Knicks vs Boston: Second Half III

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 9:14 PM)~~~

We're a little past halfway through the third quarter. The score is tied at 85 to 85. I've been getting my teammates involved with Assists. I've also gotten some Rebounds on the defensive and offensive ends.

The main squad is taking a break on the bench. That means out of our starting five. I'm the only one left on the court. They needed the break, so I'll hold it down.

My drive to stay on the court has caused both Brown and Tatum to stay on as well. I'm bringing the ball down the court since we have possession. It doesn't take long for Tatum and Smart to double-team me. I'm tempted not to pass, but I do this the right way first.

"Don't think you can hold us on your own. Not even you can take on an entire team."

Smart is the one chatting into my ear as I move with the offense. I get a screen to get free, and I'm passed the ball. I drive into the paint and put up a beautiful floater. Knocking down the shot for 2 points. Making the score 87 to 85.

I'm jogging next to Tatum as I head for the defensive end to guard him.

"You can tell your corner shooting bitch boy I'm gonna make him regret speaking to me."

Of course, I'm speaking about Smart right now. Tatum doesn't look the slightest bit amused at my jab at his teammate. I doubt he'll tell him that. Smart is the one to bring the ball down the court this time. He passes it to Tatum, and I'm immediately smothering him.

He gets a screen from his teammate, and I'm able to get passed the guy better. Sticking to Tatum and making him frustrated as I reach in for the ball. A whistle is blown, and I'm given my fourth foul of the game.

The crowds and Tom are going crazy at the refs since it was a good steal attempt. It also puts Boston in the bonus. Meaning Tatum gets two free throws.

He sinks the shots. Making the score 87 to 87. I'm given the ball on the inbound. I bring it down the court and pass it away before I can get double-teamed.

I try to get free with some screens and don't have any luck. Their entire defense is focused on me, and I'm going for the classic find the open man while being double-teamed. Which I do, and we score another two points, and I get another Assist. I'm close to a trip double at this point.

That makes the score 89 to 87, and we're holding Boston off with only me and the bench players. I'll give the starters as much time as I can give them. But I know that I can't keep Boston away from the lead forever.

Speaking of that, Tatum gets free from me with some screen on the defensive end and knocks down a 3-pointer. Taking the lead from us for the first time this game.

That makes the score 90 to 87 in favor of Boston.

Tom calls a time-out, and I make my way over to the bench. Grabbing some Gatorade and chugging. While my badges make me inexhaustible. That doesn't mean I won't be thirsty.

"How much longer does everyone need?"

Tom is talking to Brunson, Barret, Jericho, and Robinson. They're completely gassed, and I don't see them coming in now. If they did, we'd lose more than we'd gain. I need fresh bench players out there. Not these lumps of heaving flesh.

"I can get back in any sooner than the fourth quarter, coach... I'm gassed..."

Everyone in the starting lineup agrees with Brunson. Tom looks toward me, and I see the skepticism in his features. He's wondering if I'll need or want a break any time soon.

"I'm staying out there. I'm not letting Boston get their first win of the season against us. I'm making a statement for my first game. I'm not losing it."

No player wants to lose their first NBA game. Especially me. I want everyone to see that I'm here and I'm bringing the pain with me. No one is getting an easy win out of the Knicks anymore. Not on my watch.