The final quarter.
After 4 minutes and 21 seconds of bench rotation, the lead still stood at 11 points.
The starters returned, and the final battle began.
However, just as Deron and his group were gearing up to cut the deficit and defend the pride of their "Devil's Home Arena," Blake Su erupted once again.
Drives, jumpers, and steals.
In just 3 minutes and 12 seconds, he led the team on a 12 to 2 run, blowing the 11-point lead wide open to 21.
"What is this?!"
"What's going on? Blake Su isn't supposed to have a headache? Why does he look completely fine all of a sudden?! What is happening?!"
"No idea, but I do know this. With only a few minutes left and a 20-point gap, we're done tonight."
"Damn it!"
"Sigh... so we still ended up losing to Blake Su?"
"The Suns' 20-game winning streak is because of him. It's all him. Even with a headache and not at his best, he can still lead the team forward. I'm convinced."
"He's got a headache and still plays like this? This kid is ridiculous."
"..."
In reality, it was less that Blake Su had suddenly exploded again and more that after three quarters of play, along with earlier rest, he had gradually adapted to the court conditions.
He was simply playing at the level he should be.
At this point, with little time remaining, a huge deficit, and the home crowd losing heart, Coach Jerry Sloan had no choice but to call a timeout and wave the white flag.
This tough back-to-back stretch for the Suns, shaped by all kinds of factors, began with them trailing by 21 points and ended with the Jazz trailing by 21.
It looked symmetrical.
But the team that had the last laugh was the Suns.
There was no suspense in the end. The Suns completed the comeback and won by 15 points, taking the victory in the Jazz's "Devil's Home Arena," where the home team had a 91 percent win rate.
After the game.
In the commentary booth.
Van Gundy and Mike Breen exchanged looks, both smiling and shaking their heads, filled with emotion.
Van Gundy said with a smile,
"Let's start with the numbers. Blake Su played through injury tonight and still put up 27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. An all-around performance.
As for Curry, he dropped 27 points in the second half alone, finishing with 37 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, fully showing the value of a second option.
In the end, the Suns came back from 21 down to beat the Jazz and secured their 21st straight win of the season.
But honestly, I could see how this game might start, yet I never imagined this ending.
Who would have thought that in such a near-impossible situation, the Suns would still pull off the comeback?
I didn't see it coming. But I have to admit, Blake Su, this rookie, has incredible leadership. As long as he doesn't give up, his teammates seem able to unleash endless energy.
The team just finds a way to win."
Mike Breen chuckled and nodded.
"That's right. So what if it's the Jazz's 'Devil's Home Arena'? So what if the start was brutal? So what if they're on a road trip and out of rhythm?
As long as Blake Su is there, even with a headache, even when he's not fully focused or in peak condition, he can still inspire and lift his teammates.
In my view, Blake Su is a natural leader."
"Exactly."
Van Gundy agreed without hesitation.
"The Suns won tonight and got through this tough situation because Blake Su, even with a headache, never gave up and kept fighting until the very end.
He deserves praise.
This natural leader deserves every bit of applause and recognition."
...
The Suns' difficult trip to Salt Lake City came to an end.
Taking Blake Su's condition into account, the entire team boarded a private plane that night and flew back to Phoenix. They would have two days of rest before hosting the Rockets.
The next day.
Morning.
While Blake Su was still resting, Twitter was already buzzing. This time, it was not fans, but players from across the league who had watched the Suns versus Jazz game.
From the Heat, "King James" LeBron said,
"Hey, Blake Su, you were incredible. That's exactly how it should be. Never give up, no matter the situation.
With your effort and perseverance, you turned an impossible game into a win.
You are a great leader, a natural leader. Keep going. I believe you'll only get better."
Teammate "Flash" Wade said,
"What an amazing game. Blake Su showed true leadership out there. He deserves all the praise."
Teammate "CB4" Bosh added,
"Same as my brothers said. Keep it up, Blake Su."
From the Lakers, "Black Mamba" Kobe Bryant commented,
"Hey, Blake Su, your performance last night was outstanding. I saw real leadership in you.
Keep going.
I believe the Suns will become even better under your leadership."
From the Spurs, "The Big Fundamental" Duncan said,
"Even with altitude sickness, you fought that hard. Blake Su, the way you approach the game deserves respect from every player.
Even if you hadn't won, I would still applaud you."
Recently retired, "The Answer" Iverson also posted,
"Today's rookies need more players like Blake Su who never give up.
Only with players who play with that kind of heart will this league stay exciting.
Blake Su, well done."
NBA legend "Magic" Johnson praised him,
"Even as a rookie, Blake Su is already a qualified leader.
Great job, Blake Su."
Even the "God of Basketball," current Bobcats owner Michael Jordan, could not hold back his praise,
"Blake Su reminds me of myself back in the day.
So what if he's playing through injury?
As a team leader, you must always think about winning.
Blake Su is a natural leader."
...
Blake Su played through injury last night and led the team to victory. Even though his stats were not overwhelming and his overall performance was not at peak level, everything he showed on the court earned recognition and praise from countless stars.
When fans saw these comments, it sparked another wave of discussion.
Even while he was asleep, Blake Su gained massive praise and popularity.
At the same time.
As fans continued their heated discussions.
At 10 a.m., the NBA officially announced the new week's Player of the Week, along with the first round of All-Star voting results.
...
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