Halftime.
Suns (58): (55) Bulls.
Inside the ESPN broadcast studio.
Mike Breen smiled. "On offense, Blake Su is scoring on Rose with ease. On defense, he's managed to stop nearly half of Rose's possessions.
Most importantly, he's doing this as a rookie—and as a center. That's unbelievable."
"Absolutely," Jeff Van Gundy agreed. "It sounds incredible, but doesn't that just prove Blake Su has rare talent that goes beyond the traditional center role?
That's why he can go toe-to-toe with the 'Windy City Rose,' the so-called 'Heir to Jordan,' and still contest his scoring."
"Exactly."
Mike Breen nodded. "Blake Su has 22 points at the half. Rose has 17. Not only is Blake Su ahead in scoring, his efficiency is higher as well.
They've gone blow for blow in the first half. Overall, Blake Su has the edge—but…"
He paused before continuing.
"Even though Blake Su has played better individually, the Bulls are the No. 1 team in the East. This season, they're aiming for the Eastern Conference Finals—maybe even the NBA Finals.
Beyond Rose, their starting lineup is loaded. Boozer and Luol Deng have been attacking the paint relentlessly, putting heavy pressure on the Suns.
So despite Blake Su's near-perfect half, the Bulls are only down three. Tonight… this is going to be a grind."
…
Back in the arena.
In the stands, Allen Iverson rotated the wrist wearing his luxurious watch and said,
"Speed that doesn't fit a center. Ball-handling that doesn't look like a center. Euro-steps and double-clutches that have nothing to do with a center.
Blake Su… he's completely changed how I see the position. And when I watch him play, I don't know why, but there's this strange sense of familiarity.
I just can't quite place it."
"Really?"
Dwight Howard shrugged. "I don't feel anything like that.
Sure, for a center, Blake Su shoots well from outside. And being able to contain Derrick's drives like that is impressive.
But I'll say it again—guys like us belong in the paint. A center who floats around the perimeter all game? His ceiling won't be that high."
"Oh?"
Iverson blinked and smiled faintly. "Dwight, let me ask you—if you faced Blake Su, are you confident you could beat him?"
"Of course."
Howard answered without hesitation. "If he dares to come inside, I'll make sure all his flashy drives and jumpers disappear. I'll treat him to a block party."
Iverson chuckled. "Interesting. I'll remember that. When you two meet, I'll be there to watch. I hope you live up to that promise."
"Come watch the 'Beast' dominate."
…
Inside the Suns' locker room.
The outside world was full of praise, but inside, the mood was heavy. The strength of the Eastern Conference-leading Bulls had clearly put pressure on them.
"Guys!"
Veteran leader Nash clapped his hands, breaking the silence. "They're a great team. We need to be sharper in the second half. But don't forget—we've got Blake Su.
No matter what, keep your confidence. Even the No. 1 team in the East can be beaten."
"Yeah!"
Curry was the first to shout. He might look carefree and playful, but his desire to win was fierce. George and the others followed, raising their voices.
The atmosphere eased slightly.
Blake Su leaned back in his chair, resting, his expression calm but thoughtful.
"So this is the level of the 'Heir to Jordan.' Even with Iverson's Talent and my height and wingspan advantage, I still can't completely shut down Rose on defense.
He's really that good.
Offensively, I don't feel much pressure attacking him—but Rose's offense and defense are two completely different levels. That's normal.
Still… I'm not strong enough yet."
With that thought, Blake Su became even more determined.
Tonight, he would take down the No. 1 team in the East, complete the System mission, and obtain [Eagle Spear].
…
Halftime ended.
The second half began. The Bulls attacked first. After trading blows without gaining an advantage, Rose chose to avoid Blake Su on certain possessions, while Blake Su anchored the paint and provided help defense.
Even so, Rose couldn't be fully contained.
But on the other end, Blake Su was just as unstoppable. One-on-one, he feared no Bull. Whenever he touched the ball, at least two defenders were ready to converge.
"The defensive intensity has clearly gone up," the broadcast noted. "Especially on Rose and Blake Su. Both are being closely guarded. The game is tightening up."
It wasn't just a duel anymore.
It had become a collision between two teams.
Neither Blake Su nor Rose was a ball hog. Outside of critical moments, they passed out of double teams.
So in the third quarter, it wasn't just the two stars trading shots—both starting lineups fully joined the battle.
For the Bulls, Boozer and Luol Deng kept attacking the rim and holding their ground defensively. Korver fired from deep. Noah protected the paint and battled on the glass.
For the Suns, with so many Bulls driving inside, Blake Su focused on help defense in the lane. On offense, once he drew attention, Nash, Carter, and Curry lit it up from beyond the arc.
And don't forget Frye. Though stationed inside for lineup balance, he absolutely had range from outside.
Bulls attacking the paint. Suns firing from deep.
Through the entire third quarter, the clash of styles pushed the game into a white-hot battle. The arena's energy kept climbing.
Phoenix might be a smaller market, but that night, the atmosphere felt like a major city showdown.
After three quarters.
The Suns still led by three. The game remained razor-thin, the outcome uncertain.
In the fourth quarter, after the rotations settled, the starters resumed their battle. The tension carried all the way to the 3:13 mark.
Suns up three.
Bulls ball.
Rose brought it up, guarded by Carter. He dribbled patiently, then suddenly exploded with a lightning first step, blowing past the aging Carter.
Step!
Blake Su rotated immediately to help.
Swish!
On the move, Rose kicked it out to Luol Deng in the right corner. Deng rose and fired. Clean release. Straight through the net.
Tie game.
Beep!
Coach Gentry called timeout.
In the stands, Ginobili watched with a faint smile.
"They've been locked in a stalemate all night. Three minutes left…"
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"After this timeout, we're about to witness a do-or-die battle."