Knicks vs. Bulls II

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

~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 4:28 PM)~~~

The game is starting in two minutes, and we're all heading to the center of the court for tip-off. My mind is on one specific thing. And that's being I haven't gotten a Mission from the system for the game. Maybe it's because the Bulls aren't a real challenge.

It's incredibly arrogant to think that, but it's true. Our team is vibing, and we've got decent players. The Bulls are an aging team that hasn't produced results.

I'm across my Defensive match-up Kostos. He's really come into his own the last couple of years, but he's not at that Superstar level yet. I'd say he's an All-star. Considering how much his defense has improved, he'll be a tough match-up.

He's almost the same height as me. But he's not stopping me this game. The last two minutes pass pretty quickly. And the tip-off starts.

We lose the tip-off, and we head on the defensive end. I'm guarding Kostos and making sure that I'm sticking with him. He's not the main scorer on the team, but he's a screener. That means I'll have opportunities to shift onto the scorers and stop them.

Just as I wanted it to happen, Kostos goes for a screen, and I shift onto Zach Lavine. While he's entering his early 30s, that doesn't mean he's out of his Prime or can't jump anymore.

"Don't think this is going to be an easy win because we're not Boston."

As I'm guarding him, he decides that now is the time to talk. He tries to cross me over, but I poke the ball free.

But the steal attempt it stopped by a blow of the whistle.

"Reach-In-Foul! Number 24!"

Boos and curse words immediately erupt from the crowd. We're in New York, and New Yorkers aren't afraid to tell you how it is.

I can't help but smile just a little at how funny this situation is. The refs are purposely making bad calls on me to give the other team a check. The NBA will have to do something. Either change the rules for everyone or make the refs stop this.

"Like I said, don't go thinking this will be easy."

Again, Zach Lavine starts talking into my ear as they restart their possession. I quickly shift back onto Kostos, and I'm glad I did. Cause he's going for a fadeaway, and I Block it.

Or I should've.

"Shooting Foul! Number 24!"

This is starting to get really annoying, and I've suddenly gotten 2 personal fouls in the first possession of the game. I look over, and I see Tom fuming near the bench. He's about to pop a vein.

I refocus on the game, and I keep guarding Kostos. But The Bulls get off a three-pointer from Zach, and it sinks. Making the first basket of the game.

The score is now 0 to 3 in favor of the Bulls.

Since I'm running Point Guard on Offensive possessions this game. The ball is inbounded to me, and I make my way down the court. Instantly getting double-teamed as I approach the 3-point line. But that leaves Barrett open, and I pass it to him.

He knocks down the shot and ties up the game.

It's now 3 to 3, and I have a sinking feeling this is going to be a long game and one that I don't enjoy.

~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~

~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 4:32 PM)~~~

The anger and frustration is growing in me as much as any mother would watching this happen to their son. It's totally unfair and completely biased. I watch Ulysses get back on defense, and he's guarding Kostos again.

As he's trying to back Ulysses down. He stumbles and loses the ball. No fault of Ulysses. But that doesn't stop what happens next.

"Blocking Foul! Number 24!"

I don't know what comes over me, but I can't contain it from coming out.

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!!? THAT WASN'T A GODDAMN FOUL FOR ANYTHING IN THE FUCKING WORLD!!!"

I stand up and yell at the top of my lungs. Almost screaming. The people around me look at me with mixed reactions, but all of them soon turn to support and agreement. After that, everyone in the arena is yelling.

After sitting down with a red face from embarrassment, I realize that I shouldn't have let the frustration overcome me.

I see Ulysses look at me, and he has a smile before jokingly shaking his head.

God, I don't know what came over me.