On The Road
*Sound Effects*
**Language**
'Thoughts'
"Dialogue"
(Point of View)
| Setting |
[System]
| Location: TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date: Friday Nov 11, 2005 7:45pm |
(3rd Person)
"The score stands at 26-13 as we head into the 2nd quarter. The Spurs have been dominating the Celtics thus far," remarked Mike Gorman, the seasoned announcer, his glasses perched on his nose and his white hair and beard giving him a distinguished look.
"Well, that's the consequence of missing a key defender in Tony Allen against a formidable team like the San Antonio Spurs," commented Tom Heinsohn, seated beside Mike.
"I agree, Tom. As we start the 2nd quarter, there are some lineup changes for both teams. For the Celtics, we have Dan Dichau, Ricky Davis, Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson, and Brian Scalabrine," Mike reported.
"And for the San Antonio Spurs, their lineup comprises of Javier Morales, Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry, and Rasho Nesterovic," Mike continued.
"It seems the Spurs are opting to rest Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, though this leaves them undersized compared to the Celtics lineup. It'll be intriguing to see how each team capitalizes on their advantages," remarked Tom.
"I couldn't agree more. Speaking of Morales, he's certainly showing a lot of heart out there," Mike observed.
"He sure does, he reminds me a bit of myself back in the day," chuckled Tom.
"Well, to be fair, you were nearly a foot taller than him during your Celtics days in the 60s," Mike quipped, eliciting a chuckle.
As the game was about to resume, the spectators hastily settled into their seats, eager not to miss any action.
"Morales inbounds the ball to Ginobili, who brings it up the court this time," narrated Mike.
The crowd watched as Javi executed a play, utilizing a screen from Bowen to drive towards the basket. With a hard crossover, he left Dichau grasping for air before launching a floater.
"Morales with the floater! A quick basket to kick off the 2nd quarter, extending the score to 28-13," Mike announced enthusiastically.
"Man, I'm telling you, that kid is special" Mike said to which Tom agreed.
The quarter progressed with the Spurs maintaining their lead, stretching it to 38-25 with 6:59 remaining.
"Morales receives the ball from Horry," narrated Mike.
"The Celtics are really struggling without Allen. The Spurs are applying relentless pressure, while the Celtics have managed just 2 points in the last 3 minutes," observed Tom.
Javi faced off against Pierce near half court, engaging in a brief exchange before executing a play. Pierce fouled him hard as he attempted a layup, but Javi managed to convert through the contact.
"Morales heads to the free-throw line to complete the And-1 after Pierce's foul," Mike reported.
"It appears that Morales is having some words with Pierce as he gets ready to take his free throw line" mentioned Mike.
"Seems like frustration from Pierce and the Celtics as they struggle to score," added Tom.
"Morales sinks the free throw as Doc Rivers calls for a timeout," Mike concluded.
(1st Person - Javi)
| Location: TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date: Friday Nov 11, 2005 8:15pm |
I made my way to the bench, greeted by high fives from my teammates. Brent, dressed in a suit, smiled and exchanged a high five with me. Unfortunately, he wasn't playing this game, needing rest for the upcoming back-to-back match against the Wizards.
Sitting on the bench, I listened as Pops continued to critique us, despite our lead.
"What was hell was that, Manu? A behind-the-back pass to the corner? Are you shitting me, what were you thinking?" Pops chastised.
"I'm Manu, this is what I do" Manu replied, earning a disbelieving look from Pops.
Pops went over the substitutions, and I nodded as I was called out.
"Tony, you're in for Javi," Pops stated, and I acknowledged Tony with a nod.
"Timmy, you're in for Rasho," he continued, and both players nodded.
"Melvin, you're in for Manu," he said, his gaze shifting to Manu. Nick offered a comforting gesture to Manu, who seemed disappointed.
"Sean, you're in for Bruce," Pops concluded.
"Nick, you're coming in for Horry," he added, before outlining the play he wanted us to execute.
As the timer wound down and the players took their positions on the court, I remained on the bench, engaged in conversation with Manu and Brent. Afterward, I decided to check my system:
[Finishing: 86 -> 84(-1)]
[Shooting: 83 -> 81(-1)]
[Playmaking: 84 -> 82(-1)]
[Defense: 77 -> 75(-1)]
[Physical: 80 -> 78(-1)]
[Overall: 81 -> 79(-1)]
[Status: Slightly Fatigued (-1 to all stats)]
I glanced at the stat decrease and couldn't help but sigh; improving my stamina was becoming increasingly crucial. However, I refrained from wearing my Epic shoes, reserving them for special occasions to avoid wearing them out unnecessarily.
Turning my attention to my gold balance:
[2.12M Gold]
I debated whether to purchase packs immediately or wait until later. Ultimately, I opted to hold off until I decided to open them.
Next, I reviewed my weekly quests:
[Scoring Streak: Score 20 or more points in three consecutive games during the week.
[Reward - Jerry West Pack (Rare+), 35k Gold]
[Completed]
[Assist Master: Achieve 10 or more assists in two games within the week.
[Reward - Oscar Robertson Pack (Rare+), 45k Gold]
[Completed]
[Three-Point Sharpshooter: Make 15 three-pointers over the course of the week's games]
[Reward - Ray Allen Pack (Epic+), 100k Gold]
[Incomplete]
There were many weekly's that I was unable to do, not because I was bad, but because I was still a rookie and I didn't get as much playing time as a starter would. A part of me was worried about what would happen when I am too good to keep on the bench though. 'Would Pop's trade me? Would I take over Tony's spot and he would be on the bench?' These uncertainties lingered, but I shook them off and focused on the game.
As I continued watching, Paul Pierce was fouled on the next play. He directed some taunts towards me from the free throw line, "All that talk to be on the bench!". I glanced over at Coach Popovich, silently appealing for guidance, but he merely shook his head. With a defeated sigh, I settled back into my seat.
| Location: Press Conference Room, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date: Friday Nov 11, 2005 9:16pm|
"Javier, you appeared to be having some words with Pierce throughout the game, can you explain what it is you said to him at the free throw line." asked a female reporter.
I laughed before stating "I just told him he was gonna have to foul harder than that." I stated with a smirk.
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A/N: Hope you've been enjoying the story so far! I know I mentioned to list some love interests, I have some in mind so let me know if you'd like to see which ones I am debating on being the love interest or if y'all want it to be a surprise. If you've been enjoying the story so far, please feel free to leave a review, drop a comment below or drop some stones below.
Side note, come up with some more skills you want to see Javi get from packs, try to include the player which gives that skill and the rarity that you think it should be too!