"That wasn't a foul?!"
But the only response to Rose was the utterly unyielding back of the baseline referee as he ran toward the frontcourt.
In the frontcourt, the Philadelphia 76ers launched a fast break.
Maxey dribbled all the way to the three-point line, where Chen Xi's defense slowed him down.
He reduced his speed as he dribbled, then, after a between-the-legs crossover, suddenly used a push dribble change of direction to accelerate again and drive past Chen Xi, hoping to beat him with a change of pace and speed.
Little Horse's sudden burst of speed was indeed fast enough. After two steps, he had gotten past Chen Xi by a full body length.
He then charged into the paint without slowing down. After taking two steps, he leaped for a layup, trying to finish.
But!
Young as he was, he was still young!
He did not even attempt a contorting change-handed layup to evade the defense. He had still underestimated Chen a little too much.
Or perhaps he truly had absolute confidence in his own speed.
Confidence was a good thing for a young player, but only if he could still recognize the strength of his opponent.
After being beaten, Chen Xi had followed Maxey all the way from behind and was fully prepared. The instant Maxey jumped, Chen Xi used the boost from the [Chasing Master] badge to overtake him and swat the ball directly against the backboard.
It was another classic chase-down block.
After striking the backboard, the basketball immediately bounced back with tremendous force, then fell into the hands of Ingles, who had retreated.
Ingles caught the ball and turned. After spotting an opportunity, he immediately whipped out a long pass.
In the 76ers' backcourt, Rose had just gotten up and had only taken two steps