Chapter 152: Knicks vs Boston: Finale
~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 9:51 PM)~~~
There are only 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, and we're down by two points. I've been in the whole game. We're about to come out of a time-out and get back on the court. I look over to Boston and see how exhausted everyone over there is.
My eyes then drift over and see Ellie and Hannah standing there. Everyone is on their feet. Bianca and William are right there, along with them. There is hope, despair, and adrenaline going through them. But, my heart is beating calmly.
Most people would be scared of this moment. Worried they'll fail. I don't feel that. Maybe I should. I heard that kind of fear can motivate you if you harness it right.
"Alright, guys, let's get the lead back and finish our first game strong."
Tom claps his hands as the refs blow the whistle. The score is 114 to 116 in favor of Boston.
I've got 52 Points, 13 rebounds, 14 Assists, 3 blocks, and 1 Steal. It's been an amazing performance in my NBA Debut, but if we don't win this game. It's not going to mean anything. Not to me. I want to win and be the best. I don't want one or the other.
I'm given the ball on the inbound, and as soon as I cross half-court I'm double-teamed by Smart and Tatum again. It's been happening every possession since the second quarter.
Tatum hasn't had a great game. I've shut him down on the defensive end and held my obligation to the system's mission. All there is left to do is win, and that's what I'm going to do.
I have to pass the ball away to Barret. He's not open since Brown is the one guarding him, and I get a screen from Jericho and Robinson. I get free, and he passed the ball to me. I elevate and hit a two-point on the baseline, fading away.
Evening up the score at 116 to 116. There is little under a minute and thirty seconds left.
I'm guarding Tatum on the defensive end like I have all game. But instead of going to Tatum for the important shot, they use Brown. Which is smart, and he hits the three-pointer. Making the score 116 to 119.
The Knicks crowd is deflated after that, and since there are no time-outs left. That means we're playing full court. Brunson is the one to bring the ball down the court, and I try to get free. But they're all over me.
In the final 3 seconds of the possession, I get the ball behind the 3-point line. I'm far back, and Tatum and Smart are already crowding me. I elevate for the shot and release it right before the buzzer goes off.
Knocking down the shot and tying up the score 119 to 119. There is less than a minute left at this point, and the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden is constantly changing.
The Boston team runs a couple of screens, and they go to brown again. To the frustration of Tom, he gets an easy dunk in the freeness of the paint since no one was there to stop him.
"C'mon!! Tighten up on defense!!"
Tom isn't happy about that.
I make my way down the court, and the score is now 119 to 121. Boston still has the lead, and there is a chance for a two-for-one for us.
In a spur of speed and agility, I cut to the basket, and Barret sees this. He lobs the ball up, and I throw it down for another 2 points. Tying up the score once again.
Boston has one possession left, and so do were. We're full-court pressing Boston, and they get it down the court. They go to Tatum this time since I'm guarding Brown. Tatum takes the shot and misses the most important shot of the game for them.
I'm waiting down the court with three guys around me that are from Boston. They're staying close to their assignments, but they're inching closer.
I break free from Smart and Tatum. As I get the ball from the top of the 3-point line. I lift off the ground and take my shot. It sours through the air as there are only 4 seconds on the shot clock left.
It's nothing but net.
Making the score 122 to 121, with 1.8 seconds left on the clock for Boston. The crowd goes crazy, and Boston players are absolutely stunned.
I just took their hearts out of their chests.
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