Nie Chuan followed his teammates into the gym’s locker room, where everyone was changing into their jerseys and organizing their gear.
“Are you nervous?” Carlo leaned in close to Ewin.
Ewin’s expression was much calmer than Nie Chuan had imagined. In the past, before important games, he would fidget or crack his knuckles, but today, Ewin was either deep in thought or listening to music.
“I’m not nervous.” Ewin clenched his fist and playfully punched Carlo. “We’ve come this far, achieving what our predecessors couldn’t for over a decade… I just feel like we’re one step away from making history, and I want to give it my all, or I’ll regret it.”
Nie Chuan’s heart was stirred by Ewin’s words, and Carlo was slightly taken aback.
“You always say you’re one of the top three shooters in the league, but I’ve always thought you’re number one,” Carlo said.
Ewin smiled, lowering his head to adjust his wristbands, like a warrior polishing his blade before battle.
Carlo complained, “Shouldn’t you be saying, ‘I also think you’re the number one power forward in the league’ right now?”
Ewin flicked Carlo’s forehead. “When this game ends, it will become a fact.”
Carlo laughed along.
As they left the tunnel and entered the court, the deafening cheers made Nie Chuan’s blood boil.
In the past, Nie Chuan didn’t understand what fueled this frenzy. To him, no matter how exciting a basketball game was, it was just a game.
All the thrilling moments would pass, and even the most stunning history would be overshadowed by new surprises.
But as he walked step by step to this point, he seemed to have merged into this frenzy.
Most importantly, he knew he was one of the creators of this madness.
The basketball arena was so vast and bright, as if it extended infinitely to encompass the whole world, full of possibilities.
Nie Chuan looked up, and across from them were the AZU players and coaches.
Ben Robbins was stretching, and when he saw Nie Chuan, he gave a big smile.
Sethston also turned towards DK, his smile the same as in the previous game against UFR.
The commentators couldn’t contain their excitement.
Robert began, “Oh my, oh my! The much-anticipated battle is finally here! Honestly, I expected AZU to make it to the finals, but I really didn’t expect their opponent to be UDK!”
“Yes, many sports magazines and publications believed DK had the strength to reach the Elite Eight, but this final showdown surprised many! Watching DK’s journey, witnessing its growth, suddenly makes this achievement feel both unexpected and inevitable!” Engel commented.
“Am I the only one who always firmly believed DK would make it to the finals? Imagine the combination of Sethston Lind and Ben Robbins; if anyone can rival them, the only ones I can think of are DK’s Reese and Nie Chuan!”
“Hahaha, if you had told me before that this unknown black-haired kid could possibly compete with the league’s top point guard, Sethston Lind, I would have thought you were crazy. Even now, I think Nie Chuan lacks something compared to Sethston, but I can’t help but feel he can match Sethston, and I can’t even explain why!” Robert shook his head with amusement.
“It’s the anticipation of his growth. When he replaced Reese as a small forward against KSU, we thought this kid wasn’t a match for Raven Harvey, and DK would stop there, but he scored over twenty points against Raven. When DK faced CBU, we thought stopping Owen depended on Reese, but Nie Chuan proved his defensive and scoring abilities under the basket again. So I can’t help but wonder, facing a fellow point guard like Sethston Lind, what surprises will Nie Chuan bring, and can his partnership with Reese counter Ben Robbins and Sethston’s synergy?” Engel said.
“Not only that, to win this game, relying on just one or two players isn’t enough. With similar technical strengths, can Ewin, facing someone as famous as Ben Robbins, let loose and secure DK’s perimeter? Can Carlo Brandon match AZU’s power forward Edgar? Edgar has been the top rebounder and scorer among power forwards since the finals began! And AZU’s Bracey, as a small forward, does he have the presence and penetration ability of Reese Reddington?” Espenson made a comparison.
“Don’t forget the showdown between centers Boulder and Heishan. Although Heishan is much more low-key than Boulder, it’s clear to see that DK’s journey to this point owes a lot to Heishan’s defense under the basket. Boulder is the top center in the finals, with first-class explosiveness and scoring ability. The clash between these two powerful centers is also highly anticipated. Plus, the head coaches of both teams, Coach Gordon and the ‘Big Shark’ Coach Short, how they analyze the situation and bring out the best in their players is something everyone is eagerly waiting for!”
Ben leaned towards Sethston, “What are you looking at?”
“Of course, I’m looking at our opponents. Ben, your instincts are usually spot-on. Do you think we’ll be champions again this year?” Sethston asked with a smile.
“Of course, it’s us,” Ben replied confidently. “And I think I can score twenty-one points!”
“Twenty-one points?” Sethston squinted. “I thought you’d confidently say you could score thirty.”
“Hey, I’m not that overconfident or underestimating our opponents.” Ben’s childish smile faded as his gaze fell on Reese. “In all of UDK, the only one who can match your speed is Reese. If Reese locks you down, my chances of getting the ball will be much smaller. In terms of ball handling and steals, I’m no match for Nie Chuan, that’s a fact.”
Sethston chuckled, “And what about Nie Chuan? Do you think he’s my match? He went head-to-head with Raven Harvey and managed to get past Owen Whishaw multiple times.”
Ben tilted his head back, not answering.
“It seems you really do acknowledge Nie Chuan,” Sethston’s eyebrows raised slightly.
“Actually… you know it yourself, don’t you?” Ben looked into Sethston’s eyes and asked.
“Know what?”
“Know that if he gets past you once, or if he successfully steals from you once, there will be a second time, a third time. Once he finds the rhythm to break away from you, he’ll only get stronger. It was like that against Raven Harvey, and the same against Owen Whishaw.”
“So, I must suppress him completely, crush his confidence to the ground, and never give him any ‘inspiration.'” Sethston’s gaze turned cold.
At this moment, Coach Gordon was also giving pre-game guidance to the players.
“To this point, I’m 100% satisfied with each of your performances. Although many people hope for our victory, this isn’t the NBA. Beyond fame and glory, I want you to enjoy everything on the court, every shot, and every heart-pounding moment. The synergy between Sethston Lind and Ben Robbins is quite famous in the league, so Nie Chuan, this will be a very special game for you. Face Sethston Lind’s ball-handling style, his rhythm changes, his steals, his penetration, how he connects everyone on his team, he’ll be your best teacher, your ideal model. I believe that for you, he’s not an insurmountable mountain, but your stepping stone.”
Coach Gordon’s eyes were fixed on Nie Chuan, something Nie Chuan hadn’t expected at all.
In everyone’s subconscious, the one to mark Sethston should be Reese, not Nie Chuan.
But Coach Gordon said Sethston was Nie Chuan’s stepping stone, something Nie Chuan had never considered. Coach Gordon wouldn’t make comments beyond a player’s level and ability just to boost confidence, because unrealistic praise, when shattered by reality, would also hurt the player’s self-esteem. But Coach Gordon’s words clearly indicated that Nie Chuan’s potential far exceeded Sethston’s.
This made Nie Chuan’s fingertips inexplicably hot.
“Ewin, maybe throughout the finals, you’re not the top shooter. Above you are Owen Whishaw and Ben Robbins. But you’re the best we have in DK. We can’t rely on anyone else for outside scoring, only you. For us, it doesn’t matter if the outside world thinks you can surpass Ben Robbins because you are unique.” Coach Gordon seemed to understand the pressure Ewin felt being constantly compared to Owen Whishaw and Ben Robbins. “I don’t need you to dance with shackles; I just want you to enjoy this game. When it’s all over, I want you to look back and feel exhilarated, not pressured.”
“Yes, Coach,” Ewin nodded.
“Heishan, I know how much you love basketball and how much you hope to gain recognition from NBA scouts. But you’ve restrained your desire to perform, becoming our DK’s most solid support. Today, I want you to let loose a bit, be a bit more free, and show those scouts what you’re made of!”
Heishan was slightly stunned, then smiled, “Yes, Coach!”
“Carlo, because of Reese, your scoring and defensive abilities as a power forward have been underestimated. Today, don’t overthink it, show everyone that DK’s scoring ace isn’t just Reese.”
Carlo laughed and punched Reese’s shoulder, “Hehe, seems like Coach Gordon wants me to steal your spotlight!”
“Reese, this year you’ve given me many surprises.” Coach Gordon raised his hand, patting Reese’s shoulder. “You used to be like a blade without a sheath, sharp and exposed. But since Nie Chuan joined us, you’ve changed a lot. You know how to cooperate with others, and you know how to gain more opportunities from your teammates. This is what I’m most grateful to Nie Chuan for; he’s given you a broader perspective.”
“So today, can I be free too?” Reese asked back.
“All freedom is relative.” Coach Gordon’s hand rested on Reese’s chest. “Deep down, you know what you truly want.”
Everyone looked towards Reese.
The game was about to start, and everyone walked onto the court.
Every step was solemn for Nie Chuan. He had never been under such bright lights, and even the beating of his heart seemed to have special significance.
He lowered his center of gravity, ready to move at any moment.
Heishan and Boulder stood at midcourt. Heishan had jumped countless times for the tip-off, but as he leaped, Nie Chuan saw the explosive power that broke through visual limits.
His shout seemed to shatter eardrums, his arm flashed in the air, and he tipped the ball!
Nie Chuan quickly moved, grabbing the ball before AZU’s small forward Bracey could.
As Nie Chuan turned, he heard the sound of sneakers on the floor beside him, and in his mind, he recalled the moment against CBU when Owen stole the ball as he turned. He wouldn’t make the same mistake twice!
Nie Chuan quickly changed direction on the same side, avoiding the steal, and turned with a slick shoulder fake, flashing past his opponent.
In that instant, Nie Chuan realized the person close to him was Sethston!
Nie Chuan’s heart tightened; he knew this alone wouldn’t shake off the fastest point guard.
Sure enough, as soon as Nie Chuan picked up speed, Sethston was already at his side. Nie Chuan tried to stop abruptly to shake off Sethston, but the opponent slid right in front of him.
Sethston wore a faint smile, his gaze not oppressive, yet Nie Chuan felt as if he was locked in, unable to escape.
Nie Chuan knew that forcing forward would definitely be intercepted by Sethston. He decisively tried to pass the ball back, but Carlo was instantly blocked by AZU’s power forward Edgar. At this moment, Reese arrived, the audience’s emotions were stirred, and Nie Chuan made a side pass to the back.
Just as he pushed the ball back, Sethston suddenly lunged forward, his back stretching with tension, his body seemingly slipping under Nie Chuan’s arm, his fingertips clearly hitting Nie Chuan’s ball, completely changing the pass’s angle!
At this moment, AZU’s small forward Bracey arrived, stealing the ball, and Reese quickly adjusted his direction, staying beside Bracey, both moving at high speed.
Bracey broke through Ewin’s defense, and Reese easily bypassed Ben’s obstruction. The two rushed to the basket, Bracey stopped abruptly, suddenly passing the ball back, and Ben was right there!
Hearts were in throats; everyone wondered if the first shot of the game, and the first three-pointer, would be Ben Robbins’.
Ben was ready to catch the ball, but just as he raised his hand, a figure came from his diagonal rear, leaping without hesitation. Ben’s eyes widened as he watched the ball get slapped away, without even a chance to touch it.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
It was Nie Chuan; he successfully stopped Ben’s first three-pointer!
Ben blinked, chasing after Nie Chuan, but Nie Chuan’s speed was too fast, quickly widening the gap.
“Nie Chuan’s speed seems even faster than when he faced CBU!” Engel exclaimed.
Robert laughed, “It’s not that his speed is faster, but his dribbling is smoother. Whether it’s shifting his center of gravity while dribbling or suddenly changing direction, he handles it with ease!”
Espenson also laughed, “I really want to see him go one-on-one with Sethston Lind.”
At this moment, someone was sprinting alongside Nie Chuan. That clean speed, Nie Chuan knew it wasn’t Reese.
Just as Nie Chuan was about to switch the ball from his right hand to his left, Sethston suddenly accelerated, his arm reaching over. Nie Chuan knew that even at high speed, this guy could maintain balance and steal. There was no time to change direction, so Nie Chuan had to raise his shoulder and forcefully bounce the ball, hoping to avoid Sethston’s hand.
But Sethston was a monster; he instantly adjusted his center of gravity, moving to where Nie Chuan bounced the ball, extending his other arm, and forcefully hooked the ball back.
Nie Chuan’s nerves were on the verge of breaking; for the first time, he felt that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t escape Sethston’s grasp.
Sethston’s smile flashed before Nie Chuan’s eyes; this guy only saw Nie Chuan as an interesting opponent, not a real rival.
The ball was taken by Sethston, his speed like a whirlwind, passing Ewin in the blink of an eye, a fake move so fast it almost made people stumble, flashing past Carlo, heading straight for the basket. Heishan leaped, blocking his path, but Sethston just smiled calmly, passing the ball mid-air to power forward Edgar.
Carlo rushed to defend Edgar, but Edgar had already jumped, going for a dunk.
But Reese arrived, directly challenging Edgar. The force and momentum of his jump made Edgar’s pupils tremble, forcing him to retract the dunk and pass it back to Sethston.
Sethston caught the ball, calmly jumping for a shot. At this moment, Carlo arrived, moving from the right side of the basket to the left, his speed and agility astonishing.
Despite this, Sethston’s shot was just a fake; he pulled the ball back, passing Carlo’s side, jumping for a layup.
As the ball was about to reach the rim’s height, Sethston froze; Nie Chuan had somehow returned to defend, jumping high.
Sethston’s eyes widened; he had observed Nie Chuan’s games many times, knowing this guy’s jumping ability in critical moments was no less than a top small forward, but experiencing it firsthand was a different feeling.
Sethston pulled the ball back; it was going to be a beautiful reverse layup.
Nie Chuan gritted his teeth, twisting his body mid-air, blocking Sethston’s second layup attempt.
But Sethston was patient and didn’t shoot; he knew Nie Chuan’s hang time and was waiting for the right moment!
Sure enough, as Nie Chuan’s body descended, Sethston decisively used his fingertips to send the ball through Nie Chuan’s armpit into the basket!
Nie Chuan’s mid-air block had already thrilled the audience, but Sethston’s mid-air direction change was even more impressive!
Was the first ball going to belong to AZU?
“Bang—”
Someone deftly swung their arm, knocking Sethston’s shot away.
“Whoa—” The crowd gasped!
Even the commentators craned their necks.
“My God…”
“It’s Reese! It’s Reese!”
“Amazing!”
Reese landed, taking the ball and sprinting away, “Nie Chuan!”
As Nie Chuan landed, he quickly followed.
DK launched a fast-break wave.
The audience cheered wildly, watching Reese slice through the air towards AZU’s basket.
Sethston followed closely behind them, while AZU’s other players desperately retreated.
Nie Chuan suddenly turned, blocking Sethston. Sethston made a quick shoulder fake, and no matter how fast Nie Chuan reacted, he couldn’t keep up. Sethston passed Nie Chuan, but that brief interference allowed Reese to reach AZU’s basket smoothly!
Center Boulder challenged Reese, but Reese calmly jumped, his posture full of bounce, his arm slipping past Boulder’s raised arm, using his fingers to send the ball diagonally into the basket!
Nie Chuan exhaled.
Applause filled the court, and Reese turned to high-five Nie Chuan.
Sethston squinted at them, and Ben walked over to him, saying coolly, “Wow, they really have chemistry… I haven’t even successfully received one of your passes yet!”
“No worries. I’ll make Nie Chuan cry,” Sethston smirked.
Robert highly praised this play: “In my view, Reese’s shot was of high value. Not only for his speed and scoring technique under the basket but also for his coordination with Nie Chuan, slowing Sethston’s speed, and in DK’s basket, Carlo and Heishan’s defense, the entire team’s technical characteristics were fully displayed.”
Engel and Espenson agreed.
In the stands, Larvin and Owen sat side by side.
Larvin clapped along with the audience, showing a big smile, “All that practice with them was worth it.”
Owen frowned, “But I’m a bit worried.”
“Worried about what?”
“Of course, worried that Sethston will target Nie Chuan.”
“Huh? No way, right?”
“I’m not talking about fouling, but showing his strength in the shortest time to put psychological pressure on Nie Chuan, making him collapse.”
“…No way. Maybe the old Nie Chuan, but after facing so many strong teams in the finals, coming all this way… Nie Chuan can’t be that fragile.”
“Probably. Because I once wanted to do that to Nie Chuan, but I wasn’t ruthless enough.”
After hearing Owen’s words, Larvin also fell silent.
Then Owen laughed, “What are we worrying about? No matter what happens, Reese will protect Nie Chuan.”
“How will he protect him?” Larvin asked.
“By letting him know he’s stronger than Sethston, so he doesn’t need to be afraid, just keep growing.”
