NBA: Giant Killing

Mike Johnson: "Aina University inbounds the ball—Franklin sends it to Oliver!"

As soon as Oliver took possession, Norton pressed up tightly against him, arms spread wide, determined not to give him an inch of space.

Not just Norton—Marquette University's entire defense was locked onto Oliver, ready to collapse on him at a moment's notice.

But Oliver didn't rush things. He calmly passed the ball to Golin and immediately sprinted into position.

Golin recognized Oliver's intent right away.

This wasn't his shot to take. Oliver wanted to end this game himself.

Golin had complete faith in Oliver. After briefly holding the ball and waiting for Marquette's defenders to shift, he fired a pass back in Oliver's direction.

Oliver caught it, standing a few feet beyond the three-point line.

The moment he got the ball, Norton and Aldington swarmed him.

Oliver was used to Norton's defense—it posed no real threat.

Aldington, however, was a different challenge. His static attributes were solid, and he had a significant height advantage over Oliver.

The big man spread his arms wide, completely blocking Oliver's line of sight to the hoop.

Meanwhile, Marquette's other defenders locked down the paint, eliminating easy passing options.

Wade kept his eyes glued to Oliver, ready to pounce on any pass attempt.

He had faith in his speed—an 80% chance of stealing it, by his estimate.

Marquette's center, Gall, monitored Oliver's positioning. If Oliver attempted a drive, Gall would be there instantly to cut him off.

Marquette's strategy was obvious—this was a crucial possession, and Oliver was the most likely shooter. If they could shut him down, they could control the game.

Aina University trusted their star player.

This was a game of open cards—both teams knew who was taking the final shot.

Oliver's position was compromised by Aldington's long reach. A forced drive could easily lead to an offensive foul.

Norton stayed alert, ready to contest a shot at any moment.

Despite being boxed in, Oliver remained calm.

"You think you can stop me? Let's see about that."

Oliver dribbled, analyzing the defense. He knew what would happen if he attacked the paint.

A risk wasn't worth it.

Curry's greatest weapon was his shooting, and Oliver's temporary Peak Curry Experience Card gave him an elite conversion rate.

He waited until about 30 seconds had passed in the possession—then, suddenly, he accelerated.

A quick spin to the right, dribbling at high speed.

Aldington reacted immediately, using his wingspan to completely obscure Oliver's vision.

But Oliver was locked in. He didn't need to see the basket—he had already calculated the shooting angle before catching the ball.

A step-back.

Jump.

Release.

Oliver took the biggest shot of the game—a deep three-pointer!

Kevin Grant: "He pulls up!"

Mike Johnson: "Norton leaps to contest—too late!"

The ball soared through the air, seemingly moving in slow motion yet cutting through space with urgency.

Swish!

Nothing but net!

Mike Johnson: "It's good! Oh my goodness, it's good!"

The score shifted—118-115.

This was a monumental shot!

Only 25 seconds remained in the game.

Marquette University now had to make a choice—shoot a three-pointer to tie or gamble on a quick two and a foul.

Either way, their margin for error was razor-thin.

The outcome of the game—and their season—hung in the balance.

Final Possession

Aina University's coach used their last timeout to set up the defense.

"Keep an eye on Wade. His speed is the biggest threat. If he gets inside, we can allow a layup, but be mindful of him drawing a foul."

It was clear—this last play would be given to Marquette's star.

Wade had the speed, skill, and composure to take on this moment.

Marquette's coach reinforced their strategy.

"Wade, you control the ball. If you can take a three, do it. If not, drive in and score quickly so we can foul and extend the game."

The clock was their enemy. If they missed this possession, they would be forced to foul.

But with Aina University's strong free-throw shooting, that was a losing bet.

This shot had to go in.

The timeout ended—25 seconds remained.

Every player was locked in, knowing this was their last chance to fight for a spot in the finals.

Wade took control of the ball.

He didn't rush, letting his teammates set up before advancing.

With 15 seconds left, he suddenly shifted gears.

A devastating spin move—Franklin, his defender, bit on the fake.

Kevin Grant: "Wade's free! He's heading for the rim!"

As Aina University's defense collapsed into the paint, expecting a quick two…

Wade stopped.

He pulled up behind the three-point line!

Mike Johnson: "He's taking the three!"

Wade's speed had outpaced the defenders—there was no one close enough to contest.

He rose for the shot.

But just as he released the ball—

A shadow appeared in front of him.

A hand reached out.

PAH!

The ball was swatted away!

A massive block!

Kevin Grant: "OLIVER BLOCKS WADE! OH MY WORD!"

The ball bounced straight into Franklin's hands.

Without hesitation, Franklin launched a fast-break.

A quick, steady layup—two points!

The crowd exploded.

Fans hugged each other, overwhelmed by emotion.

NBA scouts stood up in excitement.

Wade was Marquette's best player.

He was supposed to be unstoppable.

But Oliver, standing at just 5'9", had denied him at the most crucial moment!

Mike Johnson: "That block! That was unreal! Can you believe it?!"

Kevin Grant: "Oliver—at 5'9"—just rejected Wade's clutch shot! I have chills!"

The stadium erupted with chants.

"OLIVER! OLIVER! OLIVER!"

Even FOX Sports' Tony couldn't help but join in.

Meanwhile, ESPN's Cyril slumped in his chair, completely dejected, looking like a defeated rooster.

The game had reached its final ten seconds. Marquette University trailed by five points.

Barring a miracle, the outcome was set in stone.

And sure enough, as the final desperate shot clanked off the rim—

Game Over!

Aina Wins!

________________________________________________

Hello!

I actually changed a lot during this game. If you noticed, the previous games were all on the players' perspectives. I wanted to incorporate commentators. They were not in the original, so let me know if you liked it so I can write it this way from now on. Also, I'm reading criticisms regarding the pacing and I genuinely understand. From now on, games will have a maximum of 5 chapters. Most games will now only have 2-3.

Thank you for your comments and support. Let me know if you have any more suggestions.

-Snorelax