Two days later.
Tonight, Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Suns and the Lakers would tip off at 8:00 p.m.
However.
The game would be played at Staples Center, the Lakers' home court.
That morning.
The entire Suns team, having arrived in Los Angeles late last night and checked into a hotel near Staples Center, was resting.
They were keeping themselves in peak condition.
At the same time.
At the Lakers' practice facility.
Led by Kobe and Pau Gasol, the defending champions with home-court advantage had already begun training, actively warming up for tonight's game.
A few hours later.
Once practice ended, everyone headed to the lounge area to rest.
Seeing everyone gathered together, Kobe took a sip of water, draped a damp towel over his shoulders, lowered his voice, and said seriously,
"Guys, we're already down 0-2. I'm sure all of you know what this situation means.
"You can say it's not impossible, but you can also say it's definitely dangerous.
"And everything comes down to this Game 3. You all know that in playoff history, plenty of teams have come back after losing the first two games.
"But.
"When it comes to falling behind 0-3 and still completing the comeback, there has only ever been one team. And that team is our opponent, the Suns.
"Besides.
"Even though they pulled it off, that miracle of 'coming back from three down to win four straight' was extremely difficult. It's almost impossible for it to happen again.
"So.
"For us, we have to win tonight's game. If we lose and fall behind 0-3, then we'll really be in trouble.
"Do you understand?"
"Yeah."
"Oh!"
Everyone nodded heavily.
They understood. Of course they understood. As the defending champions, and two-time defending champions at that, how could they not understand? How could they not know?
"Good."
Kobe nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and said with a fired-up expression, "Guys, let's push harder. Let's push ourselves even more.
"Let's win another championship this year and build our own 'Purple and Gold Dynasty.'"
"Ohhh!"
"We're winning tonight!"
"Tonight, we only win. No losing. Tonight, on our home court, we're taking one back!"
Kobe's words finally ignited the fighting spirit of every player. And the hunger for a championship was the greatest motivation for all of them to give everything they had.
Both teams prepared actively.
Soon.
7:30 p.m.
Half an hour before tip-off.
Staples Center was already packed to capacity. The deafening cheers and shouts showed off the energy of America's second-largest city.
To be fair.
That explosive big-city energy really was a little higher than what Phoenix currently had.
"Heh."
Warming up on the court, Blake Su felt the energy that belonged to Los Angeles, the energy of a major city, and smiled faintly, his heart calm as still water.
"Just watch.
"Before long, I'll make Phoenix have an atmosphere that doesn't lose to this place either. At least not when it comes to basketball!"
Before the game.
In the studio.
Hubie Brown tapped his fingers on the desk and said seriously, "If the Suns can hold firm tonight and win one more game, then their spot in the Western Conference Finals will basically be secured."
"That's right."
Dave Pasch nodded, his expression turning more serious as he said, "We all know that before Blake Su, Yao Ming was the most successful Asian player in the NBA.
"Two years ago, in the 2008-09 season, he led his team to the best playoff run of his career, reaching the Western Conference semifinals.
"They fought a grueling seven-game series against the Lakers, who went on to win the championship that season, before ultimately falling short.
"They were only one step away. One more win, and they would have reached the Western Conference Finals and taken another step toward the championship trophy.
"It was a real shame.
"But we also have to acknowledge that Yao Ming's best playoff result as a team leader was the Western Conference semifinals.
"And now, Blake Su's Suns are also in the Western Conference semifinals, facing the Los Angeles Lakers, the defending champions.
"If they win this series.
"Then Blake Su will surpass Yao Ming's best playoff achievement. For Asian basketball, that would be a historic milestone."
It wasn't just the two commentators paying attention to this comparison. Many Asian fans watching the game were focused on it as well. If the livestream had bullet comments right now, the screen would likely be filled with discussion about Blake Su and Yao Ming.
...
On the court.
As countless fans waited anxiously, the game finally began.
"Jump ball!"
"The game begins. It's still Blake Su and Bynum contesting the tip. Don't be fooled by Bynum's fierce expression, looking like he's determined to win this jump ball.
"But you have to know.
"So far in the playoffs, or rather, so far this entire season, whether the Suns win or lose, as long as Blake Su is taking the jump ball.
"He has never lost one.
"Hehe, sure enough, Blake Su once again gets to the ball before Bynum and taps it away. And he still looks completely effortless doing it."
Hubie Brown explained with a faint smile.
On the court.
"Thump, thump, thump!"
Nash brought the ball up, then handed it off to Blake Su at the top of the arc. Artest stepped up to defend, while George also came over to set a screen.
"Whoosh!"
Blake Su accelerated, shook off Artest, and at the left high post, found himself matched up against Fisher. Fisher quickly tried to press up on him.
He wanted to use physicality to apply defensive pressure.
Only... Blake Su was excellent at seizing fleeting opportunities. Before Fisher could close in, he rose straight up for a mid-range jumper.
"Damn it, too late!"
Fisher's eyes widened as he lunged forward. Even though he knew the interference would be minimal, he still completed the defensive motion.
"Swish!"
No surprise.
Blake Su's seasoned mid-range shot, executed with the [Peak Anthony Jump Shot], dropped steadily through the net. Two points in the bag, giving the Suns the opening score.
Change of possession.
Kobe brought the ball across half court and had just settled at the top of the arc.
"Step!"
A figure flashed out in front of him. It was none other than Blake Su.
"Wow!"
Blake Su's appearance drew a burst of astonished noise from the stands.
"What's he doing?!"
"From the very first possession, is Blake Su planning to pick up Kobe as the primary defender and go one-on-one with him on both ends?!"
...
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