Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!

Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered! Curry's Defeat. Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "Glory...and responsibility?" Humphrey and Brewer rushed at him. Trapped by their double-team, Curry could only pass the ball to Julian Becko. After beating their opponents, Donovan looked back on the game, still chilled by Curry's one daring shot after another. Humphrey and Brewer rushed at him. Trapped by their double-team, Curry could only pass the ball to Julian Becko. "I can't promise." "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. "I didn't do what you told me to do, and I cost the team this game..." Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. "Julian, you did great. Missing the shot is perfectly normal; nobody makes every shot. But you had the courage to take it, and I'm proud of you." Zhang Yu paused, then continued: Curry explained, "The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round." After Julian Becko missed, Zhang Yu sank into his seat, closed his eyes, rubbed his cheeks hard, and took a deep breath. Once he had composed himself, he stood and went to the scorer's table to shake Donovan's hand. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. The moment the ball left Julian's hands, Zhang Yu's heart sank. Its trajectory looked off! Although the Bulldogs lost the game, Curry had been the brightest star on the court. "I drew it up." Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. After the game, Zhang Yu still brought Curry with him to the press conference. "I didn't do what you told me to do, and I cost the team this game..." St. Louis Arena erupted into an uproar. After Florida narrowly escaped defeat, its fans jumped and shouted, raising the noise in the arena by another notch as they let out all the excitement and relief they had pent up after such a close call. "You're the NCAA's leading scorer. You're the Bulldogs' superstar! Stephen, do you remember watching the Christmas Day Game with me? Kobe went four for seventeen, but he never held back because he was afraid of missing. Remember, this is your team. The glory is yours, and so is the responsibility." At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. The red light came on, and the game was over. As was customary, the losing team took questions first. Zhang Yu and Curry headed to the press room. "I really was afraid at the time..." He meant it. He gave a bitter smile. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. "I can't promise." Curry explained: St. Louis Arena erupted into an uproar. After Florida narrowly escaped defeat, its fans jumped and shouted, raising the noise in the arena by another notch as they let out all the excitement and relief they had pent up after such a close call. Humphrey and Brewer rushed at him. Trapped by their double-team, Curry could only pass the ball to Julian Becko. Humphrey and Brewer rushed at him. Trapped by their double-team, Curry could only pass the ball to Julian Becko. "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" Curry stood there with his hands braced on his knees, like a statue, staring motionlessly at the Florida players celebrating wildly. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. Curry explained: The moment the ball left Julian's hands, Zhang Yu's heart sank. Its trajectory looked off! After Julian Becko missed, Zhang Yu sank into his seat, closed his eyes, rubbed his cheeks hard, and took a deep breath. Once he had composed himself, he stood and went to the scorer's table to shake Donovan's hand. Zhang Yu suddenly cut in, drawing everyone's attention. Curry also looked at him in surprise. He gave a bitter smile. Zhang Yu spoke slowly: On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. Zhang Yu comforted him for a few more moments, then went to midcourt. After Julian Becko missed, Zhang Yu sank into his seat, closed his eyes, rubbed his cheeks hard, and took a deep breath. Once he had composed himself, he stood and went to the scorer's table to shake Donovan's hand. "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" As was customary, the losing team took questions first. Zhang Yu and Curry headed to the press room. On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. He gave a bitter smile: "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" Humphrey and Brewer rushed at him. Trapped by their double-team, Curry could only pass the ball to Julian Becko. On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. Zhang Yu comforted him for a few more moments, then went to midcourt. Zhang Yu smiled: On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. Zhang Yu comforted him for a few more moments, then went to midcourt. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: The moment the ball left Julian's hands, Zhang Yu's heart sank. Its trajectory looked off! Curry calmly explained: "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. Zhang Yu comforted him softly: "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." The game was over, and the red light came on. After the game, Zhang Yu still brought Curry with him to the press conference. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. Zhang Yu spoke slowly: Zhang Yu paused, then continued: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Zhang Yu smiled: The moment the ball left Julian's hands, Zhang Yu's heart sank. Its trajectory looked off! "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. "I can't promise." Curry explained: Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. Zhang Yu comforted him for a few more moments, then went to midcourt. After Julian Becko missed, Zhang Yu sank into his seat, closed his eyes, rubbed his cheeks hard, and took a deep breath. Once he had composed himself, he stood and went to the scorer's table to shake Donovan's hand. "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" As was customary, the losing team took questions first. Zhang Yu and Curry headed to the press room. On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. He gave a bitter smile: "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Zhang Yu spoke slowly: On the court, the Bulldogs stared blankly up at the big screen as it replayed Julian Becko's missed final shot again and again. On the other side of the court, Florida's ecstatic players seemed like the opposite extreme—ice and fire. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. Zhang Yu comforted him for a few more moments, then went to midcourt. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "I really was afraid at the time..." "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. "I saw you get an opening to shoot, but you hesitated. Were you afraid you'd miss?" The reporter was baiting him. Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. "I really was afraid at the time..." Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. As was customary, the losing team took questions first. Zhang Yu and Curry headed to the press room. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Zhang Yu suddenly cut in, drawing everyone's attention. Curry also looked at him in surprise. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. Zhang Yu smiled: "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. "You're the NCAA's leading scorer. You're the Bulldogs' superstar! Stephen, do you remember watching the Christmas Day Game with me? Kobe went four for seventeen, but he never held back because he was afraid of missing. Remember, this is your team. The glory is yours, and so is the responsibility." Curry froze. His eyes stayed fixed on Zhang Yu's back, and after a long moment, he murmured: "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." He gave a bitter smile: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "I can't promise." Curry explained: "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. "I saw you get an opening to shoot, but you hesitated. Were you afraid you'd miss?" The reporter was baiting him. Zhang Yu looked him straight in the eye and said slowly: "If you had taken the shot yourself, would you definitely have made it?" Zhang Yu cut him off. The game had ended, and the red light came on. After the game, Zhang Yu still brought Curry with him to the press conference. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "If you had taken the shot yourself, would you definitely have made it?" Zhang Yu cut him off. Zhang Yu comforted him softly: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Florida's overall strength was clearly far greater than Butler's, but Zhang Yu's targeted game plan and Curry's extraordinary performance across all 40 minutes had almost erased the gap between the teams. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: Florida's overall strength was clearly far greater than Butler's, but Zhang Yu's targeted game plan and Curry's extraordinary performance across all 40 minutes had almost erased the gap between the teams. The game had ended, and the red light came on. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Zhang Yu smiled: "I really was afraid at the time..." "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" He gave a bitter smile: "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." Curry froze. His eyes stayed fixed on Zhang Yu's back, and after a long moment, he murmured: "Nobody can guarantee the next shot will go in—not Jordan, not Kobe, and not you. Whether it goes in has never been the most important thing...what matters is whether you dare to take it." "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Florida's overall strength was clearly far greater than Butler's, but Zhang Yu's targeted game plan and Curry's extraordinary performance across all 40 minutes had almost erased the gap between the teams. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Zhang Yu comforted him softly: The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." Curry explained: A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. Curry explained: "You're the team's core, with the highest tactical standing and a green light to shoot whenever you want...If the Bulldogs win, the media will praise you more than anyone else. In return, you have to shoulder the greatest responsibility." "I really was afraid at the time..." "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. "I saw you get an opening to shoot, but you hesitated. Were you afraid you'd miss?" The reporter was baiting him. Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. "I really was afraid at the time..." Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. As was customary, the losing team took questions first. Zhang Yu and Curry headed to the press room. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Zhang Yu suddenly cut in, drawing everyone's attention. Curry also looked at him in surprise. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. Zhang Yu smiled: "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. "You're the NCAA's leading scorer. You're the Bulldogs' superstar! Stephen, do you remember watching the Christmas Day Game with me? Kobe went four for seventeen, but he never held back because he was afraid of missing. Remember, this is your team. The glory is yours, and so is the responsibility." Curry froze. His eyes stayed fixed on Zhang Yu's back, and after a long moment, he murmured: "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." He gave a bitter smile: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "I can't promise." Curry explained: Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. "I saw you get an opening to shoot, but you hesitated. Were you afraid you'd miss?" The reporter was baiting him. Zhang Yu looked him straight in the eye and said slowly: "If you had taken the shot yourself, would you definitely have made it?" Zhang Yu cut him off. The game had ended, and the red light came on. After the game, Zhang Yu still brought Curry with him to the press conference. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "If you had taken the shot yourself, would you definitely have made it?" Zhang Yu cut him off. Zhang Yu comforted him softly: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Florida's overall strength was clearly far greater than Butler's, but Zhang Yu's targeted game plan and Curry's extraordinary performance across all 40 minutes had almost erased the gap between the teams. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: Florida's overall strength was clearly far greater than Butler's, but Zhang Yu's targeted game plan and Curry's extraordinary performance across all 40 minutes had almost erased the gap between the teams. The game had ended, and the red light came on. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Zhang Yu smiled: "I really was afraid at the time..." "Stephen, hello. I'm Musk from Sports Illustrated. On the final play, you chose to pass to a teammate. Why didn't you take the shot yourself?" He gave a bitter smile: "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." Curry froze. His eyes stayed fixed on Zhang Yu's back, and after a long moment, he murmured: "Nobody can guarantee the next shot will go in—not Jordan, not Kobe, and not you. Whether it goes in has never been the most important thing...what matters is whether you dare to take it." "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "You forgot? Florida's final basket was Humphrey's open three. I borrowed a play from Coach Donovan, but unfortunately, I misread the situation." "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Florida's overall strength was clearly far greater than Butler's, but Zhang Yu's targeted game plan and Curry's extraordinary performance across all 40 minutes had almost erased the gap between the teams. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Zhang Yu comforted him softly: The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." Curry explained: A handful of Butler fans sat in silence, like black reefs swallowed by towering ocean waves, quiet and forlorn. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. Curry explained: "You're the team's core, with the highest tactical standing and a green light to shoot whenever you want...If the Bulldogs win, the media will praise you more than anyone else. In return, you have to shoulder the greatest responsibility." "I really was afraid at the time..." "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "Stephen, I really am upset with you about something, but it has nothing to do with you missing that three." Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. Florida relied more on team play. Horford, their best performer, scored just 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brewer scored 14, Taurian Green 11, and Noah 10. All four of the "Four Freshmen" reached double figures, which was key to Florida's victory. "I saw you get an opening to shoot, but you hesitated. Were you afraid you'd miss?" The reporter was baiting him. Zhang Yu smiled: At last, the ball traced a slightly awkward arc, struck the backboard, and bounced away without even touching the rim. Only two seconds remained. Julian Becko caught the ball and, without a moment's hesitation, launched a three-pointer. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. "I really was afraid at the time..." Curry held his breath, wanting to shoot, but a wave of weakness washed over his arms. He hesitated, and the narrow window to shoot vanished in an instant. "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, thank you." Julian Becko's voice trembled, but the guilt on his face had eased. "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. As was customary, the losing team took questions first. Zhang Yu and Curry headed to the press room. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "What is it, then?" Curry looked at him in confusion. Mike Green and AJ Graves were consoling Julian Becko. His eyes had reddened after he missed the final shot, and he kept blaming himself. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. Curry opened his mouth, then said dejectedly: "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." Zhang Yu suddenly cut in, drawing everyone's attention. Curry also looked at him in surprise. The ball bounced to Noah. He froze for a moment, then tossed it high into the air and roared. His teammates raised their hands and crowded around him, cheering wildly as they celebrated advancing to the next round. Zhang Yu smiled: "The final play is both your privilege and your duty alone. You had a chance to shoot, but you chose to pass. I know you were running out of energy, and Julian Becko was open. You were afraid you'd miss and cost the team the game...but you still had the chance to take that three." Zhang Yu fixed his gaze on Curry, his voice growing quieter. "You're the NCAA's leading scorer. You're the Bulldogs' superstar! Stephen, do you remember watching the Christmas Day Game with me? Kobe went four for seventeen, but he never held back because he was afraid of missing. Remember, this is your team. The glory is yours, and so is the responsibility." Curry froze. His eyes stayed fixed on Zhang Yu's back, and after a long moment, he murmured: "Stephen's pass was smart, and Julian Becko got his shot off in time. I failed to consider the psychological pressure of taking a buzzer-beater. There's a difference between shooting at the buzzer and shooting with ten seconds left." He gave a bitter smile: "I was double-teamed, so I decided to pass." Curry answered calmly. "Coach, I'm sorry." When Zhang Yu approached, Curry straightened up, his voice full of regret. "I can't promise." Curry explained: