-Quickens Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio-
-October 30th, 2013, 20:00-
-Brooklyn Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers: Game 1-
"Fellas. It's that time of the year once more! The NBA season is officially about to kick off. I'm Kevin Harlan, here in the Quickens Loans Arena with my partner Brett Barry. To bring the starting step for both the Nets and the Cavs." Harlan commented. "So much hype has been swirling around this game. We'll be seeing the first looks of KG and The Truth in their new team's colors while at the same time, the number 1 pick of the draft gets a feel of the games that now officially matter." He added.
"I'm just pumped to see this matchup. Old vs New, the start of each team's new era, I can't wait to see how this one will turn out." Brett Barry said.
Cavaliers Starting Five
PG-Kyrie Irving (2)
SG-Dion Waiters (11)
SF- Naruto Namikaze (1)
PF- Tyler Zeller (40)
C- Anderson Varejão (17)
Nets Starting Five
PG-Deron Williams (8)
SG-Dion Waiters (11)
SF- Paul Pierce (34)
PF- Kevin Garnett (2)
C- Brook Lopez (17)
Paul Pierce's Point Of View
"Kev, doesn't that bashing hurt your head?" I asked my friend and fellow future NBA Hall of Famer, Kevin Garnett who was currently about to do his pre-game ritual. I'd followed him from our team bench to being underneath the rim.
"No, why?" Kevin asked back as I shrugged. "I mean, you seriously give it a big bashing. Maybe, that was one of the reasons we got traded. Lucky must've been fed up with your big forehead vandalizing his property." I joked only to watch Kevin growl at me.
"WHAT!?"
"I mean it kinda makes sense. How many times did you bash your head under our courts rim back in Boston?" I asked as Kevin scoffed. "I'll let you know Truth. I can bash my head as much as I want. It's my head ain't it?"
"Think I can try it out?"
"Try what out? My ritual?" I nodded as Kevin laughed "So that's what this was all about? You want to try out my ritual?"
"Why not?"
"If you don't go sit on the bench, and prepare for the game, bro. I'll put you in a world of pain for what you said about my forehead." Kev warned as I only raised my hands up. "No need for the violence, big fella. I was speaking the truth though. If you just stand still I think I can see my face on it." I joked as Kev rolled his eyes.
"Continue with the bald jokes, just know when you go bald, I'll get what's mine."
"Is that a threat?" I asked as Kevin didn't say anything. I jokingly looked to one of the cameramen who stood in the media box, underneath the baseline.
"You getting this on tape? If I end up going missing, search the nearest lakes in Cleveland." I pointed out as the man smiled. "I don't think he's the type to leave evidence." The cameraman replied.
"I might as well get myself lost." I concluded as Kevin did his pre-game ritual.
"RAAAH! Let's go get this W." Kev looked at me looking pumped up. "I guess my job here is done." I smiled as from the first game me and Kevin played together, I'd always pester him to get him all riled up. It was ever since he told me, he played basketball with extreme anger, which is why he'd always chew up our opponents.
Returning to our team bench, the entire starting five took off their tracksuits as with everyone wanting to see us play already in their seats, we all positioned ourselves for the jump ball.
Standing beside the halfcourt line, I looked to see the guy the Cavs wanted to guard me.
"Ready to get welcomed to the league, rookie?" I greeted the number 1 pick Naruto Namikaze, who oozed of jitters. "As ready as I can ever be." The kid replied as I smirked. "We'll see if you can keep up." I concluded as I focused on the jump ball.
The ref brought forward Lopez and Varejão as soon enough he threw the ball high into air.
'Here we go.' I thought as I watched Lopez win the ball for us. Throwing it, in the direction of Deron Williams, I didn't waste time rushing into the Cavs side of the court. Namikaze didn't waste time to wave his hand infront of my chest. Trying to make me ineligible for a pass from Deron, he made one small mistake all past rookies I've played against do.
He didn't keep his eyes on me, so what could I do but run from the right wing and signal to Deron for a quick lob.
"Throw up into the paint by Williams, and it's THERE FOR PIERCE! WHAT A GREAT FINISH TO START THIS GAME!"
Taking my right hand off the rim, I dropped down and looked for Namikaze. "I'm going to go off, if you don't keep an eye on me." I pointed out to him as I returned to defense.
I got into my defensive stance on the left wing as the rook inbounded the ball to Irving. Seeing the rook nod to whatever Kyrie told him, I got ready for whatever they'd be planning.
The Cavs tried some play to create space, leading to Irving getting a screen from Namikaze. Deron didn't get stuck by it though, the kid wasn't that bulky to get him stuck, but I wasn't quick enough to notice they'd go for the roll.
Watching Namikaze run into the paint as he palmed the ball, he took a step before jumping high into the air to my surprise I saw a black jersey infront of him. To my surprise, the thunderous tomahawk dunk that ensued which sent the entire arena into a frenzy had been done over Kevin!
"Damn…did he seriously just put you in a poster?" I asked Kevin who didn't say anything but just give me a menacing glare. Getting the ball from the ref, he held it in his hand as he growled "I'm going to teach that boy a lesson. On defense, he's mine." He demanded "He's all yours." I replied as Kevin inbounded the ball to Deron.
The rest of the first quarter was a surprising battle between the us and the Cavs, going back and forth with the lead, they honestly could've had a couple point cushion if it wasn't for Kevin dog defense on Namikaze. To say he was suffocating the kid would be an understatement, already with two blocks and a steal on the kid, Kev wasn't letting up since he'd bully past him for offensive rebounds that led to many second-chance points through putbacks.
Coming into the second quarter, our rotation demanded the subs to take the court. Sitting on the sidelines the kid got some minutes to continue playing. Some of the Cavs starters rested on the sideline while the blond took off on a crazy run.
Reader's Point of View
"Coming back to you from the short break, folks we are back at the Quicken Loans Arena here in Cleveland for the start of the second quarter. So far this game has been very close as the Nets lead 36-31. What kind of drama will the second quarter give up? This will be answered soon."
"Come on kid, it's time to wake up now. No time for some jitters, we need you to step up." Sitting on the bench Naruto was being berated by Mike Brown. "I'm going to need you to lead the charge coming into the second quarter. Can you do that?"
"I'll get it done coach, you can count on me." The blond promised as moments later the buzzer signalling the start of the next quarter rang.
Stepping onto the court with the Cavs second unit, the blond was surrounded by. Matthew Dellavedova (SG), Luol Deng (PF), C.J. Miles (PG) and Spencer Hawes (C).
Coming up the court, the Nets played Mason Plumlee (C), Shaun Livingston (SG), Andrei Kirilenko (SF), Jorge Gutierrez (PG) and Andray Blatche (PF). As Gutierrez brought the ball up, Naruto got personal with Kirilenko. Keeping his hand in his face to make it hard for him to get the ball, the blond watched as Gutierrez called for a play that excluded his matchup.
The Point Guard wanting a quick screen at the top of the key, was able to lose Miles in a screen made by Mason Plumlee. With no one switching very quickly, Naruto ran away from Kirilenko to protect the paint, at that time Gutierrez fed the quickly rushing Plumlee who caught the rock into his palm and was about to dunk the ball, when the blond came out of no where to swat the ball out of his hand and into the hands of Deng who was guarding the opposing wing.
"WHAT A MONSTROUS BLOCK FROM NAMIKAZE! COMING OUT OF NOWHERE TO DENY THE EASY CONVERSION!"
Keeping a cool head as he registered his highlight play, Naruto rushed up court the as Deng linked up with him with a quick outlet pass. Coming from the left side of the court, the teen blew by a retreating Gutierrez as coming into the paint, everyone in the arena went silent for that moment as with a high shout, Naruto used a one handed dunk to allow a wide chorus of cheers from the home fans.
"LET'S GO!" the teen bombed as he fist pumped Deng. On defense, the teen patiently watched as the Nets moved the ball around. Remembering his earlier experience with Pierce, the teen recognized the pattern his opponents ran around the court, when Kirilenko was cutting towards the paint, the teen didn't waste time pouncing for the bounce pass from Gutierrez. Getting the steal, it wasn't long till Miles was the first one to run for the fastbreak.
Palming the ball with one hand, the teen added enough force for the ball to gain a lot of distance, as C.J. was entering the mid-range area once he got the ball. Converting the easy layup, the Point Guard gave Naruto a thumbs up as he came back for defense.
With another solid stop from the Cavs resulting in a bricked shot. Naruto caught the board and passed to Miles. As the point guard brought the ball up, he called a play meant to set up Dellavedova with a clean look for a three point shot.
Naruto immediately rushing for the right corner three, was joined by Hawes as both their hard screens were able to trap Dellavadova's matchup and allow him to get the ball for a quick shot.
"From the corner, Dellavadova. Money!" Harlan commented, "The scores now 38-36, as the Nets bring the ball up court."
With the Nets replying with their own three, Miles brought the ball up once more as both second units went back and forth, Naruto putting up a great defensive showcase, was subbed out of the game with six minutes left in the quarter. With his stat line so far being 8 pts, 2 blocks, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists the teen's head was draped with a Gatorade towel as he sat quietly at the end of the bench.
With his gaze focused on the court, he watched the returning Garnett and Pierce duke it out with Kyrie and co as his unit was able to take the score to 47-43.
'I need to plan against him before, it's too late.' The teen thought as he decided to use his time on the bench to plan ahead.
"Hey coach!" through the roar of the crowd, the teen called for his assistant coach. The man hearing the teen called him forward, as not wasting time the teen asked about Garnett. "I need help with KG when it comes to defense, any advise?" the teen asked as his assistant coach didn't waste time taking out his whiteboard.
Going through some defensive schemes with the man, Kyrie's hot hand kept the Cavs lead at bay as with his many dimes had the Nets guessing whether he'd shoot or pass.
By halftime, as Coach Brown went over some schemes with the rest of the team, Naruto used that time to watch some tape on KG and Pierce. Once the short break concluded, the teen was told to get ready since he'd be joining the rest of the starting five for the third quarter.
Making a mental note to actually watch some tape of any opposition he'd face in the future. Naruto went onto the court this time, determined to not get bullied around by KG. Working well with Kyrie the two began entering the Cleveland faithful with their alley-oop dunks. Spreading the floor for Kyrie, Naruto's hard screens allowed him to make it rain on the Nets defense, as the duo didn't stop hackling.
Helping Varejao out in protecting the paint, Naruto got a couple of rebounds away from the dangerous Garnett who'd noticed the teen's new approach.
Garnett showing off his crisp mid-range shots also showed how much he wanted the win. Pierce taking a bit of a back seat in the third, due to the pestering Naruto who'd swiped the ball away from him and made it hard for his shots to fall, watched as his friend kept the Cavs from running away with the game.
The fourth would be crunch time as both teams were keeping this game entertaining.
With the score being 81-75, Naruto sitting on the bench was approached by Kyrie who noticed how diligent he was with his whiteboard.
"Already planning for retirement, I see." Kyrie grinned as he sat beside Naruto who looked up from the board. "You know coach is going to throw a fit if he sees you with his clipboard.." He added.
"Luckily it's not Coach Brown's." Naruto replied with his eyes returning to the board as he continued writing with the marker.
Kyrie seeing this decided to share some news. "I checked the box score not so long ago, and call me impressed. We both dropped 51 so far." Kyrie stated as he raised his hand up and made it into a fist. "Talk about living to the hype, Mr. 21 points." He smirked as Naruto looked surprised.
"21? You're joking."
"No seriously, that's not a bad stat line for your first day in the league. If we continue at this pace, we'll get this dub." He concluded as he asked for some Gatorade from one of the trainers. "Hey Kyrie check this out." The teen nudged his friend who held a cup in his hand.
"What's up?" the teen pointed towards his whiteboard "I think I've got the jist on how the Nets philosophy operates." He replied, as Kyrie decided to listen in. "After adjusting my approach on Pierce I've noticed that the team constantly spent their time passing the ball to create space for KG."
"Okay…what's your point."
"Thing is…your matchup is the one pulling the strings. Sadly I've been watching him, and he easily telegraphs what plays he's calling. I noticed whenever he looks for his primary target he's always adding a head fake along the mix. I've been trying to jump his lanes in the last quarter but I was too far away for me to control the ball so it just kept getting deflected out of bounds." Hearing that Kyrie's eyes lit up.
"Oh! So you're saying seeing I'm close to him I can anticipate him distributing the ball and try to intercept it?" the blond nodded.
"We could use that to our advantage and get a couple fastbreak point to give us some more breathing room." He explained as Kyrie chuckled.
"Alright, I'll test out this little theory of yours. Let's see what happens."
"Guys tonight we've witnessed a battle of wits between the old and new! It's impressive how far this Cavs team played well. Being led by their exciting duo; Kyrie and Naruto."
Kevin Garnett's Point of View
"Cleveland's lucky to have these kids." I commented as Paul walked next to me. The entire arena was booming with music coming from the PA system seeing the Cavaliers' cheerleading squad was done with their routine.
The fans being filled with anticipation to see this game through, was proof that they did a good job.
"Yeah, they aren't half bad." Paul replied as we'd be starting off the fourth quarter.
Working my way up, it wasn't long till I started to dominate over the kid on defense. No one was stopping my shots from dropping. Using post-fades, some hooks and long mid-ranges, you could actually just pick your poison.
Even if I was on set for a fiery night. My teammates were letting me down.
For some reason Kyrie began picking Deron's pockets. At first I thought it was one of those moments but once he got his fifth steal in the last quarter, I knew something was wrong. Especially the fact that the opposition scored with each of those turnovers.
The blond also continued being solid as he and Thompson crashed the glass.
In the end the Cavs were the better team. Winning a scorching 112-98. When the buzzer rang, I decided to give the kid some flowers. "Hey, rook!" I boomed over the music as I approached him. "Good job out there. You played decent." I told him giving him a firm hand shake. "Just don't let up, you here. Only stars drop 20+ over me." I commented as the kid could only smirk at my remark.
"I'll try to keep at it." He replied as I nodded. Going our separate ways, I arrived at the tunnel only to see Paul with a smug grin on his face.
"What'yu happy about, Paul? Didn't you notice we lost?" I pointed out as he just chuckled and followed me towards the locker room. "He impressed you didn't he?"
"Him shutting you out, isn't what I'd see as impressive. I'd take any hobo off the streets of this town, and they'd clamp you."
"Why do you always have to throw shade? You know it's unhealthy to keep all your anger bottled up, you're head might end up popping, Megamind." Hearing that last word I just stopped to in my tracks and menacingly looked back at him. "I was going to forget about what you said before the game, Paul. But now…" I cranked my knuckles to spell out was was going to happen.
"Oh shit!" I heard him squell as he bolted in the opposite direction. "COME HERE, BOY!" I chased after him.
End Game Best Performers
Cavaliers:
Kyrie Irving: 37pts, 10 assists, 5 steals and 3 rebounds
Naruto Namikaze: 25pts(11-13 FG, 1-1 3PT), 11 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals