Jalen Hardell caught Amin's pass just beyond the arc. Ryan picked him up in single coverage.
Hardell settled into a textbook triple-threat stance, eyes locked on Ryan.
Ryan lowered his center of gravity, arms wide, and said, "Come on."
But Hardell didn't move. He froze—completely still, like someone had hit the pause button.
Seconds ticked by. Ryan finally couldn't help himself—he jabbed forward, trying to poke the ball loose.
Big mistake.
Hardell snaps to life. In a flash, he traps Ryan's arm, pinning it between his bicep and forearm, then hoists both hands skyward in what might be the ugliest shooting form in basketball history.
What the hell?
Ryan tugs to free his arm, but Hardell's grip is a vice. Then, still tangled, Hardell lofts the ball toward the hoop. It's a wild shot, and as it sails, he wheels toward the ref, already selling the foul, claiming Ryan yanked his arm.
The ref, hesitating for a beat, blew the whistle.
The shot missed—of course.
Three free throws.
