Shoyo has possession of the ball.
It's the same familiar pick-and-roll.
Fujima, using a screen, appears to be about to pass the Takano to Takano. Shohoku's attention is drawn to the outside.
Fujima cleverly passed the ball to Hanagata Toru Hanagata.
Hanagata receives the ball, faces Akagi's help defense, and once again displays a soft touch, scoring with a small hook shot.
26:16.
The point difference is back to 10 points.
Shoyo's combination of blindfolding and team tactics seems to have stabilized their position.
Shohoku launches an attack.
Kawamoto dribbled the ball past half-court, his gaze sweeping across the entire field.
Mitsui was constantly followed by Hasegawa, while Sakuragi was restless and anxious under Takano's care.
Without hesitation, he flicked his wrist and passed the ball like an arrow to Kaede Rukawa, who had made a run into open space.
Kaede Rukawa received the ball on the wing, Mitsuru Nagano immediately pounced, also opening his large hand to try and block his eyes.
Kaede Rukawa remained expressionless, not even a flicker of emotion in his eyes.
The moment Nagano lunged at him, he executed a skillful crossover dribble while simultaneously stepping back to create space.
Not only did he avoid Nagano's clumsy blindfolded hand, but he also created ample shooting space for himself.
Jump and release.
The mid-range shot went in.
28:16.
Nagano was somewhat discouraged.
Blindfolding is far less effective against Kaede Rukawa, who possesses exceptional escape skills.
Shoyo's offense saw them patiently passing the ball around, attempting to find Hanagata in the paint again.
But this time, the intention to pass the ball was too obvious.
Taku Ito's cross pass to Takano was a little slow, and was keenly spotted by Kawamoto Kazuki had been waiting for an opportunity.
With a long reach, he intercepted the ball in mid-air!
Steal!
Kaede Rukawa already understood and sprinted with all his might.
Kawamoto didn't pause, delivering a long pass that spanned the entire field.
After receiving the ball, there was no open space in front of him, Kaede Rukawa easily made a layup.
30:16.
Shoyo's attack was thwarted, but Fujima remained calm.
He regained his composure and launched another attack.
After several passes, the ball was once again attempted to be lobbed to the low-positioned Hanagata.
However, just as Hanagata received the ball and turned to shoot, Kaede Rukawa suddenly appeared from behind him.
Precisely insert your hand into the gap of the Hanagata ball and flick it upwards!
"Smack!"
Steal!
Kaede Rukawa received the ball, and without holding onto it for a second, turned and delivered a cannonball-like through ball.
The ball flew straight towards Kawamoto Kazuki, near the center line.
He caught Kaede Rukawa's pass and unleashed his full speed.
The Shoyo defenders only saw a blur as Kawamoto had already cut inside the free-throw line.
Holding the ball with one arm, he soars into the sky like a roc spreading its wings.
The ultimate in violent aesthetics.
A tomahawk dunk!
"Boom--!!!"
32:16.
The point difference has reached 16 points!
The Shohoku bench erupted in cheers.
After being repeatedly intercepted and caught off guard by fast breaks, Shoyo's morale visibly plummeted.
It's Shoyo's turn to attack.
This attack failed, Akagi secured the rebound.
The game transitions from offense to defense; Shohoku launches an attack.
Kawamoto had just dribbled past half-court when Kazushi Hasegawa replaced Fujima and immediately switched to defend him.
His eyes were icy cold as he stared intently at Kawamoto.
"Hey, number 15 from Shohoku."
Hasegawa spoke, his voice loud and brimming with a kind of obsessive confidence. "You can shoot threes, right? Those shots you made were pretty good. But, that's all."
He said firmly, "From now on, I'll stick by your side every step of the way. Pass the ball, fast break, whatever. But don't even think about scoring in front of me..."
As he spoke, he suddenly attacked.
Kawamoto was affected by his words and, without paying attention, the ball was poked to the sideline by Hasegawa.
Shohoku still had possession of the ball.
Hasegawa's confidence soared after intercepting the ball.
He spoke again.
"See that? That's my defense!"
"From now on, I will limit your scores to below 5 points."
After he finished speaking, Kawamoto didn't react, but the other members of Shohoku were all stunned for a moment.
His expression immediately turned extremely strange.
Hisashi Mitsui almost laughed in exasperation, "Has this guy... gone mad?"
He himself is a top shooter, and he knows all too well how terrifying top scorers can be.
How can we limit a monster like Kawamoto to scoring below 5 points?
I wouldn't even dare to do that in my wildest dreams.
Hanamichi Sakuragi had a look on his face that said, "Did I hear that right?"
You can't possibly limit my genius Sakuragi to only 5 points.
My brother Kawamoto?
Forget it.
Takenori Akagi frowned, wondering if Shoyo's defensive expert had lost his mind due to the pressure.
Kawamoto's decision not to focus on offense was clearly aimed at energizing the entire team and taking care of the emotions of teammates who were having a bad day.
Even Kaede Rukawa, who is usually expressionless, showed a rare look of horror at this moment.
The way he looked at Hasegawa was as if he were looking at a reckless madman.
Limit Kawamoto's score to under 5 points?
Who do you think you are?
Is it a super defensive team composed of Akagi, Uozumi, Shinichi Maki, Sendoh, and Ikegami?
Even if all five of them joined forces, they probably couldn't do it.
Kaede Rukawa sneered inwardly.
He didn't know what others thought, but Kaede Rukawa was the first to not believe it.
Instead of serving directly, he unusually took the initiative to speak.
His voice was clear and cold, yet carried an undeniable seriousness as he addressed Kawamoto:
" Kawamoto- kun."
The Shohoku team fell silent for a moment.
Did Kaede Rukawa call for help first?
And you even used such a friendly tone?
Please don't consider giving us possession of the ball.
Kaede Rukawa stared at Kawamoto, his eyes sharp. "Beat him up in your own way."
This is definitely the longest sentence Kaede Rukawa has said to Kawamoto in months.
His words revealed his absolute trust in his teammates' abilities.
Takenori Akagi also realized what was happening, and a surge of excitement rushed to his head.
He clenched his fist and shouted in a booming voice, " Kawamoto! Did you hear me? Don't pass the ball to me!"
He pounded his chest. "Go ahead and shoot! Leave the rebounds to me!"
"That's right! Brother Kawamoto!" Hanamichi Sakuragi jumped up, pointing at Hasegawa and shouting, "Let's show this broom-headed guy what he's made of! I'll help the Gorilla grab rebounds too, so Shoyo won't get a single touch on the board!"
Hisashi Mitsui wiped the sweat from his brow and shouted at Kawamoto, "Hey, Kawamoto! Show that arrogant guy what a real three-pointer is!"
The entire Shohoku team was thoroughly enraged by Hasegawa's almost arrogant provocation.
They were united in their hatred of the enemy and placed all their trust and support on Kawamoto without reservation.
Kawamoto Kazuki listened quietly to his teammates, his face remaining expressionless.
He glanced at Kazushi Hasegawa, whose eyes were stubborn, and then swept his gaze over the eager, trusting, and even angry looks of his teammates around him.
Teammates' requests must be met.
We must repay our opponents' expectations tenfold.
He slowly raised his right hand, pointing it at Hasegawa, and held up five fingers.
"5 points?"
Kawamoto's voice was calm and even, yet it clearly resonated throughout every corner of the stadium.
He paused, his gaze like a cold blade piercing Hasegawa.
"From now on, as long as you don't leave the field..."
I'll get at least 50 points over you.
It's not about effort or striving, it's about knowing how.
The tone was calm, but the content was extremely arrogant.
The entire stadium fell silent instantly.
The next second, a deafening roar and whistles erupted from Shohoku bench.
Miyagi roared, " Kawamoto, buddy, Ryota's not going in! Take down Shoyo!"
Kogure, Yasuda, and the others also roared.
Kakuta still didn't open his eyes, and he swung his fist fiercely.
It's as if it's saying, "Carry the Emperor's will, go!"
The faces of the Shoyo team members were ashen.
Kazushi Hasegawa's pupils suddenly contracted.
Kaede Rukawa prepares to serve; Shohoku's new offensive is about to begin.