"No, I didn't."
Mike Breen really hadn't seen it.
Time rewinds a little.
4:00 PM.
ESPN Roundtable.
Today's topic: "The Phoenix Suns' Upcoming Mysterious Schedule!"
"Chuck" Charles Barkley spoke first with a grin.
"Reggie, calling it a coincidence might sound strange, but the Suns' upcoming stretch of games really is full of bizarre coincidences.
Let's look at the schedule first.
The Suns' next opponents are: the Wizards, Spurs, Bucks, Jazz, Rockets, and Celtics.
First up, the Wizards. Last night John Wall just had the best game of his rookie season. And now he immediately runs into the Suns, where Blake Su is the hottest 'super rookie' in the league.
Tonight.
Wall vs. Blake Su is one major highlight.
At the same time, if the Suns beat the Wizards tonight, they'll reach 18 straight wins and break the franchise record. But the last time the Suns had a 17-game winning streak, it was the Wizards who ended it.
So the question is—can they break that curse tonight?!
That's quite a coincidence and pretty interesting.
Next is the Bucks. If the Suns beat Milwaukee, they'll reach 20 straight wins.
And the Bucks' franchise record for consecutive wins?
Exactly 20 games.
Isn't that another strange coincidence?
And here's another one.
If the Suns beat the Rockets, they'll reach 22 straight wins. The Rockets' franchise record is also 22 straight wins. That's also the second-longest winning streak in NBA history, only behind the Lakers' 33-game streak.
Doesn't this schedule feel incredibly coincidental? Almost mystical?"
"Hehe!"
Reggie Miller laughed.
"That's true. But actually, there's an even more interesting coincidence coming up.
Many fans already know this—the Rockets' 22-game winning streak came during the 07–08 season from the 'Yao–McGrady' duo.
Yao Ming is a Chinese player.
And Blake Su is also a Chinese player.
So if the Suns reach 22 straight wins against the Rockets—meaning a Chinese player ties the record that was created by another Chinese player—that would be quite a coincidence too, wouldn't it?
And there's more.
After the Rockets, the Suns' next opponent is the Celtics. If they win that game, the streak becomes 23.
But here's the interesting part: the team that ended the Yao–McGrady 22-game winning streak back then… was the Celtics!
Another perfect overlap!
So what do you think?
With these six upcoming games, isn't that just way too many coincidences stacking together? Doesn't it feel a little mysterious?"
"Exactly!"
Barkley nodded with a smile.
"But all of these strange coincidences have one huge prerequisite.
And that is…
the Suns first reaching 17 consecutive wins!"
Reggie Miller added:
"Simply put, the Suns are just that strong. Or rather, the Suns after Blake Su joined have become truly unstoppable.
Blake Su.
This era-defining center—what other surprises will he bring us?
Let's wait and see!"
...
Back at the Verizon Center Arena.
At the commentary desk.
"Ah!"
After hearing Van Gundy's explanation, Mike Breen looked amazed.
"Wow, so many coincidences lining up like that. That really is mysterious.
The Suns' upcoming stretch suddenly sounds pretty interesting."
"Indeed."
Van Gundy nodded.
"But let's focus on tonight's game between the Suns and the Wizards.
Mike, who do you think has the better chance to win tonight?"
"The Suns, of course."
Mike Breen answered without hesitation.
"One team has won 17 straight and sits second in the Western Conference. The other is near the bottom of the East.
The difference in strength is pretty obvious.
And on top of that, 'Agent Zero' Arenas recently suffered another injury and is out for the season. Even if he's no longer in his prime, that's still a huge blow for the Wizards.
Tonight.
The Wizards don't have much of a chance."
"True."
Van Gundy nodded.
"On paper the Wizards are definitely weaker than the Suns, but it's not impossible. The key point is John Wall.
So Mike, between Wall and Blake Su, who do you think is stronger in the battle for best rookie?"
"Hmm…"
Mike Breen thought for a moment.
"Although Wall just went off against the Thunder's trio—Harden, Russell, and Kevin—dropping 44 points like he was unstoppable…
I still think Blake Su is stronger.
After all…
Blake Su's game with 13 three-pointers, 65 points, and a steal-and-layup game-winner was simply more spectacular.
The level of crowd reaction alone says everything."
"The level of crowd reaction?"
Van Gundy looked puzzled.
Mike Breen laughed.
"I saw a report yesterday about the Suns vs. Lakers Christmas game.
After Blake Su stole the ball from Artest and scored the game-winning layup, the cheers, screams, and shouts inside US Airways Center combined to reach a noise level…
comparable to a Boeing 747 taking off."
"Really?!"
"Of course. That roar from the crowd was unbelievable.
But it also proves something—Blake Su has incredible ability to earn that kind of reaction.
Wall?
He hasn't reached that level yet."
"Fair enough."
Van Gundy nodded.
"I also think Blake Su has the advantage. But I'm really looking forward to tonight's matchup between these two.
After all…
the last time they faced each other was Blake Su's first NBA game.
That night he erased a 21-point deficit in just half a quarter, pulling off an epic comeback.
I imagine the Wizards will do everything tonight to take back that humiliation."
And indeed.
Just as Van Gundy expected.
The Wizards players had already united in the locker room. Playing at home, they were full of confidence. Combined with Wall's explosive recent performances, their morale was even higher.
Tonight they were determined to crush the Suns and erase their past embarrassment.
Especially Wall.
Ever since Blake Su burst into the league and turned that game around from the first quarter, the No.1 pick Wall had been completely overshadowed.
From that moment on.
Every honor and piece of praise related to rookies went to Blake Su.
Meanwhile, he—the top overall pick—barely received any attention, appearing only as background in the spotlight.
He felt helpless.
Unwilling.
Angry.
Furious.
But tonight, Wall had finally been given his chance—the chance to reclaim everything.
Filled with fighting spirit, he was determined to defeat Blake Su.
So.
Half an hour before the game.
The famous reporter "Woj" approached Wall and asked:
"Wall, as this year's No.1 pick—after scoring 44 points last night—do you have the confidence to beat Blake Su, who hit 13 three-pointers and scored 65 points in his last game?"
"Of course."
Wall answered with complete confidence.
"One game doesn't prove anything.
Tonight this is my home court.
I'll prove everything with a win.
I'll show everyone that I am the No.1 pick, and I am this year's Rookie of the Year!"