The Skills Challenge erupted with music and strobing lights. Four stations awaited: Beyond Dribble Labyrinth, Laser Pass Grid, Quick Shot Carousel, and Final Finish(Layup or Slam).
Scoring was key this year, not speed—a change the emcee credited to Christian Powell, the ABA's 39-year-old veteran point guard.
Last year, Powell—also a Skills Challenge participant—exploited a loophole in the rules during the shooting round, carelessly tossing the ball to the floor in pursuit of speed, which earned him boos and a disqualification.
The emcee grinned at him now. "Powell, new rules this year because of you—points, not time."
Powell, all easy confidence, shrugged. "Guess I'll play for real tonight."
Powell's team took the court first.
Ryan leaned in slightly, eyes on the court. "Watch how they do it. It's simple."
Chloe smirked, not missing a beat. "Sure—simple for you."
