Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 647: China vs. USA (9)

As the half-time started, people took the opportunity to digest everything that had happened in the first half.

In the exclusive area reserved for coaches and special guests, whispers filled the air.

Ethan Henderson, the American team's former coach and also a former L.A. Lions legend known as "Ender," leaned forward in his seat. His eyes never left Kai.

"Sixteen," he muttered under his breath. "He's just sixteen."

Around him, other coaches scribbled furiously in their notebooks, analyzing Kai's every move from the first half. A rising star was unfolding before their eyes.

The players who played with them before also couldn't believe it.

"No wonder we were beaten," one said.

"But, he didn't play like this before, no?" another chimed.

"He's insane. If they win, he's going to get the MVP title, making him the youngest one to take it."

Team China huddled together on their bench.

Max leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and a wide grin on his face. "Alright, spill it," he said, turning to Kai. "What happened to you out there?"

Kai wiped his face with a towel, letting out a short laugh. "What do you mean?"

"You were unstoppable," Zheng chimed in, leaning back. "It's like you unlocked some hidden potential."

Max clasped his hands in front of his chest dramatically. "Was my inspirational talk during your slump that significant? Did I ignite something in you? I'm so helpful, aren't I?"

Kai shook his head, chuckling. "Sure…whatever," he said, making Max beam.

Then, he set the towel aside, his expression turning more serious. "I guess it made me realize that I've been holding myself back. I was afraid of failing and falling short."

From all the expectations and the burden of having a system.

"But I don't have to be," Kai added. "I need to trust my basics and play like I've never played before.

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The bench nodded in agreement.

"Play like I've never played before," Jimmy muttered, taking note of it. He had a notebook filled with inspirational quotes that he planned on saying to younger players, and most of them were filled with Kai's statements. He kept it to himself, of course. He can't let Kai know about it!

However, just then, Kai's expression changed. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint crease appeared on his forehead.

"What's wrong now?" Marcus asked, noticing the subtle change.

"Hm?" Kai looked up, feigning ignorance.

Marcus wasn't buying it. "There's a look on your face. You're worried about something."

Kai pursed his lips and leaned back. "It's nothing," he said, though his tone was uncertain.

"Come on," Marcus pressed.

Kai sighed, glancing toward the U.S. team's bench. "I just have a feeling," he admitted. "This next half… it's going to be harder than anything we've faced so far."

Across the court, the mood on the U.S. bench was tense.

Steven sat with his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on Julian, who was slouched in his seat, seething in anger.

"You should listen," Steven said, making the already silent bench even more silent.

"Why should I?" Julian shot back, his voice dripping with defiance.

Steven raised an eyebrow. "Because you're letting your pride ruin the game. You're not playing for the team; you're playing for yourself. That attitude is why we're only up by five."

Julian scoffed, sitting up straighter. "Our team, the New York Nobles, won the championships in the FBA recently," he said pointedly. "You just came second. I don't think you can dictate me to that extent."

Steven didn't react. Instead, he smirked, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Exactly. Your team. Not you. Don't act like you carried them. You've still got a long way to go, Barker."

Julian's fists clenched. "You need me," he said through gritted teeth.

Steven leaned closer. "No, we don't."

Julian's bravado faltered for a moment.

Steven could see the crack in his armor, but it didn't soften him. At first, Steven had cared a lot about Julian.

He'd gone out of his way to mentor him, even tolerating his arrogance because his best friend, Jonathan, had asked him to.

Steven even thought he was just troubled because of their broken family. However, that wasn't an excuse to act like an asshole. His patience was gone now.

"Coach," Steven said, turning to Corey Smith, the recently retired player of the New York Nobles.

Corey looked up with a blank expression. "Barker," he said simply.

Julian's head snapped toward him, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"You're benched," Corey said. "For the rest of the game."

"What?" Julian stood up, his voice rising. "You can't just bench me!"

"Sinclair," Ethan called, ignoring Julian's outburst. "You're in."

Sinclair stood up from the bench, pulling off his warm-up shirt with a determined nod.

Julian, meanwhile, stood frozen, his face showing fury. His gaze darted between Steven and Corey, searching for an ounce of pity or support, but found none.

Corey's voice was calm but firm. "Sit down, Barker. You're done."

Then, he glanced toward Team China's bench, his eyes zeroing in on Kai.

What was this? He has never been benched by their coach before because they knew he was an important part of the team! But again, this kid put him to shame!

His fists clenched at his sides.

Back on the Shizi Dogs' bench, Kai caught the exchange across the court. He couldn't hear the words, but the body language told him everything he needed to know.

"Something's changed," Marcus muttered, noticing it too.

Kai nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Yeah. They're making adjustments."

Max clapped his hands. "Good. Let them. We'll adjust right back."

The five-minute break was nearing its end. The players began to rise, their focus sharpening as they prepared for the second half.

Team China huddled one last time, their voices low but determined.

"This is our game," Marcus said firmly.

Kai nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Let's finish what we started."

And as they broke the huddle and stepped back onto the court, the crowd roared, ready for the battle to continue.