Suns Head Coach's Office.
Alvin Gentry was also watching last night's Suns vs. Lakers showdown, but… he didn't look nearly as pleased as Austin, Karl, and the others.
"Knock knock knock!"
Someone knocked on the door.
A moment later, General Manager Lance walked in. Seeing Gentry watching the replay of last night's Suns–Lakers game, he assumed Gentry was enjoying the victory.
But in the next second, he noticed Gentry's furrowed brows.
"What's wrong?"
Lance walked over, puzzled. "Didn't we win? And not just a win—it was a spectacular one that shook the entire league. Blake Su became legendary overnight, and his popularity has skyrocketed.
All of that is good news.
Alvin Gentry, why are you frowning on Christmas Eve?"
"Uh…"
Gentry paused the video and said to Lance, "Blake Su's individual performance was flawless, but… if you watch the game carefully, you'll notice the Suns currently have a major weakness."
"What?!"
"Defense."
Gentry spoke seriously.
Lance's expression also grew focused. Then he said, "But that's always been an issue. We run a run-and-gun system, which means sacrificing some defense.
We maximize speed and shooting accuracy to overwhelm opponents with fast-paced offense.
There's nothing wrong with that."
"That's true,"
Gentry shook his head slightly. "But our defense is still far too weak. Aside from Blake Su, our defense just isn't good. And Blake Su also has to carry a heavy offensive load.
That only makes the defense worse.
Especially on the wings. Aside from Blake Su, who's an all-around defender, we basically have no one. That's why when we played the Lakers, even against forwards who aren't considered top-tier like Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, we still couldn't stop them.
Last night's win was barely a narrow one.
With this kind of defense, I don't know if we can beat them the next time we meet. And if we run into them in the playoffs, when the defensive intensity ramps up… I don't know how much of a chance we'll have.
Maybe… none at all."
After hearing that, Lance also realized the problem.
He thought for a moment before asking, "So what are you thinking?"
"What do you think about George?"
Gentry said.
"Huh?"
Caught off guard, Lance froze for a moment before understanding.
"You want George to start? To handle wing defense?"
"Exactly."
Gentry nodded.
"That might not work."
Lance shook his head. "George is too inconsistent. If he starts, the offensive threat of our starting lineup drops, and the run-and-gun system won't reach its full potential."
"No, no, no."
Gentry smiled faintly and replied, "Do you really think a Suns team with Blake Su, Curry, and Nash lacks offense?
Not to mention Carter and Frye both have solid shooting."
"That's true."
"Exactly. Offense isn't the problem. What we're missing is a strong defender. And right now, rookie George—with his physical talent—is someone worth developing."
Gentry said seriously.
Lance finally nodded.
"So when do you plan to start him?"
"I'm considering it for now. As for when exactly… that still needs to be evaluated. It depends on George's development, how our offense is trending, and the team's overall situation."
"Mm."
Lance nodded again, then smiled.
"Alvin Gentry, don't work yourself so hard today. Go home and spend time with your family. No work talk on Christmas Eve.
Head home early.
My wife and family are waiting for me, so I'm heading out first."
"Yeah, I'll leave soon too."
...
Christmas Eve was meant to be joyful and peaceful.
People from all walks of life set aside their stressful work today. Some went home for dinner with their families, some went out to relax with friends, and others spent time with their partners or loved ones.
As for Blake Su—
he flew to Los Angeles to pick up his "Quinnie."
4:00 PM.
Blake Su arrived an hour early. He went to a nearby mall to buy a few gifts and other items, then booked a standard room at a five-star luxury hotel.
The hotel was located right in the city center, with everything nearby.
When he returned to the airport, it was exactly 5:00 PM.
Ten minutes later, Quinnie called.
"Hey, Blake, I've already come out after security. I'm waiting in front of a place called 'Big Bowl Noodles.' Are you here yet?!"
"Yeah. What are you wearing?"
"A black sweater on top and a dark green skirt!"
"Got it. I'll be there right away."
Blake Su had been waiting near the exit. He spotted the "Big Bowl Noodles" shop almost immediately and walked toward it.
Soon, he locked onto a girl wearing a black sweater and a dark green skirt.
"Is that really Mia Quinn?!"
Blake Su looked stunned.
Even from more than ten meters away, even with just a side profile, that icy-cool expression and aloof temperament were unmistakable.
It had to be Mia Quinn—her striking beauty and that naturally aloof aura made her impossible to mistake.
"Interesting."
Blake Su smiled faintly.
He had suspected it before, but confirming it for real still felt a little unbelievable.
Of course, there was no time to dwell on it now.
Blake Su walked straight over and called out:
"Quinnie!"
Mia Quinn turned toward the voice and saw Blake Su approaching.
Then… she broke into a radiant smile.
That breathtaking smile created a stark contrast with her earlier frosty aura.
That smile… was incredibly healing.
Seeing her face clearly now, Blake Su became even more certain.
The beautiful young woman in front of him was indeed Mia Quinn—renowned for her stunning looks and outstanding acting.
And now—
she was his cousin.
Blake Su had just walked over and was about to say something when Mia Quinn frowned slightly and complained:
"Blake, it's so cold! Why is the weather in the US this freezing?!"
Seeing her shivering, Blake Su took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, smiling.
"You just didn't dress warmly enough, Quinnie."
"No way~"
Mia Quinn muttered, but she still obediently wrapped the coat tightly around herself.
"Let's go."
Blake Su took her suitcase. After hesitating briefly, he grabbed her slightly reddened, freezing hand and walked straight to a milk tea shop, buying her a steaming cup of milk tea.
"Here, Quinnie—your first milk tea of the winter."
"Huh?"
Mia Quinn took it but didn't quite understand what he meant.
Blake Su chuckled.
"It's still a bit of a walk to the hotel. Drink some milk tea first—warm your hands. It won't feel so cold."
"Oh?"
Mia Quinn tilted her head slightly and looked up at him with surprise.
"Hey, Blake, what's gotten into you? Since when did you become so considerate?"
"Did I?"
Blake Su laughed.
In his mind, he thought: This is just basic stuff.
Guess the old me was just too blunt.