Random Mission

"Beep beep!"

The Thunder called a timeout. As the commentator described, with only 8.7 seconds left, the Thunder indeed had enough time for one last offensive play. If they made the shot, it would seal the victory, and even if they missed, they could force the game into overtime. Regardless of the outcome, they wouldn't lose. Therefore, on the Thunder's bench, the players, hearing the coach's tactical instructions on the whiteboard, remained relaxed. This relaxed attitude paradoxically helped them execute a better offensive play.

On the other hand, in the stands, the Suns fans maintained a reasonable level of composure. Compared to being 3 points behind, having an equal score always brings a sense of relief.

8.7 seconds.

Just defend, and everything will be fine. That was the mindset on the Suns' bench. Just moments ago, with Carlos assisting Curry and making that crucial three-pointer, the morale of the players skyrocketed. Everyone was confident they could stop the Thunder's upcoming offensive play and possibly force overtime.

"Beep-beep!"

The timeout was over. The last 8.7 seconds of the decisive moment in the game were about to unfold.

Westbrook inbounded from the mid-court sideline. Curry did his best to block him, continuously jumping to interfere and not giving Westbrook an easy chance to find a teammate.

"Whoosh!"

Seeing Durant coming around, Westbrook passed the ball.

"Snap!"

Durant caught the ball near the three-point line, two meters away. After receiving the ball, he accelerated towards the basket. Carlos rushed over to defend, but Jeff Green also came out to set a screen.

One screen was not enough.

Harden also ran out, providing additional coverage.

"Swoosh!"

Durant didn't hesitate at all. With a double screen, he accelerated past Carlos, reaching the right arc. Facing Curry's supplementary defense, he wore a serious expression.

A quick stop and a full jump!

He shot the long-distance shot!

"Ah!"

Curry let out a low roar, jumping up with all his might to block, providing Durant with maximum interference.

However, Curry's interference was somewhat insignificant for a superstar like Durant.

The rotating basketball in the air captivated the hearts of the fans.

Did he make it?

"Swoosh!"

Under the intense gaze of the fans, a crisp net-swishing sound echoed. A three-pointer, cleanly made!

Boom!

The massive American West Arena erupted in deafening cheers. Thunder fans jumped up, fist-pumping and cheering. They knew—they won.

Yes...

The "Reaper" Durant once again made this crucial three-pointer, sealing the game!

At this moment...

There wasn't much time left for the Suns!

It's not just that time is running out; there are only 3.1 seconds left.

"Beep-beep."

Gentry quickly called a timeout.

On the Suns' bench...

Gentry held the tactical board and said seriously, "Guys, time is running out for us. If we want to tie the game, we must make a three-pointer. Curry, Nash, and Carter, all of you have decent three-point abilities. 

Even Carlos can take a shot. So, no matter who gets the ball next, you must shoot decisively. Don't hesitate because we don't have time to hesitate. This is our last chance, and as long as we put in the effort, we'll have a chance!"

The coach tried to explain the tactics in a relaxed tone, but the players' faces undoubtedly became even more downcast. Nash and Carter frowned, and everyone knew very well that with a 3.1-second, 3-point difference, making a three-pointer would be extremely challenging. 

Moreover, only Curry had a good three-point shooting touch, while Nash was inconsistent, Carter struggled, and Carlos, despite his fantastic performance tonight, had not demonstrated any three-point capability throughout the season. 

With only two attempts tonight, both of which missed, it was clear that Carlos, known for his accurate mid-range shooting, didn't possess a three-point shot. 

Now, needing a three-pointer was a devastating blow to the Suns.

The home Suns fans, one by one, looked ashen-faced and uncomfortable. Despite being ahead by as much as 15 points at one time, they were now witnessing a comeback by the Thunder. How could anyone not feel distressed? Some noise even erupted from the crowd. A fan with a bad temper started cursing loudly, storming out and leaving the arena early. Watching their favorite team being overturned was undoubtedly a terrible experience.

"3.1 seconds left, is there still hope?" A young Suns fan, a little girl, asked her dad anxiously. In her naive and innocent mind, she stared at Carlos's figure, hoping he could save the team. In her heart, she silently prayed that Carlos, who had performed the best tonight, could deliver.

"Huh?" At this moment, a wave of doubtful voices suddenly arose from the stands. People's attention turned to the technical table, where several referees gathered, seemingly discussing something. At the same time, on the large screen above the arena, a slow-motion replay was being displayed, showing Durant's recent three-point attempt.

As they observed, everyone discovered an extraordinary situation. In slow motion, it was visible that when Durant took off with his left foot, the tip of his shoe touched the three-point line. Although it was just a tiny bit, the tip of the shoe did touch it. That meant Durant's shot was not a three-pointer but a two-pointer with his foot on the line.

After the referees confirmed the video, they deducted 1 point from the Thunder's score, changing the point difference to 2 points. This alteration brought joy to the Suns fans. Looking at it now, with 3.1 seconds left and a 2-point difference, winning was still difficult. However, compared to before, at least it gave Carlos an opportunity to attack, score 2 points, and force the game into overtime.

On the bench...

Carlos, seeing the reduced point difference to just 2 points, squinted his eyes. With such a short time left, he didn't have much confidence in making a 3-point shot. However, a 2-point shot was a different story, especially with the boost from "Anthony's jump shot." Carlos felt confident in taking this chance.

[Ding!]

Suddenly, the system's reminder sounded in Carlos's mind. The system, silent for a long time, appeared unexpectedly. Carlos was surprised when he heard it.

[Ding! Triggered Random Mission: Achieve a 40+ triple-double in a single game, and you will obtain 'Peak Curry Long-range Shooting.']

A 40+ triple-double?

Curry's peak three-point shooting?!

In the brief moment Carlos heard the system's voice, his eyes lit up. During his rookie years, Iverson's three-pointers weren't that reliable. The "75 points" in three-point attributes said it all. If he had Curry's three-point ability, especially the peak version, it would undoubtedly be among the best in the entire league—a crucial offensive capability that Carlos needed.

"Great!"

Carlos felt inwardly delighted and then looked at his stats for the night. "To achieve a 40+ triple-double, I currently have 51 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 blocks. That means... to get a 40+ triple-double, I need 2 more assists. But there are only 3.1 seconds left. It's nearly impossible to complete 2 assists in such a short time unless... unless I can drag the game into overtime."

Buzz!

With this thought, a red flame ignited in Carlos's eyes.

"Beep beep!"

The timeout was over. Both teams' starters returned to the court, and the final 3.1 seconds of life-and-death struggle began!