chapter two: giannis vs. durant
Second Round, Game 1: Nets Vs. Bucks (June 5th, 2021)
A few nights later, the day finally came. It was time to see what the Bucks were truly capable of. The Nets were the favorites, and the first two games of the series were to be played in the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden were in Brooklyn, making the trio the most feared in basketball. Marshall was filled with nervous energy, pacing the living room of the lookout just before the game while Chase, Everest, Skye and Zuma looked on in curiosity.
"Dude, he's gonna make a dent in the floor if he keeps walking like that." The german shepherd noted in concern.
"Well, he's not gonna be like that for long. The Nets are gonna win the series in 5 games. That's my prediction." Zuma proclaimed.
"You do you, Zuma. I don't even know who Kevin Durant, James Harden or Kyrie Irving even are." Everest said as she stood next to Marshall, stroking his fur to calm down the nerves.
"Everest...you're literally the best friend I could ask for…" Marshall said gratefully as the game finally tipped off. Just mere seconds after the tipoff, James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets, who was an incredible player, limped off the court with a hamstring injury.
"I hope that Harden guy is ok...he seemed to land pretty hard on it." Rubble noted in worry, as he just came in to watch the game.
"Hmmm...no Harden, huh? The Nets could still win. Kevin Durant is literally unguardable." Zuma spoke with confidence as the game continued.
NETS 95, BUCKS 82. 3rd Quarter, 10 seconds left
Things were starting to go rather awry for the Bucks as of late. As recently as the third quarter, the game was close, the biggest lead being 7 by Brooklyn. There was more bad news for Marshall and good news for Zuma: Kevin Durant for the Nets was taking over the game. He was unstoppable with turnaround jumpers and threes hitting every single time he shot. Things were looking rather dire for Milwaukee as Durant had possession of the ball.
"C'mon Bucks, play good defense!" Everest shouted with a little hint of nervousness in her tone.
"KD is gonna hit this. Watch." Zuma predicted as he sat back and let the game play out.
"Please don't make it…" Marshall whispered to himself.
Durant with the ball. Tries to make a move on Giannis. Gets space. Durant fires for three, YES!
"Dammit!" Marshall cursed to himself in frustration.
"Yeah, boyyyy! Pour it ON, KD! That's how we do it!" Zuma cheered with arrogance.
"Durant is a monster." Chase admitted.
"Well, shit. Guess we're gonna lose this one." Everest sighed in disappointment. The Bucks ended up losing Game 1 by 16 points, as the breakout star, Blake Griffin, surprised everyone by getting 17 points and 11 rebounds. Marshall knew this series was not gonna be easy. And it was gonna get worse. Much worse.
2nd Round, Game 2: Nets Vs. Bucks (June 7th, 2021)
This game seemed like it was gonna be a long one, right from the tip-off. The Bucks were scoring at a normal pace four minutes into the first quarter, but the Nets were proving that they were gonna be hard to stop.
Kyrie Irving for the Nets gets the ball...half court...long range three, no good. And OH MY GOODNESS! Blake Griffin comes out of NOWHERE and throws it DOWN after getting the rebound out of the air!
"Oh no...here we go again...the Blake Griffin show, everybody…" Marshall groaned in sarcasm.
"How is Blake Griffin suddenly playing like it's 2011 all over again? I don't know, but I LOVE IT." Zuma barked with approval. The Brooklyn crowd was loud, and roaring incessantly over the TV broadcast. The Nets kept pouring the scoring on the Bucks, hitting a lot of threes out.
NETS 25, BUCKS 15: 1st Quarter, 2:50 left
The Bucks were trying so hard to stop the Nets, but it was proving to be an almost impossible task. Kevin Durant was scoring at will at times when Giannis was guarding him, and Kyrie Irving was controlling the ball.
"Dude, Kyrie is gonna cook Giannis, bro." Zuma said, a smile curling on his face, ready for a major highlight.
"Not if he plays good defense, though." Chase shot back.
Kyrie gets the ball and charges upcourt, Giannis in pursuit. Kyrie stops! Giannis bites and almost loses balance! Kyrie, wide open shot! AND HE HITS IT!
"Fuck!" Marshall cursed to himself.
"The only time I ever hear you swear is when we're watching a sporting event of some kind…" Everest stammered.
"Well...it's just the heat of the moment, Eve...it's just because I'm pretty passionate about Milwaukee, but they're letting me down big-time." The dalmatian huffed in disappointment.
"YEAH, KYRIE! LET'S GO, MAN!" Zuma shouted in celebration, mimicking the move that he saw on the screen. "Kyrie is a SUPERSTAR, amirite?!" The lab asked loudly, hyped up with what he was seeing.
"I knew Kyrie was a superstar for a long time, Zuma...you don't have to be obnoxious about it." Chase spoke up.
"You guys are just mad that the Bucks are getting their asses handed to them." Zuma retorted, rolling his eyes.
NETS 50, BUCKS 31, 2nd Quarter, 6:30 left
This game was quickly getting out of hand, as the Nets found their stride, scoring at ease against the Bucks like a well oiled machine. Marshall was hoping that Milwaukee would score a few more points and get a few defensive stops in order to make the game competitive. But those hopes were fading.
"Come on, defense…" Marshall groaned.
"Let's go, Bucks! Come on! Get a stop!" Everest exclaimed, hoping that the Bucks would listen to her pleas. Marshall looked at her in awe for a split second and looked back to the screen.
Durant gets the ball. Shoots a three, no good. Throws a pass to Griffin. On the baseline. Griffin runs and jumps! HE DUNKED ON GIANNIS! OH MY GOODNESS! WHAT A PLAY!
It was at the point where all hope was lost. Marshall's paws greeted his face, where he put them in shame.
"YESSIR! Blake Griffin is a BEAST!" Zuma celebrated, pumping his fist and jumping up and down.
"Well, game's over, Marsh. I'll see ya later." Chase commented as he walked out of the lookout, were Skye was waiting for him.
"Series is over, Marsh. Your team is dead." Zuma boasted with a slit-throat gesture. The dally finally looked up as Everest sat next to him, putting a paw around his shoulder in an effort to try and console him.
"Don't listen to him. The Bucks still have a chance...even though we're down by 20 points." Everest assured him.
"They're gonna lose this game for sure...this is a best-of-seven, and we still have a chance." Marshall thought aloud. The Bucks lost that game by a LONG shot, losing by almost 40 points. It was a massacre, and Zuma left the living room by the end of the third quarter. The lab dared Marshall to stay until the end of the game to prove that he wasn't a bandwagon type of fan; a fan who only watches a team when it's good. To the fire dog's surprise, Everest stayed with him for the rest of the game as well. Maybe this was a sign of things to come.
Second Round, Game 3: Nets vs Bucks: NETS LEAD 2-0 (June 10th, 2021)
Two days later, Marshall had a reason to be hyped up. He had a lot of confidence in the Bucks, being that this would be the first of two games straight that they would play at home. Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee was great because the home court was an awesome advantage. The dalmatian made his fandom of the Bucks known by the only way how: he got himself a dog-sized Giannis jersey, with the Greek Freak's famous last name, Antetokounmpo, on the back.
"Let's go, Bucks! This game is a big one!" Marshall shouted in anticipation before the game started.
"Yeah...if they lose, this series is all but over…" Skye added.
"If the Nets get a 3-0 series lead, the Nets would certainly win...no team has ever come that far back, as far as I know." Chase commented.
"Here we go!" Everest cheered.
"KD is gonna kill out here tonight. Watch." Zuma boldly said as the game tipped off. Zuma's prediction was not going great, as a few minutes into the game, the Bucks led 7-0, as the Kevin Durant was uncharacteristically missing a lot of shots. The canines, especially Marshall and Everest, were watching with lots of anticipation.
Jrue Holiday tries to get into the paint, then passes it to Lopez outside. Lopez to PJ Tucker in the corner. Tucker fakes the shot. Finds Giannis in the paint! Giannis Antetokounpo WITH THE SLAM! Brooklyn calls timeout!
"YESSSS! LET'S GO, GIANNIS!" Marshall shouted.
"Atta boy! There we GO!" Everest added, as the couple high-pawed.
"Yeah, dude! Throw it down!" Chase chimed in, as he started clapping.
"Wow...that's the Greek Freak for ya." Skye shrugged while Zuma looked on in a bit of shock.
BUCKS 25, NETS 9: 1st Quarter, 2:30 left
"Man, these Bucks couldn't have started better! I mean, this is pretty great!" Chase smiled as the Bucks got a rebound after yet another Brooklyn miss. It seemed like the playoff nerves were hitting the Nets hard, as Khris Middleton of the Bucks raced up the court.
Middleton gets the pass at midcourt. Sets up for three! It's GOOD! Khris Middleton hits his second straight three pointer!
"YEEEAAHHH BOY! LET'S GO KHRIS!" Marshall shouted in happiness.
"WOO-HOO! You got that right!" Everest chimed in.
"These Bucks are KILLING IT." Chase spoke up as he and Skye high-pawed.
"Dude, what is happening?" Zuma shrieked in horror. These Nets couldn't be playing any worse. It seemed like it was gonna be an easy win, as the Bucks were leading by 19 by the end of the first quarter.
BUCKS 71, NETS 70: 4th Quarter, 10 minutes left
The Nets indeed did come back from that 19 point deficit in the second quarter, and they have been in a low-scoring (in basketball terms) defensive battle with the Bucks since. Giannis had been struggling from the 3-point line for the majority of the year, and he was 0 for 6 in three point attempts tonight. So, it didn't seem like it was going to change as Giannis got set to shoot from that far.
"Dude, WHY ARE YOU SHOOTING FROM THAT FAR?!" Everest asked, flailing her paws in frustration.
"Dude, WHY?!" Marshall added, face-palming while Zuma was laughing.
Giannis sets up for three. Wide open shot. IT'S GOOD! GIANNIS HITS A THREE!
"Wait, WHAT?!" Zuma shouted in protest.
"Giannis made a three?!" Skye and Chase blurted at the same time in surprise.
"OH MY GIANNIS! HE MADE A THREE! HOW ABOUT THAT!" Marshall exclaimed.
"He's ONE FOR SEVEN! Better than nothing!" Everest chimed in.
BUCKS AND NETS TIED AT 80, 4th Quarter, 1:30 left
Emotion was clearly running high now. This was the first tight playoff game the Bucks would be playing in, and it would not be the last. Both teams had been trading buckets, and now, it was Kevin Durant's turn. The five dogs were looking on at the TV with high anticipation.
Kevin Durant gets the short pass! Barely gets past Tucker. Jumping for three! BANG! KEVIN DURANT FROM DOWNTOWN!
"Oh my god, NOOO!" Everest exclaimed in frustration.
"This is getting ridiculous…" Skye agreed.
"KD IS WAY TOO FUCKING CLUTCH, MAN! He's gonna hit ALL of those tough shots!" Zuma shouted with hype, clapping his paws fast.
"I was worried that KD was gonna do that…'' Marshall moaned in agony.
"Keep your head up, Marsh! We still have time left!" Chase said urgently, rushing over to lift the dally's chin for him and patting him on the back.
NETS 83, BUCKS 82: 4th Quarter, 35 seconds left
Drama wouldn't begin to describe the quality of this game, as this dogfight (yes, the pun was intended) was coming down to an incredible finish.
Middleton gets the ball for the Bucks. Corner jumper, airball and rebounded by the Nets.
"Oh, boy…" All five pups said at the same time. All five dogs were on hind legs, ready to explode with reaction. The canines never really paid attention (with the exception of Zuma and occasionally Chase and Marshall) to NBA Playoff basketball, and they were getting a complete dosage of it in more ways than one.
Kyrie Irving has the ball, goes on the right side and passes the ball to Bruce Brown over the middle! Brown with the floater! Brown MISSES, ANTETOKOUNMPO with the rebound! Bucks have the ball!
"Are you fucking serious?! Why is Bruce Brown taking that shot?!" Zuma complained.
"YO, WE GOT THE REBOUND!" Marshall shouted.
"Let's get a BUCKET!" Chase exclaimed.
Giannis throws a pass to Jrue Holiday on the right side. 16 seconds left. The crowd is loud. No timeout is called. Holiday, spin move, inside, LAYUP IS GOOD! IT'S GOOD! AND THE BUCKS ARE UP BY 1 WITH 11 SECONDS LEFT!
"OH MY GODDDD, YESS! LET'S GOOOOOOO!" Marshall screamed as he ran around the circular lookout base, while Everest ran right behind him, bellowing shouts of praise as well.
"Wow! Now that is playoff basketball!" Skye exclaimed as she and Chase hugged each other with glee, both laughing while Zuma was in absolute shock. He couldn't believe it. The game wasn't even over yet. The crowd at Fiserv Forum was loving every second of it, going crazy as the Bucks pulled ahead. Deer District, a plaza that was filled with a few thousand fans outside the arena, exploded in celebration. 3 minutes later, commercials ended. And the ball was in the Nets possession again. Marshall, Everest, Chase and Skye started chanting 'Defense' over and over again, as Zuma could only watch in sheer nervousness.
Bucks are being aggressive on defense here. Blake Griffin has nowhere to throw to! Almost throws it away, ball is loose on the court! Picked up by Irving, swarmed by the Bucks defense! Throws it back to Bruce Brown! Brown tries to get a layup over Lopez, NO GOOD! Rebound by Tucker, throws it to Giannis! And Giannis is fouled! THREE SECONDS LEFT!
The two couples were going nuts, jumping up and down and celebrating with each other while Zuma sunk down into depression, lowering his head in sorrow.
"YO, WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS ONE!" Chase exclaimed as he high-pawed his best friend.
"I know, brotha! WE GOT IT!" Marshall cheered, all smiles between them. Khris Middleton shot two more free throws, to make the Bucks get a three point lead. Zuma stood back up and held his breath. All five pups watching held their breath as the Nets held the last possession of the game. If the Nets got a three, the game would go to overtime.
Griffin throws to Durant! Durant guarded heavily by Tucker! One dribble, fires it up as the buzzer sounds! NO GOOD! JUBILATION HERE IN MILWAUKEE, AS THE BUCKS SURVIVE AND WIN GAME THREE!
"LET'S GOOOOOO!" Both Marshall and Everest screamed with joy as they both ran outside the lookout and started playing with each other...like typical dogs would do.
"Woooaaahhh...WHAT A FINISH." Chase grinned as he and Skye high pawed several times in celebration. Zuma plainly walked out of the room in disgust, and bumped into Ryder on the way out.
"I heard you guys down here...you guys are so loud, me and Rocky could barely even concentrate on upgrading the lookout's technology...what even happened?" Ryder asked him in confusion and irritation.
"NBA Playoffs...you wouldn't understand…" Zuma sighed with sadness as he left Ryder alone, walking away. All five dogs knew that this second round series was gonna be an EPIC one, and it would go for seven games now, either way. Just then, the boy heard Marshall and Everest outside, howling in victory.
Ehhh...teenagers. I'm not one...so I don't understand it. Oh well. Ryder thought to himself as he took the elevator back up the tower.
Second Round Game 4: Bucks VS Nets: NETS LEAD 2-1 (June 13th, 2021)
"Game Four, everyone! This is gonna be a good one, I just know it!" Marshall cheered just before the game started.
"You're wearing that jersey again, huh?" Skye observed as the dally got himself amped up.
"Why not? I love this thing!" The fire rescue pup grinned as he showed it off.
"Let's make this series tied!" Everest exclaimed with hype.
"Giannis is gonna dominate, man…" Chase predicted.
"Kevin...Kyrie...please stop choking, man…" Zuma mumbled to himself.
NETS 36, BUCKS 25: Second Quarter, 9:36
The game was not going so well for the Bucks to start off, as they were trailing by over 10 points to start the quarter. Marshall and the other dogs (not counting Zuma) still had faith that Milwaukee could make it competitive.
"Come on, Khris, get a three, man!" Marshall shouted.
Giannis at the top of the 3 point line. Hands it to Khris Middleton. Middleton stands. Nets get too close, fouls as Khris shoots. OH, WOW! SHOT IS GOOD! A chance for a 4 point play!
"AND ONEEE!" Marshall screamed with dominance.
"Count the bucket!" Everest added as they high-pawed.
"Man, I wish I could make that one." Skye admitted.
"You probably would. With a lot of practice." Chase smiled.
"You ain't talking about the game. We talking about practice, man." The chocolate lab said to the shepherd, provoking a laugh.
NETS 36, BUCKS 35: Second Quarter, 8:20 left
Thanks to that bucket from before, Milwaukee started going on a rally, scoring 7 points since. The Bucks just got a three and a defensive rebound, putting them in really good position to retake the lead.
Giannis runs up court. Gets into the paint. Eurostep! GIANNIS WITH THE SLAM! BUCKS TAKE THE LEAD!
"YEAAAAHHH, GIANNIS!" Marshall cheered, as he mimicked the Euroustep, a three step move that Giannis Antetokoumpo perfected down to a science.
"My man showing AUTHORITY!" Chase agreed.
"Let's go, GREEK FREAK!" Skye and Everest applauded.
BUCKS 42, NETS 38: Second Quarter, 6:33 left
Griffin tries to get a shot off, close range. No good, Middleton with the rebound. Pass to Antetokounmpo. Tries to Eurostep and gets fouled in midair. Layup in midair. Rolls around the rim, It is GOOD, count the foul!
"AND ONEEEE!" Marshall cheered, clapping his paws in approval.
"I'll say it again...COUNT THE BUCKET!"
"Geez, Giannis does this all the time…dude was hanging in the air...such a good shot." Skye admitted in awe. A few minutes later, the score hadn't changed. The Nets had the ball down low.
Boy, this is a very physical game, folks. Kyrie Irving gets a pass in the paint, tries to get a layup, and he goes down HARD on his right shoulder, holding his right leg. Injury timeout, and it seems like Kyrie Irving is shaken up.
"Oh no…not again…" Zuma whined, as all the dogs were looking on at the TV screen.
"Hope he's alright...man...don't look good." Skye said, worried. The replay showed the injury, and Kyrie twisted his right ankle landing on Giannis' foot. All five dogs audibly cringed at the sight.
"Dude, that awful, man…" Marshall admitted, worried. "He's probably gonna be out for the rest of the game."
"Oh my god, Zuma...what are you gonna do now? Harden's gone, and now Kyrie is gone. KD is all alone…" Chase asked the lab, who was pretty sad to see this happen.
"KD is gonna need an UNBELIEVABLE effort to keep this series alive...let's be honest." Zuma spoke out as Kyrie Irving was helped off the floor and into the locker room.
BUCKS 58, NETS 50: Third Quarter, 9 Minutes left
With the absence of Kyrie Irving's offensive wizardry for the Nets, the Bucks took advantage of it and started scoring in bunches. They were now up by 8, and they could make this game a bit harder for Brooklyn down the stretch.
Holiday haw the ball at the three point line. Giannis roaring down the baseline, gets a pass underneath the legs! BEAUTIFUL PASS! AND GIANNIS DUNKS ON BLAKE GRIFFIN! What a play!
"YEAAHHH, GIANNIS! FLEX ON EM!" Marshall cried as he started flexing his muscles, much to the amusement of everyone.
"SIT DOWN, BLAKE GRIFFIN! SIT DOWN!" Chase called out, high pawing Marshall out of excitement.
"That is a lean, mean, black and white machine!" Everest smiled, as she seemingly showed him off.
"Oh, on the contrary…" Skye grinned, while winking to her boyfriend. Chase caught on, and started flexing muscles of his own. The other couple was impressed, as the shepherd had much more muscle, and even had a slightly, visible 4 pack of abs.
"Hey, Zuma, wanna flex on us?" Chase bragged to Zuma, who was sitting on the other side of the room, not talking to anyone else.
"Yeah, dude, show us your muscles!" Marshall taunted. The two alpha-males were getting pretty close to the lab, and he didn't appreciate it.
"Yo, back the fuck off." Zuma scoffed.
"Geez, bro. Just wanted to ask if you had muscle or not." The german shepherd shrugged.
BUCKS 78, NETS 67: Third Quarter, 12 Seconds Left
Kevin Durant has the ball. Tries to drive into the paint. Pass is blocked. Durant gets it back! Put up a baseline jumper, it's good!
"Oh my god, how does he do that?!" Skye watched in awe.
"He's one of the best players ever. One thing that I'll agree with my man Zuma." Chase said.
Bucks have the ball now. 6 seconds left in the third. Middleton drives, gets to the corner. Three Nets are on him. Middleton for three! Buzzer! IT'S GOOD! WHAT A SHOT BY MIDDLETON!
"Bruh, you gotta be kidding me." Zuma complained quietly.
"3 guys on him?! NO SIR! Just drain it anyway!" The dalmatian cheered.
"CASH MONEY! With a K on it!" Everest shouted with approval.
"The Bucks are gonna take this one!" Chase barked out.
BUCKS 99, NETS 84: 4th Quarter, 4 Minutes left
The game was getting out of hand, and it seemed like it was over. Giannis Antetokoumnpo for the Bucks was dominant as always, and he had one more great play in him to wrap things up.
Nets have the ball down low. Shot is BLOCKED by Giannis! Bucks get the ball, and Holiday is running up the court! Holiday couldn't get space. Throw up a lob, ANTETOKOUNMPO WITH THE SLAM! It's an exclamation point!
"2 games, all tied up! Whadda ya think buddy?" Marshall smiled as he nudged the chocolate lab, who was quietly seething.
"KD is gonna ball out in Brooklyn in a few days. Watch. The Nets are still gonna win the series." Zuma predicted.
"You literally say that Kevin Durant is gonna ball out every game, but it seems like Giannis is doing the 'balling out' part." Skye pointed out.
"Dude, Giannis can't shoot a free throw to save his own life. He can't shoot. I just don't understand...he's so damn overrated." The lab complained. The game ended shortly after, with the Bucks earning a convincing victory to tie the series at two games apiece. As Marshall and Everest ran outside to do their new ritual (howling after every Bucks win) one thought settled into all their minds: Game 5 was gonna be incredibly pivotal. It could change everything.
Second Round, Game 5: BUCKS VS. NETS: Series Tied At 2 Wins (June 15th, 2021)
After seeing what happened over the last two games, Marshall was incredibly confident in his squad. The Bucks had momentum, and if they could win tonight, they could go home and possibly win in Milwaukee to win the second round in Game 6. But, first, there was Game 5 to be played. In Brooklyn. Milwaukee lost every game there so far, and Zuma was convinced that, for real, Kevin Durant would break out.
"Game 5, man! Here we go!" Marshall spoke with excitement, donning his new, signature Giannis dog-sized jersey.
"Let's go, Giannis! DUNK ON EVERYONE!" Everest cheered.
"This game is big, dude...I actually want the Bucks to win, believe it or not." Chase admitted.
"Bucks suck, dude. Nets in seven." Zuma dismissed the shepherd as the game tipped off.
BUCKS 29, NETS 15: 2nd Quarter, 11:46 left
This was surprising, to say the least: The Bucks were dominating to start things off. In Brooklyn. A place with raucous fans, this was no easy place to play. Khris Middleton for the Bucks made sure that the Brooklyn crowd's noise would keep to a minimum.
Second quarter underway, Middleton shoots a three, wide open, and he converts! The Bucks have a 17 point lead!
"Let's keep it up! Good stuff, good stuff!" Marshall spoke quickly, as his enthusiasm was drained already from a rather quick start.
"Wow, look at that. He's already tired. Look, Marsh, we need you, dude! Get some water, bro." Chase told him, which the dally obliged.
"So, where is Game 7 gonna be played? Just wondering." Everest asked.
"It's gonna be Brooklyn." Skye answered.
"Come on Bucks! Please choke! Thank you!" Zuma cried in agony.
BUCKS 71, NETS 57: 3rd Quarter, 7:13 left
This game was NOT going well for Zuma at all. While the Nets were never down by 10 after the 1st quarter, the Bucks always answered right back with more scoring. Marshall, who was back to regular hydration, watched the game intently, hoping that Milwaukee would keep a decent lead.
Holiday tries to drive, throws an outlet pass to Brook Lopez in the corner! Lopez for three, yes!
"SPLASH!" Marshall cheered.
"MOUNTAIN!" Everest shouted, as the couple celebrated. 'Splash Mountain' was Brook's nickname, mainly for his three point shooting.
"I'm going to Disney World!" Skye joked, causing the two couples and even Zuma to laugh.
"I admit it, though. That was a good one. I wish we could go there, man. That would be lit." Zuma spoke up.
BUCKS 87, NETS 78: 3rd Quarter, 33 seconds left.
The lead had evaporated somewhat down from 17 to 9, but Marshall and Everest weren't nervous...yet.
"Come on, KD! It's your time, dude!" Zuma barked at the TV as Kevin Durant got possession of the ball for the Nets.
Durant charging to the rim! Lopez and Tucker guarding him, raises up for a layup, oh boy, COUNT IT! And a foul!
"HOW ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO GUARD THAT?!" Everest complained.
"Trick question: you can't guard that." Skye admitted.
"How is that A FOUL?! Are you kidding me?!" Marshall protested, sticking out his paws in disbelief.
"NBA refs suck, that's what it is, man." Chase told him calmly.
"YEAH, BUDDY! LET'S KEEP GOING, MY DUDE!" Zuma cheered.
BUCKS 93, NETS 91: 4th Quarter, 8:43 left
The Bucks lead had simply evaporated, and Marshall felt a bit of sweat coming down his brow. There was too much time left on the clock, and Kevin Durant was simply having an unbelievable performance. Already having 35, KD was just getting started.
Durant being guarded by Middleton, Nets down by 2. Gets free. Durant for three, YES!
"FUCK!" Marshall shouted, slamming his paw on the floor in frustration.
"Dammit!" Everest exclaimed, feeling the same angst as her boyfriend.
"Oh, god…." Chase and Skye whispered at the same time, knowing the Nets had all the momentum in the world.
"LET'S FUCKING GO! KD IS LITERALLY A BEAST, YO!" Zuma bellowed.
"Everyone, stop swearing! Do I make myself clear?!" Ryder asked the five dogs as he came down from the tower. "I can literally hear you from the balcony. Like, it's annoying." The boy admitted. All five dogs glanced at him as if he was an idiot.
"Look, Ryder. We're all full grown. We're almost adults. I mean, come on. We don't swear that much, unless it's a game or something. Just let us be, man! Go hang out with Katie or something. I think she likes you." Chase told him off, with muffled laughs from the other canines.
"Yeah...that is actually a good idea." The boy admitted as he walked out of the room.
"Geez...they're both old enough. She's 13, he's 12. They gotta start dating at some point." Skye said, as the rest of the pups nodded in agreement.
NETS 101, BUCKS 100: 4th Quarter, 3:50 left
It had seemed like the Nets had completely taken all the momentum away, as they were hitting many easy shots, much to the delight of the Brooklyn crowd. Jeff Green, who was a bench player for the Nets, was going off, hitting 6 for 6 in three point attempts.
The Nets have the ball. Durant passes it to Landry Shamet. Shamet, outlet pass for Green! Wide open for three, YES!
"ARE YOU FUCKIN' SERIOUS?!" Marshall protested, flailing his paws in the air.
"WHO IS GUARDING JEFF GREEN?!" Chase shouted.
"DUDE, WHY?!" Everest pleaded in desperation.
"Seven threes?! You gotta be kidding me!" Skye cried in awe.
"Flamethrower! THAT'S HOW WE DO IT!" Zuma celebrated, clapping his paws with joy. The Nets were winning. And it kept going downhill from there.
NETS 106, BUCKS 105: 4th Quarter, 54 seconds left
This game, like Game 3, was coming down to the final minutes. The Bucks needed a stop now if they wanted to win this game. But, with Kevin Durant being a demigod in the clutch, it was not gonna be easy at all. Kevin Durant already had 43 points on the night, and he was basically unstoppable, having the best game of his career. It seemed like the pups all knew that KD was gonna attempt a clutch shot, and it was gonna go in anyway.
Harden passes it to Durant, who is running on midcourt. Good defense by Middleton. Durant, stops and fires for three. AND HE HITS IT! WITH 1 SECOND ON THE SHOT CLOCK!
"NOOOOOOO!" Marshall cried in agony.
"DAMMIT, MAN! HE'S RIDICULOUS!" Chase fumed.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!" Everest bellowed with dread.
"Oh. My. God. HE'S WAY TOO GOOD. YOU CAN'T STOP HIM!" Skye protested.
"YEEEEEAAAAHHH! KD IS UNSTOPPABLE! NETS IN 6, LET'S GO, BABY!" Zuma screamed with ecstasy, running around the lookout like an excited puppy.
NETS 111, BUCKS 108: 4th Quarter, 12 seconds left
Giannis was at the line for three throws once again. This was his second free throw attempt. If he could make this one, the Bucks would be down by 2 and still have a chance to win. All five pups watching were on their hind legs in anticipation.
Antetokounmpo...bricks the second free throw! The ball is rebounded by Durant and he is fouled! And he will go to the free throw line!
"Oh my goddddd…." Marshall groaned as his soul literally deflated.
"Brooooo…" Chase mumbled to himself. Skye looked up and sighed in defeat. Everest couldn't help but watch the Bucks' demise in agony.
"NETS IN SIX, THOUGH! LET'S GET IT! 49 POINTS!" Zuma shouted. Both couples started glaring at him like mass murderers, and those death stares shut him up. For the moment. When the final buzzer sounded, Marshall slumped over in defeat, laying on all fours on the floor, his paws covering his eyes in disappointment. Everest sat next to him, continuing to stare at the TV screen while simultaneously consoling her boyfriend. Chase and Skye left the room just after the game ended, only to hear Zuma celebrating outside, whooping and hollering as if the Nets had won the title.
"He doesn't see what's coming. Let him have his moment, though." Skye said to the german shepherd with a small wink.
"Yeah. For sure, man. This season ain't over." Chase said with confidence.
Second Round, Game 6: BUCKS VS NETS (NETS LEAD 3-2) (June 17th, 2021)
Game 5 was a pivotal game in every right. The Nets led the series 3 games to 2, and if they won, the season would have been over for Milwaukee. If Milwaukee won tonight, they would live to see a do-or-die Game 7 for both teams. Game 6 was great for one big reason: it was taking place in Fiserv Forum, the Bucks' home arena which still hadn't seen a home loss in the playoffs so far. Marshall regained his confidence thanks to this fact, and he was understandably hyped up as the game started.
"Mil-wau-kee! Mil-wau-kee! Mil-wau-kee!" Marshall and Everest chanted with enthusiasm along with the crowd on the TV.
"Backs against the wall, let's go, Bucks!" Chase cheered.
"I have a feeling this is gonna be a good one!" Skye claimed with confidence.
"Let's go! C'mon Nets, you can do this! Let's end it tonight!" Zuma proclaimed.
BUCKS 8, NETS 2: 1st Quarter, 7:56 left
Joe Harris for the Nets drives. BLOCKED by Brook Lopez! Short pass to Middleton. Middleton throws a pass to Giannis! Giannis eurosteps... draws the foul...COUNT IT!
"AND ONEEEE!" Marshall shouted happily as he high pawed Chase next to him.
"Count the bucket!" Everest added.
"He literally gets the call every time...refs are so damn soft." Zuma mumbled.
"Boo hoo. Cry about it." Skye called out to the lab.
"Salty Nets fan alert! He is radioactive of saltiness!" Chase proclaimed with a laugh.
"Enough for a fuckin' mine." The water rescue dog grumbled.
BUCKS 28, NETS 21: 2nd Quarter, 10:47 left
The Bucks were out to an amazing start, but the Nets were keeping pace. It was important for Milwaukee to score at every chance they had, and Khris Middleton was having a great game of his own so far.
Middleton up top. Tries to get space. Gets help from Giannis. Harris plays defense on Khris. Shoots for three foul is called, OH WOW! HE MADE IT! FOUL IS CALLED, A CHANCE FOR A 4 POINT PLAY!
"AND ONE! COUNT THAT SHIT!" Marshall proclaimed with enthusiasm.
"LET'S GO!" Everest shouted as her and the dalmatian high-pawed.
"Oh, man, Khris is lighting it up! I like this." Chase observed with a smile.
"Joe Harris, man...what the hell are you doing, bro?! You've done nothing in this series and this is what you do?! Damn, he sucks…" Zuma facepalmed.
BUCKS 56, NETS 48: 2nd Quarter, 1 minute left
Khris Middleton was on absolute tear for the Bucks, being arguably the best scorer for Milwaukee. He had just hit a three moments ago, and the Bucks had the possession again.
Giannis on the right side, dribbles left and right. In his bag, tosses the ball to Khris behind the three point line! Middleton for three! SAME SPOT, SAME RESULT!
"OH, YEAH! LETS GO, KHRIS!" Marshall rejoiced as the ball fell in the net.
"HOT LIKE FIRE!" Everest shouted as she hugged her boyfriend with glee.
"WET LIKE WATER!" Skye proclaimed, mimicking Khris' shooting form.
"Hot hand, keep feeding Khris, man! This dude is ballin' out tonight!" Chase cheered.
"Please, someone guard him, for god's sake." The chocolate lab groaned. This game was only gonna get worse for Zuma, and he knew it. Fiserv Forum was the best home court in the entire NBA. This series was gonna go to seven games.
BUCKS 70, NETS 61
Kevin Durant with the ball in his hands. PJ Tucker guarding him. Posting Tucker up, Durant...fakes at the baseline. No! Does not get fouled. Fadeaway! It's good! Durant is in his bag as he gets a deuce!
"C'mon, man, that's not even fair!" Everest joked.
"No Bucks player except Middleton can do that, I swear." Skye asserted.
"Damn, that was filthy." Chase admitted with awe, watching poetry in motion on the TV screen.
"You're damn right." Zuma agreed, shoving a mouthful of pup-treats in his jaw.
"Wait, you're eating while watching the game? That's actually pretty smart." Marshall observed the chocolate lab, as he ran over to the pup treat dispenser, only to trip on a chew toy and fly face first into the glass.
"Chew toy, technical foul." The german shepherd called out like a referee.
"Nah, dude, he was flopping!" Zuma protested jokingly, causing all the dogs to laugh as Everest helped the fire dog onto his feet.
BUCKS 76, NETS 67: 3rd Quarter, 7 seconds left
Durant shoots a midrange, no good, rebounded by Jrue Holiday! Plenty of time, four seconds! Middleton throws to Giannis down low, attempts a shot off the pass, no good. Middleton, off the miss, HE GOT IT! AT THE BUZZER!
"KHASH MONEEEEYYYY IS IN THE BUILDING!" Marshall celebrated, pumping his fist.
"CASH WITH A K ON IT!" Everest proclaimed, pretending to spread lots of cash dollar bills.
"That was SO COOL." Skye smiled.
"Clutch shooting. Khris Middleton. Name a better duo." Chase stated.
"Ooooooooofffff...Game seven, I guess…" Zuma groaned as he looked upward to the ceiling, not even bothering to finish his pup treats.
BUCKS 94, NETS 77
Game 6 of the Second Round was getting out of hand, and the Nets were trying to prevent a game 7, but it was not an easy task. Zuma could only watch as Khris and Giannis tore his hopes of a quick end to this second round series apart.
Pat Connaughton catch and shoot three. No good. Rebound by Giannis. Fights for space down low! ANTETOKOUNMPO! OH! FLEX ON EM, GIANNIS! WHAT A MOVE!
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! FLEX ON EM, MAN!" Marshall screamed with excitement, flexing his muscles as well.
"GAME SEVEN! LET'S GO, MARSHALL!" Everest cried, as the couple embraced each other.
"Holy shit, Giannis is A PROBLEM." Skye said, shaking her head in disbelief and amazement at what she saw.
"I've seen Lebron and shit, but my god. Giannis is CRAZY. Like, DAMN." Chase spoke, his brain still trying to comprehend how dominant the Greek Freak was, as Giannis was sometimes called.
"How did he not step out of bounds there? Goddamn." Zuma complained. This game wasn't even over yet. As an insult to injury, Khris Middleton wasn't even finished torching Brooklyn yet.
BUCKS 96, NETS 79: 4th Quarter, 4:53 left
Khris Middleton has the ball. Harden guarding him at the three point line. Shoots and draws a foul. OH MY GOODNESS, COUNT THE BUCKET! Khris Middleton cashes in another one!
"WOO! KHRIS IS KILLING IT!" Everest cried as she high pawed her cockapoo best friend.
"Khris...Dude, that's not even fair." Skye laughed.
"Game's over, dude! We're going to Game 7!" Chase cheered as him and Marshall bro-hugged.
"OH MY GOD, KHRIS! LET'S GO, MAN!" Marshall cried with joy as yet another Bucks three fell.
"Alright, I'mma head out." Zuma fumed as he abruptly left the lookout and walked outside. Just then, he saw Rubble and Rocky talking at the garage.
"Yo, Zoom. You good?" Rocky asked out of concern.
"Nah. You wouldn't understand." Zuma sighed.
"Well, I kind of understand basketball, so...you might as well tell us what's going on." Rubble stated to the chocolate lab. A few minutes later, the game was over. The Bucks had easily defeated the Nets by 15 points. Khris Middleton had his best game yet, hitting 38 points in a crucial win. As if right on cue, Marshall and Everest ran outside the lookout together, giddy like a duo of puppies. They ran far, and at the edge of the cliff that overlooked the bay, they both howled with joy and clarity: Game Seven. The Bucks will live to see another day.
"Yeah, it's a hard world for me. I want the Brooklyn Nets to win. Everyone else, Chase and Skye...and especially Marshall and Everest...want the Milwaukee Bucks to win. I just can't stand that Giannis guy. Game 7 is in two days. It's gonna be an all out classic. I can't wait for this game, either." Zuma grinned.
"Well, from what you said...I guess I'll be watching Game 7 with you guys." Rubble agreed.
"Yeah. Even though I don't give a shit about sports, it seems like your guys' reactions are over the top. I remember a couple of days ago where you and Marshall were swearing a lot. Probably because of one of those games, I suppose." Rocky figured.
"You're probably right. Anyways, I gotta hit the bed. I gotta do Sea Patrol tomorrow morning." Zuma yawned as he headed to his pup house for the night.
Second Round, Game Seven: Bucks Vs. Nets (June 19th, 2021)
This was it. Game Seven. The five pups, especially Zuma and Marshall, couldn't stop thinking about it, as two days passed. Both of them were extremely nervous, that was for sure. The winner of this game would win the series and move on to the Eastern Conferfence Finals, while the loser is gone and out of the picture. Zuma wanted the Nets to win, because they were his pick to win the NBA Finals. Marshall wanted the Bucks to win for...obvious reasons. It was five minutes before the game, and Marshall, already in his Giannis jersey, was pacing the floor, but with much more anxiety. In his mind, it was either going to be the greatest win in Bucks history or yet another highly disappointing playoff defeat. The dalmatian caught the familiar scent of someone he loved: Everest. But when he turned around, he was a bit surprised. And attracted at the same time.
"Woah...you look amazing." Marshall grinned. The husky, like the fire dog himself, was wearing a Giannis jersey.
"I just wanted to surprise you. And, well, you're really contagious when it comes to certain things." Everest confessed to him with a smile.
"How so?" Marshall asked her.
"Well, you're very passionate about the Bucks, so...I think I'm a fan of them, too." Everest said as the pair walked into the living room, where all the pups were sitting. Even Ryder wanted to see what the pups were talking about.
"Woah, you guys are twinning! Awww, that's so cute!" Skye gushed.
"Wow, wearing the same jersey, huh? That's pretty cool." Ryder noted.
"Dang...I wished a girl would come up to me rocking a Kevin Durant jersey...that would be awesome." Zuma smiled as he imagined.
"You sure you got it on the right channel, Rock?" Chase asked the mix.
"Yep. TNT. That's it. And, just so you know, I'm only here to see your guys' reactions and stuff." Rocky asserted.
"It's gonna be 2 ½ hours, so make yourself comfortable." Rubble told the recycling dog as the game began.
NETS 93, BUCKS 91: 4th Quarter, 5:47 left
This game was living up to the hype by every measure so far. It had been a very tight game. Both Marshall and Zuma were literally on edge the whole time, and none of the pups predicted that this game would get crazy. Ryder and Rocky were casually observing them, with the lab and dalmatian (sometimes Chase or Everest) swearing when things were not going right. The boy decided that since this game was extremely important, that he would let all of the nasty language slide.
Durant with the ball. Dashing to the middle of the lane, loses the ball! Middleton takes control of it!
"Go, go, go!" Both Marshall and Everest cheered.
"C'mon, Khris! Slow it down!" Chase barked at the TV.
Khris stumbles and loses the ball, grabbed by James Harden!
"Dude, what?!" Everest cried.
"Are you serious?" Skye asked in disbelief.
"Oh no…" Both Marshall and Chase sighed, knowing exactly what was gonna happen. A KD bucket.
Harden throws to Durant, KD gets fouled, COUNT THE BUCKET! Fouled by Pat Connaughton on the Bucks, a chance for a 3 point play!
"PAT! WHAT THE FUCK?!" Marshall bellowed in disgust.
"Why would you foul him?!" Skye protested, facepalming in the process.
"LET'S GO, KD! DUNK ON THEY ASS!" Zuma cheered.
"You guys gotta play smarter than that, come on…" Chase sighed.
NETS 98, BUCKS 96: 4th Quarter, 4:06 left
This game was literally screwing with Marshall's mind. The Bucks were still in the game, but the Nets had serious momentum. As the end of the game got closer, Marshall began to get very nervous. Rocky and Rubble were actually having a good time, not having to worry about the high-stakes game as fans and just focusing on the entertainment aspect of it.
Durant has the ball. Tries to drive against Holdiay, throws it to Harden. Harden is playing off of one hamstring. 2 seconds on the shot clock! Harden fires away AND HITS IT OFF THE GLASS! Barely gets the shot off!
"COME ON!" Chase shouted in disapproval.
"YESSIR! THE GAME IS IN OUR HANDS, BOY! LET'S GET THE DUB!" Zuma exclaimed with excitement.
"Off of one leg? How is he even playing? A tight hamstring? I'm no doctor, but that doesn't sound good." Rubble spoke up.
"Ugggghhhh, this ain't good." Skye cringed.
"These guys can't even play defense…" Everest mumbled.
"Everest...hold me…" Marshall whimpered, as the dalmatian held onto her for dear life out of anxiety.
"Dude, Marshall's seeing ghosts. Is he gonna be ok?" Ryder asked out of concern.
"Nah, he'll be fine." Everest spoke up.
"If the Bucks start playing well...we still have a chance." Marshall rationalized, getting his mental strength back.
"It's just hard being a sports fan, you know? One moment you're on the top of the world, excited as you can be. The next, you might feel as depressed as a New York Jets fan." Chase quipped.
"Good one, dude." Rubble laughed.
BUCKS AND NETS TIED AT 101: 4th Quarter, 2:38 left
The Bucks had come back from a 5 point deficit, and the game was tied. Marshall and Everest were both filled with nervous energy, as with Zuma on the other side of the room. All three were pacing, waiting for a big moment that would break the tie. Chase and Skye were on the edge of their seats, intently staring at the screen. Rocky and Rubble were relaxed, enjoying everyone else lose their shit over a basketball game. Even Ryder was enjoying the close contest.
Bucks have the ball, Jrue Holiday has it. Guarded by Joe Harris for the Nets. 5 seconds on the shot clock. Holiday for three, YES!
"LET'S GOOOO!" Marshall shouted excitedly.
"WE GOT THE LEAD!" Everest cheered.
"OH MY GOD!" Chase exclaimed in excitement.
"If the Bucks win this game, I guarantee Marshall is gonna jump in the pool outside." Rocky smirked as the bulldog beside him chuckled. Since it was a very hot day outside, the pups (with the notable exception of Rocky) played in the pool all afternoon.
"You'd better believe it!" Marshall quipped excitedly.
"Don't get your hopes up, dude. There's still time…" Zuma whispered to him. For the moment, Marshall ignored it. But it would come back to haunt him.
BUCKS 109, NETS 107: 4th Quarter, 25 seconds left
If the Bucks could score on this possession, this game might be all but over. Here's Middleton, deep three! No good! Loose ball, Holiday gets it! Clock is at 17 seconds! Holiday tries to drive, but loses the ball out of bounds with 8 seconds left. Bucks retain the ball.
"Come on, one more bucket...one more bucket." Marshall whispered to himself as he stood on his hind legs in extreme anticipation.
"Oh my god, I've never seen anything like this…" Chase whispered to his girlfriend nervously.
"Dude, here we go!" Everest pointed out as the Bucks lined up out of bounds to pass the ball in. All of the pups except Rocky and Rubble were standing on their hind legs now, nervous of what was to come.
"I might as well stand up." Ryder laughed as he stood up.
Jrue Holiday to inbound the pass. Shot clock is at 2 seconds, he'll have to get rid of it quick. Passes to Lopez in the corner, clamped by Durant! Takes too long! Durant forces a shot clock violation, and it is Brooklyn's ball!
"Dude, WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOOT THE BALL?!" Skye cried in frustration.
"He had an open look. Even if we missed, we probably would have got the rebound...geez, man." Chase shook his head.
"Oh my god...I am literally gonna die…" Marshall said, feeling sweat coming down his brow.
"Come on, Bucks...finish the job on defense, then." Everest figured.
"It's Kevin Durant time! He's super clutch. He's gonna hit a stupid clutch shot, and all of you Bucks fans are gonna look dumb for all the stuff you've said to me." Zuma said with a brash, cocky smile.
"Oh my god, I can sense a great finish." Rubble announced, as he shoved a fistful of popcorn in his mouth.
"I can't wait to see how everyone reacts, though. That's why I'm here." Rocky reminded himself. All eyes were on the TV now. It was the biggest moment of the series. Everything came down to this. The Nets had the ball. If they got a three, they would easily win this game and the series, sending the Bucks home. Game 7 was in Brooklyn, so the Bucks were already at a disadvantage. There were 6 seconds left. All the pups, including Rocky and Rubble were standing, feeling a bit of the unbelievable gravity of the moment.
Six seconds left. Brooklyn crowd on their feet. Jeff Green to inbound the ball. Passes the ball to Kevin Durant far across the court. Drives against PJ Tucker. Spins around, gets space! Kevin Durant for three, YES! WITH 1 SECOND REMAINING! OH MY GOODNESS! THE BARCLAYS CENTER IS SHAKING RIGHT NOW!
"OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH! LETS GOOOOOOO!" Zuma screamed with ecstasy as he ran around the lookout with reckless abandon, jumping up and down like the Nets won the championship.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Marshall cried in agony. He collapsed to his knees and down to the floor in depression. Everest was next to him, laying on the floor as well. The husky was absolutely speechless.
"DUDE...ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" Chase said loudly in disbelief, his front paws on the side of its face.
"It can't end like this!" Skye groaned with sadness.
"Geez, what a shot." Ryder admitted in awe.
"That is the most insane shot I have ever seen in my life." Rubble said, beside himself over what he just saw.
"Ryder! Fire up the pool, yo! I'mma go crazy in it!" Zuma cried to his owner.
"Alright, then. It's probably gonna be just you in it though, by the looks of the others." Ryder said as he walked outside the lookout. Both couples watched in sadness. The season was over. The game was over. Until the replays of the shot started rolling. That was when the pups all discovered a fatal flaw in the shot: Kevin Durant's foot was on the three point line. It meant that the shot would go in as 2 points instead of three, tying the game.
"Dude! HIS FOOT WAS ON THE LINE! HIS FOOT WAS ON THE LINE!" Marshall cried out, pointing desperately at the footage.
"That counts as two, right?!" Chase asked his best friend.
"IT IS A TWO! OH MY GOD, WE'RE SO LUCKY." Marshall gasped.
"Wait, WHAT?!" Zuma shouted in surprise as he gasped at the footage. "MY GOD...YOU GUYS ARE SO DAMN LUCKY. KD and those clown ass feet. My god, that's so dumb." Zuma scoffed in anger.
"YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!" Everest exclaimed in shock.
"I can't believe this...we're going to overtime in Game 7...this is literally unbelievable." Skye gushed in awe.
"This is the craziest game I have ever seen. Mark my words." Chase spoke up. With one second left, the Bucks had no time to get a shot off before the 4th quarter ended, and the game was headed to overtime to determine the winner.
"Goddamn...those guys gotta be tired." Marshall admitted.
"Yeah, running up and down the court for 40 minutes oughta do the trick." Rocky joked.
"Wait, I thought the game was over?" Ryder asked in confusion as he walked back inside the tower.
"The bucket that would have won the game was two points...his foot was on the line...we're going to overtime. I know, you're just as shocked as me." Rocky told the boy.
"Well, I guess we're in for an all-time classic right here." Chase stated, as all the pups paid attention to the broadcast.
"Well, it gives me extra time to heat up the pool, then. You guys have fun. I'll find out who wins when either Zuma or Marshall go nuts at the end." Ryder joked.
"Ummm, hello? I'm a huge Bucks fan too, you know?" Everest pointed out.
"Us too." Chase and Skye admitted at the same time.
"Well, four against one. Let's see who wins." Zuma remarked as overtime began.
"As a fellow doctor, I have something to say. Eve, Skye, and Chase, you have been diagnosed with a certain illness." Marshall told them.
"What's that, baby? Attractive girl disease?" Everest giggled.
"Girl, you've had that condition all your life." Marshall laughed as they kissed briefly.
"Uhhhhh...Skye has it too, doesn't she? I mean...she's hot, isn't she? At least from my brown eyes, I can tell." Chase grinned.
"Chase, you know it. As a cocker spaniel-poodle mix, I was destined to be beautiful." Skye smiled as she flaunted her walk.
"Marshall, I have something that she doesn't have." Everest grinned.
"What's that?" Chase, Skye and Marshall asked.
"Well, Skye, you're very cute. No offense. You literally have dog show pageantry in your genes." Everest complimented.
"Thank you." Skye gushed.
"She's the cute one. But I'm the sexy one." Everest flirted to her spotted lover, causing him to blush intensely.
"Ouch." Skye laughed.
"That's fake news, dude." Chase chuckled.
"Yoooooo, that was a sick burn, though!" Zuma complimented her.
"Daaaaaammmnnn, throwing shade, huh?" Rubble asked the husky.
"That oughta be painful, yikes!" Rocky laughed.
"Skye, don't listen to her. You're very sexy to me, and nobody can take that opinion from me." Chase whispered in her ear lovingly.
"Aww...you're so sweet." Skye smiled as the two nuzzled.
"That wasn't actually the disease I was even talking about." Marshall stated.
"What was it?" All three asked dumbly.
"You guys, including myself, got BUCKS FEVER!" Marshall cheered.
"Yeah!" All three replied enthusiastically.
"Uhhhh, speaking of Bucks fever, you guys haven't done anything in the last few minutes." Zuma quipped, as all four finally looked back at the TV broadcast.
"Wait, we're down by two points?!" The husky shouted in surprise.
"Oh...shit." Both couples stammered at the same time.
"That pool's gonna be steaming when I get in it!" Zuma beamed.
1:21 left in Overtime, Bucks down by 2. Bucks have the ball. Holiday inbounding the ball to Giannis on the post. Giannis tries to post up KD! Tries to get around him! Flips the ball to the basket, and it rolls in! The game is tied! Antetokounmpo with a CLUTCH bucket!
"THANK YOU FOR GOING IN." Everest sighed with relief.
"I think I might need heart surgery after this game is over. I can't even control it anymore, it's going so damn fast." Marshall quipped.
"Dude, I can't even move." Chase sighed.
"Me neither. I'm so excited and scared at the same time." Skye nervously laughed.
"Please don't choke this, Brooklyn…" Zuma said to himself.
Nets have the ball. Durant is driving to the basket, BLOCKED BY LOPEZ! Nets get the ball back, Joe Harris for three! No good! The Bucks rebound the ball!
"WHAT A BLOCK! OH MY GOD!" Chase shouted with excitement.
"Dude, he came out of NOWHERE." Skye observed.
"THAT'S the block of the YEAR." Marshall grinned.
"Let's go, Bucks! Get some points!" Everest cheered.
Jrue Holiday has the ball, passes it to Khris Middleton on the side! Middleton drives, turns and fadeaway, HITS! Bucks up by 2!
"OH MY GODDD! LET'S GO!" Marshall cried.
"I CAN TASTE THE WIN! HERE WE GO!" Chase shouted with gleed.
"This is gonna be PAWSOME!" Skye squealed as she flipped.
"That pool is gonna be HOT as hell. If we win, all four of us are gonna run and jump in it. We're gonna have a great night!" Everest smirked.
"Please, COME ON! Durant! Do something!" Zuma cried in desperation. The next Bucks possession came with 30 seconds left, same score with Milwaukee up by 2. All of the dogs were on hind legs once again.
Middleton, guarded tightly! Jumper, NO GOOD! Rebounded by Durant! Ten seconds left, shot clock is off! The game ends here! Durant walks with the ball up the court! KD is known for clutch moments like this.
"Oh my god…" Skye whimpered.
"I'm gonna die if he makes this." Marshall mumbled.
"This is it, dude." Chase smiled with anticipation.
"Come on, defense…" Everest whispered.
"Come on, KD! This is your moment!" Zuma whispered to himself.
"Prepare for the lookout to explode in celebration, Rubble!" Rocky warned the bulldog, excited and scared for what was gonna happen with his friends.
"You got it!" Rubble replied.
Durant. Guarded by Jrue Holiday! Tries to get space. Jumps for three! No good, he airballed it! Only .3 seconds remaining! And the Bucks will win this one with all certainty!
"Dude, nooooooooo….." Zuma whimpered quietly as he simply sat on the floor with desolation, with the realization that the Nets were gonna lose the series. The two couples were celebrating like it was 1999. Screaming with joy, jumping up and down, high paws and bro-hugs were given in spades among each other.
"Good thing I got all of this recorded." Rocky snickered to himself.
"Wait, what did you say?" Rubble asked him in confusion.
"I recorded at the 6 minute mark of the fourth quarter. It's still getting everything. If the Bucks win this whole thing, I'm gonna edit the best reactions and make a video out of it." The mix smiled.
"Well, I think that they would love it." Rubble grinned. Both Marshall and Everest took off their jerseys, knowing exactly what to do.
Bucks will inbound the ball! Lopez tips it up! And the game is over! The MILAUKEE BUCKS will head to the EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!
"AAAAAAAAAHHHH! LET'S GOOOOOO!" Marshall screamed at the top of his lungs as he ran outside the lookout, with Skye, Chase and Everest following behind him, bellowing cries of victory as well. The dalmatian was the first to jump into the water with an emphatic splash, while the others followed suit. Rocky and Rubble followed them, only to stop and laugh hysterically at what they saw. Marshall was the first to resurface, and he was screaming with happiness. Everest resurfaced moments later. They both howled for a few seconds before embracing one another in the water.
"WE DID IT, BRUH!" Chase screamed with joy as he resurfaced.
"This is literally the best night ever!" Skye proclaimed as the two couples continued to celebrate. Meanwhile, Zuma was still sitting in the lookout, staring at the TV like the broken canine he was.
"Yo, Zoom, you good?" Rocky asked out of worry for his best friend.
"No, dude. I'm literally depressed. The Bucks are gonna go to the fuckin NBA Finals now...the Eastern Conference Finals are gonna be too easy for them." Zuma whined.
"Who are the Bucks gonna take on?" Rubble inquired.
"Either Philadelphia or Atlanta. We won't know until tomorrow. They got their own Game 7 going." The chocolate lab stated. Game 7 with the Bucks and Nets was an absolute thriller, with Kevin Durant, even though he got 48 points, losing. Giannis came to play, as he dropped 42. The season was not over for Milwaukee. It was, against all odds, still going.