However... Brian Carter, who has never played an NCAA game, is actually more familiar with NBA rules...

On the main team’s side, the four star players were discussing how to play. The main team also wanted to win the scrimmage—there have been cases where a substitute played so well in practice that they took a starting spot. Besides, losing to the substitutes would be way too embarrassing. After all, they had three solid starters; even if there was a weak link, they still wanted to win.

As for Brian Carter... he was taking small, quick steps, gasping for breath, his mind churning as he stared at the virtual screen in front of him: “So nervous, so nervous, I need to calm down. I’m going to become the Pirate King... no, I’m going to be the man with the strongest kidneys...”

Brian Carter opened the items panel and used the phase burst.

Subtitles appeared on the screen: “Host has used B-level phase burst. Because the host perfectly completed the prerequisite training task, the effect of the B-level phase burst has been upgraded to perfect status. The host will temporarily gain B+ level ability rating strength for 30 minutes of game time. Ability rating matching bonus in progress...”

The screen turned into a circular icon displaying a percentage...

Brian Carter waited for that feeling of sudden enlightenment. Although he didn’t really know what that felt like, he was looking forward to it, hoping for that floating sensation, like when Xuzhu received power from Wuyazi...

But even when the number reached 100%, he still didn’t feel anything...

The screen changed.

“Bonus complete. Host’s overall rating temporarily increased to B+.

Physical attributes: C- increased to B-; speed A+ increased to S-; strength D- increased to C-; stamina D- increased to C+; jumping C- increased to C+;

Shooting rating: D increased to A-; three-point F increased to C; mid-range D increased to C+; layup C+ increased to A;

Technical rating: D+ increased to B; ball handling C increased to B+; passing C increased to B+; dribbling on the move F increased to C.”

A complete and utter, revolutionary leap from an overall rating of D- to B+!

Brian Carter glanced over it. On the Suns, the only players with a speed rating above A were Nash with S-, Barbosa with S, and Dragic with A+. Next fastest were Barnes and Jason Richardson at A.

Barbosa, nicknamed the Brazilian Blur, was now 27 and in his prime, not yet injured, and one of the fastest players in the league.

Brian Carter had already been as fast as Dragic, and after the bonus, he was now a notch faster!

But as for the other abilities... Brian Carter felt that even with the bonus, they were just average. He was basically a speed-type player now.

After assistant coach Dan D'Antoni announced the start of the scrimmage, Brian Carter took the court with Richardson, Hill, Amundson, and Stoudemire.

On the other side, Dragic, Barbosa, Barnes, Swift, and Lopez Jr. took the court.

Two 10-minute halves!

Brian Carter’s phase burst lasted 30 minutes of game time, so time wasn’t an issue.

At the free throw line, Brian Carter tried to steady his heartbeat. Playing with this group of guys felt completely different.

The game was formal. At exactly three o’clock, referee Dan D'Antoni blew the whistle to start the game and tossed the ball into the air.

No surprise, Stoudemire, though shorter than the opposing center Lopez Jr., jumped higher and faster, tipping the ball back.

Brian Carter caught the ball. Seeing his teammates and opponents were this group of people, his wildly beating heart actually calmed down a lot as he advanced toward the frontcourt.

Basketball is a little like chess: when you play with amateurs, unless you’re seriously trying to crush them, everyone just messes around. But when you play with experts, even if you’re a rookie, you’ll focus and try your best.

Right now, Brian Carter really wanted to perform well in front of these world-class players, who were considered the pride of cities and even countries around the globe.

As he advanced, Brian Carter felt a big difference in his dribbling. Compared to his previous amateurish ball handling, he now felt like he had complete control of the ball as he pushed forward.

Maybe B+ ball handling isn’t great for an NBA point guard, but to Brian Carter, it felt way better than when he was just messing around earlier.

This feeling gave Brian Carter a bit of confidence—confidence in his B+ overall rating!

Brian Carter reached the three-point line and saw Dragic crouched, a step back from the arc, looking very serious and focused.

But Dragic’s feet didn’t move at all—he wasn’t shuffling or making any defensive footwork, just rooted in place.

Clearly, the other side wanted to let him shoot, just putting on a show.

Brian Carter didn’t choose to shoot. Even with the bonus, his three-point was only C+, which he himself couldn’t stand. Since the defender wasn’t guarding him, Brian Carter accelerated and drove into the paint!

Dragic still had to follow, but... when he turned to chase, all he could see was Brian Carter’s back!

Brian Carter burst into the paint, moving so fast that he caught all nine other players on the court off guard!

Lopez Jr. didn’t even have time to pretend to defend—Brian Carter was already at the free throw line!

This rush of adrenaline left Brian Carter with only one thought...