NBA: Giant Killing

The scoreboard read 61-55.

That one three-pointer had once again widened the gap to six points, just as Marquette University was closing in.

A stunned silence swept through the crowd before erupting into murmurs of disbelief.

Those who had been paying close attention knew exactly what had just happened. They understood the sheer terror that came with watching a 5'9" player dominate the court.

The broadcast team couldn't hold back.

Mike Johnson: "OH MY GOODNESS! OLIVER FROM WAY DOWNTOWN—AND HE HITS IT! What kind of angle was that?! That was absurd!"

Kevin Grant: "Mike, I don't even know what to say anymore. That's not a normal shot. That's a desperation shot for most players. But for Oliver? It's just another day at the office."

Fans in the arena couldn't stop talking about it either.

"How did he even make that shot from that angle?"

"If it were me, forget making the three—I wouldn't even touch the rim!"

"That 5'9" kid is unreal!"

"I don't care what anyone says—Oliver, I love you!"

It was yet another highlight-reel moment.

Every time Aina University played, Oliver seemed to produce these absurd, jaw-dropping plays. By the time the season ended, the highlight committee might as well give up—every single game featuring Oliver was a showcase of brilliance.

On the sidelines, Marquette's head coach was livid, his face dark with frustration.

That shot? That was not supposed to go in.

Meanwhile, Coach Boeheim of Aina University could hardly contain his excitement. His understanding of Oliver's skill set was already deep, yet every game, the kid managed to surprise him.

Oliver was like a runner who never reached the finish line—always pushing forward, always finding new ground to conquer.

The six-point deficit was a psychological blow to Marquette.

Kevin Grant: "You can just feel the frustration from Marquette. They were right there, about to close the gap, and then BAM—Oliver with a dagger from three!"

Mike Johnson: "And Kevin, those kinds of shots don't just add points to the scoreboard. They crush a team's spirit. Marquette thought they were gaining momentum, and Oliver just ripped it away."

That frustration bled into their play.

For the next three minutes, Marquette struggled to execute offensively. Their rhythm was off, and a critical turnover only made things worse.

The gap stretched to eight points.

Realizing the momentum shift, Marquette's head coach immediately called for a timeout.

"We didn't come this far just to let it slip away," the coach barked in the huddle, his voice sharp.

Before he could say more, Dwyane Wade stepped up, eyes burning with intensity.

"We let that shot get to us," Wade admitted. "But no more mistakes. Andrew, stay aggressive with your cuts. Oliver isn't going to keep firing threes forever. The guy you're guarding? That's his go-to passing option. If Oliver isn't taking the shot, he's looking to set up Golin. Take that away from him."

Wade had been studying Oliver the entire game.

For all of Oliver's scoring brilliance, his playmaking was just as dangerous.

And more often than not, his assists went straight to Golin.

If they couldn't stop Oliver himself, then shutting down his favorite target might be the next best thing.

Mike Johnson: "Smart adjustment from Wade! Oliver's ability to create for others has been a problem all game long."

Kevin Grant: "Exactly. If they take away his passing lanes, they force him into tougher decisions. Marquette needs to make life as difficult as possible for Oliver."

Marquette had done their homework—second halves were rarely about flashy highlights.

It was about discipline. Execution.

While their coach sketched out adjustments on the tactics board, one thing was clear—Oliver would be hounded.

Compared to Marquette's detailed strategy session, Aina University's timeout was much more relaxed.

Coach Boeheim kept it simple. "If you get the chance, get the ball to Oliver. Everyone else, stay active and ready to move."

That was it.

No complex plays. No unnecessary overthinking. Just one clear message—trust Oliver.

Mike Johnson: "Boeheim knows what he's got in Oliver. There's no overcomplication—just give the ball to your best player and let him go to work."

Kevin Grant: "And why not? The kid has been delivering all night!"

Aina University had already shattered expectations this season.

And every single reason for that success pointed to one player—Oliver.

The timeout ended. Players returned to the court.

Marquette executed flawlessly on the next possession, cutting the lead back to six.

But Oliver immediately responded, working a perfect two-man play with Muller, who nailed the shot.

Back and forth they went.

Marquette pushed forward, Aina University answered.

Despite trailing, Marquette remained composed.

And in the crucial moments, Dwyane Wade made his presence felt.

Driving into the lane, Wade showcased his signature Euro step, smoothly maneuvering around Franklin before finishing strong. "And one."

The crowd erupted.

Moments later, he struck again.

As Muller received the inbound pass, Wade anticipated it perfectly, swooping in for a clean steal.

With a burst of speed, he was gone.

A few strides later, the ball was in the net.

Mike Johnson: "DWYANE WADE! BACK-TO-BACK PLAYS!"

Kevin Grant: "What a sequence! He's single-handedly brought Marquette right back into this game!"

Two plays. Five points. A shift in momentum.

Suddenly, their shots were falling. Their defense was sharper.

And just like that, Aina University's eight-point lead vanished.

72-70.

Marquette had stormed back, cutting the gap to just two points.

Tension filled the air.

Aina University's players looked rattled.

But Oliver?

Oliver knew what had to be done.

Dribbling up the court, he raised his hand.

Mike Johnson: "And here we go, folks. Aina University needs a bucket here. They need an answer."

Kevin Grant: "Marquette is pressuring Oliver HARD. Look at this—double-team coming immediately!"

Marquette wasn't just guarding Oliver—they were locking him down.

It was a brutal defensive scheme, designed to suffocate him.

But Oliver was different.

A certain kind of fire flickered in his eyes.

At that moment, he activated something special.

This wasn't just Oliver anymore.

This was Stephen Curry's spirit unleashed.

A player who had redefined the game itself with his shooting ability.

A player who had turned impossible shots into a new reality.

A player who had changed basketball forever.

And now, in this critical moment—Oliver was about to do the same.