67 A logo three-pointer

The anticipated matchup between the Suns and the Bulls had transformed from an ordinary regular-season game, expected to be a one-sided dominance by the Bulls, into a highly anticipated showdown. Carlos's sudden rise and the Suns' 12-game winning streak turned this matchup into a major event in the eyes of countless fans. The NBA officially adjusted the broadcasting arrangements, elevating the game from being televised on a single network to nationwide coverage, aiming for the highest viewership.

The buzzing stands were not only filled with fans but also many basketball stars. The Spurs' "GDP," the Magic's "Superman" Howard, and the former "The Answer" Allen Iverson were present. Additionally, this year's NBA Draft's first overall pick, John Wall, came quietly to the arena to watch the game.

"One is a genius from 2008, the other is the 'Monster Rookie' who emerged this year. Rose vs. Carlos. This will be an intense battle," Parker remarked.

"Exactly," Ginobili crossed his arms, gazing directly at Carlos and Rose warming up on the court. "In terms of individual skills, these two guys are indeed super powerful. They will explode this night."

On the side...

Duncan's expression was serious. After a brief silence, he said, "Carlos is just a rookie! Rose is a genuine, highly talented first overall pick. Putting them on the same level is making an extraordinary assessment of this center from Mexico. It's impressive."

"Oh, right," Parker smiled. "Carlos is a unique center. His performances always stand out, and tonight, he won't disappoint."

The three of them spoke with great anticipation for the upcoming game.

Below them, Wall stared at Carlos on the court, saying, "Carlos, your momentum has completely surpassed mine recently. But... it's okay. As long as I defeat you in the next game, everything will change. Everyone will realize that the first overall pick is the first overall pick."

As for "Superman" and "The Answer"...

The two sat together. Howard held traditional beliefs, thinking that centers should dominate the paint. He didn't quite understand or support Carlos, a 215 cm center, making a name for himself on the perimeter, despite hearing many stories about Carlos. On the other hand, Iverson, known for perfecting the art of breakthroughs, also felt that breaking through was a guard's business. So, when he heard about Carlos, a center, shaking opponents on the perimeter and even causing them to fall, he was genuinely shocked and almost couldn't believe it. Therefore, both of them, filled with curiosity about Carlos, decided to watch his game tonight, hoping to see how Carlos could overturn their preconceptions.

On the court...

Amid the excitement and the rising heat in the atmosphere, the warm-up session ended, and the starting lineups took the floor.

Chicago Bulls starting lineup: Point guard Derrick Rose (191 cm), shooting guard Keith Bogans (196 cm), small forward Luol Deng (206 cm), power forward Carlos Boozer (206 cm), and center Joakim Noah (211 cm).

Phoenix Suns starting lineup: Point guard Steve Nash (191 cm), shooting guard Stephen Curry (191 cm), shooting guard Vince Carter (198 cm), power forward Channing Frye (211 cm), and center Carlos (215 cm).

"Jump ball!"

In the contest between Carlos and Noah for the jump ball, Noah, bending with arms raised, was entirely serious, determined to win this jump. Unfortunately, Noah's seriousness was inconsequential in the face of absolute talent.

"Snap!"

Carlos flicked the basketball first, and Curry caught it, initiating the Suns' first full-court attack.

Noah shook his head, thinking he had jumped with all his might, only to be overtaken by Carlos by more than half the height of his palm. It was somewhat frustrating. However, if he knew Carlos hadn't used his full strength yet, he might have gone mad.

"Dribble, dribble, dribble!"

Curry controlled the ball at the arc, faced with Rose. Lowering his center of gravity, he executed consecutive crossovers, accelerated on the left wing, and as Rose caught up, suddenly performed a large back-body turn.

"Whoosh!"

His body shifted horizontally, but just as Curry accelerated towards the right for a breakthrough, a dribbling mistake occurred, and the ball bounced off his heel, rolling into the frontcourt.

"Shoo!"

Curry attempted to chase it down, but due to his center of gravity already shifting downward, it was too late. He could only watch the basketball roll into the frontcourt.

Rose intended to chase after it, but seeing the ball returning to the court, belonging to the Bulls, he didn't accelerate. However, during his hesitation, Carlos rushed out.

Large strides pursued the ball...

Before the basketball had rolled out of his own half, Carlos snatched it.

"Tsk tsk... Carlos is really fast."

"Those long legs are no joke!"

Even though Carlos saved the ball, Curry's early mistake disrupted the team's offensive rhythm.

Carlos advanced from the midcourt, reaching the team's logo position, glancing at the players and checking the remaining shot clock. Then, amidst the stunned reactions of everyone as if they had seen a ghost...

"Splash!"

He raised his hand and launched a three-point shot from the logo.

"What?!"

Parker in the stands widened his eyes, and Ginobili's mouth hung open. "Starting with a logo three-pointer, what is Carlos doing?!"

"Another center shooting."

Duncan mumbled, his whole person in a semi-dazed state.

"What is this? A center opening with a logo three-pointer?!"

"Superman" Howard shook his head repeatedly, and Iverson beside him was also stunned.

The sudden turn of events left almost everyone in the arena dumbfounded. All eyes instinctively followed the basketball spinning through the air.

The ball drew an exquisite arc in the air, and then...

"Swish!"

A perfect shot!

The only thing left on the court was the net shaking incessantly!

"Boom!"

The arena fell silent for an instant, then erupted with cheers, shouts, and applause like a tidal wave!