Preseason (2 in 1)
*Sound Effects*
**Language**
'Thoughts'
"Dialogue"
(Point of View)
| Setting |
[System]
| Location: Inside Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida |
| Date: Oct 10, 2005, 5:48pm |
(1st Person - Javi)
A smile graced my face as I began my pre-game warm-up, focusing on tightening my ball-handling skills before gearing up for the game.
Despite the cameras, flashing lights, and the stadium becoming filled with thousands of fans, I remained unfazed.
Subconsciously, I brought up the system window to check my stats. While I hadn't made a monumental leap, considering much of my time was spent studying film and learning plays, I had made notable progress, particularly in terms of my physical conditioning.
[Finishing: 81 -> 83]
[Shooting: 82-> 83]
[Playmaking: 83-> 84]
[Defense: 74-> 77]
[Physical: 77-> 80]
[Overall: 80 -> 81]
[Status: Normal]
"You ready?" I heard Tony ask when he walked over to check on me.
"Hell yea" I replied back excitedly, unfazed that it was my first game because of my Mamba passive.
As I exuded confidence, Tony and the other members of the team exchanged knowing glances, impressed by my determination and spirit. They knew I was here to compete at the highest level.
As I went through the warm-up routine, my mind wandered to all that had transpired since I signed my contract. I had managed to buy cars for both my mom and my brother, Marky. Our house was now decked out with TVs and other electronics, making it a comfortable home. I had also stayed in touch with Coach Will, who was doing much better and currently coaching at Duke. While he'd occasionally visit, he was mostly focused on the upcoming season.
I had reached out to my AAU team, urging them to watch the Spurs game today, as it promised to be an exciting one. Some of them had stated that they would tune in, while others had scheduling conflicts, but I knew they would hear about it eventually.
Before I knew it, the pregame warm-up concluded, and I headed back to the locker room with my teammates. Inside, there was a palpable sense of excitement and focus as we went through our final preparations and listened to Coach Pop's last-minute instructions.
We gathered in a huddle, our hands in the center, and shouted our team motto, a tradition that pumped us up before every game. The energy in the room was electric, and I could feel the camaraderie among my teammates, a bond forged through hard work and dedication.
As we made our way out of the locker room and onto the court, the crowd's roar grew louder. I took my place on the bench to start the preseason's first game, watching intently as my teammates lined up for the jump ball. The anticipation was palpable, and I knew I was about to embark on an incredible journey as a rookie in the NBA.
I cast a quick glance at the Miami Heat's starting lineup, sizing up our opponents for the evening. They fielded the following lineup:
Jason Williams - PG
Dwayne Wade - SG
Antoine Walker - SF
Udonis Haslem - PF
Shaquille O'Neal - C
"That's a big boy," I couldn't help but think as I looked at Shaq.
Turning my attention back to our team, our starting lineup was composed of:
Tony Parker - PG
Manu Ginobili - SG
Bruce Bowen - SF
Tim Duncan - PF
Rasho Nesterovic - C
"Come on!" I yelled, clapping vigorously to cheer on my teammates. The game had kicked off, and the intensity was already building. The Heat and the Spurs were going back and forth, showcasing their skills and determination.
As I watched from the bench, I couldn't help but analyze the plays, mentally noting the strategies and tactics employed by both teams. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats.
With each passing minute, the excitement grew, and I knew my moment was approaching. Coach Pop had signaled for me to get ready, and I took a deep breath 'This is it'. It was time to make my NBA debut.
I made my way to the announcers' table to check in, ready to step onto the court and contribute to the team's efforts. This was the beginning of my journey in the NBA, and I was determined to seize this opportunity.
Looking at the score, the game was very close so far at (16-12) with 4:15 left in the first quarter.
As I stood at the announcers' table, waiting for the referee's signal to sub in, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. This was what I had worked so hard for, the chance to compete at the highest level of basketball.
The referee finally motioned for me to enter the game, and I stepped onto the court with a sense of purpose. My heart raced as I joined my teammates on the hardwood, ready to contribute to our team's success.
The game was far from over, and I was determined to make my presence felt. It was time to give it my all and show that I belonged in the NBA.
I subbed out Tony as I entered the court, I wasn't sure if Pop let me sub in this early because we were up or if it was because its the preseason and he doesn't plan to play the starters as long.
As I walked onto the court I felt all eyes on me, looking around the stadium I saw some younger fans pointing, while the heat's bench was laughing seeing me. As I got onto the court, I stepped beside Jason Williams, another player I loved to watch for his fancy playstyle.
As Timmy went through his old man free throw routine, I heard Jason say "I hope you play better than your height" he stated back.
I didn't say anything and immediately opened my status mentally:
[Shooting: 83 -> 88(+5)] (-)
[Mid-Range Shot: 85 -> 90(+5)]
[Three-Point Shot: 79 -> 84(+5)]
[Free Throw: 85 -> 90(+5)]
'Takeover time' I thought. I decided against wearing my Epic shoes, I was planning on saving those for my first NBA game as well as special games only. Instead I opted for my Kobe's.
"You'll see" I stated shortly before watching Timmy sink the second free throw. I got back on defense,
(3rd Person)
"Javier Morales checks in for the Spurs, replacing Tony Parker!" announced the commentator. He was an older white man dressed in a sharp navy blue suit with a light blue tie.
As the announcement was made, there was some laughter coming from the Heat's bench, which the commentators couldn't help but notice.
"It looks like the Heat's bench is having a good laugh at Morales as he enters the game," remarked the first commentator.
"You know, Phil, you can't underestimate a player based on their size. We've seen players like Muggsy Bogues, who stood at just 5 feet 3 inches, make a significant impact on the court," countered the second commentator.
"I couldn't agree more, Jerry. Morales seems to be exchanging some words with Williams, and surprisingly, he doesn't appear fazed by the reactions," added Phil.
"That's a good sign. He'll need to be resilient if he wants to make it in this league; otherwise, these guys will eat him alive," remarked Jerry.
With that, the game continued after Duncan successfully sank the free throw.
"Williams brings the ball up the court with Morales guarding him," noted Phil.
"Williams attempts to drive but faces a determined Morales blocking his path," observed Phil.
"Williams decides to reset and calls for a screen from Shaq," said Phil.
"Williams and Shaq execute a perfect pick-and-roll, and Shaq receives a flashy pass from Williams before delivering a thunderous slam dunk," exclaimed Phil.
"There's not much you can do when Shaq is in the paint," commented Jerry.
"Morales receives the inbound pass from Duncan. It'll be interesting to see what this rookie has in store for us," concluded Phil.
"Morales receives a screen from Duncan and is now switched onto Shaq." stated Phil.
"Morales fakes a drive and pulls back for a deep 2!" exclaimed Phil.
*Swish*
"Morales with a deep 2!" exclaimed Phil.
"Good play, I think most people were expecting him to drive but it seems that he has a shot so they are gonna need to step up if they want to prevent more open looks" commented Jerry.
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(1st Person - Javi)
I swiftly got back on defense after scoring my first points, not dwelling on the made basket, as my focus needed to be razor-sharp for the rest of the game. Williams dribbled up the court again, but this time he ran a screen with Haslem. I decided to go under the screen, as Williams wasn't renowned for his shooting skills.
I positioned myself just in front of Williams as he executed crossovers and attempted to spin past me. Staying in front of him, I raised a hand to contest the shot.
The ball banked off the backboard and dropped into the net.
"There's more where that came from," Williams remarked as he jogged back.
I inbounded the ball and received Pops' instructions to run a play for Timmy. I nodded and prepared to execute the play, which involved using two screens to free up Timmy amid the defensive confusion.
We executed the play flawlessly, and Timmy found an opening. I delivered the pass to him, and he effortlessly sank his signature off-the-glass jumper, banking it beautifully.
I pointed at him with a nod before hustling back on defense.
The game continued with both teams trading blows. I got the ball a few more times, taking open shots when available or creating opportunities, hitting 3 out of 4 mid-range shots.
As the first quarter's final seconds ticked away, I applied full-court pressure on Williams, whom I had been guarding relentlessly throughout the quarter, holding him to only the 2 points he made at the start.
Near the half-court line, I collided with a massive obstacle and tumbled to the ground.
"My bad, little fella," came the deep voice of Shaq.
I sprang back to my feet instantly, feeling no pain, and raced back on defense. Williams seemed unaware that I had gotten up, probably assuming I'd still be writhing in pain on the floor.
I sprinted to his side, swiped the ball, and dashed to the other end of the court with just 8 seconds remaining.
By the time I reached half court, only 5 seconds remained.
I stopped at the 3 point line with only 3 seconds on the clock.
As I launched a three-pointer, the clock ticked down to 1 second.
The ball sailed through the air, slowly descending as the clock struck 0, buzzing in red to signal the end of the quarter.
The ball continued its trajectory and eventually swished through the net.
I kept my composure, making my way back to our bench amidst cheers and high-fives from Manu, Timmy, and Tony, who had come off the bench to congratulate me.
"Nice way to end the quarter," Tony remarked.
"How are you feeling? You took quite a hit from the big guy," Manu inquired.
"Thanks, I'm good. I didn't feel a thing," I replied before taking a seat on the bench.
As I approached the bench, I saw Pop nod approvingly, giving me a pat on the back and saying, "Good job." I sat down and took a gulp of Gatorade.
(3rd Person)
"Just over a dozen seconds left here in the first quarter. Will the heat be able to secure another bucket before the quarter ends?" Questioned Phil.
"Williams receives the ball but is picked up full court by Morales who has not let up since he got put in"
"Shaq sets up a screen at the half court mark, however Morales doesn't notice!" exclaimed Phil.
The moment came that everyone anticipated. Seeing Morales collide full speed with Shaq made everyone in the arena wince. However to everyone's surprise, Morales immediately got up unfazed and made his way back on defense to the unknown of Jason Williams.
"Morales takes a bad hit but he's up after just a second and Williams doesn't know!" exclaimed Phil.
"Morales steals away the ball from the unsuspecting Williams! I can't believe this!" stated Phil.
"Morales races to the other side with only a few seconds left!" exclaimed Phil.
"Morales makes it to the 3 point line and launches a shot just before the buzzer!" exclaimed Phil.
Everyone in the stadium was in shock seeing the effort of the rookie who took such a big hit but was able to get back on defense, steal the ball, and now put up a shot at the last moment.
The ball spun in the air for several seconds as the clock expired.
The ball neared the rim and entered with a satisfying swish.
"OH MY! MORALES SINKS THE 3 AT THE BUZZER!" Exclaimed Phil.
"I can't believe it Phil, this kid has heart, more heart than most players I've seen. He doesn't let up, he doesn't let players get in his head. I can see why Pop's taken a liking to him" stated Jerry.
"I absolutely agree Jerry, I didn't expect such a performance coming from a rookie. He's got 9 points in just under 5 minutes of playing time. Though at first the Heat weren't playing great defense on him due to underestimating him, he punished them at every point. Showing he deserves to be on this court." stated Phil.
The score was (27-20), we had extended our lead slightly going into the second quarter. I was back on the bench for Tony to come back out. Coach Pop made sure to seat me near him so he could go over what Tony was doing and why so I could get a better grasp on it. Though I was a better shooter on the court with the Boost, that didn't mean that my shot selection was the best it could be.
As I sat on the bench, waiting for the game to resume in a few minutes, I couldn't help but scan the arena filled with thousands of fans. Some were close, easily visible, while others were perched in the nosebleed seats hundreds of feet above. It struck me that those fans in the uppermost seats might have scraped together their last dollars just to watch their favorite players in action. The thought weighed heavily on my mind, contemplating the disappointment they'd feel if their beloved players didn't take the court that day.
In that moment, a profound sense of empathy washed over me, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sadness that I didn't show on the outside. I understood the sacrifices these fans made and the significance of this moment for them. It became a personal commitment to always give my best on the court, knowing the immense value of the experience for those who invested their hard-earned money to watch us play.
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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! We will begin to see more varying perspectives as we get into the NBA games. This week I will release a chapter on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Stay tuned for Javi's first NBA game in a few chapters! If you'd like to support the story, leave a review, comment and drop some stones below.