Wasted Times

Chapter 1

NICK'S POV

"I got ball!"

I yelled as Jamal Murray runs down the court. I met him half way and immediately face guard him.

1 minute and 37 seconds remaining in the fourth and we're down by 5. This is our first home game this season, and Luka and I are doing our best to get this first win at home.

The crowd was hyping us as they chant 'defense' while the Nuggets try to create a play. I made Murray give up the ball as I gave him no space. Our defense was locked in and we try our hardest to get a stop. The shot clock was winding down so they had to force a shot. The crowd went loud as they missed and I grabbed the rebound.

Running down the court I immediately passed the ball to Luka for him to create a play. I read the defense and realize that they were in a zone, Luka signaled me to run to the wing as he attacks the basket while Porzingis trail him. Two defenders commit to him and I noticed my defender was caught up with what's happening so I ran to the corner to as he passed the ball to me. 

I was already in position to shoot but I pumped fake which made my defender to fly by, and took the shot.

The crowd was roaring when I made the three. The lead was down to 2. We got back to defense immediately as they tried to inbound the ball. Murray and I were like cats and dogs as I chase him where ever he goes to deny him the ball. The whistle blow and I clapped so hard as we get another stop, the rookie forgot to call for a timeout which caused them a turnover. 

We didn't call for timeout and continue to play. Luka signaled for a pick and roll so I got in positioned. I inbound the ball to Luka and Porzingis immediately set the screen for Luka as he attacks the basket again. Porzingis trailed behind him and I also went to the base line. Luka made a lob pass but Jokic interfered. 

The ball was loose and everyone was on the hustle to get it. The ball somehow ended in my hand when I dived down to fight for it. I saw Luka already open behind the three point line, I made the pass to him with no hesitation.

"Luka for three... Good!!!" The announcer commentated. "Dallas lead by one, with 41 seconds remaining!"

Denver immediately called a timeout and the whole arena was filled with cheers. Luka got hype with the crowd while make our way to the bench. I instantly wiped my face with the towel and gulp down some water. This game has got me tired as hell and we're not even done yet. Coach Kidd was explaining our defensive plan while we all listen.

"Its a two for one. We just need to get another stop and score once more." Coach says and we all nodded, "The play might go around Jokic and Murray. Nick, keep the ball off Murray's hand. If Jokic is positioned deep,  go for a double immediately. Remember! don't over help."

The buzzer went off and we got back on the court. Luka went to my side and whispered something to me about the play if we get a stop.

Before the whistle even blew, I was already guarding Murray like a leech. I didn't to want get called for a foul so I didn't over do it. The ball was inbound, Murray got the ball, I backed away a little so he wouldn't drive on me. I had my focus on the ball as he dribbles out to waste time off the shot clock.