Meanwhile, the shot clock hung over the Clippers players like a lethal poison, constantly reminding them of the time running out.
Li Chen wasn't arrogant. He knew that with the OK Combination double-teaming him, his chances of scoring were practically zero.
Although Li Chen had system skills to back him up, he'd gradually realized that while skills could improve his abilities, defenders' Defensive Ability could weaken their effects.
So skills weren't all-powerful—except, of course, for that "Miracle Shot."
That was why Li Chen chose to pass to Elton Brand, who was down near the baseline.
After catching the ball, Brand glanced at the clock. Four seconds left—enough time. He made a small adjustment, then pushed off the floor.
But just then, Elton Brand furrowed his brow, his expression turning uneasy.
With the shot clock about to expire, he released the ball.
But Brand missed. The ball struck the rim and bounced away.
Kobe, O'Neal, and Li Chen all sprang into the air, reaching for the falling ball.
None of them grabbed it on the first jump, but their fingertips sent it a little higher.
Li Chen and Kobe leaped again. Because of his weight, O'Neal's explosiveness was far below theirs.
With his skill boosting his rebounding, Li Chen had the edge over Kobe, and he managed to grab the rebound.
Kobe knew Li Chen all too well. He'd already prepared for the possibility that he wouldn't win the rebound, so the moment he landed, he went for the ball in Li Chen's arms.
Of course, Li Chen wasn't about to let Kobe get away with it. He successfully dodged the steal attempt.
But Li Chen had forgotten that Kobe wasn't fighting alone.
Right then, O'Neal swung his huge hand, smacking the ball out of Li Chen's grasp with speed and