The second quarter had just begun, and the Shizi Dogs made a critical swap.
Kun had replaced Andy, who was clearly struggling. Andy's usual sharpness on the court, particularly his precision with three-pointers, seed dulled, and the frustration showed on his face as he passed the baton to Kun.
"I don't know what's wrong with ," Andy muttered under his breath as he sat down on the bench.
Lina leaned forward with a reassuring smile. "Don't mind," she said, her voice soft yet supportive. "We all have our days."
Coach Muchen, though more composed, gave a firm nod. "She's right. Don't stress it. Keep your head in the ga."
But Andy knew it wasn't just any ga—it was the semi-finals. This wasn't the ti to have an off day, but sotis, fate had a way of ssing with even the best players. He looked down at his shaking hands and clicked his tongue before clenching his fists.
Up in the comntators' booth, Gina and David Lee were already deep in conversation about the sudden switch.
"That's an unexpected move from Coach Muchen, isn't it, David?" Gina began her voice bright but with a hint of concern. "Andy's one of their best shooters."
"It is," David agreed. "But I think it's the right call. Andy's just not himself today, and Coach Muchen can't afford to waste ti."
anwhile, in the VIP area, another intense conversation took place.
Calvin, sitting next to Fang and Zheng, couldn't help but feel pressured despite already being eliminated. The three basketball elites attracted glances from fans and players alike. Their presence was like having basketball royalty sitting courtside.
"Three Elites in one row," soone whispered from the bleachers. "What a sight."
Calvin smirked, crossing his arms. "We only need Jian now," he said, glancing over at Fang.
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Fang shook his head with a chuckle. "That old man never watches gas unless it's his own. He forces himself to go to theirs. We're lucky if he even tunes in."
The three of them shared a quiet laugh, but it was clear they were all deeply invested in the match.
"It would be nice to have Jian here," Calvin said. "However, I'm very happy right now. This is the first ti I'm hanging with you, guys!"
Zheng shook his head in amusent. "Yeah," he muttered. "Who knew we would beco close during this ti?"
"I think it's because of Kai," Calvin smiled. "That guy really had us grasping on our position in the Elite Five."
Zheng raised his hand. "Not . I'm going to graduate soon."
"Ah, right," Fang muttered. "You and Jian are going soon. I wonder who's going to take the number one spot once you guys are gone."
"That's the least of my worries for now," Zheng said.
"Speaking of Jian," Fang started off, leaning toward Zheng, his voice lowering. "You ready to face him?"
Zheng's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "More than ever," he muttered. They both turned their attention back to the court, and it wasn't long before they spotted a problem.
Fabin, the ever-consistent player for the Yin Yang Knights, had been playing consistently well in the league. Despite his mischievous personality off the court, he was the kind of player who avoided making mistakes during matches. His play was safe. In contrast, Jinping was playing aggressively—maybe too aggressively.
Jinping had already racked up three fouls, and it was only the second quarter.
"This is bad," Fang muttered, leaning forward in his seat. "That guy fouls too much."
Zheng nodded. "Jinping's gonna foul out if he doesn't rein it in."
On the court, Muchen stood at the sidelines, visibly frustrated. With three fouls already under his belt, one more slip-up and Jinping would be benched for good.
Fabin, recognizing Jinping's situation, imdiately began to exploit it. Every movent he made was precise, careful to avoid giving Jinping any openings. He knew Jinping couldn't afford to take risks now, and that hesitancy was beginning to show.
Fabin dribbled the ball slowly, his eyes scanning the court for his teammates while keeping a close watch on Jinping. It was a chess ga at this point, with Fabin baiting Jinping, forcing him to overextend.
Jinping, aware of his own precarious situation, hesitated for a split second before deciding to go for the steal. It was a mont of impulsiveness, the kind that had both made and broken his career in the past. He lunged forward, hands reaching for the ball.
Fabin saw it coming a mile away.
With a spin move, Fabin dodged Jinping's attempt and rushed toward the basket. The crowd erupted as he made a quick pass to Ailun, who was already in position for a clean layup. The ball went in smoothly, and the Knights added another two points to their score.
34-30.
"Beautiful execution by Fabin and Ailun!" Gina exclaid. "The Knights are really capitalizing on Jinping's foul trouble. He can't afford to keep playing this recklessly."
"Exactly, Gina," David chid in. "Fabin's showing a lot of poise out there, and he's using Jinping's aggression against him. If the Shizi Dogs don't adjust, they're going to lose one of their key players before the half."
Muchen called for a tiout, his face stern as the team gathered around him. Jinping looked frustrated with himself. His usual fiery deanor was replaced with a sense of guilt.
"You're pushing too hard, Jinping," Muchen said, his voice steady but firm. "Fabin knows it, and he's baiting you. Play smart, not reckless. We can't afford to lose you."
Jinping nodded, though the fire in his eyes hadn't dimd.
anwhile, on the sidelines, Calvin, Fang, and Zheng exchanged glances.
"Fabin's in his head," Calvin said, shaking his head. "If Jinping doesn't change his approach, he's done for."
Fang sighed. "This is what separates the pros from the rest. Fabin's playing a ntal ga now, and Jinping's biting every ti."
Back on the court, the ga resud. Kun, who had been subbed in for Andy earlier, was doing his part to keep the defense strong.
Kai, anwhile, kept his focus on Max, knowing that their matchup would also be a deciding factor.
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