Three-point shootout

Let's rewind time a bit...

When the Celtics' "Big Four" faced off against the Heat's "Big Three," battles were intensifying.

American Airlines Center...

A showdown between the Mavericks and Thunder, two Western Conference powerhouses, was also in full swing. As the 2nd-seeded team in the West last year, the Mavericks were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the 7th-seeded Spurs. This unfortunate outcome led to a sense of lament for the Mavericks' strength.

Nowitzki's leadership skills were put under scrutiny. Tall in stature, a sharpshooter from the outside, slow-footed, not a robust defender, combined with their high ranking but a first-round exit, Nowitzki was once dubbed a "softie."

However...

Despite the criticisms, the Mavericks had an impressive record this year, surpassing the defending champion Lakers, still securing the 2nd spot in the West. While Nowitzki's seemingly soft offensive style involves the "one-legged fadeaway shot," it not only poses a significant defensive challenge but also boasts an exceptionally high shooting percentage.

Making it quite a headache for opponents.

Tonight, in a fierce battle against Thunder's Big Three, when the team was momentarily bewildered, trailing by 15 points, Nowitzki stepped up.

"Swoosh!"

Unreasonable "one-legged fadeaway shot" after another, hitting consecutively under the tight defense of Thunder's Big Three, he single-handedly sparked an 8-0 counter-attack.

Bringing back the confidence that was about to crumble for the Mavericks.

Teammates subsequently exploded, narrowing the gap, establishing an advantage, and maintaining it until the end, completing a comeback win against the Thunder.

"Wow... that height, that posture, that shooting accuracy. Nowitzki's 'one-legged fadeaway shot' is practically undefendable. His other leg acts like a giant sword, blocking in front of him, making it impossible for defensive players to limit his scoring."

Inside the Mexico National Sports TV studio.

José, who was broadcasting the game tonight, said. Miguel, the commentator beside him, adjusted his glasses and added, "Yes, almost single-handedly leading the team to victory. Tonight... he showcased the qualities of a leader. Some may call him a 'softie'? So what, as long as you can score, as long as you can lead the team forward, those doubts will eventually disappear, becoming mere clouds."

"Exactly..."

José nodded, his blood already boiling. He loosened his tie and said, "Being 2nd in the West is the best proof of Nowitzki's strength. This year... they will surely regain the face they lost last year and let the league know that even with a big guy shooting from the outside and playing a slow-paced offense, they can still succeed."

"Hmm?"

Miguel stroked his chin, recalling something, then said, "José, teacher, Nowitzki's outside 'one-legged fadeaway shot' is really unstoppable. And Carlos also plays from the outside. Haven't you noticed the similarity in their offensive styles?"

"Well..."

José thought for a moment and said, "It does seem somewhat similar, with similar heights. However... Carlos is more of a speedster, not only powerful but also highly entertaining. Nowitzki only has the former, scoring being his primary skill."

"Right..."

Miguel agreed, then continued, "Nowitzki's scoring ability is beyond doubt, being the team's leader and core. He's stable in what he does. But the Mavericks achieving such a commendable record in the West can't be underestimated with the group of helpers around him. Additionally... with such a strong Mavericks, they will face the equally formidable Suns in the next game. Nowitzki vs. Carlos, a super showdown between the forward and center on the perimeter. It's truly something to look forward to."

José knew that Miguel was building up excitement for the Mavericks and Suns' showdown. However, he took the conversation and said, "The Mavericks against the Suns will undoubtedly be thrilling, but tomorrow night, the Suns will face the Green Army, the Celtics."

"Ah!"

Miguel understood.

José smiled and continued, "Suns vs. Celtics, Carlos against the Celtics' 'Big Four,' who just defeated the Heat's 'Big Three.' This game before the Mavericks and Suns showdown is also bound to be a major battle."

With their words, both matchups became highly anticipated by fans.

The next day...

At 8:30 PM.

The Western Arena...

The Suns and Celtics players were about to finish their warm-up, and the highly anticipated battle was about to begin.

Both starting lineups entered the court.

Phoenix Suns' starting lineup: 6'3" point guard Steve Nash, 6'3" shooting guard Stephen Curry, 6'6" shooting guard Vince Carter, 6'11" power forward Channing Frye, and 7'1" center Carlos.

Boston Celtics' starting lineup: 6'1" point guard Rajon Rondo, 6'5" shooting guard Ray Allen, 6'7" small forward Paul Pierce, 6'11" power forward Kevin Garnett, and 7'1" center Shaquille O'Neal.

"Tsk tsk..."

Just by looking at the Celtics' lineup, Jon Barry couldn't help but be amazed. He said, "With all these players in their prime, I think the NBA games could come to an end."

"Haha!"

Mark Jackson chuckled and said, "In the 2007-08 season, when O'Neal wasn't here, and Rondo was still a rookie, the other 'Big Three' were already past their primes, they still won the championship. Not to mention, this lineup with all five players in their prime. If that were the case, only Michael Jordan's Bulls in their peak could possibly beat them. No, the odds of winning might not even be that high. After all... these five players cover completely different positions. If all of them were at their peak, their strength would be insane!"

"Hehe, you're right. However, getting all five of them at their peak together is only possible in dreams. Look, the game has started."

"Jump ball!"

The battle for the ball between Carlos and O'Neal, who was at the end of his career, even though an inch taller than Carlos, couldn't compete with the young center for the jump ball.

"Snap!"

Carlos easily tipped the ball for the Suns, organizing the first offensive possession for his team. Curry received the ball, moved to the left side, and passed to Nash at the top of the arc.

Another pass...

Carlos, who had moved to the right arc, received the ball. Just as Garnett was about to defend, Carlos took one steps outside the three-point line, jumped, and released a long shot.

"Directly shooting a three-pointer?!"

Garnett was surprised. He hadn't expected a center to attack from beyond the three-point line. When he tried to block, the ball had already flown over his head.

"Swoosh!"

The deep orange basketball crossed the sky, swishing into the basket, accompanied by a delightful net sound.

A three-pointer from downtown.

"Wow!"

Carlos opened the game with a three-pointer against the Celtics' "Big Ticket," capturing the audience and prompting cheers from the crowd.

However...

Before the cheers could last, in the transition from offense to defense, "Jesus Shuttlesworth" rushed to the frontcourt. Under tight defense, he made an incredible off-balance three-pointer, sinking the clean shot.

"Swoosh!"

As Celtics fans were about to cheer, Curry received Nash's long pass at the top of the arc. Faced with tight defense, he took a step back and nailed a beautiful step-back three-pointer.

"F***!"

"Boom!"

At the beginning, Carlos, Curry, and Ray Allen, three top-notch shooters, didn't miss a beat. Each made a three-pointer, starting a three-point shootout and igniting the arena.