Knicks vs. Bucks: Second Half II (Page 188)

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

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

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

~~~(Time: 4:29 PM)~~~

We've played through another 3 minutes of basketball, and the score is now 82 to 82. We're all tied up as we're a little past halfway through the third quarter. This isn't good for us. The Bucks have been running perfect plays.

Showing that great teamwork with decent players can beat any team in the league with bonafide superstars.

I've got two minutes of playtime left, and there isn't much I can do in terms of preparing a lead for the fourth quarter. We're about to come out of another timeout, Tom called. He's trying to get the starters back in the game.

Their heads, that is.

As I make my way back onto the court, people are heckling me from the crowd. I don't react in the slightest. It's not something that affects me. I inbound the ball to Barrett, and he brings the ball down the court.

I set a screen for Barrett, and I start rolling toward the basket. But he passes it to me too soon, and I have to reach for the ball ahead of me. Giannis is there to interfere. I barely get control of the ball, and I dribble it out to the perimeter.

Resetting the possession and causing an incoming double team. Brunson is open on the other side of the court. So, I pass it hard to him again, and this time he doesn't hesitate. Knocking down the 3-pointer.

Making the score 85 to 82 in favor of us. We make our way down on defense and prepare for a fight, especially on the screen they've been setting. We haven't proven to be able to stop the play yet, so why should they?

That's precisely what they do. Giannis gets the match-up he wants and gets into the post. Slamming down a dunk in the face of Brunson and Jericho. Making the score 85 to 84. The game is close.

There is a little over a minute left, and that's not a lot of time to create a big lead for my team before I'm benched for the remainder of the third quarter.

"Buckle up, bitch."

I'm bringing the ball down the court. The crude and barbaric words escape my lips as Giannis tries to guard me. But I dribble past him and approach the 3-point arch. As I'm about to start my shooting motion, I'm knocked to the ground from behind.

A hard foul from the Greek Freak.

While I can't get injured, that still hurts.

"Ain't no easy shots for you anymore."

After my teammates help me up, we reset. Giannis is closely guarding me and chattering in my ear. All I can do is focus and get ready for the possession. I break free from him and get the ball on the right wing.

I immediately spin in my spot, and I elevate. Knocking down a fading 3-pointer in the face of Holiday. With Giannis close behind him. Making the score 88 to 84. It's not much, but there is still one more offensive possession before I'm benched.

"Wait till the fourth quarter comes around. I'll show you what it means to be the best in the league."

That's what I have to say to Giannis as I calmly jog back onto defense. It sucks that I'll have to play the next four games after this, as I'm playing now. But there is nothing I can do about it.

Giannis and I go head to head in the post. Not letting him get anything easy and ensuring this possession's screen failed. He gets a good fade off the elbow and knocks the shot down.

Making the score 88 to 86 in our favor. The crowd cheer and scream for the simple move. As if it's something spectacular. But if it's against me, I guess there isn't anything you can say about not cheering.

It's my last possession for the third quarter, and I bring the ball down the court. I see Jericho cut to the basket, drawing two guys' attention. I fake the alley-oop and instead elevate at the top of the key. Knocking down a 2-pointer.

With that, the Bucks call a timeout to regroup since I'm out of the game now, and I head for the bench. I'll have to watch my team suffer for the remainder of the third quarter.

But the fourth quarter is mine.