The NBA's Twilight Star System

The timeout ended, and the game resumed.

The Nets substituted their entire starting lineup, while the Cavaliers left only Jay Sun on the floor as the lone starter.

"Stat-padding?" Some might say. But come on, this was a rookie! Letting a rookie play during garbage time was entirely reasonable. At least, that's how Tyronn Lue planned to explain it—thanks to LeBron for the tip.

Meanwhile, in the commentary booth, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley received updated stat sheets.

"Charles, it looks like Jay Sun might just make headlines tonight," Kenny said, flipping through the playoff debut scoring records.

"You're right, Kenny," Barkley admitted. "Ladies and gentlemen, the playoff debut scoring record is held by George Mikan at 37 points, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Gary Brokaw, and Derrick Rose at 36 points.

"And as of now, Jay Sun has 32 points in his playoff debut. Let's see if he can break this record."

Jay Back on the Court

With Tyronn Lue's full backing, Jay decided to focus on offense. No need to waste energy on defense now.

On the first possession, the Nets launched a quick three-point attempt—it missed.

Jay carried the ball to the frontcourt, called for a screen, and fired a three.

Swish.

35 Points.

The Nets quickly responded with a three-pointer of their own, narrowing the gap slightly.

Jay came back down the court and attempted another three-pointer—this time, it clanked off the rim. He clicked his tongue in frustration but quickly got back on defense.

The Nets tried to organize their offense, but their shot missed.

Jay brought the ball up again, clearly eager to score. His intentions were obvious—even the Nets knew he was going for a record, though they weren't sure which one.

Calling for a screen from Tristan Thompson, Jay used the pick to create separation from his defender. The moment he saw daylight, he stopped abruptly and pulled up for a mid-range jumper.

With Closer, Pick & Roll Maestro, and Stop & Pop in effect, the shot was as smooth as silk.

Swish.

37 Points.

The crowd erupted. The scoreboard showed that Jay Sun had tied the playoff debut scoring record.

On the arena's big screen, the historical record list appeared, now with Jay Sun's name added alongside George Mikan.

"Attention, fans! Jay Sun has tied George Mikan's record for the most points scored in a playoff debut. A rising star is born!" Barkley announced with enthusiasm, setting aside his earlier bet.

The Nets, not wanting to be immortalized as part of the record-breaking moment, called their final timeout.

Coach Atkinson didn't bother drawing up plays. He simply glared at Tyronn Lue, silently pleading: Please, have some decency and take the kid out now.

But on the Cavaliers' bench, it was a completely different scene.

"Jay, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Go for it!" LeBron encouraged.

"Don't hold back. You've earned this," Lue added.

"Brother, if it were me, I wouldn't let this chance slip away," Kyrie Irving chimed in.

Jay looked around at his teammates and coach, all urging him to seize the moment. He nodded solemnly.

Of course, I wasn't planning to sit out anyway, Jay thought to himself, hiding his grin.

The Final Push

Back on the court, Jay was determined to break the record with style.

The Nets missed their first shot after the timeout, and Jay wasted no time taking advantage.

Bringing the ball upcourt, he noticed the defense wasn't pressing him too hard.

How considerate of them, he mused.

Without hesitation, Jay launched another three-pointer from the top of the key.

Swish.

40 Points.

Tyronn Lue immediately called a timeout to celebrate.

The Cavaliers' bench erupted, swarming Jay with cheers and high-fives.

"Jay, you're a superstar!"

"You crushed it, man. You're going to be a legend."

Jay grinned as he soaked in the moment. I must be doing something right if everyone likes me this much.

Lue subbed Jay out for the remainder of the game to avoid any risk of injury.

Commentary Booth Reactions

"Ladies and gentlemen, history has been made!" Barkley exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement despite the impending consequences of his bet.

"Jay Sun has scored 40 points in his playoff debut—a feat never before accomplished. This is simply unbelievable."

Kenny Smith laughed. "Charles, don't forget our little wager. Time to start shopping for some lingerie!"

Barkley groaned. "Oh, Lord, have mercy on me. Somebody wake me up from this nightmare."

Game Over

The Cavaliers defeated the Nets 121-98.

Jay Sun's final stat line: 40 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals. He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter alone.

Jay was named Player of the Game and became the center of attention during the post-game press conference.

"Jay, how did you go from a late first-round pick to breaking records in your playoff debut?"

"Talent and hard work," Jay replied earnestly. And maybe a little help from my secret system.

When asked about his team's support in the final quarter, Jay smiled.

"They told me to seize the moment and make it count. I'm grateful for their encouragement."

Exhausted from the adrenaline-fueled game, Jay returned home and collapsed into bed. The world could wait until tomorrow—right now, sleep was his top priority.