Knicks vs. Bucks: Second Half I (Page 187)

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

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

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

~~~(Time: 4:21 PM)~~~

Halftime is only a few minutes away from ending, and we're on the court warming up again before the start of the second half of basketball. The score is 72 to 65 in favor of the Bucks. They went on a tear after I was benched for the remained of the second quarter.

My teammates are frustrated, and Focused Hatred isn't working. I've learned something important thanks to this moment. My badges that affect my teammates might not always work. This could be due to their own mental status.

The crowd is already back in their seats, and the refs are starting to prepare for the resumption of the game. I'll be taken out with 5 minutes left to play this quarter too. Only the fourth quarter is when I don't have to sit out.

After another minute, the game resumes, and the Bucks start the quarter with the ball. I pick up Holiday on defense from the inbound pass, and the crowd is booing again.

Instead of trying to dribble past me, he passes it to Giannis, whos there to help. They've learned that it's best to pass it out than dribble across the court with me defending.

The Bucks start an offense with screens to get Giannis free from me since he's my matchup. I'm forced to switch defenders, and Giannis gets Brunson on him. He takes him to the post and starts hammering away.

Eventually, getting inside and getting an easy dunk in the process. Making the score 74 to 65 in favor of the Bucks. Brunson is getting very frustrated with himself. I'm almost tempted to speak with him just a bit. But that's not my priority at the moment.

Barrett brings the ball down the court and immediately passes it to me. As I'm standing behind the arc, a double team comes. Leaving Brunson open in the corner. I send a bullet pass across the court into his hands. But he hesitates, and a defender gets there.

Forcing us to reset. Time starts to wind down, and the ball finds its way into my hands. I take a leaning shot away from the basket and sink it for two points.

I wanted a 3-pointer that possession, but I have to settle for two. Tom is staring down Brunson as he comes down the court. Nothing gets a coach angrier than a wasted possession. I'm picking up Giannis and guarding him close.

The ball makes it to his hands, and before he even does a dribble or a screen comes. I jam my hand forward and knock the ball out of his hands. I dive for it, and so does Giannis. We get tied up, and the refs call a jump ball.

We prepare for the jump ball, and the crowd is all standing on their feet. I don't know why cause it's not an important thing, not like a last-minute shot. The ref throws the ball into the air, and I barely beat out Giannis. Sending the ball to Barrett and regaining possession.

As we make it down the court, I set a screen for Barrett and fade toward the arc. Getting the ball and elevating for a shot. Giannis is there, but again, I barely get it off without him getting a hand on the ball. Fading from the 3-point again.

Knocking down the shot off the back iron. Making the score 74 to 70 in favor of the Bucks. I've closed the score to four points.

People can't believe it as the crowd is silent. There are hands-on heads and people looking upset. They thought they'd be up for the rest of the game. That's usually what happens with the Bucks.

Once they grab a hold of the lead, they don't let go.

Now that it's their possession, the Bucks call a timeout, and we make our way to our bench. We're about a minute and 40 seconds into the third quarter, and things are going well. I still have 6 minutes of play time before I'm benched again.

"Don't hesitate to take shots like that!!"

Brunson is getting an earful from Tom, and I don't think it'll help him play. There is only so much I can do to help my teammates. I can't be there whenever something happens in their heads.

They have to work through it too.