Chapter 143: Knicks v. Celtics I
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~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~
~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 7:50 PM)~~~
There are about 10 minutes left until the game starts, and with each passing moment, my heart beats faster. Watching Ulysses play in the Summer League was what I thought watching him play in the NBA felt like.
But I was wrong. Seeing him out there on the court is one of the most amazing things I've experienced. It breaks my heart Sis couldn't be here to see this. But they're watching from above.
"Why do you think the refs are letting players foul him so hard?"
William and Bianca are talking to Hannah. The conversation is one that's been a hot topic in recent days. Many people are torn between whether this is right or wrong. Knicks fans are livid that the refs are doing this to Ulysses.
Others aren't that vocal about it. They know it's not fair, but when Ulysses plays against their teams. They'll want those unfair calls.
"That's because Ulysses is too good at basketball. They need some way to level out the playing field. Not calling fouls is a perfect way to even the odds for people against Ulysses."
Hannah does a great job explaining it to William. The NBA has made rule changes for specific players before. Only those of exceptional talent and impact on the court have had these rules made. Ulysses is one of those players, and it's something he'll have to deal with.
~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 8:00 PM)~~~
The game is starting, and I head over to my spot at the jump ball. I look at my match-up, and Jayson Tatum looks locked in for a fight. Veteran players know they shouldn't underestimate me. It'll be detrimental to their chances of winning.
As the ref walks to the center of the court for the jump ball, I get a mission from the system.
[Unlucky Clover]
[Details: Defensively shut down Jayson Tatum.]
[Objective 1: Keep Jayson Tatum from scoring more than 15 points.]
[Objective 2: Keep Jayson Tatum from having a 50% field-goal percentage or better.]
[Objective 3: Keep Jayson Tatum from having a 33% 3-point percentage or better.]
[Rewards: Unknown]
[Failure: You must complete 2/3 objectives, or you'll suffer the loss of a random badge.]
This is an interesting mission... All the missions I've gotten from the system have been about how well I play. This is the first time I've had one that's dedicated to shutting down a person. No other goals except for that.
It's curious, to be sure, but I should lock in too. The ref stands between Jericho Sims and Noah Vonleh.
[A/N: Noah Vonleh is running Center for the Celtics in this story since I figured Al Horford would be retired by now. After all, the rosters for each team are based on this year. With some minor changes here and there.]
The ref throws the ball into the air, and Jericho wins the tipoff. The ball finds its way into Jalen Brunson's hands. Our PG brings it down the court, and I'm already getting smothered by Jayson Tatum on the wing.
A screen by Jericho frees me up, and I get to a good spot for a 3-pointer. I elevate, and as the shot leaves my hands, I find myself on the way to the ground. Marcus Smart is on his way down with me.
The shot sinks for the first 3 points of the game, but the whistle wasn't blown for a foul. The crowd is already booing and screaming at the refs.
RJ and Jalen rush over to help me up. I get to my feet, and I don't react. However, Tom Thibodeau is livid, and he's yelling at the refs from the bench. It's the game's first possession, and we're already at the point of yelling.
I make my way over to the coach, and I push him away from the refs with the rest of the coaching staff.
"Relax, it's the start of the game. It's only the beginning when it comes to stuff like this. They won't be calling anything like that when I'm shooting the ball."
He doesn't look happy, but the refs make the game resume, and I'm on defense guarding Tatum.
This is going to be an interesting game.
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