"Defense wins championships. That's a timeless truth!"
Jon Barry said firmly.
"Exactly."
Mark Jackson smiled, then added, "Of course, aside from defense, Blake Su deserves endless praise on the offensive end too.
"So far in this series, Blake Su has once again delivered a phenomenal performance.
"A rookie scoring 40-plus points in two straight playoff games while putting up all-around numbers.
"I haven't checked the details yet, but I think the only one who might have produced numbers this dazzling is the 'God of Basketball,' Michael Jordan.
"And yet.
"Even with Blake Su's spectacular stats, the team still didn't win in a blowout.
"You really have to say it.
"Carrying a team as the lone core is incredibly difficult. In NBA history, no player has ever led a team to a championship entirely on his own.
"Now.
"Blake Su is trying to break through that impossibility, but everyone knows just how grueling and difficult that road is.
"But whether he can do it or not, this rookie, in this season.
"Blake Su... is destined to become a legend!"
"That's right," the commentator said.
On the court, the Lakers walked off dejectedly. Tonight's loss had put them in a very unfavorable position. Even Kobe couldn't face it calmly.
They left without even acknowledging Blake Su.
Of course, this loss, falling behind 0-2 in the series, would not make Kobe lose his will to fight. If anything, it would only deepen his desire to win.
He walked slowly into the players' tunnel and gradually disappeared from the arena.
But in Kobe's heart, he was already preparing for everything. Once they returned home, back to Staples Center, he would use two wins to even the series.
As for the Suns.
Whether it was the fans or the players, everyone was clearly in high spirits.
Blake Su also accepted an interview from ESPN's stunning reporter, Kristen Ledlow.
"Hehe!"
Kristen asked with a smile, "Mr. Blake Su, after tonight's win, the Suns now hold a 2-0 lead over the Lakers.
"In the first round against the Grizzlies, even after losing the first three games, you won four straight and pulled off an epic comeback.
"Now that you're up 2-0.
"Do you think the Suns can ride this momentum and sweep the Lakers?"
"Uh..."
Blake Su thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I think that will be very difficult. First, losing on the road doesn't count as losing. The series will really take shape in Game 3.
"Second.
"Our opponent is the defending champion Lakers, a team stronger than the Grizzlies. They're tougher to deal with and harder to beat.
"Finally.
"Never forget, the Lakers have the 'Black Mamba.' They have Kobe, the 'best player in the league today.' Sweeping him?
"That's easier said than done."
"Hehe!"
Kristen smiled and said, "Mr. Blake Su has suddenly become very composed. It looks like you really respect the Lakers' championship pedigree."
Blake Su shrugged without denying it.
Until the series was over, Blake Su would never underestimate that man!
Soon, the interview ended.
Around the same time, at the United Center, Game 2 between the Bulls and the Hawks tipped off.
Tonight, the Hawks didn't collapse at the start. They came out strong, but... as the game went on and fatigue set in.
As the defensive intensity kept rising.
As the physical contact increased and the tension on the court grew thicker, the players on both teams gradually began to decline.
At that point.
It became a stage for the stars again. The Bulls had "The Windy City Assassin," Rose.
As for the Hawks, however, "Iso Joe," Josh Smith, and Al Horford were all just a little short. They didn't quite have enough.
In the final quarter.
With Rose once again turning the tide, he led the Bulls on a 14-3 offensive surge and locked up the win.
"Sigh..."
After the game.
Joe Johnson kept shaking his head. They had already given it everything they had, but Rose's scoring ability was just too terrifying.
They simply couldn't stop him.
In the end, it was another loss.
"It's okay."
Al Horford patted Joe Johnson on the shoulder and comforted him. "Losing on the road doesn't count as losing. Once we're back home, we'll erase this disadvantage."
"Yeah."
Joe Johnson nodded.
Beside him.
Josh Smith nodded as well.
On the surface, everyone seemed to accept the loss calmly, but deep down, they all knew that coming back in this series had already become very difficult.
...
The next day.
Last night's games naturally became the main focus of media coverage.
For the Bulls, taking a 2-0 lead and holding the advantage was something almost everyone could have predicted before the series began.
It was normal.
That was how things were supposed to go.
But the Suns versus the Lakers, the strongest dark horse against the defending champions, now had the Suns leading the series 2-0.
That was truly shocking.
It also shut up quite a few fans.
"Hmph, see? The Suns are already up 2-0. There's more than an 80 percent chance they take this series.
"If they win Game 3, then it's 100 percent over."
"Exactly. A dynasty isn't that easy to build. Not even the Lakers with 'Black Mamba' Kobe can do it.
"This season.
"The Lakers are done."
"Well, in Game 1, Kobe was in a slump himself, and that gave you guys a chance to breathe. Now, even after he went off in the first half.
"He still got locked down by Blake Su.
"If Kobe is finished, what chance does this series still have?"
"Hehe, not a chance. Kobe won't be locked down. In the next game, he'll take back all the humiliation and erase every disadvantage."
"Exactly. Losing on the road doesn't count. Game 3 is where it really starts."
"What year is this? You still believe losing on the road doesn't count? Wake up, kid!"
"Tch, Blake Su said it himself in the interview. Why can't we believe it?"
"Uh... Blake Su was being low-key and humble. You're really taking that and running with it like it's the truth? That's hilarious."
"N-no, that's not it."
"..."
The arguing continued.
Still, after the Suns took a 2-0 lead, Lakers fans, or rather, fans who supported the Lakers, no longer had much confidence when arguing with Suns fans.
...
While the media and the internet were buzzing.
Nike Headquarters.
The CEO's office.
The Nike CEO scrolled through the news, following all the recent headlines surrounding Blake Su and feeling the popularity that belonged to Blake Su, the youngest and first unanimous MVP.
"Aaaah!"
The Nike CEO let out a low growl and slapped his thigh hard, yet he felt no pain at all. Or perhaps the pain in his heart hurt even more at that moment.
"That bastard Karl. Why didn't he find a way to sign Blake Su?!"
"He's an idiot."
"A complete idiot!"
The Nike CEO cursed furiously. Even though he had fired Manager Karl long ago, he still had to curse him, curse him viciously, as if only that could let him vent his anger.
At the same time.
Adidas Tower.
Manager Wagner leaned back on the sofa in his office with a smile on his face, holding a cup of tea and taking a sip from time to time. His relaxed posture gave off the feeling of a man with everything under control!