No big deal （ +1 chapter for our 200 power stones）

（We received 57 power stones last week, and this week we received 200 power stones! This is a great breakthrough, and appreciate everyone's support and encouragement! Thank you.）

"Duran's Buzzer Beater Against the Magic"

"Thunder's Big Three Dominate the Thunder, Topple Superman"

"The Season's Biggest Dark Horse: Oklahoma"

The next day...

News and publications about the Thunder were flying everywhere, causing a rapid increase in their popularity, second only to traditional powerhouses like the Heat, Bulls, Spurs, and Lakers.

However...

A six-game winning streak by the Suns, along with the news of Mexican center Carlos and Curry joining, stirred up the online community.

"What? Stephen went to the Suns?"

"After playing so many regular-season games, they actually strengthened at this time. It seems the Suns don't plan to stay at the bottom this year, opting to compete for next year's top draft pick."

"It's not just about not planning; the Suns now want to contend for the championship."

"Huh? Championship? Daydreaming. Without any surprises, this year's Finals will definitely be Heat vs. Lakers, either the Heat's 'Big Three' sweeping everything or Kobe leading the team alone to a three-peat, rebuilding the Purple-Golden dynasty! As for the Suns, even with Nash and Carter, making it to the playoffs is, in my opinion, the limit. Of course... if Nash and Carter were in their prime, there might be hope."

"But, to be honest, the Suns are still very strong. Just not sure if they are stronger than the Thunder, whether... the Suns are the dark horse of the season."

"Hey, no need to doubt. We'll know tonight."

"Yes, at 9 p.m., inside the US West Arena, the Suns will host the Thunder. One with a six-game winning streak, the other just had a buzzer-beater against the Magic. The clash between the two teams is thrilling."

"Looking forward to it!"

"Um..." Suns vs. Thunder.

As fans discussed fervently, the excitement soared, making it the most anticipated match of the night.

The Thunder had already arrived at the US West Arena, preparing for the night's game, while the Suns, hosting the match, were actively training. And... to integrate Curry into the team as soon as possible.

In addition...

Coach Lance didn't rest either. Along with trading Curry for Richardson and Grant Hill, he immediately traded Reggie Williams for the Pacers' rookie Paul George.

George is still in the process of growing.

The Suns easily acquired Reggie Williams, who was doing well.

As a result...

The current Suns lineup has finally taken shape.

...

At night...

US West Arena...

The showdown between the Suns and the Thunder had finally arrived.

Both teams were actively warming up, taking the game very seriously.

At the same time...

In Mexico.

Today, the Mexican National Sports Channel also broadcasted the game. The commentators in the studio were Mario and Jose.

"Wow!"

Jose adjusted his sleeves, somewhat excitedly: "Suns vs. Thunder, I've been looking forward to this focus battle tonight. Curry's arrival is a pleasant surprise. Carlos+Curry+Nash+Carter, the current Suns seem to be able to challenge Thunder's Big Three. Mario, what's your take?"

"No, no, no!"

Mario shook his head: "Nash and Carter can no longer serve as the core. Tonight, we'll see Carlos+Curry against Thunder's Big Three. This will be a big battle and very exciting."

"That's true..."

Jose couldn't deny: "I'm totally looking forward to the performance of our great Mexican super center Carlos. I believe the TV audience and fans are also eagerly anticipating it. So... let's wait and see."

Before the game...

Mario and Jose livened up the live atmosphere.

Back to the arena.

With Carlos's popularity skyrocketing, more and more fans came to watch him play. The atmosphere in the Suns' home arena was also very heated.

"Carlos!"

"Go, Carlos!"

"Go, Curry!"

Fans not only gave Carlos plenty of cheers but also showed Curry a lot of care.

Soon...

Amidst cheers, warm-ups concluded, and the starting lineups took the court as the main game was about to begin.

Phoenix Suns starting lineup: 191cm point guard Steve Nash, 191cm shooting guard Stephen Curry, 198cm shooting guard Vince Carter, 211cm power forward Channing Frye, and 215cm center Carlos. There were changes to the Suns' starting lineup, with Curry and Carter replacing Richardson and Hill. Rookie George, acquired in the trade, could only wait on the bench for now.

Oklahoma City Thunder starting lineup: 191cm Russell Westbrook, 201cm shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha, 206cm small forward Kevin Durant, 206cm power forward Jeff Green, and 208cm center Serge Ibaka.

"Jump ball!"

Carlos and Ibaka vying for the ball. "Since joining the Suns, Carlos hasn't lost a jump ball yet. Tonight..."

Before Mario could finish his sentence, Carlos had already tipped the ball to Curry, who quickly seized possession, advanced to the frontcourt, moved to the top of the arc, sidestepped Sefolosha on the left wing, and swiftly found an opportunity to shoot.

"Splash!"

A three-pointer.

Durant watched the trajectory of the basketball in the air and shouted to Ibaka, "Box out!"

"Bang!"

Unfortunately, the shot didn't go in.

Curry shook his head slightly, a bit dissatisfied. This was a good opportunity for him, and it shouldn't have ended like this.

Nash approached and comforted Curry in a low voice, "It's okay, very normal."

"Uh..."

Curry nodded, and Carlos also walked over. The three slapped hands, reassuring Curry that even as "Chef," he might miss open three-pointers. No big deal.

Change of possession...

Westbrook grabbed the rebound, dribbled up, faced Nash, and slowly moved the ball. Then... he suddenly accelerated, confronted Nash, and demonstrated his speed and power to the extreme.

"Swoosh!"

Instantly tearing through Nash's defense like lightning, Westbrook reached the basket and immediately jumped high, arching his body like a bow.

"Boom!"

Thunderous dunk!

The amazing leap and explosive power left Frye, who was under the basket, with no time to jump. He could only watch as Westbrook bombed the basket.

"Roar!"

Westbrook also roared to the sky, full of fighting spirit.

The audience cheered in the stands.

Suns (0): (2) Thunder.

Nash received Curry's inbound pass from the baseline, dribbled past half-court, reached the top of the arc in the middle, handed the ball to Carlos, and protected him at the same time. Carlos evaded the protection.

To drive in?

"Step!"

Westbrook approached Carlos, staring at him intently. Taking advantage of the momentum from the previous dunk, he loudly said, "A center with a unique playing style, the hottest rookie lately. Carlos, let me see how strong you are!"

"Hum!"

Carlos focused his mind. He knew the talent of the person in front of him. However, there was no fear in his eyes. With the ball in his left hand, he accelerated towards the left wing.

One step!

Two steps!

An abrupt stop, rocketing into the air!

"Thud!"

Westbrook closely contested, but facing Carlos, who had absolute height and arm length, he blocked the shot attempt, and the basketball was thrown away.

"Swoosh!"

A swish through the net, an clean shot...