Kai Chen's offensive talent has been unleashed once again!
USA, Minnesota, Target Center!
As Kai sank another transition three-pointer, Kenny Smith, the American commentator at the sidelines, passionately exclaimed, "This young man is showing the world his strength!"
"He's not just a flash in the pan; he's creating his own miracle!"
O'Neal added, "If Coach K hadn't played Kai Chen in the last game against Oklahoma University, we would have missed out on a super shooting guard!"
The camera returned to the court!
Kai Chen's performance since the start of the game was undoubtedly beyond the expectations of Tom, the head coach of Michigan State University, who stood on the sidelines.
He never imagined that a random player could have such a hot hand for two consecutive games.
"Looks like we need to find a way to stop him quickly!"
Head Coach Tom glanced at the scoreboard while instructing his assistant coach to observe Kai Chen's technical characteristics more closely.
They needed to find a way to contain Kai Chen in the shortest possible time.
Michigan State University's possession!
Brooks dribbled the ball at the top of the arc, waiting for his teammates to run their routes.
On the wings, Jordan Poole and Duncan Robinson, two shooters, ran out simultaneously from both sides, using their teammates' screens.
Brooks' attention was on Duncan Robinson, evidently trusting him more than Jordan Poole.
Once Duncan Robinson got into position, Brooks immediately passed the ball straight to him.
The next moment, Robinson received the ball and, without even adjusting, shot a three-pointer!
"Swish!"
The basketball arced beautifully through the air.
And went in!
13:5!
Duncan's three-pointer helped the team break their scoring drought.
Coach K on the sidelines caught the players attention and gestured a "3" to his players.
"Number three!"
The team's starting point guard, Steve, immediately responded, shouting to his teammates on the court.
Duke University's offense!
Kai Chen and Grayson Allen settled into the frontcourt, stopping simultaneously at the top of the arc, waiting to set screens for Steve.
Inside, Bagley and Carter did not go deep into the paint but positioned themselves near the free-throw line.
After Kai Chen screened Brooks, Jordan Poole and Steve completed a switch.
The moment they switched, Kai Chen quickly split and rolled, while Bagley and Carter set a screen at the free-throw line, blocking the trailing defenders.
"Swish!"
Steve flicked his wrist, and the basketball grazed over Jordan Poole's hand, flying toward the basket.
Immediately after, Kai took two steps, leaped into the air, caught the ball steadily with both hands, and slammed it into the hoop.
"Boom!"
15:5!
"A perfect team play!"
At the commentary table, Kenny Smith spoke again. "Defending champions Duke University have once again presented us with a textbook-level tactical play."
"This is the charm of Coach K!"
Barkley echoed, "No matter how the players on the team change, Coach K's tactics remain perfect."
In his 42-year coaching career at Duke, Coach K has sent 68 stars to the NBA, led Duke University to five NCAA championships, and led the Dream Team to three Olympic gold medals.
He is also known as one of the best head coaches in American basketball history.
"Timeout!"
Seeing the score difference extend to double digits, Michigan State University head coach Tom called a timeout.
"Why!?"
"Jackson, tell me, how are you protecting the paint?" Tom said angrily on the bench. "And you, Poole, how are you defending Kai Chen?"
"Look how many points he's scored!"
After scolding his players, Head Coach Tom began to calm his emotions.
After all, in this winner-take-all game, if the players' morale couldn't be adjusted quickly, it would be fatal.
On the other side, Duke University's bench—
"Well done!"
Coach K continued to encourage his players. "Let's maintain this state for the rest of the game!"
"Don't think about how much we're leading by; think about the importance of tonight!"
"Come on, men, let's continue to beat them!!"
The players surrounding Coach K clapped and shouted, "Go, go, go!"
Soon, the timeout ended.
Both teams' players gradually returned to the court, and before sending his players back on, Coach K quietly instructed Kai Chen, "If you feel your condition is good, then continue to attack in your own way from now on!"
Kai Chen nodded, adjusted his uniform, and returned to the court.
Michigan State University's possession!
After Jordan Poole dribbled the ball into the frontcourt, facing Kai Chen's defense, he wasn't in a hurry to attack but first set a pick-and-roll with Duncan Robinson.
As the two players with the most accurate three-point shooting ability on the team, the effect of their pick-and-roll was far from a simple one plus one.
As long as Duncan Robinson popped out after the screen, Michigan State University would have two three-point options simultaneously.
No matter how Kai Chen defended, one of them was bound to get an open shot.
This was a specific tactic Head Coach Tom arranged during the timeout.
The next moment, as Kai Chen squeezed through the screen and prepared to rush toward Jordan Poole, the latter flicked his wrist and passed the ball back to Duncan Robinson.
"Swish!"
Duncan Robinson caught the ball and calmly knocked down the open three-pointer.
15:8!
"Well done!"
Head Coach Tom vigorously pumped his fist on the sidelines, looking excited.
As long as the team could maintain its offensive baseline, he believed they would catch up—or even take the lead—in no time.
He had extreme confidence in his team's defense!
Back on offense!
At the top of the arc, Kai Chen received a pass from Steve, still defended by Jordan Poole.
"Kai, do you think I'll let you beat me again?"
Poole's serious eyes were full of confidence.
Kai Chen smiled faintly, said nothing, and scanned the court.
After seeing Bagley seal off Jackson under the basket, he slowly advanced with the ball.
At the left high post, Kai Chen suddenly accelerated to the right. When Poole shifted his center of gravity to follow, Kai Chen stopped abruptly and crossed back to the left.
In an instant, Kai Chen blew past Poole.
"Fuck!"
Poole cursed from behind, twisting his body as he chased, both players rushing toward the basket.
"Stomp!"
Driving to the rim, Kai Chen absorbed Jackson's defensive pressure, avoided his long arms in midair, and finished with a reverse layup.
"Swish!"
"Beep!"
Poole, perhaps overcome by emotion, shoved Kai Chen hard from behind as the ball dropped through the net.
The referee's whistle blew.
2+1!