"The 'First Man of the League,' Kobe Bryant's proactive challenge not only turned the showdown between Carlos and Kobe, the Suns and the Lakers, into a highly anticipated battle for countless fans but also instantly skyrocketed Carlos's popularity.
As the hype continued to increase, and following Carlos's dazzling performance in the last game, more fans became aware of him, and along with the admiration, doubts also emerged.
"Carlos... isn't as strong as imagined!"
"Indeed, his center skills are accurate, and his penetration is sharp, but when it comes to three-pointers, I won't admit that he's very strong. Last night was just luck."
"Bingo!"
"Not to mention that in many initial games, Carlos didn't even attempt a single three-pointer. Even in the game where he shot three consecutive three-pointers, he made only one. A 3-for-1 record, a 30% three-point shooting rate, I think it's not that high. Last night, before hitting those 4 three-pointers, Carlos missed quite a few in a row, even in almost wide-open situations. It shows that Ariza's tight defense was quite successful. Considering all of this, I think Carlos is lacking in three-point shooting ability."
"Exactly!"
"Hehe, if you're so good, you go ahead. I won't defend you, let you shoot freely. Can you make all 4 three-pointers?"
"Just that, one time lucky, two times a coincidence, but four times, that's real skill, isn't it? Even if we take a step back, a center making 4 three-pointers in wide-open situations is already impressive!"
"Please, can you stop being jealous?"
"Admit that Carlos is strong, admit that he's a 'technical flow' center, isn't that difficult?!"
"Uh..."
For a moment, fans argued incessantly, but no one could win the argument. After all, a single game has its limitations, and there aren't many data points to consider.
However, because of this, the upcoming matchup between the Suns and the Trail Blazers at the Suns' home court the next night became the highly anticipated duel for fans. Everyone wanted to see if Carlos really had the ability to shoot three-pointers or if it was just luck.
Similarly, keeping a close eye on this matchup were Nike manager Karim and Adidas manager Wagner, both of whom have been closely monitoring Carlos recently.
You see, there are quite a few big guys in the league with mid-range shooting abilities, but a center who can shoot three-pointers is rare. A center with outstanding offensive and physical abilities is even more scarce. Once Carlos has three-point shooting ability, he will instantly surpass all other centers and become a unique presence. Even Nike and Adidas would be more than interested in acquiring such a talented center.
Soon, the awaited night arrived.
At 9 PM...
The Western United States Arena...
The Suns hosted the Trail Blazers. Although the city where the home team is located doesn't have many basketball-loving fans, due to Carlos's recent outstanding performances, the arena's popularity has surged.
Everyone came to witness Carlos's individual performance.
The warm-up concluded, and the starting lineups took the court.
Phoenix Suns starters: 6'3" point guard Steve Nash, 6'3" shooting guard Stephen Curry, 6'6" shooting guard Vince Carter, 6'11" power forward Channing Frye, and 7'0" center Carlos.
Portland Trail Blazers starters: 6'2" point guard Andre Miller, 6'5" shooting guard Wesley Matthews, 6'8" small forward Nicolas Batum, 6'11" power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and 7'0" center Marcus Camby.
"The sixth-placed team in the West, the Trail Blazers, is only one win away from the fifth-placed Mavericks. Despite lacking All-Stars, each player contributes in their position. Their cohesion keeps them steady in this position. If Roy were healthy, I believe the Trail Blazers' strength this year could push them into the top three in the Western Conference."
"In the commentary box...
Jon Barry remarked, and Mark Jackson expressed some regret, saying, 'Yes, he was the 'Meniscus Killer,' but once hailed as the 'successor to Kobe.' However...
No matter how strong a man is, he cannot withstand the torment of injuries. Continuous injuries have turned Roy, the former leader of the Trail Blazers, into mediocrity in just a few years. Now...
He can only sit on the bench, watching this scene is really heartbreaking.'
"Ah, this is an injury, and it's also fate. There's no way; we can only hope that Roy can stay healthy in the future, even if it's just on the bench... well.
Enough talk... getting too far off track. Anyway, now the Trail Blazers still have competitiveness, but with a historic center like Carlos, who has won nine consecutive games and is seventh in the West, the Suns are not an easy opponent.
Without further ado, the game has started!"
"Jump ball!"
The contest between Carlos and Camby, as a member of the '96 Golden Generation, Camby's talent was actually quite good, but he never had many offensive opportunities.
As time passed, he gradually became mediocre.
However, even so, he was a decent rim protector. But tonight, he encountered Carlos, with the '96 generation's No.1 pick, 'Iverson's talent.'
There was no way to win...
"Snap!"
Carlos easily flicked the ball over Camby's head, winning the jump ball. Curry received it and led the Suns into their first offensive play.
At the top of the arc...
Curry, with Carter shielding him, evaded the defensive players, accelerated left-wing penetration. When Batum came over for help defense, he made a graceful left-handed behind-the-back pass.
The ball flew to the right wing.
A clever pass...
Carlos caught the ball in an open position, raised his hand for a three-pointer.
The entire arena held its breath; everyone's eyes were fixed on the spinning basketball in the air.
"Swish!"
A swish without touching the rim...
"Clang!"
Matthews responded with a three-pointer from the arc, but Carlos protected the rebound and handed it to Nash for a quick push. Curry and Carlos sprinted on each side in the frontcourt.
Both called for the ball.
"Splash!"
Nash passed the ball to Carlos. Faced with small forward Batum, Carlos made a quick stop, retreated half a step, and directly jumped for a shot, scoring another three-pointer.
"ha!"
Batum shouted loudly and jumped to block, but with a height difference of 12 centimeters, his block was like air. The basketball passed through the air, creating a sharp curve like an Arabian scimitar.
"Swish!"
Another clean shot.
Change of possession...
Aldridge, at the left-wing high post, faced the taller Carter. He backed down, made a turnaround jump shot, his preferred offensive move.
But tonight, he was a bit off in terms of touch.
Rebound? Frye protected the rebound, swung his right arm like a thick whip, and directly passed the ball to Nash on the perimeter. Carlos and Curry, each on one side, sprinted to the frontcourt. Nash seemed to pass to Curry but made a floor pass, passing again to Carlos.
"Snap!"
"Sizzle!"
On the left arc, Carlos, one step away from the three-point line, made a quick stop. Faced with Batum's defense once again, he launched another three-pointer.
This time, Batum was prepared, jumping up with full force before Carlos. However, in the next instant, Batum's pupils suddenly contracted.
"So fast shooting speed!"
He wanted to block my three-pointer!
But Carlos exerted force on his waist, abruptly changing direction in mid-air. The basketball's release point just evaded Batum's block attempt. The basketball, like a powerful shell, flew over Batum and went straight into the net.
"Swish!"
Another hit...
Starting with three consecutive three-pointers, Carlos single-handedly brought a three-point rainstorm to the arena.
"Hahaha!"
In the commentary box...
Jon Barry's tongue rolled out of his mouth. Shocked and amused, he said, 'Three consecutive three-pointers at the beginning, and still a 100% shooting rate. I think... those who said Carlos has no three-point ability can now shut their mouths.'"