Dallas, American Airlines Center!
"The clash between the European King and the Asian Pride has finally arrived!"
Smith, at the commentary desk, was particularly excited. "It's been a long time since I've seen Kai Chen actively step up to defend the opponent's core player!"
Barkley, beside him, nodded. "The last time Kai defended an opponent's core player was during the Clippers and Lakers city derby!"
"Kai's performance in that game was impressive!"
Kai had previously defended LeBron James, but in most other games, he usually appeared in a help-defense role.
Now, Kai Chen rarely lowered his center of gravity, actively defending Luka Dončić!
"Luka!"
"Luka!"
"Luka!"
Mavericks fans throughout the arena stood up!
Luka Dončić's performance after coming on in the latter half of the second quarter reminded people of Dirk Nowitzki.
"Thump, thump, thump!"
Luka Dončić, dribbling the ball, gradually approached Kai, who was defending him.
"Before this, I had imagined countless times about a one-on-one scenario with you."
Luka Dončić glanced at the shot clock. "Now is the moment to verify that process!"
As he finished speaking, Luka accelerated with the ball, intending to use his height and physique advantage to overpower Kai Chen and break through.
"Bang!"
But the moment their bodies made contact, he abandoned that idea.
"What?"
Feeling the power in Kai Chen's body, Luka couldn't help but feel confused. He hadn't expected the seemingly slender Kai to unleash such strength.
"Luka might find it very difficult to break through Kai Chen one-on-one!"
"Kai Chen's defensive ability has always been underestimated. His excellent judgment makes Luka very uncomfortable!"
At the commentary desk, Smith and Barkley highly praised Kai Chen's defense.
On the court, seeing that a breakthrough was hopeless, Luka changed his offensive strategy.
After continuous between-the-legs dribbles and fakes, he tried to find a loophole in Kai Chen's defense.
Kai didn't bite, standing perfectly still.
With the shot clock dwindling, Luka muscled his way past Kai into the three-point line, gathered the ball, faked a shoulder turn with his back to the basket, then turned around for a fadeaway one-legged jump shot!!
"Swat!"
The next moment, Kai Chen leaped up and blocked Luka's shot in mid-air.
The basketball landed squarely in Beverley's hands.
"Give me the ball!"
Beverley had just gained control and was about to initiate a fast break when he heard Kai Chen's voice.
He passed the ball, like any good teamate would.
Kai Chen received it but did not rush. Only after both teams were set did he slowly advance to the frontcourt.
"Did you guess this outcome?"
As Kai Chen dribbled forward, he teased Luka. "I think you probably expected to be blocked by me."
"Now it's my turn to attack!"
"Haha, you truly live up to your reputation." Luka clapped his hands and smiled. "Come on, Kai!!"
The other players, seeing the exchange, actively created space.
At the top of the arc, Luka immediately closed in.
Kai pushed him back slightly, then, with a front-cross, accelerated and blew past him on the left.
His speed was blistering. Luka was left behind in an instant as Kai drove straight to the restricted area.
Inside, Jordan stepped up to help, blocking the path.
"Lopez!"
Kai suddenly shouted toward Lopez under the basket and flung the ball that way. Jordan immediately recovered.
When he got back to Lopez, he realized it was a fake.
Kai Chen had already retrieved the ball, stepped into the paint, and soared!
"Boom!"
A fake pass and a real drive. Kai Chen faked out Jordan and slammed it down with both hands!
"Oh~~~"
Kai Chen's deception shocked the fans in the American Airlines Center, drawing a collective gasp.
"DeAndre has written his bank card password all over his face!!!!"
O'Neal laughed. "If Luka's fakes are deceptive, then Kai Chen's fakes are criminal!!"
"He always makes you believe his next move, and before you know it, you're already trapped!"
On the court, Kai Chen shrugged at Luka as he retreated on defense, as if to say, "It's so easy!!"
Luka was helpless, and Jordan even more so!
The atmosphere gradually relaxed, mainly because the Mavericks' defense loosened after Kai Chen entered.
Back on defense, Kai again actively guarded Luka, disrupting the Mavericks' offense.
Luka had flashes of brilliance, but ultimately, he couldn't reverse the slide.
Finally, the game ended with the Clippers leading throughout!
They defeated the Mavericks 114-98 at the American Airlines Center.
With the win, the Clippers secured their ninth consecutive victory, remaining undefeated for the season!
"Today, Luka Dončić and Kai Chen presented us with a youth storm!"
After the game, Smith gave his final summary. "Although the suspense disappeared early, Luka showed tenacious will in the latter half of the second quarter!"
"Under his leadership, the Mavericks launched a counterattack, giving fans brief hope."
"Unfortunately, they still couldn't defeat the Clippers, who have Kai!"
"But this is the path young players must take!"
"Believe me, in a few years, the Mavericks and the Clippers will meet at the top of the West!"
"And Luka Dončić and Kai Chen may become true rivals, just like Magic and Bird!"
After the game, players embraced.
"Kai, congratulations!"
Luka found Kai Chen immediately and sincerely offered his congratulations.
Today, Luka once again delivered a career-defining performance.
His line of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists marked his second career triple-double. Luka gave his all and lost with honor.
However, what truly made Luka accept defeat was Kai Chen.
Throughout the game, Kai Chen played 36 minutes and scored 44 points on an excellent shooting percentage.
"Thank you!"
Kai Chen smiled, nodding as he patted Luka's shoulder. "This is just a regular-season game. We'll have many more chances to meet!"
"Of course, that's exactly what I wanted to say!"
Luka inwardly marveled that Kai Chen, despite victory, remained as humble as ever.
This formed a stark contrast with Deandre Ayton.
Luka gave Kai Chen a very high evaluation.
After saying goodbye to Luka and finishing interviews, Kai Chen walked toward the tunnel but was suddenly called out.
He thought it was a fan asking for an autograph, but when he turned around, he saw…
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