Matchup Against the Mavericks

Chen Xi lightly pushed the ball upward with his palm. It followed the force of his touch, climbing toward the arena's domed ceiling while its momentum carried it forward. Only when that momentum ran out did it obediently drop, landing cleanly through the hoop.

The silver [Lob Shot Master] badge activated reliably.

The boost it gave his accuracy let Chen Xi raise the arc without restraint. Even a top-tier long-armed player like Gobert could only watch the ball in frustration, unable to interfere.

"Whoa! What an incredible arc! Chris's floater has a magic to it that's every bit as impressive as Doncic's. His outrageous touch was on full display on that possession."

"Every time Chris and Luka go head-to-head, it's so exciting. I just love watching these young talents compete."

"I don't think anyone dislikes watching them. Come to think of it, Chris always seems to bring out Luka's competitive streak."

"Challenging the best player in the League—that's what most young players love to do."

"Uh, well, Chris only entered the League two years before Luka. He's not even twenty-six yet..."

"That doesn't contradict anything. Doncic is only twenty-three, after all."

The game continued as usual.

Possession returned to the Mavericks.

Doncic brought the ball up and started another attack at the top of the key.

Once again, he looked for a pick and roll, then tried to call out the Thunder's big man.

The Thunder again had Davis step up to contain him.

A single three-pointer clearly wasn't enough to change Oklahoma's defensive strategy.

So Doncic once again isolated Davis at the top of the key.

He dribbled between his legs, crossed over in front of his body, then stepped back with a Bait Buddha move. When he couldn't quite get Davis off balance, Doncic suddenly drove hard