A Neck-and-Neck Start

In the matchup between James and Chen Xi, James should have had the mismatch advantage.

After all, there was a clear difference in their physical stats: 2.06 meters versus 1.98 meters, 113 kilograms versus 97 kilograms.

After Chen had muscled through two straight possessions, he decisively chose to step back on the third, using a chair-pull defense to disrupt James's footwork.

But Old Zhang seemed to have anticipated it.

As Chen Xi stepped back, James immediately controlled his body with his powerful core, then turned and took a step inside. He accelerated, leaped, glided through the air for a moment, and finished the opening possession with a layup.

At first glance, it almost looked like Chen Xi had willingly given James a lane to drive through.

2–0. The Lakers struck first.

Then Little Jordan stepped out of bounds to inbound the ball.

Chen Xi received it in the backcourt and brought it up himself.

The strategy was still the same.

This time, the Lakers chose to get set, then sent James up top to defend Chen Xi one-on-one as he brought the ball forward in transition.

And Chen was more than happy to face a one-on-one defense.

Without a double-team, Chen didn't care who was guarding him. Whoever came, he'd take them on!

Dribbling to the top of the key, Chen Xi faced James's defense and dribbled between his legs twice to find his rhythm, then began his attack.

First came his signature between-the-legs crossover, followed by a sudden crossover step. He burst forward, triggering the [First Step Master] badge boost, then immediately took another step and pulled the ball back behind his back to his original spot. Next, he stepped back for a Bait Buddha, then hit the ball hard a second time and drove.

As he shifted Old