October 28, 2014 – Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland
Third Quarter Begins
The Cavs jogged out from the tunnel with renewed swagger.
Michael led them, calm and silent, eyes glazed over in that same predatory focus.He bounced on his toes at the free-throw line, shaking out his arms.
"Keep feeding the rook," LeBron told Kyrie.
Kyrie just nodded. "Wasn't planning to stop."
Opening Play
Knicks ball. Melo isolated against Michael, backing him down.
"Ready to get humbled, kid?" Melo sneered.
Michael didn't answer.He planted his feet. Strong. Stable.Melo spun baseline, rose for the fadeaway jumper—
Michael's left hand swatted it clean. Ball flying to halfcourt.
Dion scooped it up, sprinted for the easy layup. The arena erupted.
Next Possession
Cavs ball. Kyrie dribbled off a high Tristan screen, kicked it to Michael on the wing.
Bargnani switched onto him again.Michael stared at him for a full second.
"You never learn."
He jab-stepped left, burst right, two dribbles, rose up for the poster.
Boom.
The entire rim shook as Michael snarled, hanging for half a second before dropping down, his glare burning holes through Bargnani's soul.
Trash Talk Level Up
Bargnani cursed under his breath, rubbing his chest.
"Stay down next time," Michael said coldly, jogging back on defense.
TNT Commentary
Shaq: "That's a grown man dunk! Whew! He got him looking like barbecue chicken."
Kenny: "He's only 19 and he's doing this to established vets. This… this is terrifying."
Barkley: "League better wake up fast. This ain't a rookie season—it's an announcement."
Defensive Sequence
Knicks tried running a quick pick-and-roll with Calderon and Dalembert.
Michael switched onto Calderon, stayed low, absorbed the bump, and forced a wild floater that clanged off the backboard.
He grabbed the rebound himself, pushed upcourt, ignored Kyrie calling for it.
"Clear out," he barked.
He dribbled into Melo, shoulder bump, step-back three.
Splash.
He back pedalled down the court, eyes locked onto Melo.
"You wanted me awake. Now you got it."
Bench Reactions
Dion was on his feet, towel spinning.
"HE'S NOT HUMAN!"
Kyrie smirked, glancing at LeBron.
"He's yours, Bron."
LeBron didn't smile. His eyes narrowed.
"No. He's his own."
Social Media Explodes
Twitter – #MichaelSchmidt
@NBACentral: "Michael Schmidt is COOKING the Knicks. 32pts and counting. Best debut since LeBron???"
@HoopsEmpire: "He's only 19 and he's clowning Melo on national TV. This kid is different."
@KnicksFan4Life: "Trade the entire team. I don't care. This is embarrassing."
@MJLegacyGOAT: "Calm down. It's one game. Let's see him do this for a season before crowning him."
@SkipBayless: "I don't care about his dunk or stats. He hasn't proven anything yet. Let's see him against real teams.
Final Minutes of Third Quarter
With 38 seconds left, Cavs ball. Kyrie called for an iso, but Michael waved him off.
"Give me the rock."
Kyrie chuckled, tossed it over.
Michael faced up against Shumpert. One dribble left, spin right, rose for a leaning fadeaway from 18 feet.
Swish.
Buzzer.
Third quarter over.
TNT Commentary
Shaq: "I got goosebumps, man. This kid ain't just good—he's generational."
Kenny: "I don't think I've ever seen a rookie debut like this. Ever."
Barkley: "Not even LeBron came out this aggressive. And that scares me."
End of Third Quarter Score
Cavaliers 91 – Knicks 72
End of Chapter Stats (End of Third Quarter)
Points: 43Rebounds: 11Assists: 3Steals: 0Blocks: 4FG: 17/213PT: 4/5
Final Note
He sat on the bench, towel over his head, eyes half-closed.His breathing calm.His pulse steady.
Because to him, this wasn't domination.
This was just… normal.