NBA : Formidable Center

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**Starting Lineups:**

**New York Knicks:** Steve Nash, Allan Houston, Tim Thomas, Kurt Thomas, Wang Song.

**Washington Wizards:** Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, Jerry Stackhouse, Kwame Brown, Brendan Haywood.

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#### Pre-Game Highlights

**XFox Sports:**

Domestic sports commentator Bai Yang, known for his NCAA text analysis, didn't miss the Knicks' season opener live broadcast.

"The starting lineups are announced! Washington Wizards have Gilbert Arenas leading the charge."

"Both teams look fired up. Every player's eyes are filled with determination."

Through the broadcast feed, Bai Yang suddenly exclaimed, "Wait! Isn't that Michael Jordan? He's here in New York! Things just got interesting."

Jordan, seated courtside near the Wizards' bench, greeted Kwame Brown with a wave.

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#### Kwame Brown: A Chance to Prove Himself

**Kwame Brown, the first overall pick of 2001:**

The first high schooler ever selected as a No. 1 overall pick, Brown was chosen personally by Jordan, then in the Wizards' front office. Despite a shaky rookie season, he showed some progress in his second year but still struggled under the label of a "draft bust."

Pre-game, Jordan pulled Brown aside, his eyes sharp and commanding.

"Kwame, with the team's current roster issues, this is your chance to shine," he said firmly.

Brown nodded obediently, his fists clenched in resolve.

For Brown, tonight's game wasn't just about basketball—it was a battle for his NBA survival. For Jordan, this was also his last stand as a Wizards executive. If Brown failed to deliver, both their reputations would take a significant hit.

As Jordan's presence electrified the atmosphere, fans couldn't help but recall his legendary 55-point performance at Madison Square Garden. Some Knicks fans even began to worry about the "rookie curse" rumored to haunt this draft class.

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#### The Game Begins

Gilbert Arenas wasted no time making his presence felt. Facing Nash, he nailed a contested three-pointer to open the scoring.

**3-0 Wizards!**

Arenas raised his hands high, celebrating amidst the Madison Square Garden crowd's deafening boos.

"Damn it!" muttered Nash through gritted teeth.

Wang Song, standing nearby, couldn't help but admire Arenas' audacity. Memories of Arenas' infamous no-look three-pointer game-winner flashed in his mind.

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#### On-Court Action

Arenas' bold play earned approving nods from Jordan, sitting courtside. The Knicks fans responded with a thunderous chorus of boos, intensifying the game's atmosphere.

Commentator Bai Yang described the scene:

"Arenas sinks a contested three over Nash. Look at him celebrate at Madison Square Garden. The crowd is not having it!"

**Live Chatroom Reactions:**

- "Arenas didn't even respect Nash with that shot!"

- "This guy always overdoes it. Classic Arenas."

- "Doesn't he know Nash could easily average 25+ on a weaker team? He's just focused on winning."

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The fast-paced game saw neither team easing up. The Wizards relied heavily on offense, neglecting defense altogether.

On a Knicks possession, Allan Houston used screens from Kurt Thomas and Wang Song to shake free for a shot. But Kwame Brown closed out with terrifying speed, leaping high to contest the attempt. Though he missed the block, his presence disrupted Houston's rhythm.

**Clang!**

The ball ricocheted off the rim.

Kwame sprinted down the court, eager for a transition opportunity. Yet just as he awaited a pass, a gasp arose from the crowd.

Turning back, he saw Wang Song soaring above the Wizards' defense. With Haywood still in position, Wang snatched an offensive rebound and slammed it home over the big man.

The arena erupted!

**Badge Activated:**

- **Rebound Specialist:** Secured a perfectly timed offensive board.

- **Finishing Expert:** Delivered a dominating put-back dunk.

- **+200 XP for decisive offensive rebound play!**

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The game had only just begun, and tensions were already sky-high.

Check out my P@treon for advance chapter on [email protected]/Twilight_scribe1

*(To be continued...)*