing center, capable of attacking under the basket.
"Thud!"
Both players leap simultaneously, but Carlos easily tips the ball. Or perhaps Duncan, knowing he can't outjump Carlos, opts not to waste his energy.
"Slap!"
Nash, with practiced ease, catches the ball and advances to the frontcourt for the Suns' first offensive play.
"Bam, bam, bam!"
The ball is controlled at the top of the arc, passed to Carlos at the right elbow, who dribbles once, fakes a drive, then... pulls up for a three-point shot over Jefferson's attempted block.
Unreasonable!
But...
"Clang!"
Carlos doesn't make the shot, and Blair secures the rebound, swiftly passing it to Ginobili who pushes forward to the top of the arc and dishes it to Parker positioned high on the left side.
"Swoosh!"
Parker speeds past Nash, accelerating like a race car, getting in front of Nash with a signature spin move, shaking off Nash's defense, and releasing a floater.
"Swish!"
The shot falls through steadily...
Curry brings the ball up, using a screen from Nash to mismatch and drive past the slower Blair, only to meet Jefferson's help defense, continuing to push one step further.
"Whoosh!"
He passes back to Carlos, who has circled out to his side.
Carlos catches the ball and immediately executes a half-turn jump shot.
"Swish!"
This time, it's good.
However... following closely, Parker, like a race car with no brakes, drives baseline to the basket, facing Carter's help defense. With a spin, he shakes off Carter, ready to layup.
"Whoosh!"
Another ball cradle and spin, eluding Frye, and he scoops it in with his left hand.
"Whistle!"
Not only does the basket count, but the referee also calls a foul on Carter from behind.
"Swish!"
The additional free throw is good...
Parker completes a 3-point play smoothly.
The ball changes hands...
Curry misses a three-pointer, Duncan secures the rebound, and passes to Parker to advance the ball. The "French sports car" has already found his offensive rhythm after attacking twice in a row.
"Swoosh!"
Settling at the top of the arc, he chooses to drive again, but this time the Suns won't let him score easily. Curry steps up, Carter follows on the wing, and Frye is ready under the basket.
"Whoosh!"
Parker, not at all flustered, drives to the right, drawing the defense, then swiftly passes to Duncan on the left low post. Against Frye's defense, Duncan backs down before spinning for a slight fadeaway shot.
Frye goes up for the block, but can't reach Duncan's shot.
"Thud!"
"Swish!"
Another signature bank shot is good.
In the next possession, Parker once again breaks past Nash, entering the free throw lane, then releases a floater with a perfect release point, avoiding Frye's block attempt.
"Swish!"
It's in again...
Tonight, Parker is in top form, attacking continuously, hitting three shots in a row, scoring 7 points, and forcing the Suns to step up their defense on him.
However...
As all eyes are on Parker, Jefferson finds an opportunity on the left corner and launches a three-point bomb.
"Swish!"
The three-pointer hits its mark again.
"Whistle!"
And with Jefferson's three-pointer, Gentry calls a timeout.
Spurs (12): Suns (2).
The Spurs start off with a perfect 12-2 run, leading by 10 points and forcing the Suns, who've won 18 straight, to call a timeout.
Right from the get-go, the Spurs have the Suns reeling.
"Heh!"
In the commentary booth...
Jon Barry shakes his head with a smile, "Tony Parker starts the game 3 for 3, slashing 7 points and dishing out an assist, single-handedly leading the team to a 10-point advantage! The 'French sports car' in full stride... is truly fierce!"