Halftime

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

~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 8:35 PM)~~~

[Just noticed I was using the wrong coach for the Knicks. Fixed this chapter and beyond.]

"Alright, gentlemen. The game out there is the closest I've seen to old-school basketball in a long time. While the refs were unfair to us in the first quarter, it seems that they're letting us play the same way against Boston as they're playing against us."

Tom is giving his pep talk as we all rest. Everyone is a little tired. Other than me. Some bruises are already starting to show up on some of my teammates from the hard basketball being played.

The great thing is you can say the same for Boston. We really beat the shit out of them in the second quarter. Got in our own shots and leveled the playing field. Now we have the advantage going into the third quarter.

"Brunson and Barret. Both of you have been doing excellent on the perimeter. You've stopped Brown in the second quarter. Keep getting screens and playing the pick and roll. We got 3 players that are 7 feet tall or almost."

Our young Knicks team has a devastating lineup. Jalen Brunson and RJ Barret are sized normally for their position. However, my position at SF shifts the balance. Starting with me, I'm over 7 feet tall with my shoes on, and Jericho is a little shorter than me. Not to mention Mitchels screens.

"Coach, will you sub out some of the starters so we can get some rest? I'm already gassed."

RJ Barret is the one asking this question. I'm perfectly fine with the main squad taking a break. If that's what they need, then go ahead. I'm staying on the court all night long.

Tom looks at me, and I can tell that he's worried if I'm wanting out of the game as well, we'll lose the lead we've worked so hard to get.

"I'm staying in the whole night. I'm not going to let them have the satisfaction of seeing me on the bench. I'd rather die on the court than show them that."

In truth, I'd never need that. But I'm playing the part that I need. I'm trying to fire up some of my teammates. If they see how badly I want this win, they'll also want it just as badly as I do. Rob can't help smiling, but I can see he's about to say something I don't like.

"I admire your fire, Ulysses. But I can't have you burning out halfway through the season because we've been playing you like this early in the year. You'll be on the bench starting the third quarter."

I stand up and make my way toward Tom, looking down at him. I have a calm look on my face. I'm not starting the season showing that a team can beat me up, and I'll need a break.

"I'm playing the entire game."

That's all I say as I walk past him and toward the court again. They need to talk a little longer.

~~~(POV: Tom Thibodeau)~~~

~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 8:44 PM)~~~

I turn to the team as Ulysses leaves the locker room and returns to the court. What I see gives me real hope for basketball in New York.

I watch as all of them start to stand up and make their way toward the court too. Ulysses is what the Knicks need. Someone who has what it takes to win and the fire to drive his teammates to do the same thing. This young group has the potential for something great this season.

"Well, here goes nothing."

The next two quarters are about to be a brutal boxing match. The post will be the place the giants beat each other up, and the perimeter is where the guards will slice and dice to get into the paint or free for a shot.

~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~

~~~(Date: October 20th, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 8:48 PM)~~~

I watch Ulysses make his way back onto the court for the start of the third quarter. As a mother, I'd want him to take a break. He was playing like nothing else mattered in the last two quarters. But I know my son, and I know he'll not stop until the game is won.

I'm scared of what the media will say after this game... They already treat him so... Exaltedly...