Casanova

The atmosphere in the arena is still buzzing with excitement, showing no signs of quieting down—quite the opposite, it's heating up even more.

On the court...

Reporter Christy Ledlow, known for her striking presence on TNT, is blushing as she approaches Carlos.

Clearly...

Carlos's dazzling and handsome performance has excited her.

She reaches Carlos and asks with a smile, "Mr. Carlos, may I take a little of your time for an interview?!"

"Sure..."

Carlos is in a good mood and gladly accepts.

"Hehe—"

Christy is also in high spirits, chuckling, "Tonight you put on yet another perfect performance, especially in the final moments when everyone thought the Suns were going to lose after being down by three points.

You managed to score four points with what looked like an intentional missed free throw, not even giving the Spurs a chance at overtime, just knocking them out. It was both magical and impressive, truly remarkable.

I want to ask you... why didn't you choose the safe option of making three free throws to go to overtime, and instead go for the risky four-point play to win?!"

Whoa!

Carlos is a bit taken aback, as he didn't realize that's how his last play was being perceived on the outside.

In fact...

He really did miss the free throw, not on purpose. He anticipated the play, rushed inside for the rebound, and narrowly made the putback shot for a buzzer-beater.

Deliberately missing a free throw to bounce the ball out is not a simple task, and even if it were successful, it's uncertain whether he could get the rebound or make the shot.

Winning in such a way is extremely difficult!

If it were possible, Carlos would definitely choose to make all three free throws to push the game into overtime and find a way to win from there.

"Uh..."

Carlos thinks for a moment and, with a serious face, responds, "I mean... if I say I really missed that shot, would you believe me?!"

"Ha..."

Christy waves her hand and laughs, "Come on, anybody with eyes could see that you were going for the buzzer-beater with an intentional miss followed by a putback.

I've heard you're quite humble.

Seeing it firsthand today, it's really true. You're talented, young, handsome, highly popular, and very modest, Carlos. You must be very popular with the girls."

At this...

Carlos gives a professional smile, that's all he can do.

Articulate, witty, and charming, interviewing with Christy is genuinely comfortable and interesting.

It must be said...

Christy is an excellent reporter.

Carlos's mood, already good, is even better after this interview.

And after Christy's interview ends, Duncan, who had been waiting nearby, comes over and greets Carlos with a smile, "Hello, Carlos!"

"Hello, Tim, sir!"

Carlos responds cheerfully.

Despite their on-court rivalry, Carlos respects Duncan off the court, knowing that this seemingly naive-looking man is truly a good person!

"Congratulations, you won another spectacular victory tonight, as a rookie, in a dire moment, almost single-handedly leading the team forward.

And then pulling off the buzzer-beater, directly defeating our 'Big Three.' Carlos, you're really strong, the strongest rookie I've known so far, bar none."

"No, no."

Carlos shakes his head with a modest smile, "Tonight was just a lucky win. The 'Big Three' of the Spurs are still formidable, and you have to take them seriously whenever you encounter them."

"Hehe!"

Duncan gives a simple, good-natured laugh, then seriously pats Carlos on the shoulder, "Carlos, you really are strong. I fully believe... the league will be yours in the future!"

Buzz!

Carlos is momentarily stunned by Duncan's words, thinking to himself, isn't this line always delivered eventually, never absent? A few years back, it was said to 'King' LeBron, and now to me. Does he say this to every player with a bit of talent? Truly a lover of all!

Uh...

Carlos chuckles, instinctively saying, "Tim, you're such a Casanova!"

"Ah? Casanova?"

Duncan blinks, looking puzzled.

Carlos just shakes his head with a smile, and after a short conversation, Duncan walks away, seeming to have taken a liking to Carlos, the player brimming with talent.

After Duncan leaves...

Just as Carlos is about to head back to the locker room, he sees two beautiful figures approaching. At first glance, he thinks they're just regular female fans, but upon closer inspection, Carlos is quite surprised.

Because they are Lady Gaga and Avril Lavigne, whose influence as American music stars he's well aware of.

"Hello, Carlos, I'm Lady Gaga!"

The vivacious and outgoing Lady Gaga waves at Carlos in greeting.

While the 'Ice Princess' Avril Lavigne is somewhat reserved in the presence of someone she doesn't know, she gives a slight nod and says gently and softly, "Hello, I'm Avril Lavigne—"

"Hello!"

Carlos responds with a smile, surprised and almost disbelieving that the beautiful idols he's only seen on TV are now right in front of him.

Carlos is the first to break the ice, saying with a smile, "Lady Gaga, Avril Lavigne, I'm a fan of yours."

"Really?!"

Lady Gaga shows a surprised face.

As a fan of Carlos, Lady Gaga is delighted to hear him say he's their fan, laughing, "We're your fans too. Can we take a photo with you, oppa?!"

"Of course—"

Carlos nods with a smile. When two super popular female idols ask for a photo, how could he refuse?

"Stephen!"

Carlos calls over Curry, who is waiting to head back to the locker room with him, "Come over and take a few pictures for us."

??

"All right!"

Curry thought something was up, only to end up as an unceremonious photographer.

Lady Gaga and Avril Lavigne stand on either side of Carlos.

The somewhat shy Avril just stands close to Carlos, while the exuberant Lady Gaga hooks her arm into Carlos's with a broad smile, making a cute 'yea' gesture with her hand in front of her eye.

"Click—"

"Click... Click—"