In the final quarter,
After a 4-minute-21-second rotation, the 11-point gap remained unchanged.
The starters returned to the floor for the final battle.
However, just as Deron and his team solemnly vowed to catch up and defend the glory of their "devil's home court," Carlos erupted once again.
Driving, shooting, and stealing.
In a span of 3 minutes and 12 seconds, he led his team to another 12-2 offensive surge, widening the already significant 11-point gap to 21 points.
"What's going on?!" the crowd murmured in disbelief. "Isn't Carlos supposed to be suffering from a headache? His performance seems effortless. What's happening?!"
"I'm not sure, but I know that with just a few minutes left and a 20-point deficit, it looks like our Jazz are done for tonight!"
"Darn it!"
"Ahhh... have we really been defeated by Carlos?"
"Because of Carlos, the Suns have a 20-game winning streak. It's him, even with a headache and off his game, he's able to lead the team forward. I'm convinced!"
"Carlos is fierce even with a headache, this young man truly doesn't play by the rules!"
"Err..." But in truth...
It's not so much that Carlos erupted again, but rather that over the course of the third quarter and the preceding rest period, he had almost adjusted to the environment of the court.
Performing up to his standard.
Now...
With little time left and a vast point difference, compounded by the home crowd's crumbling morale, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan had no choice but to call a timeout, effectively surrendering the game.
Tonight's mix of various factors and the Suns' hard-fought back-to-back journey commenced with them trailing by 21 points and ended with the Jazz falling behind by the same margin.
It seemed similar.
But the last to laugh were the Suns!
Without any suspense, the Suns turned the game around with a 15-point advantage, winning on the Jazz's home court, which boasted a 91% victory rate.
After the game...
In the commentary booth...
Van Gundy and Mike Breen exchanged glances, smiling and shaking their heads, both filled with emotion.
Van Gundy, grinning, said, "Let's talk stats. Tonight, despite being injured, Carlos still garnered a versatile stat line with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
And Curry, scoring 27 points in the second half alone, finished with 37 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing the full value of a team's second star.
In the end...
The Suns reversed a 21-point deficit to defeat the Jazz, securing their 21st consecutive win of the season.
But honestly, while I anticipated the beginning of this game, I never saw the end coming!
Who would have thought that the Suns could come back and win the game in such a hellish predicament?
I didn't see it coming, but I have to admit and marvel, Carlos, this rookie, he really has an incredible ability to lead the team. It seems that as long as he doesn't give up, his teammates can burst forth with limitless strength.
The team just won't lose!"
"Hehehe! Yes..."
Mike Breen nodded and chuckled, "What about the Jazz's 'devil's home court'? What does it matter if the start feels like hell, or if it's consecutive away games, or if the form is low?
As long as Carlos is there, even if he's got a headache, isn't focused, isn't in form, he can still inspire his teammates, rally his teammates. In my view... Carlos is a born leader!"
"That's right..."
Van Gundy wholeheartedly agreed, echoing emphatically, "The Suns won tonight, overcame the difficulty because Carlos, even with a headache, never gave up, and fought hard, ultimately winning the game. We should give him praise, give this born leader the applause and cheers he deserves!"
...
The Suns' grueling trip in Salt Lake City had come to an end.
Considering Carlos's condition, the whole Suns team flew back to Phoenix on a charter plane that same night, with two days of rest awaiting them before their home game against the Rockets.
The next morning...
While Carlos rested, Twitter was already abuzz. However, this time it wasn't the fans but various basketball stars who had followed the previous night's game between the Suns and the Jazz.
From the Heat, 'King' LeBron said, "Hey, Carlos, you did great. That's how you should play, never give up, no matter what. You've won a seemingly impossible victory with your struggle and perseverance. You are a true leader, a natural leader. Keep it up, I believe you'll get even better."
His teammate 'the flash' Wade commented, "An awe-inspiring game, Carlos showed what it means to be a team leader. He deserves all the praise!"
Teammate 'CB4' Bosh added, "Echoing my brother's words, keep it up, Carlos!"
From the Lakers, 'black mamba' Kobe remarked, "Hey, Carlos, your performance last night was stunning, I saw in you the qualities of a leader. Keep it up! I believe the Suns will get even better under your leadership."
From the Spurs, 'Big Fundamental' Duncan said, "Dealing with altitude sickness and still giving it your all, Carlos, your commitment to the game deserves respect from every player. Win or lose, I'd applaud you!"
The newly retired 'The Answer' Iverson also tweeted, "The league needs rookies like Carlos who never give up. It's these kinds of players, willing to fight, that keep the league exciting. Good job, Carlos!"
Former NBA great 'Magic' Johnson praised, "Carlos might be a rookie, but he's already acting like a seasoned leader. Well done, Carlos!"
Even the 'Basketball God' himself, and current Hornets owner, Michael Jordan couldn't help but commend, "Carlos reminds me of myself back in the day. What does an injury matter? As a team leader, you have to think about winning at all times. Carlos... he's a natural leader."
...
Carlos's performance last night, leading his team to victory despite being injured, might not have been reflected in standout statistics or overall play, but his actions have earned him widespread recognition and praise from countless stars.
This acclaim, witnessed by fans, sparked a new round of intense discussion, boosting Carlos's popularity and approval while he slept.
Meanwhile...
As fans eagerly discussed the game, at 10 a.m., the NBA officially announced the Player of the Week and the results of the first round of All-Star voting.