The starting lineup for the Iron City Roarers hit the court: Ryan, Lin, Malik, Kamara, and Gibson.
Ryan quickly checked his system overlay:
[WESTBROOK SYNC RATE: 84.2%]
Despite two grueling hours of daily gym workouts, progress felt like a slog, the numbers creeping forward at a snail's pace. He shook it off, focusing on the task ahead.
The clock ticked to 9:30 PM, and the jump ball soared into the air.
Malik leaped with authority, tipping the ball to Ryan with a crisp flick.
Ryan gathered it, dribbling with purpose, his eyes locking onto Amin Thomas, the Starships' guard.
The easy grin from their pregame hug was gone, replaced by a steely focus—Amin's reputation for ferocious defense was no joke, and Ryan had no intention of slugging it out all night.
Lin curled off the wing, and Ryan handed the ball off smoothly, the exchange effortless between them.
One quick crossover from Lin sent the defending Hardell stumbling, and Lin slipped past him with ease.
