"Up by 7… it's still manageable for now. Thanks to Shidou's last ultra-long three-pointer." Nash looked at Shidou Ryusei.
"Shidou, you really had guts taking that shot," Allen said, still shocked.
"Even though we're leading, something feels off about Tylon. He hasn't been involved much on offense. You could even say he has no presence on the court, but something's wrong," Shidou said, watching Tylon in the Backboard Breakers' rest area.
Nash thought for a moment. "Jason, you and Allen switch defensive assignments."
"Shidou, you'll focus mainly on offense in the second quarter. I expect Tylon to show his real strength then. Jason, your job is to contain Tylon. The offensive burden is on you."
Shidou nodded.
Nash knew that if Jason couldn't stop Tylon, the key to the game would fall to Shidou.
The break ended quickly, and both teams returned to the court.
Backboard Breakers' Jason dribbled across half-court and went straight at Nash. The rhythm of the ball in his hands kept changing, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
Nash narrowed his eyes. Jason's hand speed suddenly increased so much that the ball became a blur, but Nash stepped back instantly and blocked his path.
Jason kept dribbling, his face serious. Even increasing his speed couldn't fool Nash.
He sighed. The "electronic" rhythm had failed. Jazz and reggae wouldn't work either. Only "classical" remained, but that had to wait for a critical moment.
He passed instead, lobbing the ball into the paint.
Tylon caught it and smashed a two-handed dunk.
17–12.
Jason Cibor stared at Tylon, pupils shrinking. That move was completely different from before.
Even with Jason jumping to block, Tylon had dunked over him. It was a warning.
After scoring, the Backboard Breakers retreated into perfect defensive formation, disciplined like a professional team.
Allen inbounded to Nash. Nash dribbled behind his back, watching Tylon carefully.
Suddenly, the ball vanished from Nash's hands.
In the paint, Jason Cibor had already jumped to dunk, but Tylon swatted the ball away.
Shidou grabbed the rebound. Aiden rotated quickly. Shidou faked left, then burst right like lightning.
"This guy is even faster than before," Aiden thought.
But just as Shidou prepared to shoot, a huge shadow covered him—Tylon.
Despite his size, Tylon had rotated incredibly fast, sealing off Shidou's angles.
Shidou lowered his dribble almost to the floor, forcing Tylon to drop his stance. Then he exploded forward, switching hands and slipping past him.
Cheers erupted.
But Tylon recovered in two long strides and jumped with him.
Nash's eyes widened. Tylon's power was even greater than Jason's.
Time seemed to slow.
Shidou felt the block coming. He twisted his body in mid-air, gliding sideways, switching hands, and dunking with his left hand while almost losing balance.
Bang.
Silence… then thunderous cheers.
Shidou staggered after landing but laughed. "See that, big guy? Basketball isn't just about size."
Tylon looked at him seriously. "Nice play, kid. But the game's just starting."
Jason Cibor ruffled Shidou's hair. "You're unbelievable."
"Just the basics," Shidou grinned.
Backboard Breakers attacked again. Jason passed to Aiden on the wing.
Aiden dribbled slowly, eyes locked on Shidou. "That shot of mine earlier was interesting, huh?"
"Show me something new," Shidou said, smiling.
Aiden did an in-and-out. Shidou stayed glued to him.
Aiden hesitated, crossed over, changed pace—but Shidou blocked every move.
Cold sweat formed on Aiden's forehead.
"Since I can't beat you head-on… I'll use something special."
He sped up his dribble. The ball spun strangely with every bounce. Suddenly he pulled back half a step.
A flash of light in his eyes.
He flicked the ball straight through Shidou's legs.
Before Shidou could react, the spinning ball hit the floor, bounced at a strange angle toward the backboard—
Swish.
Silence filled the arena, then shocked cheers erupted.
"What kind of shot was that?"
Aiden smiled lightly. "'Ghost hand' isn't just a nickname."
Shidou looked down, then up, grinning wide.
"Interesting… This game just got even more fun."