NBA: Giant Killing

Hey! We had 5+ Power Stones last week! Way more compared to the previous tally. For that, I will post 3 additional chapters this week. Double chapters on Thursday to Saturday. If we reach 100 Power Stones this week. We'll have double chapters for the whole week on the next one.

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The intensity in the arena was electric, the weight of the NCAA semifinals pressing down on every player on the court. This wasn't just another game—it was a battle for survival, a war waged between two teams clawing for a spot in the finals.

As the whistle blew, the game resumed with Marquette in possession. Norton, their steady-handed point guard, inbounded the ball with precision, sending it into the capable hands of Dwyane Wade.

"Wade takes control—here we go! The Marquette star with the ball, looking to make something happen!"

The moment the ball settled into Wade's grip, he wasted no time. A sudden pivot, a quick change of direction—he blew past Franklin, leaving him in his wake.

"Wade BREAKS FREE! A deadly spin move—Franklin is left reeling! Marquette is on the attack!"

But this time, Aina University was prepared.

Gorin, their defensive enforcer, reacted instantly, stepping into Wade's path before he could accelerate to full speed. His feet planted firm, his arms wide—he was an immovable object, determined to stop the unstoppable force that was Wade.

Coach Boeheim's strategy was clear: The moment Wade gets into attack mode, collapse on him.

Wade had been Marquette's lifeline all season. He had torched defenses, carried his team past giants, and was now only a game away from the finals. If he got into a rhythm, if he found his touch—Aina would be in serious trouble.

So they weren't about to let that happen.

Wade, undeterred, executed a hesitation dribble, feigning left before shifting sharply to the right.

But Gorin didn't bite.

"Wade fakes left—goes right—but Gorin stays with him! Lockdown defense from Aina's guard!"

For the first time that night, Wade hesitated. A flicker of surprise crossed his face. Wasn't Oliver the only real threat on this team?

Yet, here was Gorin, moving like a seasoned defender, anticipating every step.

Arms spread wide, body positioned perfectly—Gorin relished this challenge. Weeks of training alongside Oliver had sharpened his instincts to a new level.

Compared to Oliver's footwork, Wade's wasn't nearly as deceptive.

Realizing he wasn't shaking Gorin off, Wade made a quick decision—he kicked it back to Norton.

Norton wasted no time pushing forward, hoping to initiate the offense. But as soon as he crossed half-court, Oliver closed in like a shadow.

"Norton advances—Aina's defense tightens! Oliver is right there, making every dribble a nightmare!"

Norton had a clear height advantage. At 6'2", he towered over Oliver. That gave him an idea—a brute-force drive straight into the smaller defender.

A sudden burst—Norton leaned in, attempting to bulldoze through Oliver.

But Oliver had seen it coming.

He planted his feet, raised his hands, and braced for impact.

BANG!

It was like running into a brick wall. Norton bounced back, lost his footing, and crashed onto the hardwood.

"OFFENSIVE FOUL! NORTON JUST GOT STONEWALLED BY OLIVER!"

A chorus of gasps filled the arena before being drowned out by a wave of boos.

"What the hell? Is that guy made of steel?"

"Dirty play!"

"Come on, ref, that's a flop!"

The Marquette bench looked unsettled. Wade shook his head at Norton, his expression unreadable. There's no need for desperation yet.

Norton groaned, looking up at Oliver in disbelief. How is someone this small THAT strong?!

Possession switched. Oliver took his time bringing the ball up, scanning the court with a calm intensity.

Norton, wary after the collision, instinctively gave Oliver more space.

A mistake.

Oliver capitalized instantly.

"OLIVER TAKES OFF! HE EXPLODES PAST NORTON IN A FLASH! Marquette is scrambling to recover!"

A defender stepped up, but Oliver had already anticipated it.

A sudden deceleration. A subtle fake. The defender lunged—too late.

"STEP-BACK! OLIVER IS WIDE OPEN! HE SHOOTS—"

Swish.

"ANOTHER THREE! OLIVER IS ON FIRE! TWO TRIPLES TO START THE GAME!"

The Marquette bench looked concerned now. Wade's expression darkened. He turned to Norton and raised a hand—

I've got him next.

Marquette had studied Oliver's game. If he got hot, he wouldn't cool down. They had to stop him before he fully ignited.

Oliver saw Wade's signal and smirked.

"Here comes the double-team," he muttered. "And it's Wade."

His heart pounded in anticipation. This was what he lived for—the pressure, the challenge, the moment.

Then—

Ding!

A familiar chime echoed in his mind.

[Achievement unlocked: Three-Point Barrage in the Semifinals!]

[Reward granted: Experience Card—Peak Curry!]

Oliver's eyes widened.

Stephen Curry. The greatest shooter in history. The man who revolutionized basketball with his limitless range.

He clenched his fist, suppressing the excitement bubbling within him. He had received rewards from the system before, but this—this was something else.

This was Chef Curry.

He flexed his fingers around the ball, feeling a strange yet exhilarating sense of control. The basket seemed closer. The rim seemed wider. His body felt lighter, as if every movement had been fine-tuned for perfection.

Wade stepped up, eyes locked onto him. The moment their gazes met, Oliver felt the intensity in the air rise.

Alright, Wade. Let's see what you've got.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation. Something was about to happen—something big.

"Marquette switching it up! Wade will now guard Oliver—two future NBA stars going head-to-head!"

Wade crouched low, his stance perfect, his defensive instincts honed from years of carrying his team. He wasn't going to give Oliver an inch.

Oliver, however, welcomed the challenge.

He dribbled the ball rhythmically, the echoing thuds matching the pounding of his heart. The world around him blurred—the noise of the crowd faded.

All he could see was the basket.

Limitless range.

He took a deep breath.

Then—

A lightning-fast crossover.

Wade reacted instantly, shifting to cut him off. But Oliver had already anticipated it.

A step-back.

Wade lunged. Too late.

Oliver rose.

For a split second, time seemed to slow. The ball left his fingertips, spinning in perfect backspin, soaring through the air with unwavering precision.

The crowd held its breath.

Swish.

"THREE-POINTER! OLIVER IS UNSTOPPABLE!"

The arena erupted. Fans screamed. Even the commentators were momentarily stunned before exploding into excited shouts.

"This kid is on another LEVEL! That was logo range! What are we witnessing here?!"

On the court, Oliver lowered his shooting hand with a grin.

He turned, locking eyes with Wade, and uttered a single phrase—

"I'm gonna make it rain."