Score: 8–7, Ethan's lead.
From the sideline, Aiden muttered, "He's reading Lucas' steps… that's new."
Ryan nodded slowly, "Yeah… he's baiting him into over-committing."
Lucas caught the ball for the inbound, bouncing it twice before surging forward with explosive speed. His dribble was tight, the ball barely leaving his palm as he used a sudden hesitation step a stop so quick it almost looked like he froze in place. Ethan shifted forward to contest, but Lucas' foot jabbed forward, pushing off with a burst and leaving Ethan a half-step behind.
Layup. Easy finish.
Score: 8–8.
"Tch, too quick," Ethan muttered under his breath, jogging back.
"You'll need more than that spin of yours to stop me," Lucas said, a glint in his eye.
Ethan smirked. "Oh, don't worry… I've got more."
They went back and forth — Ethan hitting a long step-back jumper after faking a drive, Lucas retaliating with a powerful drive into a floater that banked off the glass.
