Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 648: China vs. USA (10)

The start of the third quarter made the crowd sit up straighter. The U.S. team stepped onto the court without Julian, and Kai smirked.

He saw the cocky player watching the game with a heated glare, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

Just as the referee blew the whistle, Steven and Romeo exchanged a look.

"You shouldn't," Romeo murmured under his breath. His eyes warned the older player, but Steven merely shook his head.

Steven smirked, glancing at the Chinese team. "We can handle them. Even without Julian."

"But to what expense?" Romeo asked.

Steven shrugged, appearing carefree despite what he was about to do.

Romeo sighed, but he didn't push further. "Stay safe, captain," was all he had to say.

He knew Steven's body wasn't what it used to be. At 38, Steven Murr was a legend, one of the best to ever play, but time had a way of humbling even the brightest stars.

Most basketball players retired in their early thirties, their bodies worn down by years of games, training, and injuries.

Steven had outlasted many of his peers, but he was highly aware of his limits.

He stretched his shoulders, feeling the familiar ache in his joints. His body screamed at him to rest, but his mind refused to yield.

"Twenty minutes," he muttered to himself. "Just twenty more minutes."

It wasn't much time in the grand scheme of things, but Steven knew that was all he needed. He could give his all for twenty minutes, and then he could rest.

Kai stood on the other side of the court, his gaze locked on Steven. He recognized the man's stature. Facing Steven Murr was an honor, but Kai wasn't one to back down.

As the referee blew the whistle to signal the start of the quarter, Steven immediately took charge. He caught the inbound pass and surveyed the court, his sharp eyes scanning for weaknesses.

Kai stepped up to guard him, his stance low.

The first clash was fast.

Steven feigned left. His footwork was impressive for a man his age. Then, he spun on his pivot foot, changing direction.

Kai's reflexes were sharp, and he recovered quickly, managing to stay in front of Steven. The crowd erupted into cheers, sensing the brewing duel between the seasoned veteran and the rising star.

Steven smirked. "Not bad, kid."

Kai didn't respond and just smiled.

"It is a dream for many to even watch stars like Steven Murr," Lina muttered. "Now, Kai is even playing against him."

Steven dribbled, showing off his experience and skill. He drove toward the basket, but Kai's quick hands swiped at the ball, knocking it loose.

For a brief moment, the ball was free, and both players lunged for it. Kai got there first, scooping it up and sprinting toward the other end of the court.

Steven chased him down, his legs moving faster than they had in years.

Kai approached the three-point line, slowing his pace slightly for his next move. Steven was right on his heels, and Kai knew he had to act fast.

He faked a shot, causing Steven to shift his weight. It was subtle, but it gave Kai just enough space to make his move. He drove to the left, aiming for a mid-range jumper.

Steven recovered instantly, his instincts honed by decades of experience. He anticipated Kai's movement and closed the gap, his long arms swiping at the ball.

Kai adjusted mid-air, pulling the ball back slightly to avoid Steven's reach, but the veteran wasn't done yet. He pivoted on one foot and swung his arm upward, tipping the ball just enough to disrupt the shot.

The ball bounced off of the rim, and Steven grabbed the rebound.

Kai cursed under his breath but quickly shifted into defensive mode.

The back-and-forth continued for several possessions, each exchange more intense than the last.

43-50.

A seven-point gap this time, with both teams not scoring as much as before.

Steven's experience allowed him to predict Kai's movements, while Kai's youth and agility kept him a step ahead.

At one point, Steven managed to steal the ball with a quick swipe. However, Kai snatched it back moments later.

The crowd was on their feet, and they thought that no matter the result, this was a game worth watching.

Finally, the defining moment arrived. Steven had possession. Kai shadowed him, his eyes never leaving the ball.

Steven feigned right and then crossed over to his left. Kai mirrored his movements without any fail.

Steven smirked, impressed by the teenager's tenacity. He drove toward the basket, his powerful strides cutting through the defense.

Kai stayed with him, his quick hands swiping at the ball but coming up empty. Steven pulled up for a jumper, with Kai challenging the shot.

The ball bounced off the rim, and Kai grabbed the rebound.

Now, it was Kai's turn. He sprinted down the court, his mind racing as he analyzed the defense.

Steven was already in position.

Kai slowed his pace as he approached the three-point line.

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Steven stepped up, cutting off Kai's angle to the basket.

Kai didn't hesitate. He shifted his weight and drove to the right, his speed catching Steven off guard.

But Steven planted his feet and jumped to block Kai's shot.

Kai adjusted mid-air, pulling back slightly to avoid Steven's reach. The ball sailed toward the hoop.

The crowd held their breath as the ball swished through the net.

45-50.

Steven smirked while Kai smiled faintly, his chest rising and falling with each heavy breath.

"We need that three-point gap before the quarter ends," Kai muttered, staring at the timer and the scoreboard.

Their scores had barely moved, but there was only a minute left in the quarter. They were all tired, with most players panting. Even Romeo was showing signs of tiredness.

"It feels like I've been holding my breath for the past ten minutes," David said, letting out a deep breath.

"Both teams have scored only single digits for this quarter," Gina added. "Nobody is letting up."

Kai sprinted down the court, his eyes fixed on the basket. Steven was right behind him, his legs burning with every step.

Kai slowed his pace as he approached the paint. Steven knew what was coming. He planted his feet and jumped, his arms outstretched to block the shot.

Kai's eyes widened as he saw Steven rise to meet him.

"Sorry, kid," Steven said.

The ball slipped from Kai's fingers, its path disrupted by Steven's outstretched hand.

"This is your first chance," Steven continued as he landed. "This is my last."