Knicks vs. Bulls V

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~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~

~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 4:41 PM)~~~

After Ulysses's beautiful shot, the score has widened once again. It's 25 to 9, and the Bulls players are starting to get desperate. Their coach, Billy Donovan, isn't happy with how his team is playing tonight. It goes to show that even with the advantage the refs are giving.

You still can't contain my son on any end of the floor. I'm sure the NBA will be making changes to the rules regarding contact, fouls, and other such things soon.

But for now, Ulysses has to play the game the way it's set against him. I know my son, and I know what's going on in his head. He loves the challenge. He wouldn't ever say it to me, but I knew he was worried the NBA would be too easy for him.

He's that good at basketball. It's not fun to do something if there isn't some resistance or challenge there to meet you. I remember plenty of times when great people lost motivation for the things they were great at because of how good they were.

I'm hoping Ulysses doesn't suffer the same fate as those fated few. He's already proven that he's someone that's one of a kind in terms of basketball.

I take my mind off this train of thought and refocus on the game. The Bulls bring the ball down the court after Ulysses's bucket. And they're running really hard screens to get their shooters free. Sadly, it works. And they score a quick 3-pointer.

"Miss. Is Ulysses your kid?"

The fan next to me gets my attention, and I notice that it's a younger woman with a child. She's got black hair and green eyes, and her son has matching features. I look around her, but I don't see a father. Nor do I see a ring on her finger.

"Yes, I am."

She smiles lightly and takes a calming breath.

"I know this is very forward, but I was wondering if you could get Ulysses to give my son his game shoes. I'll completely understand if you don't want to. But since I'm lucky enough to sit next to you, I figured I might as well try."

The kid in question peaks his head out from behind his mother. And he looks up at me with puppy dog eyes. I remember when Ulysses used to be that small...

Those were hard times... For my sister and brother-in-law...

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

~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~

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

~~~(Time: 4:43 PM)~~~

There is a little over a minute left in the first quarter, and the score is 29 to 14. The Bulls are trying their damnedest to close the score gap.

The defense and offense from the Bulls have gotten much better in these last couple of minutes, and they're proving to run our bench players in the ground. Zach is bringing the ball down the court, and I'm guarding Kostos.

"Shift with their offense!! Don't keep giving up easy 3s!!"

Tom is yelling from the side, but it doesn't help. Our defense collapses yet again, and they get an easy 3-pointer. Making the score 29 to 17 in our favor. I admire their willpower, but I'm not letting them crawl back into this.

Since I'm running point guard this game, I bring the ball down the court, and the crowd is going wild as the clock is now under 40 seconds. In a showing of dazzling skill, I cross over my defender and drive into the paint.

Laying the ball off the glass, and getting 2 points. Making the score 31 to 17. We'll have the last possession of the quarter, thanks to that.

We try and stop the Bulls on the defensive end, but nothing works. They're moving way better than we are. They get a layup and a foul call. Getting a three-point play.

Making the score 31 to 20.

I bring the ball down the court, and there are 14 seconds left on the clock. As soon as I pass half-court, I'm double-teamed and forced to pass the ball away. It reaches Barrett's hands, and in a showing of great shooting, he doesn't hesitate.

Sinking the 3-point shot with 2 seconds left on the clock for the quarter.

The crowd goes crazy.