Finally, just as Zhu Xingda stepped inside the three-point line and prepared to drive into the paint, Sendoh Akira caught up with an explosive burst of speed. He planted himself directly in Zhu Xingda's path, assuming a tight defensive stance.
Zhu Xingda did not slow down. He maintained his charging posture, but his gaze shifted slightly toward Sendoh, who had overtaken him from the side and cut him off.
There was not a trace of panic in his eyes. Instead, he looked assessing, as though rapidly sizing up the weaknesses in Sendoh's defense and searching for an opening.
Just as Sendoh Akira and Zhu Xingda were about to face off, with everyone expecting a one-on-one battle, Zhu Xingda made an unexpected move. He slammed on the brakes, his feet leaving two brief skid marks on the floor, then quickly stepped backward, retreating beyond the three-point line in an instant.
Before Sento could adjust his defensive position, Zhu Xingda raised the ball, bent his elbows slightly, and fixed his gaze on Linglan's basket. He assumed a textbook shooting stance, looking ready to launch a three-pointer at any moment.
Sento's heart tightened at the sight. He immediately stepped forward, quickly adjusting his feet to position himself directly in front of Zhu Xingda.
He raised both arms high, his palms nearly touching Zhu Xingda's shooting hand as he tried to seal off the shot completely.
He knew just how dangerous Zhu Xingda was from three-point range. He could not afford to give him an easy shot.
What happened next, however, was completely beyond Sendoh's expectations.
Just as Zhu Xingda was about to extend his arms and release the ball, he suddenly turned his wrist inward. The ball that had been aimed at the basket changed direction in an instant, flying toward the right