NBA : Formidable Center

###

As the game unfolded, both teams demonstrated remarkable offensive firepower.

Syracuse University, with their superstar Carmelo Anthony leading the charge, showcased a highly advanced offensive game for the college level. His hot hand and physical dominance were almost unstoppable in the NCAA environment, carving through defenses with ease. Within a few possessions, Carmelo had begun to exhibit the early signs of his future "offensive arsenal" reputation.

Meanwhile, the North Carolina Wolfpack's defense struggled to make a significant impact, but their offense, orchestrated through Wang Song's high-post playmaking, was nothing short of fluid and efficient.

One standout player was small forward Julius Hodge. Motivated by Wang Song's encouragement, Hodge channeled his energy into both offense and defense, initiating an intense scoring battle with Carmelo Anthony.

The teams traded points relentlessly, pushing the score to **12:13** within just four minutes. Syracuse University held a slim one-point lead, and neither side could pull ahead decisively.

---

### Timeout: Adjusting Strategies

Head Coach Herb Sendek of the North Carolina Wolfpack was the first to call a timeout.

"Damn, that guy is a nightmare to deal with!" Sendek exclaimed, rubbing his temples in frustration.

After deliberating with his coaching staff, he decided on a new defensive approach: double-teaming Carmelo Anthony whenever he received the ball, denying him any one-on-one opportunities.

With Wang Song anchoring the defense, Sendek felt confident in this plan. Wang's ability to read plays, protect the rim, and orchestrate offensive transitions was unparalleled.

On the Syracuse side, Head Coach Jim Boeheim also convened his team. Despite their one-point lead, his face remained stern.

Boeheim had entered the tournament with high confidence, believing Syracuse was a lock for the Final Four. However, the Wolfpack's resilience and unpredictability exceeded his expectations.

Even so, Boeheim wasn't ready to abandon the predictions that gave Syracuse an 80% chance of winning. "If we tighten up our defense," he thought, "the balance will tilt in our favor soon enough."

---

### VIP Box: A Bold Proposal

In the luxury suite, Knicks executive Glen Grunwald was caught off guard by a question from his boss, Scott Layden.

"Grunwald, what's our chance of getting the first overall pick?" Layden asked.

Grunwald hesitated before answering, "Given our current standing—10th in the East—our lottery odds for the top pick are under 8%."

Layden frowned. "What about trading up? Could we use our assets to get into the top five—or even the top three?"

The suggestion stunned Grunwald. Trading for such a high pick in this stacked draft year would be nearly impossible without offering a star player.

"The only way is to put Allan Houston or Latrell Sprewell on the table," Grunwald said cautiously.

Layden fell silent, his gaze fixed on the court.

---

### The Game Resumes

Back on the court, Syracuse made a surprising substitution: Carmelo Anthony was benched.

"Without their star player, can Syracuse maintain their momentum or will they falter under pressure?" the commentator speculated as the crowd buzzed.

Entering the game was Hakim Warrick, who was tasked with guarding Wang Song.

"Listen up, Warrick," Coach Boeheim had instructed during the timeout. "Your job is simple: shadow Wang Song. Be physical, don't hold back. This guy's the hottest name in college basketball right now. If you can shut him down, the spotlight shifts to you."

Eager to make his mark, Warrick's eyes locked onto Wang Song like a predator sizing up its prey. He couldn't wait to become the first player to truly dominate the rising star and seize his moment in the spotlight.

With scouts swarming the arena, Warrick saw an opportunity to turn the tables and make Wang Song his stepping stone to stardom.

The game was far from over, and the battle was just heating up.

Check out my P@treon for advance chapter on patreon.com/Twilight_scribe1

*(To be continued...)*