Knicks vs. Bulls III
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~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 4:33 PM)~~~
Ellie doesn't have outbursts like that unless something is really bothering her. Even the refs are getting the nerves of my normally composed and collected mom. I can't help but think back to the few times in high school when she had similar outbursts.
It's nice to see, as much as I hate to admit it. Letting out her inner anger in the manner of supporting me. It's worth more when family does it.
The Bulls inbound the ball, and we're rotating on defense to make sure everyone on the Bull's side doesn't have an easy bucket. Zach Lavine gets a shot off a screen and sinks a 2-pointer off the elbow of the key.
Making the score 3 to 5 in their favor.
The ball is inbounded to me, and as I bring it down the court. I get a notification from the system. Actually, it's a mission. I was wondering why I wasn't given one before the game started, and now I know why after reading it.
[Rough Riding]
[Details: The refs in this game will purposely blow calls to give the Bulls a fighting chance against you.]
[Objective 1: Don't foul out of the game.]
[Objective 2: Win by at least 12 points or more.]
[Objective 3: Make Zach Lavine or Kostos Antetokounmpo foul out before the end of the game.]
[Rewards: Unknown]
[Failure: You must complete 2/3 objective to earn the Reward. If you fail to meet 2/3 objectives, you'll be placed on a minutes restriction for 5 games.]
While the Mission itself is hard, the consequences of Failing aren't that high. I think I can get 2/3 of the objectives. It just means I'll have to be really careful on defense, and I'll have to get Kostos to foul me a little in the post.
It shouldn't be that hard. I cross the half-court line and approach the arch. As I do, I get a screen from Robinson, and I use it to get free from the double team.
I elevate beyond the arch, and I knock down the shot. Scoring 3 points, and falling on my ass and back at the same time as Zach Lavine comes down with me. He blocked my feet on the landing, and that should be a shooting foul, but that's not happening this game.
"That's fucking bullshit!!!"
Tom stands up and is spitting out saliva and has a red face as the time-out is called by the Bulls. His hate and malice is directed at the refs right now. Since it's the Bull's possession, they can call the time-out.
The score is now 6 to 5 in our favor, and I think they're already feeling the heat from my presence on the court.
We make our way to the bench, and I take a seat. A swig of Gatorade later, and I've got my thoughts filled with how I'm going to complete 2/3 objectives. I said it'd be easy, but that was if the refs called fouls on people guarding me.
If they're not going to do that, I don't see how I can get Zach or Kostos to foul out. All the while avoiding fouling out and winning by 12 points or more. They've come to win on our home turf.
I'm willing to bet they counted on the fact the refs would be hard on me this game, and they're playing extra rough since they know they won't get in trouble.
"Look, guys. I know that it's not looking go in terms of officiating, but we'll have to get through it with smart basketball. We'll score through the players being guarded by bad defensive players on the Bull's end. That way, we can reduce calls."
Tom has gotten his fill with the refs, and he's come to talk to us while the last bit of time for the time-out comes to an end.
We make it back on the court, and I'm already on defense and waiting for Kostos.
~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~
~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 4:35 PM)~~~
Ulysses isn't playing defense as aggressively. It's been about two minutes since he had those bad fouls called on him.
The score is now 11 to 7 in favor of the Knicks, and Ulysses is doing a good job of getting the ball to his other teammates.
My eyes are strictly on the refs. I've never wished terrible things on other people. But if they all stubbed their pinky toes on their beds tonight, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.
My son will win this game. It's who he is.