Knicks vs. Bucks: Final Minutes II (Page 191)

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 25th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Fiserv Forum Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin)~~~

~~~(Time: 5:01 PM)~~~

There are three possession left in the game, and the score is tied at 121 to 121. It's become a brutal battle in this last minute of game time. The time-out is ending soon, and with it, the break our team has. My teammates are gassed, but so are the Bucks.

I walk back onto the court, and there is sweat running down my body. My body shows signs of energy exertion, but that doesn't mean I'm tired.

Barrett and Brunson are both on the bench. Both of them are unable to play due to exhaustion. Leaving me on the court with some fresh roleplayers. Robinson and Jericho are also on the bench.

I'm the only one from the starting line-up that's on the court. My eyes find and see the sheer determination in the eyes of the Bucks teams. Giannis, Middleton, Holiday. They're all staying in. It's their possession, meaning if they manage their time. They'll get the last possession.

My team gets set on defense as the final 40 seconds starts, and I await on the wing for Giannis. They'll be going to him; he's their Superstar.

My arms are outstretched and long as he reaches me, and he immediately turns and drives his shoulder into me. We start battling in the paint as he eventually works his way inside.

He's about to fade for a shot, but instead, he passes it to a cutting Holiday. The guard jumps and throws down a slam. Only used 13 seconds for their entire possession. The ball is inbounded to me, and there are 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

As I bring the ball down the court, I'm immediately double-teamed by Holiday and Giannis. I laser pass the ball to an open man, and he takes the shot. Bricking it off the back end.

The crowd starts to go crazy as the Bucks now how a 123 to 121 lead, and we've missed our chance to score. I can see the defeat in some of my teammates, but I've not given up. Holiday is the one to bring the ball down the court.

Only 8 seconds left on the clock, and I guard him from inbound. He's able to get away from me with a screen with Giannis, but I spin around him. Catching up to Holiday. Ripping the ball from him at halfcourt.

I dive for the ball and grab it. Standing up with 2 seconds left. I'm well past the logo, and I've gotta release a shot now. I elevate fast, and Holiday is right there at the side. Giannis is in the front, and he's got his hand at the base of the ball.

Just out of reach. I release the shot.

"BREEEERRRRR!!!"

End regulation sounds as the ball soars through the sky, and it hits off the back iron and sinks. Making the score 124 to 123 in favor of the Knicks.

We've won.

~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~

~~~(October 25th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Apartment, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 7:03 PM)~~~

"Oh, My God!! The Knicks win!! The Knicks win with a clutch steal and shot from Ulysses!! The game is over, and the Bucks lose their first game of the season!!! Their first game at home!!"

The announcers go crazy as I stand up and don't know what to do. All I can do is shake my hands and take a deep breath.

"THAT'S HOW YOU PLAY BASKETBALL!!!"

The words leave me in almost a scream, and Hannah is jumping up and down on the couch as the Bucks fans have their reactions recorded with zoom-ins.

Before I know it, I'm out of breath and need to slow down to catch my breath.

~~~(POV: Hannah Fiona)~~~

~~~(October 25th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Apartment, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 7:04 PM)~~~

The Bucks fans are quickly leaving the arena at the disappointing end of the game. Many are flipping off the Knicks players still on the court. Ulysses walks up to Giannis and gives the usual after-game chat between Superstars.

He's got four more games on a similar minutes restriction, and I can only guess the games will be just as close.

The Knicks are now 3-0 on the season.