-November 21
A lot had happened over the past couple of weeks. Orlando was off to a dominant start, sitting at 10-2. The chemistry with Derrick Rose was building, and our team looked even better than last year. Meanwhile, Asher had been making the most of his 10-day contract with the Kings.
At first, Sacramento had him coming off the bench, testing how he fit. But after a few strong performances they started giving him more minutes. Now, rumors were swirling that the Kings might extend his contract.
And tonight? We were facing off for the first time.
After arriving at the arena in Sacramento, we walked straight to the locker room. While getting changed, Coach pulled me aside.
"Franklin, you're taking Cousins tonight."
I nodded. DeMarcus Cousins was a beast.
Once we were all set, we made our way through the tunnel. As we stepped onto the court, the Kings were already in the middle of their warm-ups. Sacramento's crowd was buzzing, sensing they had a scrappy team with something to prove.
I scanned the court and spotted Asher going through his drills. I walked over, dapping him up.
"Damn, bro. Look at you. NBA player now, huh?" I smirked.
Asher chuckled. "Something like that. Trying to make it permanent, though."
"Respect. But you know I can't let you shine tonight, right?" I said, flashing a grin.
He scoffed. "Man… let me eat a little."
I laughed, shaking my head.
Asher smiled but had that focused look in his eyes. This was his chance to prove he belonged.
I respected it. But once the game started? No mercy.
-First Quarter
Post-up for Cousins. I knew it was coming.
He backed me down, threw a subtle elbow into my ribs, and spun for a soft hook shot. Bucket.
Jogging back, he smirked.
I just nodded. Alright.
Next play, I brought the ball up and swung it to D-Rose, then went straight to the post myself. Boogie wanted to bully? Fine.
I felt Cousins leaning too much. Quick spin baseline, too fast for him. Easy layup."All night."
Asher sitting on the bench. 'All i want is to play damn it's frustrating.'
-Second Quarter
With 8 minutes left in the second quarter, Coach turned to him.
"Godsmith, you're in."
As he checked in, he scanned the court.
The Kings were down 34-25.
Asher's matchup? Elfrid Payton our backup behind DRose. Not a great shooter, but quick and crafty.
His first defensive possession? Payton attacked immediately.
He came off a screen, trying to get downhill, but Asher slid his feet well, staying in front. Payton hesitated, then kicked it out. Good first stop.
-Franklin's POV
Asher first play on offense, Pick-and-roll with Rudy Gay.
He took the screen, read the floor well, and pulled up for a clean midrange.
I nodded to myself. Not bad.
But I had my own battle to focus on.
Cousins was pissed.
The dude hadn't scored in almost five minutes, and his frustration was showing.
Next possession, the Kings force-fed him in the post again. He took one hard dribble, then tried to go up strong—but I met him at the rim.
I contested without fouling, forcing an awkward shot that rimmed out.
As I grabbed the rebound, I let him hear it.
"That all you got, Boogie?"
He just shook his head. "Keep talking, Franklin. Keep talking."
-Asher's POV
I started settling into the game.
After my first bucket, my confidence was up.
With 4:30 left in the quarter, I got another chance.
I took a handoff from Cousins, saw a gap.
Two dribbles, floater. Bucket.
42-37. We were closing the gap.
But on the other end, Franklin had the answer.
He got the ball at the elbow, faced up against Cousins, then hit him with a quick jab step.
Boogie bit on it, and Franklin took a shifty dribble then a spin move—fadeaway jumper.
I could see Franklin grin as he jogged back.
He loved these moments.
-Halftime - Franklin's POV
At the half, we led 52-47.
In the locker room, Coach Mosley kept it simple.
Cousins was 4-for-13, clearly frustrated. That was a win in my book.
On the other side, Asher was playing well. He had 8 points, 4 assists, and solid defense.
-Third Quarter
Cousins came out of halftime with a different energy.
First play, He caught the ball in the high post and bulldozed his way inside.
Running back, he pointed at me.
I smirked. 'You know how I am I can't let this go.'
Next possession, I got him right back.
I caught the ball near the three-point line, faked a dribble handoff, then attacked.
One quick step, then I elevated over him for a one-hand dunk.
The crowd erupted.
Jogging back, I bumped into Cousins on purpose.
"Let it simmer in your head."
With 3:15 left in the third, Kings' Coach, Coach Karl put Asher back in.
This time, he felt more comfortable.
The Kings were down 72-66, and they needed a spark.
Asher ran the offense smoothly, getting guys in their spots.
Then, with 1:45 left, he saw an opportunity.
He had the ball at the top of the key, Rose onto him for a moment.
One crossover. Another. Then he attacked right.
Rose was quick, but Asher got a step on him.
Quick floater over our center—bucket.
I shook my head.
-Fourth Quarter
With four minutes left, we were up 92-85.
The Kings needed stops.
But they weren't getting them.
D-Rose was cooking, breaking down the defense.
With 2:30 left, I caught the ball in transition, sized up Rudy Gay, and pulled a deep three.
The arena went silent.
I turned to the crowd and shrugged.
"Game."
Final score: Magic 105 – Kings 94.
-Postgame
After the buzzer sounded, I walked toward the tunnel.
I saw Asher standing near the Kings' bench.
No words.
I had no doubt he'd get another contract.
But tonight?
This was my win.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
I know, I know, but I'd like your opinion.
Should I write a fanfiction about:
1- A Chiss, a Sith Pureblood or a Nautolan from Star Wars ending up in Mass Effect.
2- Someone ending up in Kratos's body in Game of Thrones.
3-
-Someone ending up in Boros's body from One Punch Man in Dragon Ball.
-Someone ending up in Bojack or King Cold's body in Dragon Ball.
-Someone ending up as Table, Vegeta's brother but with the body of Shallot.
4-Someone ending up in Kumogakure, Otogakure or in the Chinoike Clan.