First AAU Game 3/3 (Bonus)

*Sound Effects*

**Language**

'Thoughts'

"Dialogue"

(Point of View) -> This will be more prevalent during basketball games and future media reactions. Attempting it for the first time hope you like!

A/N: This a bonus for the spurs winning last night lol. I'm not sure if I'll do this every time they win but we'll see. Enjoy the bonus chapter!

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After the first quarter, I opted to sit out the beginning of the second. I wasn't overly fatigued, but I saw it as a chance for Dylan and Isaac to get some valuable minutes. It wasn't crucial for me to be on the court at the moment; the morale of the opposing team had hit an all-time low. With their family members and friends in attendance, witnessing a lopsided game, it was understandable.

As I observed the game while taking a breather, my gaze fell to my shoes, revealing a few tears and scratches. 'Damn,' I thought, inspecting the wear and tear. I doubted they would hold up for much longer. Coach, noticing my downcast expression, seemed puzzled, given our team's lead. "Everything okay?" he inquired. "Yeah, Coach, everything's all good," I assured him, not wanting to raise any concerns.

(3rd Person)

In the subsequent segments, the game continued with a relentless display of teamwork and individual efforts. Javi, displaying his scoring prowess, managed to accumulate 22 points during these stretches. Each team member contributed in their own way, showcasing the depth and versatility of the squad. The score expanded, and when we return to the normal pacing in the final moments of the fourth quarter, it stands at an overwhelming 60-23. 

As the game progressed, the atmosphere remained intense. With the score heavily in our favor, the opposing team decided to bring back number 3, likely hoping for a change in their fortune. Javi, ever-focused, saw this as an opportunity to showcase his skills.

(1st Person)

Receiving the ball, I expertly executed a series of crossovers, leaving number 3 stumbling in his wake. Driving towards the basket, I went for an open layup when, I felt a push coming from behind.

*WHOOOO* I heard the whistle go off as I hit the ground hard.

(3rd Person)

Out of frustration, number 3 delivered a hard shove to Javi's back. Tempers flared as Elijah and the team, incensed by the aggressive foul, exchanged heated words with the opposing players. The situation threatened to escalate into a full-blown confrontation. Amidst the chaos, number 3 was ejected from the game for the flagrant foul. The crowd's reaction was mixed, with some booing the unsportsmanlike conduct, while others cheered the ejection. A police officer had to step in to hold back some impassioned parents and friends from getting involved in the escalating tension.

Shaking off the impact, Javi focused on the free throws awarded for the foul. Despite the commotion, he maintained his composure, sinking all three shots cleanly through the net. However, as he returned to the court, he couldn't help but notice a tear in his worn-out shoes. Dismissing the distraction, Javi continued to play.

Coach Will, concerned about Javi's well-being, called a timeout. The team gathered around, tensions still high from the altercation. The coach took the opportunity to check on Javi, ensuring he was fit to continue playing in the game.

(1st Person) 

I turned my gaze towards Coach, noting the concern etched on his face. "I'm good, Coach," I assured him, though a slight wince betrayed the pain in my right rib. "No, Javi, you've done enough. I'm sitting you out for the rest of the game. We've already won, so don't worry about it. You've got to think about the bigger picture," he asserted sternly. "I understand, Coach," I replied, acknowledging that the game was secured, and my presence on the court wasn't necessary.

"That guy, I should've knocked some sense into him," Elijah fumed, still hot-headed about the incident. The other players nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, I appreciate it, but getting you all ejected won't help," I said with a smile. It felt reassuring to know that someone had my back.

As I sat on the sideline, observing the game, I glanced at the spectators. Among them, some were elated by our team's dominance, while others wore expressions of disappointment as their team faced a significant deficit. 'There's always a mix of emotions in the crowd, never both sides happy,' I pondered. 

"Here," Coach handed me a pack of ice. I took it and applied it to the sore area. "Thanks, Coach," I said, offering a grateful smile. "Of course, good playing out there. I knew you'd do well, but 22 points and 13 assists? That's a bit much, don't you think?" he teased.

"Eh, it's not really competition, so it wasn't that hard," I replied casually.

"That may be true, but don't downplay your role. Who knows how many points you would have scored if you played regular minutes," he said, acknowledging my potential.

'Guess we'll have to see,' I thought, eagerly anticipating the upcoming challenges in the AAU tournament against stronger competition.

The game wrapped up with a resounding score of 68-26. The entire team rushed onto the court, brimming with excitement and joy over our first victorious match. I joined in, my jumps a bit more reserved due to the discomfort in my side, but the elation was evident in my wide smile.

"How about some pizza?" Coach suggested. The idea was met with unanimous agreement, and we swiftly left the venue to gather at a local pizza shop, marking the celebration of our first victory.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A/N: This was my initial attempt at shifting perspectives in a game, aiming to provide a broader view of unfolding events from an external standpoint. My intention is to capture the reactions of the media, fans, and other players as they witnessed the developments on the court. I'd appreciate your feedback on how well this approach worked in conveying the broader narrative. As always leave a comment if you enjoyed the chapter and your thoughts so far! If you'd like to support the story, a simple review or voting with power stones would go a long way.