A one-handed slam dunk!

Intermission.

Fans were enthusiastically discussing the intense confrontation between Carlos and Rose in the first quarter. It was truly a thrilling duel that left every fan in an excited state. The home crowd's atmosphere continued to heat up until the second quarter began, and attention gradually calmed down as the bench players rotated onto the court, refocusing on the game.

In the Mexico National Sports TV studio, Mario looked at the stats and said, "In the first quarter, Carlos continued his dominant offensive performance, scoring 17 points, while Rose contributed 14. Both players displayed high efficiency, and the upcoming duel between them is bound to be exciting. However, before we witness the showdown between Carlos and Rose, let's take a look at the competition between the bench players. The Bulls' bench has considerable strength. 'Sharpshooter' Kyle Korver; his three-pointers must not be ignored."

"Swoosh!"

As Mario was speaking, Korver received a pass from Brewer at the arc, made a three-pointer, and hit it with 100% accuracy, piercing the net cleanly. Although the Suns didn't think much of it after the first shot, when Korver ran from the bottom corner in the next play, received the ball, half-turned, and once again hit a hollow three-pointer, the demeanor of the Suns' bench became serious. They finally realized that Korver possessed a formidable three-point shooting ability.

However, the Bulls' bench strength was not limited to Korver alone. Forwards Gibson and Brewer were also formidable bench players, relentlessly attacking the basket and scoring.

In just 3 minutes and 17 seconds, the Bulls' bench unleashed a 12-4 offensive surge, leveling the 3-point difference and taking a 5-point lead. Seeing the unfavorable situation, Coach Gentry immediately prepared to call a timeout and bring back the starters. However, at this moment, the rookie Paul George, whom Gentry had selected to stand out on the court, stepped up.

"Swoosh!"

Facing Gibson's defense, George forcefully penetrated to the basket, engaged in mid-air combat with Gibson, and made a bank shot.

In the next offensive possession, George accelerated on the left wing, executed a quick stop and step-back jump shot, and made another basket under Gibson's block attempt.

This was not the end. George successfully defended, intercepted Brewer's drive, advanced the ball himself, and faced the Bulls' bench defenders in the frontcourt, surgically dismantling their defense.

"Beep beep!"

Drawing a foul...

"Swoosh!"

Standing at the free-throw line, George made both free throws. Single-handedly scoring 6 points in a 6-0 run, he helped the team regain a 5-point lead and once again take the lead.

"Wow!"

"The speed, explosiveness, and strong offensive capabilities—whose Suns player wearing the number 24 jersey is this?!"

In the audience...

Parker exclaimed in surprise.

"Paul George, this year's 10th pick," Duncan replied. He had closely followed this year's rookies and was well aware of Paul George.

"Impressive!"

Parker stared at George and couldn't help but praise, "His physical talent is pretty good. Why haven't I heard much about him? He seems like a very ordinary rookie."

Ginobili, touching his receding hairline, said, "George has good physical talent. He has height, strength, speed, and explosiveness. However... he obviously hasn't adapted to the intensity of the NBA. Although he played well tonight, most of the time, it's inconsistency due to lack of experience. Of course... with players like Carlos, Griffin, and Wall in front, George, this 10th pick, still lacks some seasoning."

"That's true."

Parker shrugged, acknowledging the point. Comparing Carlos to George was like comparing an ant to an elephant. Carlos was the elephant, and George was the ant. How could an ant compete with an elephant?

However...

One has to admit...

George played well tonight. In just 5 minutes and 12 seconds of rotation time, George shot 7-for-4, made 2-of-3 free throws, scored 11 points almost single-handedly, nearly sweeping all the bench points and helping the team catch up on the scoreboard.

"Beep beep!"

The Suns called a timeout.

Both teams prepared to return to their starting lineups.

In the Mexico National Sports TV studio, Mario chuckled and said, "George is playing well. Gentry's decision to bring him in is indeed insightful; he's getting great value for the substitution."

"Exactly..."

Jose lightly tapped the table with his fingers, agreeing, "Although he lacks stability, tonight's explosive performance shows that George has good talent, definitely possessing the potential to become a star."

"Hmm?!"

While Jose was speaking, Mario furrowed his brows slightly, saying, "No, even though George played so well, why did the Bulls manage to narrow the lead by 3 points and then take a 3-point lead?!"

"Uh..."

Jose checked the score, and indeed, the Bulls were in the lead. He also furrowed his brows, somewhat puzzled. After carefully reviewing the data, Mario figured it out.

"Jose!"

Mario focused his gaze and said, "Although George played aggressively, the Bulls' offense is equally formidable. Especially Korver, who has hit four three-pointers in less than half a quarter. Tonight, he's having a breakout game, and in terms of points, he even outscored George."

"Wow..."

Jose also realized, exclaiming, "Three-pointers are still powerful. Looking at the current situation, I feel that three-pointers might be the X-factor influencing tonight's game."

"Exactly..."

...

Back on the court...

After the timeout...

The Suns had possession...

Nash held the ball at the top of the arc, with Carlos setting a solid screen for him, completely shielding Bogans. Nash easily shook off Bogans, rushed towards the basket on the right wing.

"Splash!"

After drawing the defense, a super-quick and precise one-handed pull-back.

The basketball accurately landed in Carlos's hands at the top of the arc. Was he going to attempt a three-pointer? Not this time. Luol Deng, who had been keeping an eye on Carlos, followed closely, and Rose rapidly closed in.

"Whoosh!"

However, with a fake move to the right, Carlos made a quick left-handed pass. Curry, who had been running along the baseline without the ball, received the pass and effortlessly sank a three-pointer.

"Splash!"

A three-pointer by Curry, almost uncontested. With the successful shot, the score was tied.

"Swish!"

Rose received the ball and accelerated, once again facing Curry at the top of the arc. A rapid acceleration, a quick stop and change of direction, and another burst of speed to leave Curry behind.

No way...

In a one-on-one situation, Curry was having a hard time defending.

However, Carlos's help defense was very timely. As Rose went up for a layup, Carlos jumped alongside him, using his large hands to envelop Rose in mid-air.

"Buzz!"

Caught off guard, Rose was momentarily stunned, feeling the pressure. Originally intending to go for a direct layup, he chose to fake a move, avoiding the block attempt and then attempting another shot.

"Clang!"

The basketball bounced off the rim while Rose hesitated.

Carter grabbed the rebound, initiated a fast break from the left side of the frontcourt, and Curry, Nash, and Carlos all rushed up. In the midst of the charge, Carter passed the ball to Curry in the middle, and Curry, without stopping, redirected it to Nash on the right.

"Bang!"

Nash forcefully bounced the ball toward the diagonal direction, delivering it to Carlos at the forefront.

After catching the ball, Carlos took three steps and started his jump, soaring high in the air.

"Boom!"

A one-handed slam dunk!

"Boom!"

A spectacular fast-break dunk with a smooth pass. The crowd erupted into cheers like thunder, echoing throughout the arena.

However...

In the electrifying atmosphere of the home arena, during the transition from offense to defense, Rose used a screen at the top of the arc, circled around Curry, and then mismatched with... Carlos!!