Suns vs. Lakers.
The hype for this game was already through the roof. After Kobe's explosion—12 three-pointers and 60 points—it surged to another level entirely, captivating fans everywhere.
However.
After that godlike performance cemented a true "Black Mamba" night, some fans began to see this matchup a little differently.
"Look, Blake Su is undeniably an elite rookie. You could even say his performance this season has been… flawless.
But…
He's still just a rookie.
Kobe Bryant is the real deal—the undisputed best player in the league, the strongest force in the NBA right now. In a head-to-head with Blake Su, shouldn't this be a one-sided beatdown?
Twelve threes and 61 points last night say it all."
"Exactly!"
"It won't be a blowout. 'Monster Rookie' Blake Su is ridiculously strong. You can say the Lakers might win in the end, but this game? It's going to be absolute fire!"
"Right!"
"Agreed!"
"Enough guessing. The showdown's tomorrow. No matter who wins, we're in for a game so good we won't be able to breathe."
"Seriously. Instead of arguing, we should be figuring out how to get tickets. Damn it—it's 2010 and some people still can't afford to see this live."
"That's too real."
"No choice. This matchup is just too insane!"
"..."
The debate raged on.
...
Over on Blake Su's side.
He had watched Kobe's game as well and couldn't help but sigh in admiration. The "Black Mamba" of this era wasn't just an unstoppable scorer—he knew how to lead, how to win, how to carry his team deeper into the postseason.
That was what the league's best player was supposed to look like.
"The Heat, Bulls, Magic, and Celtics in the East. The Spurs, Mavericks, Lakers, and Thunder in the West. Too many tough teams.
But we'll take them down one by one.
Tomorrow night.
Even if you're the defending champions, I won't fear you.
Kobe—if you want war, then let's have war!"
Blake Su was brimming with fighting spirit, his thoughts racing with bold ambition.
Then his phone suddenly rang, snapping him out of it. He glanced at the screen—it was Quinnie—and picked up.
"Hey! Quinnie!"
"Mm, Blake. I've wrapped up my stuff. I'll be in the States the day after tomorrow, then I'm heading to Phoenix to hang out with you! Got time to host your Quinnie?"
"Of course."
Blake Su smiled as he answered.
The day after tomorrow was Christmas Eve. No games scheduled. He definitely had time.
"Alright~ I'll contact you when I get there."
"Sounds good."
Beep. Beep. Beep.
After hanging up, Blake Su—now suddenly calm and clear-headed—couldn't help but laugh to himself. He didn't even know what "Quinnie" looked like, yet they talked like old friends.
Strange—!
But he'd find out soon enough.
...
The next day.
After a full day of anticipation, the Suns vs. Lakers showdown was finally about to begin.
8:00 PM.
One hour before tip-off.
US Airways Center.
Both teams were warming up on the court. Inside the arena… not a single empty seat in sight. Everywhere you looked, fans were wearing No. 0 jerseys, waving banners in support of Blake Su.
The home atmosphere was absolutely electric.
Of course.
There were also plenty of fans in No. 24 jerseys, there to cheer for Kobe.
Meanwhile.
Inside ESPN's studio.
Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy sat before the broadcast monitor, ready to call the highly anticipated showdown that countless fans had been waiting for.
"Hehehe!"
Mike Breen chuckled. "As someone who's been commentating basketball for years, I'm genuinely excited tonight. The last time I felt this thrilled…
I'd have to go back to when Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady led the Rockets to that 22-game winning streak.
Blake Su is an incredible young player, and Kobe's popularity speaks for itself.
A matchup between their teams, a battle that feels like a preview of the Western Conference Finals—so many people have been waiting for this. Myself included."
Jeff Van Gundy smiled. "So, Mike, who are you rooting for tonight?"
Without hesitation, Mike Breen replied, "Naturally, I hope the Suns win. I hope Blake Su leads them to 17 straight victories and ties the franchise record. That would be both an honor and a milestone for him.
But at the same time…
I hope the game itself is spectacular. I want the fans to enjoy every second."
As he spoke, the broadcast cut to the crowd.
Following the camera, Jeff Van Gundy exclaimed in surprise, "Not only is the arena packed tonight, but look at all the stars in attendance!
'The Answer' Allen Iverson is here. So are LeBron James and his good buddy Dwyane Wade. Wow… from the older generation, 'The Dream' Hakeem Olajuwon and 'The Admiral' David Robinson are here too.
And look—'The Skyhook' Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!
The three of them are sitting together. Must've planned it. Are these legendary centers here to watch the new-era center, Blake Su?
Now that's interesting!"
The camera moved quickly.
Jeff Van Gundy named a few, but in truth, even more players had come to watch. And beyond the players, there were plenty of celebrities and high-profile figures in attendance.
For example, Japanese diva Mai Kuraki; soccer superstar Lionel Messi; tennis legend Roger Federer; and American pop sensation Taylor Swift.
Some had come for Kobe. Others for Blake Su.
But no matter what, the fact that Blake Su—a rookie—could match the "best player in the league" Kobe in terms of drawing star power said everything.
Whoosh!
Phoenix might be a small city, but tonight… the US Airways Center was packed with stars and buzzing with energy, rivaling any major market in sheer spectacle and attention.
Soon.
Warm-ups ended.
The starters took the floor.
Blake Su and Kobe stepped out at the same time, their eyes locking instantly.
"Hey, Blake Su. I've finally been waiting for this. Tonight… I'm going to teach you a lesson."
Kobe said it with a grin, his tone as bold as ever.
Yet somehow, the arrogance didn't feel irritating. Instead, it sparked an irresistible urge to compete.
Blake Su smiled faintly. His eyes sharpened as a surge of battle intent erupted from him.
"Kobe. Tonight, I'll defeat you—as a rookie."
"Haha!"
Kobe chuckled and walked toward his spot.
Phoenix Suns Starting Five: 6'3" (191 cm) point guard Steve Nash, 6'0" (188 cm) shooting guard Stephen Curry, 6'6" (198 cm) shooting guard Vince Carter, 6'11" (211 cm) power forward Channing Frye, and 7'1" (215 cm) center Blake Su.
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Five: 6'1" (185 cm) point guard Derek Fisher, 6'6" (198 cm) shooting guard Kobe Bryant, 6'7" (201 cm) small forward Ron Artest, 7'0" (213 cm) power forward Pau Gasol, and 7'0" (213 cm) center Andrew Bynum.
"Jump ball!"