Ring... ring...
The call connected.
"Blake, what's up?"
"Austin, did you save the phone numbers I gave you last time and label them properly?"
"Of course."
"Then find some time to contact the HR managers at the two streaming platforms and the tech company, and arrange a time for us to talk."
"Let's tentatively aim for late July."
"Got it. I'll make a note of it."
Austin then added, "Blake, several major brands have approached us about endorsement deals lately. A few variety shows also want you as a guest.
"Basically, people from all kinds of industries want to work with you."
"Hmm."
Blake thought for a moment.
"They're all opportunities to make money, so don't reject them outright. But I really don't have the time right now.
"Tell them we'll respond after the playoffs.
"For now, screen the offers for me. Anything that clearly has no substance or value, whether it's a collaboration or endorsement, turn it down politely."
"Okay."
Austin nodded again.
"That's what I was thinking too. Leave the screening to me and focus on the Western Conference Finals and whatever comes afterward.
"Good luck.
"As long as you keep performing well on the court, the business opportunities will continue pouring in, and each one will be better than the last."
"Understood."
Blake knew that as well.
"I'll do my best. I'll leave everything else to you."
"No problem. That's what I'm here for."
...
Two days later, at 8:00 p.m., US Airways Center was already buzzing.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Suns and Mavericks would begin in one hour.
Mia wanted to come and cheer for Blake, but she had not fully recovered from her cold. Blake did not want her running around and making it worse, so he had her stay at the villa and rest.
As always, the arena was packed, without a single empty seat.
Even outside the arena, a large crowd had gathered in front of the giant screen in the plaza.
Some had failed to get tickets. Others simply did not want to watch the broadcast alone at home. They had all come together to enjoy the atmosphere of watching the game with fellow fans.
There were also plenty of people who had simply gone out for a relaxing walk after dinner.
A middle-aged couple noticed the crowd as they passed.
"Nini, look. There are so many people in the plaza."
"Yeah. What are they doing? It looks like they're watching basketball. If I remember correctly, hardly anyone used to come even when games were shown on the big screen.
"But now it's completely packed.
"There must be more and more basketball fans in Phoenix."
"That's right."
The man nodded with a smile.
"It's because the Phoenix Suns brought in a 'game-changing center' at the beginning of last season.
"His name is Blake Su.
"He's incredibly talented and popular. His phenomenal performances have won over all of Phoenix, and even fans throughout the league.
"Because of him, basketball's popularity in Phoenix has skyrocketed."
"Wow. So do you like Blake?"
"I do. I'm a huge fan."
"Then why aren't you watching the game? Why are you out here walking with me?"
"Well... I may like him, but you work so hard taking care of the children every day, and I'm always busy at work.
"Of course I should spend more time with you after I get home."
"Hehe. Hearing you say that already makes me happy, honey. You work hard too. You deserve to relax after work and enjoy the things you like.
"Come on.
"I'll watch the game with you in the plaza tonight."
"No, no. I'm happy just walking with you. I can watch the replay when we get home."
"It's fine. Come on, let's go."
The woman pulled the seemingly reluctant man toward the giant screen.
Behind her, however, a triumphant smile appeared on his face.
...
Back inside the arena, both teams were completing their final warm-ups.
In the commentary booth, Van Gundy glanced over the lineups.
"On one side, you have Nowitzki. On the other, you have Blake. Both are nearly unstoppable individual scorers.
"But Blake is the stronger player overall, so I think the Suns have the better chance of winning the series.
"What do you think, Mike?"
"No, no, no."
Mike Breen immediately disagreed.
"Nowitzki may be slightly behind Blake individually, but the Mavericks are much stronger as a complete team.
"Their roster is constructed almost perfectly.
"This season, they've maximized everything that lineup can offer. From the starters to the bench, they have almost no weaknesses.
"They're extremely difficult to handle.
"Of course, the Suns have the 'Monster Rookie' Blake as their ultimate weapon. They're no easy opponent either.
"So in my opinion, this is a true fifty-fifty matchup. The series may be even more grueling than Suns versus Lakers.
"It might even go all the way to Game 7."
"That's fair."
Van Gundy nodded.
"Whether or not it reaches Game 7, it should at least be an evenly matched and fiercely contested series."
"Exactly."
Before the game, the two commentators continued analyzing the strengths of both teams and ultimately agreed that the matchup was too close to call.
They were not alone.
Most experts had made similar predictions, expecting the Suns and Mavericks to trade blows throughout a tense, competitive series.
Fans online felt the same way.
Even the players and coaches on both teams respected the strength of their opponents and knew victory would not come easily.
But five minutes before tip-off, Blake sat on the bench adjusting his shoes and jersey, looking completely relaxed.
He did not agree with any of them.
Blake knew that, in the original course of this season, the Mavericks had defeated the "Heat's Big Three" to win the championship, while the "German Wunderkind" Dirk Nowitzki had cemented his legacy.
Even so, Blake remained unconvinced.
In his eyes, the Suns held an enormous advantage.
It was not empty confidence.
He genuinely believed it.