In the entire third quarter, Carlos made a total of 7 field goals, scoring 15 points. Among them, he scored 6 field goals using a dismissive approach, making jump shots over Paul. In the final moments, he led a 15-3 offensive storm, widening the point difference from 7 to 19.
After three quarters...
Suns (75): (56) Hornets.
"Amazing!"
Mark Jackson, looking at the score, couldn't believe it, saying, "A 19-point difference in three quarters. If you didn't know, you'd think the Suns are a top-three team in the West."
"Hehe..."
Jon Barry smiled and said, "Maybe not before the last game. But now... this team has produced a player with a phenomenal offensive ability, Carlos. A super center who scored 43 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks in three quarters. I believe... in the near future, the Suns will grow into a top-three team in the West."
"Oh?"
Mark blinked and asked, "The Suns with 'Stat' were already third in the West last season. Are you suggesting that Carlos will grow to 'Stat's' level?"
"Possibly even more!"
During the commentary banter.
As the final quarter began, with Carlos first confusing West and then ruthlessly dominating Paul, coupled with a significant 19-point lead, the Hornets' offensive capabilities were greatly diminished. The point difference further widened.
In less than 5 minutes, the point difference had already reached 20+.
"Buzzer!"
The struggling Hornets, realizing their helpless situation, called a timeout, substituted in reserves, conceded the game, and allowed the time to become garbage time.
Carlos did not take any shots in this quarter but grabbed 3 rebounds and provided one assist.
In the end...
There was no miraculous comeback like Carlos' performance in the previous quarter. The Suns slaughtered the Hornets, led by "CP3" Paul, with a 17-point advantage, securing their second consecutive victory.
Post-game...
Hornets head coach Montgomery Williams said in the press conference, "A center breaking through guards on the perimeter, a center with precise outside shooting. Carlos... this rookie center from Mexico has overturned my understanding of traditional centers. He is indeed strong, and tonight we lost to him alone. However, our lack of familiarity with his style of play is also a factor. I believe that in the next encounter, my players will limit him."
Coach Montgomery's remarks were sincere.
Fans who heard this interview after the game, even if they didn't know Carlos before, became very interested in this Mexican center and wanted to follow his performance.
One hour later...
After all the games of the night were played, discussions on Twitter about tonight's matches were quite hot.
"Hey, did everyone watch? The super showdown between Thunder Big Three and Heat 'Big Three,' my God, that was so exciting."
"Watched it, watched it."
"Exciting, a showdown between powerhouses, intense until the last moment. However, the old saying holds true, LeBron and Wade, this powerful 'dynamic duo,' killed the game."
"No way, one is the 'King,' one is 'The Flash,' and there's also 'CB4.' The three of them are each a leader, and when they come together, their strength is indeed monstrous."
"Although the Thunder lost, the talent shown by the Young Three is amazing. It won't be long before they shock the league, maybe even this season."
"Oh, really? Didn't anyone notice the Suns vs. Hornets game? Carlos, the rookie center from Mexico, the Suns' new center, dropped a spectacular stat line of 43 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks tonight."
"Got it!"
"Yeah, Carlos showed off tonight, that's what I call cool. As a center, he ate up Paul on the perimeter, blocked Paul continuously, completely dominating a top point guard in the league."
"A rookie playing this well is simply explosive!"
"A center with a height of 215 cm, shooting so accurately from the perimeter, is truly beyond belief. However, watching him play feels extremely refreshing."
"It seems that many people still think Carlos had a more outstanding performance tonight."
"Durant with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists; LeBron with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists; Wade with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. And Carlos... 43 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. Almost single-handedly carrying the team to victory against the Suns. Tonight, who is stronger, I think it goes without saying."
"Wow! Is it true that Carlos played so well tonight? I was so focused on the Thunder vs. Heat game. No, I have to watch the replay tomorrow. No... I'll go watch it now. Carlos, this center, is unexpectedly so strong!"
"Haha, I'm going too."
"Hey, let me tell you another mind-blowing news: Carlos scored 43 points tonight, breaking Tyronn Jamar's single-game record of 41 points. This is only Carlos' second game in the NBA. Note... Carlos only played 6 minutes in the first game; otherwise, he could have broken Tyronn Jamar's scoring record in the first game, too. This... this is too insane."
"Tyronn Jamar was a peak-level elite center in the league, but Carlos broke his scoring record in the second game. How strong will Carlos be in the future?!"
"Wow! I'm already a fan of Carlos."
"Enough said, count me in."
"Me too. Even though I don't know Carlos yet, hearing you all talk like this, I can be sure that Carlos will become a superstar center in the league."
"Wait, wait, hold on. Tonight wasn't the super showdown between Thunder Big Three and Heat 'Big Three.' Why... why is everyone talking about Carlos? Is he another rookie?"
"Because he's strong."
"Exactly, what about Thunder's Big Three, what about Heat's 'Big Three'? Tonight, the most dazzling star must be Carlos."
"Hehehe, Thunder's Big Three, Heat's 'Big Three,' Durant, LeBron, Wade, and so many league superstars. Tonight, they were completely overshadowed by a center."
"It's unbelievable!"
"Um..." The next day...
In the various news outlets and media, considering overall popularity and heat, the Thunder vs. Heat matchup naturally dominated the headlines. However, the space left for Carlos, the rookie center, was by no means small. Breaking Tyronn Jamar's single-game scoring record, 43 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 blocks, blocking Paul, toying with Paul, Facial on Paul – this series of performances forced each newspaper to make room for Carlos.
In the afternoon...
At the Suns' practice facility.
When Carlos arrived for practice, everyone took the initiative to greet him, and everyone was much more enthusiastic than before. Carlos responded with a smile to each one.
He understood...
This was the treatment he received after showing his strength in the two games.
"Carlos, well done!"
Nash walked over, giving a thumbs up, and Carlos smiled modestly, saying, "It's okay. It's because everyone trusts me and gives me the opportunity that I can make those shots."
"Haha!"
Nash laughed, "I just love your humility."
"Players, come over here."
At this moment, Coach Gentry called everyone together, holding the schedule in his hand, and said, "Our upcoming opponents are... the Warriors, Cavaliers, Knicks, Clippers, and Thunder!"