Christmas

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"...three, for Curry, he got it! Curry was in great shape today. He has made six three-pointers and scored 28 points in this game, consolidating his position as the NCAA's scoring champion."

"There are only two minutes left in the game, and Butler is already leading by 15 points... Oh! Evansville missed this three-pointer, which means they lost the game!"

"Let us congratulate Butler for their seventh consecutive win. After losing to Purdue University, they have been unstoppable and are currently ranked first in the Horizon League with a record of 12 wins and 1 loss!"

Inside Hinkle Fieldhouse, the game between Butler University and the University of Evansville was drawing to a close.

Although the fans on-site couldn't hear the passionate commentary, they stood up in unison, waved their hands energetically, and cheered for their team's victory.

Today was December 22nd, and Christmas was just a few days away. The Bulldogs defeated the University of Evansville 74:60 at home, giving their fans the best Christmas gift they could ask for.

After the game, the Bulldogs' players returned to the locker room with smiles on their faces.

Julian Beko was chatting and laughing with Mike Green, his facial expressions exaggerated.

He was in high spirits this season.

Even though Liam hadn't promoted him to the starting lineup, he often used a small lineup with one big man and four smaller players on the court.

As a result, Julian Beko's average playing time had increased significantly compared to last season, and his tactical position within the team had improved as well.

Bang!

The locker room door was pushed open, and Liam and Curry walked in. They had just finished an interview with reporters.

Starting from the first game against Print State University, Liam had taken Curry to be interviewed after each game. However, the other players did not express any dissatisfaction.

It wasn't just because Curry was the team's leading scorer and tactical core in every game. He was also the biggest contributor to the team's victories.

They also knew that Curry was destined to participate in the NBA draft, and with his performance, he could even make it into the lottery.

Meanwhile, they were unlikely to have the chance to play in the NBA. After graduating from college, they would either give up basketball or go overseas to play in lower-level leagues. They didn't need the spotlight and wouldn't compete with Curry for it.

Liam stood in front of everyone and clapped his hands. After the team members turned their attention to him, he smiled and said:

"Everyone performed very well today. Drew defended the restricted area solidly, AJ's positioning is getting more precise, and Campbell, I'm curious what other dunks you haven't shown yet... And of course, Stephen was the biggest contributor to our victory."

The players all laughed. Evansville is one of the weaker teams in the NCAA, with a low defensive intensity. Everyone had a standout performance.

"Coach, we've won seven games in a row. Are there any rewards?" Julian Beko asked boldly.

Liam glanced at him sideways.

"What reward do you want? A three-day training package?"

"Let's not do that," Julian quickly waved his hands.

The locker room erupted in laughter, and Mike Green pressed Julian Beko's head onto his lap, shouting:

"Coach, don't listen to him!"

Liam looked at the cheerful crowd, shook his head, and laughed:

"You guys... Don't worry, there are rewards. I've decided to cancel tomorrow's training and give you a day off early. You can have a happy Christmas."

"Ahhhh!"

"Coach, I love you!"

"Coach, Mike is saying he loves you!"

"What? Between Mike and the Coach…"

Seeing them getting more and more outrageous, Liam's face darkened as he smiled coldly:

"It seems you all want to continue training."

His voice wasn't loud, but the locker room instantly fell silent.

"Coach, how are you going to spend Christmas?" Campbell quickly changed the subject.

"Your dear Coach Stevens has to go home to be with his wife, so I'll be spending the day alone," Liam glanced at Stevens and shrugged helplessly.

Stevens, leaning against the wall and looking at his phone, didn't even raise his head. He replied calmly,

"It's okay. Come to my house. Tracy won't be jealous."

"Hahaha!"

His words caused everyone to laugh, and Liam was somewhat moved:

"That's not a bad idea..."

"Coach, why don't you come to my house for Christmas?" Curry suddenly interrupted.

"Go to your house?" Liam asked curiously.

"My father has always wanted to invite you over. Although you came once in July, you left in a hurry," Curry explained.

"Hmm..." Liam stroked his chin with his right hand and nodded, "Thank you very much, Stephen."

Stonehaven, Charlotte.

The Midwest of the United States is a vast plain. Every winter, the cold front from Greenland sweeps through flat Canada and moves south unimpeded, bringing strong winds and blizzards.

This year was no exception. The day before Christmas, heavy snow fell in Charlotte. Snowflakes fluttered down, turning the whole city into a silver world. The sky hung heavy with leaden clouds. Although it was only afternoon, there were few pedestrians on the streets.

But in the Stonehaven community, lights shone brightly, and every household was filled with laughter and chatter. The warm atmosphere formed a stark contrast with the blizzard outside.

"Be gentle and move it a little to the left… That's right, just like that, it's done!"

At Curry's home, Dell and Seth were setting up the Christmas tree in the living room, while Sonya and Sydell were cooking in the kitchen. The family was making final preparations for Christmas Eve.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked, placing the turkey in the oven and wiping the sweat from her forehead.

"Maybe it's the snow. He said we didn't need to pick him up," Dell replied nonchalantly.

"You just don't care enough about the kids. You were like this when you were playing basketball. I have to worry about everything at home..." Sonya began to criticize Dell, as usual.

Dell sighed inwardly, feeling a bit annoyed but knowing it was pointless to argue. It would only lead to more nagging.

Miss Daisy is still the best—gentle and beautiful...

A gentle female figure emerged in his mind—a young assistant assigned to Dell by the Charlotte TV sports channel. The two had a lot in common and often had deep, soulful conversations.

Of course, Dell conveniently ignored the jewelry and luxury clothes he had gifted Miss Daisy.

Ding-dong!

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Dell called Seth to open the door:

"It must be Stephen."

Snap!

Seth opened the door and joked:

"My silly brother, with all this snow, are you drenched? Ah, Coach Liam! Come in, quickly!"

He exclaimed, and when he saw Liam following Curry, he quickly stepped aside.

Curry and Liam didn't enter the house immediately. Instead, they stomped their feet at the door to shake off the snow on their bodies before stepping inside and changing into slippers.

"Seth, do you really want me to get drenched?" Curry said, taking off his gloves, hugging Seth, and putting his cold hands on Seth's neck.

"Ah! Get your hands off… I was wrong, brother, I was wrong!" Seth screamed and tried to dodge, but Curry's strength had grown significantly after several months of training. Seth couldn't break free and had to shrink his neck, begging for mercy loudly.

Seeing Seth's reaction, Dell quickly finished setting up the Christmas tree and walked over:

"Liam, you're here? Stop it, you two!"

Liam put his backpack aside and said with a smile:

"Stephen invited me over for Christmas. Didn't he tell you?"

Curry let go of Seth and chuckled,

"I wanted to surprise you."

Dell rubbed his head awkwardly and looked at Liam:

"Sorry to have you and Stephen rush back in such heavy snow."

"Haha, it's okay. What delicious food is Sonya cooking? Let me see…" Liam waved it off casually and looked toward the kitchen.

Curry curled his lips,

"What else could it be? Turkey, mince pies, ham, pudding, salmon... It's been the same since I was a kid."

"Stephen! If you're tired of eating, how about some oatmeal porridge tonight? Maybe some bread with it?" Sonya's voice wasn't loud, but she still heard it.

"No, Mom, I was just joking. The food you make is always delicious..." Curry quickly corrected himself.

Time passed quickly amid laughter and joy. In the evening, Curry and Seth brought the dishes to the table, and everyone sat down.

At this time, the heavy snow had stopped, and the streets outside the window reflected a faint silver light under the streetlights. The trees were blanketed with snow, which fell from time to time in the strong wind, dancing lightly in the lights like a dream.

Dell picked up a glass of red wine and raised it to Liam:

"Liam, thank you. If it weren't for you, Stephen wouldn't be performing so well."

"Dell, you have to have confidence in your genes. Besides Stephen, Seth will also be a great shooter in the future." Liam replied with a smile while holding up his glass.

Dell laughed loudly and, with some pride, gulped down the wine.

Sonya gave him a mocking look:

"It's all because of me. You couldn't run fast or jump high back then. They inherited my athletic genes!"

After dinner, everyone sat in the living room to watch TV. TNT was broadcasting the Christmas game between the Heat and the Lakers.

Kobe was not in good form. Although he was averaging 30.5 points per game this season, he made only 4 of 17 shots tonight, missing 13 of them, relying more on free throws, and scoring only 16 points. Meanwhile, Wade scored 40 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 blocks in the absence of O'Neal. He was incredibly versatile, shooting at 60% and outperforming Kobe. In the end, the Heat defeated the Lakers 101:85.

Curry watched Wade enviously as he was interviewed on the sidelines after the game and murmured quietly:

"When will I score 40 points against Kobe…"

Liam, sitting next to him, chuckled when he heard him talking to himself:

"Don't even think about it. That's Staples Center. Forget about scoring 40 points; you'd be lucky if you didn't slip there."

"Huh?" Curry was puzzled. Why couldn't he understand what his coach meant?

End of this chapter

End of this chapter

Derrick Rose ::::::::::((((((((

Note: This novel as you see I changed the name and nationality, as such is more complicated translate it I hope you support.

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