Roll Out

The match was about to resume as we went back into the arena. The spotlight shone upon us as people chanted each team's names.

As usual, I sat on the bench as our starters opened the game. Nothing much had happened except that Carlos started to make slick moves. He made a lot of crossovers… No, I’m not talking about regular crossovers, I’m talking about those that are quite peculiar and hard to perform. For example, like over-the-back, in-and-out, and spin ones.

Having those deadly moves in his arsenal, he slipped through the defense and scored multiple layups, further extending the lead. The scoreboard displayed 74-62, and we were in a twelve-point lead just right before I got subbed in.

The game restarted with the ball in their possession. Realizing that there are only two minutes of game time remaining and we just have to hold the lead to win, I decided to put an extra effort on defense.

With our teamwork, we managed to put a lockdown defense where the opposing player couldn’t get close to the rim, and they had to try contested three-pointer shots. Jamal took another rebound and passed the ball forward to me as I started another run.

This time, the opponent had adapted to my style. They were making a zone defense where they’re guarding near the paint, leaving no opening for a drive to the rim. Not to mention, my matchup is defending me closely and didn’t give me space for a three.

Shit! I can’t dunk on those big guys in the middle. And this guy is tightly guarding me, I can't shoot a three now.

Suddenly, I remembered what the coach said before the match. Something about making a distraction. And I finally realized that I could hog all defenders to myself and do some playmaking instead.

Knowing that I had to pick their attention, I performed a pump-fake to bait the enemy defender to jump. Maybe because my threes had been accurate until now, my matchup bought my feint and took the bait. With my matchup still hanging in the air, I quickly dashed for the rim.

As I’d guessed, they swiftly responded to my moves. The opposing Power Forward quickly apprehended me, blocking my path to the rim. But that was a mistake of theirs. Now, Jamal was left open on the right corner of the court.

I quickly drove the ball forward and went into a layup motion. The Power Forward was just about to deny my shot, before I threw the ball into Jamal’s direction midair.

Completely unguarded, Jamal easily put the ball into the rim. From that moment, I took the role of a playmaking Forward for the remainder of the match.

Not only that, we also kept the opponent in check with our tight defense. As we continued to deny their offenses, the crowd started supporting us as they continuously chanted “Defense! Dum Dum Dum! Defense! Dum Dum Dum!” all across the stadium.

With the momentum on our side, we continued to enlarge the gap before the last buzzer rang. The match ended up in 80-65 as we claimed our victory.

Exhausted, I wiped myself with the towel as soon I reached the locker room. Brandon, Tony, and Carlos came to celebrate my first debut game.

After a while, we packed our stuff and went back to the hotel. As we arrived at the lobby, the coach got a message from the official, and he clasped his hands to get our attention.

“Everyone, the official said that the next game will be held in the same venue in two days. Get some rest and make sure you are in top condition for the upcoming game.”

“Yes, coach!” We all shouted back.

“Alright, that’s it. Have some rest. You deserved it.”

We went back to our rooms. Carlos went inside the bathroom quickly, while I texted her about today’s match.

“Hi Jess.”

“Oh, Keith, you were amazing! My uncle said that he is proud of you being my boyfriend. We continuously cheered for you and shouted your name when you were standing in the court.”

Wait, did they do that? Ah, those loud cheers from the crowds probably covered their voices. Welp, I wanted to tell her, but if I did… Nah! She went honest with me before, and now I have to do the same. Here it goes.

“Jess, sorry, but I couldn’t hear your voices out there. Those crowd chants were like sea waves drowning every other sound, lmao.”

“Oops! I guess I better bring a megaphone next time.”

“Ha-ha. What the hell?”

We laughed and enjoyed our talk until Carlos went out of the bathroom. He looked at me and pointed his thumb on the empty bathroom.

“Yo, Keith. It’s your turn.”

“Alright. Jess, I have to take a bath now. Let’s end the call here.”

“Right. See you later, Keith.”

“See you.”

Beep!

The beeping sound marked the end of the call. I took a quick shower before throwing myself into the bed.

Well, I wanted to talk to Carlos, but our fatigue got the better of us. We are no different than smartphones that are getting nightly charged with our batteries empty.

The next day, the coach’s drills continued. Other than bath, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sleep, we kept practicing all day.

Another day has passed, and today it’s the day of the quarter-final. We arrived at the same venue as the bus and gathered in the locker room. We were about to listen to the boring yet important gameplan once more, before the coach made a cross on Ryan’s name on the roster.

Watching his name getting stuck out, Ryan stood in anger.

“Coach, why did you cross my name?”

Our coach looked at Ryan with a serious expression.

“As I said before, I’ll play players that can produce results. I can’t afford to let a player that cannot produce results play on the court. I have given you enough opportunity, and you wasted it all. So, it’s only fair if I’m giving the opportunity to other players…”

Ryan stood up. His anger was apparent in his facial expression.

“That’s it! If you wouldn’t play me, then I don’t have to be here. I’m out!”

Ryan went toward the door, unleashing his wrath by slamming the door on his way out.

Holy crap! That was rude! No matter how angry you were, you shouldn’t do that toward your coach. I wonder if our coach would ever let him play after he did that shit.

But the coach looked unfazed. Instead, he continued his explanation as he looked at me.

“Keith, do not let yourself be conceited. You have the element of surprise before, but now you have lost that advantage. They certainly analyze your replays and play style by now, so stay on your toes. Keep doing your best, and I’ll allocate you even more time.”

“Yes, coach!”

“And since the next game is on April 1st, we have around one week of rest if we win this game. I don’t care if you ended up with a cramp after the match, you can always rest for a few days after. However, we can’t afford to lose today. So, please go all out. Show them that even without Sean, we are a force to be reckoned with.”

“Yeah!!!” We all shouted back.

Getting pumped up, we walked to the court with determined eyes. The stadium led out huge cheer as both teams’ starters were introduced under the spotlight. As usual, I went to the bench while the starters took their position.

Just a few minutes after the match started, Brandon and Tony unleashed their prowess. After a while, I finally realized that they had brought out their trump cards that they hid in their sleeves.

I had a feeling that our captain is quite the playmaker, but what I’m seeing now is himself on a totally different level. He repeatedly scans the court while dribbling the ball, before delivering very unexpected yet accurate passes out of nowhere to his open teammates.

Mixing some over-the-back passes, Brandon caught the defenders off-guard. I even could bet that his teammates also didn’t expect Brandon would throw a pass at them until the ball made its way to their hands.

Meanwhile, Tony is pulling accurate quick-triggers all across the field. What was more surprising is that he nailed deep threes over-and-over again. It was as if he was Harden himself.

Soon, the rest of the starters also got heated up, and the starters decided to ignore the coach's substitution orders and kept playing the whole half.

However, neither the coach or myself could refute their disobedience. They played so well that they ended the first half with a huge lead, leading 42 to 20.

It continued in the second half as well. They looked full of vigor even after playing a lot today.

They are on a roll.

Eventually, their stamina finally gave in as they got substituted in the last ten minutes of the second half. Carlos made his appearance and managed to extend the lead further. The lopsided game concluded with a tremendous lead on our end, 81 to 47.

In the end, I didn’t manage to make an appearance in the game, which swirls mixed emotions in my heart.

On one hand, I’m happy that we managed to win the match easily. On the other hand, the fact that I couldn’t play in the game made me feel down. After all, I wanted to impress her uncle and her in the game.

Getting back to the hotel, I took a quick bath first this time. Finishing my bath, I texted Jessica and asked if it’s alright to call her. However, instead of giving a confirmation, she just called me straight away.

“Keith, how could you do this to me?!? I had flown here only to watch you, but you didn’t even play. Give me my money back.”

Her tone was quite high, and her frustration was apparent in her voice. In response, I decided to calm her down.

“Jess, calm down. I’m not that good yet. I’m actually glad that our team managed to win today’s match. But yeah, I’m sorry that I couldn’t play…”

Before I could finish my sentences, she laughed out loud.

“Ha-ha. Keith. I’m just joking. I know that it’s not your decision to make.”

She got me, again. While I was thinking about what to say to her, she continued.

“Still, I would be lying if I didn’t get somewhat disappointed though. In any case, I hope you can play in the next match. I’ll be cheering for you.”

Ah, well… I guess this is her own way to cheer for me. I’m grateful to have her on my side.

“Thank you, Jess.”

We continued to talk until Carlos asked me to stop. I had realized that my call with her made him unable to sleep with the noises I made.

“Jess, we should end the call now. Carlos just complained about us being noisy.”

“Ah, alright. Good night, Keith. I love you.”

Beep!

That last line made me almost scream out. However, I held myself back. I couldn’t wake the entire squad because of this.

Sleep. Yes, just sleep! Don’t think of anything else!