Originally, the Suns vs. Bulls matchup was just another regular-season game. And… under normal circumstances, it likely would have been a one-sided game in the Bulls' favor.
But now—
With Blake Su's sudden rise and the Suns riding a 12-game winning streak under his leadership, this contest instantly became a marquee showdown in the eyes of countless fans.
The NBA even made a last-minute adjustment, upgrading the broadcast from a single-network airing to a nationwide telecast, pushing the game's ratings to the top.
In the roaring stands—
Tonight's audience wasn't just filled with fans. A number of star players had also made the trip.
The Spurs' "GDP" trio. The Magic's "Superman" Dwight Howard. And the former "Son of Philadelphia," "The Answer" Allen Iverson.
In addition—
This year's No. 1 overall pick, John Wall, had quietly taken a seat in the arena to watch the game.
"One's the prodigy from '08. The other is this year's breakout 'Monster Rookie.' Rose vs. Blake Su… this is going to be a war."
Parker said quietly.
"Absolutely."
Ginobili folded his arms, eyes fixed on Blake Su and Rose warming up on the court.
"Just in terms of individual ability, both of them are elite.
They're going to ignite this entire night."
Beside them—
Duncan stood there blank-faced for a moment before speaking.
"Blake Su is just a rookie. Rose is a bona fide No. 1 pick overflowing with talent.
"To see him mentioned in the same breath as Rose… for a rookie center to reach that level of recognition is genuinely impressive."
"Exactly."
Parker smiled.
"Blake Su is a completely unconventional center. Every performance of his catches people off guard. Tonight… he won't disappoint."
The three of them chatted, anticipation written all over their faces.
A few rows below, John Wall stared intently at Blake Su on the court.
"Blake Su, lately your momentum has completely overshadowed mine.
But that's fine.
Next time we face each other, I'll crush you. And when that happens, everything will return to normal. Everyone will realize—the No. 1 pick is still the No. 1 pick."
As for "Superman" and "The Answer"—
They had arrived together and were seated side by side.
Howard held traditional views. In his mind, a center belonged in the paint—dominating the interior, ruling the restricted area.
That was how he thought. That was how he played. And he had proven it worked.
So he couldn't quite understand—nor did he fully believe—that a 215-centimeter center like Blake Su could carve out success on the perimeter, even though he had heard plenty of stories about him.
Deep down, it wasn't so much that he disdained Blake Su—
It was Blake Su's style of play he disapproved of.
Iverson wasn't much different. As someone who had perfected the art of driving to the basket, he believed beating defenders off the dribble was a guard's job.
So when he heard that Blake Su, a center, was crossing defenders over on the perimeter—and even breaking their ankles—
He was stunned. For a while, he couldn't believe it.
Curiosity brought the two to an agreement.
They had specifically come tonight to watch Blake Su, to see for themselves how this player—who seemed to defy everything they believed about basketball—actually played the game.
On the court—
Amid the roaring crowd and the steadily intensifying atmosphere, warmups ended and the starting lineups took the floor.
Chicago Bulls Starting Five: 6'3" (191 cm) point guard Derrick Rose, 6'5" (196 cm) shooting guard Keith Bogans, 6'9" (206 cm) small forward Luol Deng, 6'9" (206 cm) power forward Carlos Boozer, and 6'11" (211 cm) center Joakim Noah.
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.
"Jump ball!"
Blake Su and Noah faced off at center court.
Noah bent low, arms raised, completely focused. He was determined to win the opening tip.
Unfortunately—
In the face of absolute physical gifts, effort alone wasn't enough.
Smack!
Blake Su tapped the ball away first. Curry collected it and pushed up the floor, initiating the Suns' first possession.
Noah shook his head.
He had jumped with everything he had—and still Blake Su's fingertips had reached more than half a palm higher than his.
If he had known Blake Su hadn't even used his full strength, he might have lost it.
Dribble, dribble, dribble—
At the top of the arc, Curry lowered his center of gravity against Rose, using a series of tight crossovers to find rhythm. He burst toward the left wing. The moment Rose cut him off, Curry abruptly changed direction with a sharp behind-the-back move.
The crowd stirred.
But as Curry accelerated right, he mishandled the ball.
It clipped his heel and rolled toward the backcourt.
Curry tried to turn and chase, but his momentum had already carried him forward. It was too late.
Rose initially moved to pursue it, but seeing the ball heading toward the backcourt, he hesitated—figuring it would still be Bulls possession.
In that split second—
Blake Su exploded forward.
Long strides devoured the distance.
He secured the ball just before it crossed half court.
"Blake Su is fast."
"Those long legs aren't just for show."
Even though he saved the possession, Curry's early mistake disrupted the Suns' offensive rhythm.
Blake Su dribbled across midcourt and stopped right at the team logo.
He glanced at his teammates.
Then at the shot clock.
And then—
Before anyone could process what was happening—
He rose and fired a three.
"What?!"
Parker's eyes widened in the stands. Ginobili's mouth fell open.
"Opening possession—and he pulls up from the logo?! What is Blake Su doing?!"
"And he's a center…"
Duncan muttered, still trying to process it.
"You've got to be kidding me. A center opening the game with a logo three?!"
Howard shook his head repeatedly. Iverson froze beside him.
The entire arena seemed to pause, eyes instinctively tracking the spinning ball in the air.
Under thousands of gazes—
The ball carved a perfect arc across the sky.
Then—
It plunged straight through the net.
Swish!
Nothing but net.
Blake Su opens the game with a logo three.
Boom—
The arena went silent for a split second.
And then—
The cheers erupted like a tidal wave.