Chapter 99: I am indeed a center!
"Tsk tsk..."
Listening to Jose, even Mario, who already knew the details, couldn't help but be amazed by the dazzling records set by Carlos tonight. If this were a live broadcast, the barrage of "my god" in the comment section would surely cover the entire screen.
After Jose finished speaking, Mario took a deep breath and then said, "A center, a rookie center from Mexico. Facing the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, with only 3.8 seconds left, trailing by 1 point, and without possession of the ball.
With a magical steal and a half-court sprint, he outran the clock, finishing with a layup at the extreme distance to achieve the buzzer-beater. Truly... this is a game-winning play full of imagination, something that all basketball elites must yearn for, up until the last moment, the last second. You never know what will happen next, what kind of reversal will take place, and that's basketball, that's the charm of competitive sports!"
...
On the court...
The cheers and shouts, like a landslide and tsunami, continued.
"MVP!"
Someone shouted "MVP," and then more people joined in, becoming unstoppable.
"MVP!"
"MVP!!"
The exclusive "MVP" cheers for Carlos surged higher and higher, echoing throughout the arena, making tonight Carlos's "MVP" night.
Amidst the cheers, the excited Iverson in the audience said, "Carlos, well done, kid! Reminds me of my style back in the day. No, it's almost like déjà vu."
Iverson saying this? Yes...
"The Answer" Iverson had a similar game in the 04/05 season, a showdown between the 76ers and the Wizards, where he hit the game-winning shot against the Wizards.
At that time...
The time was also just 3.9 seconds, and Allen Iverson also completed a steal. And... he ran half the court, made a layup at the extreme distance, and won the game against the Wizards. Tonight's buzzer-beater by Carlos is truly a mirror image of Iverson's buzzer-beater against the Wizards.
Thinking of his own past, Iverson's gaze fell on Carlos. He walked over, and Carlos, upon seeing Iverson, smiled and said, "Hey, Iverson... thank you!"
"Thank me?"
Iverson was a bit puzzled.
Yes...
If it weren't for Iverson giving him an autograph, Carlos couldn't have activated the system, couldn't have obtained "Iverson's talent," and wouldn't have what he has now.
Of course, he had to thank him!
"Thank you for giving me your autograph," Carlos said with a smile.
"Ah—"
Iverson finally remembered, recalling the recent battle against the Wizards where Carlos asked him for an autograph in a somewhat "unreasonable" manner.
"Hehe!"
Iverson chuckled and said, "Tonight, you are the protagonist, the most shining star. Can you give me an autograph, future superstar?"
"Oh?"
Carlos blinked and modestly said, "I dare not, I dare not. I'm just a rookie. You are a legendary superstar. But..."
Changing the subject, Carlos raised an eyebrow and smiled, "If you really want my autograph, it's not impossible."
"Hmm?"
"Hahaha!"
The two looked at each other and laughed.
Iverson said, "Carlos, you played great tonight. You defeated the opponent I couldn't beat back then. However, even so, don't be proud. Because... this is just the regular season; the playoffs are the stage for true strength. Only by defeating the Lakers on that stage can you be the real winner."
"Yeah..."
Carlos nodded; he also knew this.
Iverson, who liked hip-hop culture, was not a standoffish person. The two quickly became acquainted, chatted for a while, and then Iverson left.
They exchanged numbers before parting ways.
And just as Iverson left, Kobe walked over, embraced Carlos, and greeted him, saying, "Tonight, you won, Carlos. You played exceptionally well."
Carlos waved his hand, saying, "It's just a stroke of luck, the last chance you guys gave."
"Hey!" Kobe shook his head, "I don't think our defense was the issue. Being able to steal is your skill, and not every center can run half the court in such a short time. Perhaps only you can do it."
"Oh, really?"
"It seems so."
Carlos scratched his head and didn't argue further. Humility is a virtue, but being overly humble can appear contrived, especially facing someone as straightforward as Kobe. There was no need for that.
"Hehe—" Kobe laughed heartily, then stared at Carlos seriously, "Carlos, I'll be waiting for you in the playoffs. I hope... to meet you on the Western Conference Finals stage. By then, we'll battle like men in a 7-game series!"
"No problem!" Carlos nodded firmly.
Kobe nodded back and then said, "But, kid, are you really a rookie? Why so sharp-tongued? Your trash talk is really irritating."
"Oh, this!" Suddenly being "praised," Carlos didn't know if it was good or bad. After thinking for a moment, he smiled awkwardly and said, "If you want, I can teach you!"
"Tch!"
"Forget it, no need!"
Kobe waved his hand, turned around, and left in a chic manner. Carlos pursed his lips, "If you don't want to learn, then I'll be a bit more 'sharp-tongued' next time."
As the absolute MVP of tonight, Carlos undoubtedly attracted much attention.
Just as Kobe left, ESPN's renowned reporter "Woj" rushed over, holding a microphone, excitedly saying, "Carlos... you played amazingly tonight! Thirteen three-pointers, 65 points, a steal and layup at 3.8 seconds, tonight you were unstoppable. This night seems to exist just for your performance. Tonight, you were flawless, impeccable; you are the best!"
Hiss—
Here comes a series of fancy compliments. Even with Carlos's temperament, it was a bit hard to adapt. He scratched his head, showed a professional smile, and said, "No, no, just had a better feel, hit some shots."
"Don't be modest. You are the best." Woj interrupted with a smile and then asked, "Carlos, may I ask, in the final 3.8 seconds, when the team was behind, and the ball was still with the Lakers, what was your mentality?"
"Uh..." Carlos thought for a moment and said, "I held onto the time, never gave up hope."
"Amazing!" Woj nodded repeatedly, exclaimed, "As a rookie, being able to maintain such a good mindset in such a difficult moment and eventually performing a steal and layup for the buzzer-beater. Carlos, your 'big heart' ability is truly extraordinary. This is a big heart that only superstars can possess. I also believe you will definitely become a superstar in the future!"
"Thank you!" Carlos smiled. While Woj continued excitedly, Carlos couldn't contain himself, and he continued, "Really, hitting 13 three-pointers, scoring 65 points. At the crucial moment... stealing from Artest, and then sprinting half the court with only 3.8 seconds left, finally scoring with a layup. All of this... is not something a center can do. Carlos, in my eyes, with your extraordinary physical talents, you are a 'big two' forward, or a 'big three' scoring guard!"
Woj echoed the words Olajuwon said earlier. After his remarks, the entire arena shook, erupting into even more enthusiastic cheers, expressing strong approval.
In response, Carlos just shook his head, smiled faintly, and said, "I am indeed a center!"
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