Derrick Rose quickly pushed the ball into the frontcourt.
His defender was no longer Mario Chalmers, Eric Gordon had taken over. The Black Team had swapped in an entirely new lineup: Eric Gordon, James White (note: originally meant to be DJ White), Michael Beasley, Jason Thompson, and JaVale McGee.
This lineup was completely different from the earlier three-point barrage led by Chalmers. This one was built entirely around unleashing Michael Beasley's mid-range killing power. To solidify his draft stock, Beasley deliberately positioned himself at small forward, showcasing his "I dominate both the 3 and 4" versatility.
His two interior partners, McGee and Thompson, were pure blue-collar grinders.
James White and Eric Gordon, both from Indiana University, were longtime college teammates with between-the-lines chemistry.
Gordon was one of the NCAA's top combo guards, second only to Derrick Rose before Russell Westbrook burst onto the scene. Built solid and powerful, he possessed strong driving ability and elite three-point shooting.
As for James White, a top-tier dunker, a real-deal "free-throw-line dunk in real games" freak of nature.
In terms of both height and sheer athleticism, this lineup was extremely unfriendly for the Black Team's defensive anchor, Snoopy.
So while the GMs courtside cheered for the long-anticipated "Clash of the Top Picks," they couldn't help feeling a twinge of concern for Snoopy.
But at the same time… if Snoopy could stand firm against this lineup… then he might actually be NBA-ready right now.
At that moment, Derrick Rose ignited the fast attack. With a vicious cross and explosive burst, he tore straight through Eric Gordon's defense and knifed inside the arc like lightning. Near the free-throw line, Snoopy locked McGee behind him with a powerful seal.
Rose slid deeper into the paint, but Thompson and Beasley collapsed instantly, lying in ambush. Beasley in particular looked hungry, waiting to deliver a highlight-reel block.
If it were Westbrook in this situation, he'd probably force the layup, either drawing a foul or coughing up a turnover.
But Derrick Rose was a projected No. 1 pick. He was calmer. He understood what it would mean to get blocked by his biggest rival. So with a "look-back moon pass," he dished the ball to Snoopy.
He expected Snoopy to pause, settle, and then return the ball.
However… Snoopy didn't even catch it.
With one smooth behind-the-body slap, he redirected the ball, fast and sharp, straight toward the paint.
Kevin Love, wide open in the low post, caught it cleanly.
BOOM!
He threw down the dunk without hesitation.
The GMs froze, stunned by Snoopy's pass.
This was the kind of assist that would make the Top 5 Plays of the Day in a real NBA game, perfect timing, perfect angle, perfect velocity. Seamless.
Most big men catch the ball at the high post, pause, look, then pass.
Snoopy skipped all of that, just a single fluid touch, changing the ball's trajectory like magic. Love received it in absolute open space and detonated the rim.
"This is talent too," Magic GM Otis Smith muttered, unable to suppress his admiration.
He imagined, if Dwight Howard had this kind of playmaking ability, Detroit wouldn't be bullying us like this. Down 3–1, Orlando was almost out of time.
As the GMs were still marveling at Snoopy's wizardry, Eric Gordon brought the ball down.
Using Thompson's screen, he burst inside. But when he reached the paint and saw Snoopy looming like a wall, he backed off and swung the ball to the weak side, Beasley.
Beasley caught it, executed a gorgeous triple-threat footwork move to shake Dante Green, and rose up for a smooth jumper…
But it came up just short. Clang!
As the ball bounced off the rim, McGee lunged for the rebound.
He didn't even get to take a second step.
Snoopy locked him down from behind, completely sealing him. McGee's skinny frame and weak lower body simply couldn't hold his ground.
Rose darted in and scooped up the rebound.
Westbrook watched from the bench, burning with envy.
Normally… he was the one receiving this kind of help.
Switching sides again, Snoopy set a screen at the top of the arc for Rose. Rose burst off it, slicing past Gordon and the helping McGee like a blade.
He dove into the paint and finished with a beautiful reverse layup.
Their high-low game was seamless.
But Beasley quickly found his rhythm again, hitting a smooth left-handed turnaround jumper. Even though Dante Green towered half a head taller, Beasley's fadeaway left him helpless.
Coming back, the Black Team tightened their defense, collapsing into the paint, daring Rose to shoot from outside and cutting off all passing lanes.
Several possessions failed.
Rose had no choice but to launch from deep.
Unfortunately…
CLANG.
Another miss.
Thankfully the rebound bounced high. Snoopy muscled McGee away, and Kevin Love beat Thompson for position.
Love tapped the ball, then rushed a putback,
CLANG!
Too rushed. Missed again.
But Snoopy was already in the sweet spot.
He surged upward.
McGee jumped with him,
But even with his height and wingspan…
He couldn't win.
BOOM!!
Snoopy ripped the ball out of the air and hammered it home with one hand.
"This is the victory of speed," Dwyane Wade repeated, again.
Pat Riley frowned. "The Red Team is going to lose. The Black Team is using the Jordan Rules on Rose. And Rose doesn't have Jordan's outside shot."
"They can put Westbrook back in," Wade suggested.
"Westbrook won't solve it either." Riley shook his head, eyes drifting toward Snoopy. He hoped Snoopy, who had already blown everyone away today, could pull off another miracle.
As they ran back on defense, Snoopy wrapped an arm around Rose's shoulder, whispering something quietly in his ear.
Westbrook felt his jealousy spike. It felt like Nina… choosing another man. This is basketball, what's with the hugging?
On the court, Rose was still processing the whispered strategy.
But nearby, James White strode past, loudly declaring:
"Listen up, Snoopy. You're about to witness a REAL air raid. I'll give you your first taste of being posterized. Keep your feet steady, getting dunked out of the gym isn't a good look."
Snoopy turned his head, glancing at the eager White… then at the hungry-eyed McGee.
"Fine," Snoopy said calmly.
"Why don't you two come at me together?"