"Wow... Not long ago, Blake Su became the youngest player in playoff history to score 40 points. Now he's also the youngest to score 50.
"That's an incredible achievement."
Van Gundy could hardly contain his amazement.
"Absolutely."
Mike Breen nodded excitedly.
"Blake also set a new personal playoff scoring record tonight.
"But rather than focus on the records, I want to talk about the game itself.
"Game 5 between the Suns and Lakers was almost an exact replay of Game 4 from their first round series in the 2006 playoffs.
"The same two teams, another game that went into overtime, and two clutch shots at the end.
"In 2006, Kobe tied the game at the end of regulation to force overtime. Then, in overtime, he beat the Suns with a jumper.
"Tonight, Kobe nearly did the same thing.
"The difference was that his final shot didn't come at the buzzer. He left the Suns 4.7 seconds, giving them one last chance.
"And Blake seized that chance, answering with a game winner of his own.
"So even though Kobe nearly recreated his two clutch shots against the Suns from back then, Blake responded with two huge three pointers and turned the ending against him.
"To be fair, Kobe was outstanding tonight. But Blake's performance was nearly flawless. He was incredible."
"Exactly."
The two commentators continued praising Blake without restraint.
...
Even long after the game had ended, the cheers inside the arena showed no sign of fading.
They only quieted slightly when ESPN reporter "Woj" approached Blake for a postgame interview.
The fans wanted to hear what he had to say.
"Blake, congratulations on the win."
Woj gave him a high five before continuing.
"Two enormous clutch shots, a victory over Kobe, and 50 points on a playoff stage.
"You were incredible tonight. There's no question that you were the MVP of this game.
"With this victory, you also led the Suns past the Lakers in five games and into the Western Conference Finals. We're looking forward to seeing you face the Mavericks.
"What would you like to say about this game, your own performance, or anyone else involved?"
"Hmm..."
Blake thought for a moment.
"Even though I scored 50 points, we only won because of Curry's three pointers, George's defense, Nash's playmaking, and everything else my teammates contributed.
"We won because everyone worked together. This victory belongs to the entire Suns team."
Standing nearby, George, Curry, and the others were delighted to hear that.
Blake continued.
"As for my own performance, I may not have been perfect, but I gave everything I had.
"I'm satisfied with how I played.
"There's also something else I feel I should say."
"Oh?"
Woj waited with interest.
Blake paused briefly before speaking.
"I want to say that the Mamba Mentality is something truly remarkable.
"As you know, we started the game well tonight. The entire first half went our way, and we had several chances to put the game away early.
"But Kobe refused to give up.
"His Mamba Mentality kept him fighting and pushing until he forced the game into overtime.
"I hit the game winner in the end, and the Suns came away with the victory. But the Mamba Mentality is still something everyone can learn from.
"Myself included.
"No one should give up before the final moment. That's how miracles become possible.
"And even when you lose, you can walk away without regret."
Blake finished speaking.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!"
The arena, which had briefly quieted, suddenly erupted in applause.
Blake's words resonated with countless fans, including many Lakers supporters. In that moment, he won over a great number of them.
The series had been heated. At one point, a major confrontation had even caused the game to be temporarily suspended.
Yet after winning, Blake still praised Kobe and showed respect for his opponent.
That was deeply admirable.
The fact that Blake could say those things after such an intense series spoke volumes about his character.
It was only natural that he gained countless new fans.
Throughout the series, Blake's supporters and Kobe's supporters had argued endlessly.
But now the series was over, the Lakers had been eliminated, and Blake had offered those words of respect.
The Lakers fans answered him with warm applause.
For both sides, it was a fitting conclusion to the season.
Everything that had happened between them could now be put aside.
The rest could wait until next season.
...
After the interview, Blake headed toward the players' tunnel with Curry, George, and the others gathered around him.
They walked away happily beneath a wave of applause and cheers.
Everyone was eager to return to the locker room and continue celebrating.
Up in the arena concourse, Yoona watched Blake disappear into the players' tunnel and tugged Jessica's arm.
"Let's go."
"Hey, Yoona, aren't you going to say hello to Blake? You're really just going to let him leave?"
Jessica looked at her in surprise.
Yoona smiled.
"He was the biggest star tonight. He must be busy right now, and I never told him I was coming, so I'd better not bother him.
"I'm just happy they won."
"What's wrong? Feeling shy?"
Jessica narrowed her eyes teasingly.
"I am not."
Yoona glared at her and pulled her along as they walked.
"Blake and I are good friends. Why would I be shy?
"Besides, we still have a magazine shoot to finish. We can't fall behind schedule."
"It would only take a moment to see him and say hello."
"No. I take my work seriously. I'm not going to delay it."
"You're just shy."
"I really am not."
"You definitely are!"
...
Inside the Suns' locker room, the celebration was in full swing.
"We won!"
"We're going to the Western Conference Finals! We're another step closer to the championship!"
"Blake hit two huge clutch shots against the Lakers tonight. That was unreal!"
"Of course he did. Blake is the leader of the Suns. He's our main man. Isn't that just what he does?"
"That was amazing!"
The players cheered freely in the privacy of their locker room, reveling in a night that belonged entirely to them.
Blake was just as happy.
He wanted to share that happiness with Mia Quinn.
After celebrating with his teammates for a while, he stepped out into the hallway alone and called her.