NBA Fanfiction Collection (2018-2019)

Kyrie Irving Showcases his Brilliance - 11/5/18

The young Robert Williams stood alongside Lord Al Horford as they watched Kyrie Irving, The Praying Mantis engage in his favorite training drill, one on one "sudden death" duels.

He bobbed and weaved with his body and twin wooden training swords in front of his first opponent Jayson Tatum, The Mountain Lion. Tatum was timid and overly anticipatory, blocking his head with his sword when Irving wasn't even striking. After the third time, Irving struck the head after Tatum brought his arms down after a block.

"Don't anticipate, young lord. Be decisive and strike." He called out to a frustrated Tatum.

Williams stood in awe and asked Horford for more explanation.

"How does he do it, Lord Horford? It's as if he's dancing to a song playing in his head."

Horford said nothing as Irving faced his next opponent Jaylen Brown, The Panther. Again, Kyrie bobbed and weaved, but Brown stood firm and strong, keeping his sword pointed directly at The Praying Mantis. Irving used one of his swords to whack Brown's sword off to the side and stepped forward. When Brown over-corrected and brought his sword up to block, Irving struck his exposed wrist.

"Less rigidness, Jaylen."

Williams waited with baited breath as Kyrie's final opponent entered the training ring. A knight with a similar style, Terry Rozier, The Cobra Dancer. Rozier bobbed and weaved in a similar manner to Irving, but this time, Irving stood completely motionless. After several seconds of movement, Rozier hastily executed an overhead strike as he moved forward. Kyrie quickly blocked above his head, and struck Rozier's exposed torso with his other sword.

Williams looked over at Horward with bemusement.

"I think I understand! When an opponent catches on to his movements, he changes the dance!"

Horford stood up straight and took a breath before finally responding to the young lord.

"Heh...not quite, my boy. He doesn't change the dance, he changes the song."