One day later.
The Suns flew to Boston, arriving at the TD Garden, the Celtics' home court.
At 8:00 p.m., one hour before tip-off, both teams were already on the floor warming up. The stands were nearly full, and the fans could barely contain their excitement.
They had come early to cheer for the Celtics, building up a full home-court atmosphere from the very start.
This marquee matchup also drew a number of big names, including "Superman" Howard, who came hoping to see the Suns stumble, and the top pick John Wall.
In addition, there was "the God of Basketball," Michael Jordan, along with his longtime partner, "Batman" Pippen.
"Michael, which team are you favoring tonight?"
Pippen asked with a smile, his gaze fixed on Blake Su, who was wearing number 0 and warming up on the court. Jordan chewed his gum, pressed his lips together slightly, and said:
"I'd like to see Blake Su win. The league needs fresh blood like this to keep the level of basketball at its peak, but...
After winning 22 straight and becoming a target for so many teams, the Suns are bound to face heavy resistance if they want to keep the streak alive.
You've heard it too.
People are saying a rookie like Blake Su is going to take down the Celtics' All-Star starting five.
For Ray Allen, Pierce, Garnett, O'Neal, and Rondo, that would be a huge humiliation. There's no way those guys will let the Suns have their way.
They won't let Blake Su pull it off.
And with the Celtics at home tonight, it's not going to be easy for the Suns to win."
"True."
Pippen nodded.
"The Celtics are very strong overall. Even though they're currently fourth in the East, their experience makes them a dangerous opponent.
Especially in the playoffs.
That experience gives them a huge edge and keeps them firmly in the championship race."
"Exactly."
In the stands, Jordan, Pippen, and the fans chatted enthusiastically before the game.
At the same time, in the broadcast studio.
Dave Pasch clasped his hands, his tone steady.
"Hubie Brown, this game carries quite a bit of significance. It's not a situation we see very often."
"Right."
Hubie Brown nodded.
"Tonight could mark the moment Blake Su surpasses Yao Ming. It also represents an important milestone in the broader basketball landscape.
At the same time, the Suns need to stay focused. As people have pointed out, Blake Su is facing the Celtics' All-Star Five, which is a lineup with proven strength.
This won't be an easy game."
"Agreed."
Dave Pasch nodded.
"The Suns are aiming to extend their winning streak, but the level of competition in this matchup is very high.
If they can execute well, they'll have a chance to secure a 23-game winning streak and move into sole possession of second place in history."
"We'll see how it plays out."
Amid all the discussion, time passed quickly.
On the court, warm-ups ended.
The starting lineups took the floor. This was the second meeting between the two teams this season, and their final matchup of the regular season. The game officially began.
"Jump ball!"
Blake Su faced O'Neal at center court.
Still undefeated in jump balls, Blake Su exploded upward and once again tipped the ball away before O'Neal could react.
"Snap!"
Nash secured the ball and pushed it up the court, stopping at the top of the key. On the right low post, Blake Su set an off-ball screen for Curry, who curled out and called for the ball.
"Step!"
Ray Allen quickly chased over, while Pierce provided help from the wing.
"Whoosh!"
Nash made the pass. To Curry? No. He swung it to Blake Su, who had set the screen and then drifted to the right corner. At that moment, he was completely open.
"Snap!"
Blake Su caught it and immediately rose for a three.
Garnett reacted quickly from the paint, but before he could close out, Blake Su had already released the shot. That high release point left him with no chance to contest.
He turned to look back in surprise.
"Swish!"
Nothing but net.
The three-pointer dropped cleanly, and Blake Su opened the scoring in pursuit of the 23rd straight win.
Celtics ball.
Rondo brought it across half court, holding it at the left side of the arc. He passed to Pierce at the top and cut toward the basket with his hand up calling for it. At the same time, Pierce drove past Carter.
He burst into the lane, only to be met by a double team from Frye and Blake Su.
"Whoosh!"
Pierce flipped a hook-style pass back out.
Rondo caught it at the left high post and, without even looking, flicked the ball behind him. Ray Allen, who had just come off the action, caught it at the left wing.
"Whoosh!"
He immediately raised up and fired.
"Swish!"
Clean make.
Three-pointer good.
An instant answer.
Celtics (3): (3) Suns.
Suns possession.
Curry brought the ball up. Blake Su stepped up again to set a screen, then slipped off to the side and called for the ball. Pierce quickly followed him.
Although Ray Allen was guarding Curry, part of his attention shifted toward Blake Su.
And right then.
"Whoosh!"
Curry suddenly pulled up and launched a three right over Ray Allen's defense. Caught off guard, Ray Allen rushed to contest.
It made little difference.
"Swish!"
The shot went down with a crisp sound.
"I let my guard down."
Ray Allen realized his attention had been drawn away by Blake Su, causing him to overlook Curry.
Rondo pushed the ball up again, handing it off to Pierce at the top. After a brief reset, Pierce accelerated and drove at Carter once more.
After a series of hard collisions, Pierce spun, shaking Carter half a step behind, and rose for a jumper.
"Clank!"
Missed.
Under the basket, Garnett leaped with full force and tipped the ball out before Frye could get it. Rondo collected it at the right high post, then burst forward, though it was only a feint.
"Whoosh!"
He passed to Ray Allen on the right low post. Allen caught it, stepped back behind the three-point line, and fired again. His touch was hot, threes coming in rapid succession.
"Swish!"
Another one.
"Boom!"
Ray Allen opened the game with two straight three-pointers, igniting thunderous cheers from the home crowd and pushing the already intense atmosphere even higher.
However, that energy didn't last even 24 seconds.
"Whoosh!"
Blake Su brought the ball up himself. From the left side of the arc, about a meter beyond the three-point line, he pulled up over Garnett and launched a deep three.
"Hmph!"
Garnett snorted as he closed out, but he was just a fraction too late.
The ball slipped past his fingertips, spun through the air, and dropped straight into the net.
"Swish!"
It went in.
Another immediate response.
"Wow!"
In the ESPN studio, Hubie Brown opened his mouth slightly and laughed.
"Ray Allen, Curry, and Blake Su. Three of the best shooters in the league today.
When they're on the same court, it turns into a three-point shootout."
"Haha!"
Dave Pasch chuckled.
"Three shooters taking the stage together. In just the first two minutes, they've already combined for five three-pointers, turning this marquee matchup into a blazing-hot battle right from the opening tip."