The ball hung at its apex after the opening tip, and for a suspended moment, everything was quiet. Then chaos.
Robert Williams tapped it to Smart, who immediately pushed pace. Kyle sprinted the right sideline, his first playoff possession alive with electricity. The crowd noise hit him in waves—not the usual regular-season murmur, but something deeper, more visceral.
**First Quarter - 11:32 remaining**
Trae Young checked Kyle with a forearm as they crossed half-court. The contact was light, testing. Kyle answered by cutting off his driving lane, forcing Young to retreat dribble.
"Got all day, rook," Young smirked, sizing him up at the logo.
Kyle said nothing. Kept his stance wide, hands active.
Young went for the stepback three. Kyle's closeout was textbook—high hand, no foul. The shot clanged long.
**9:15 remaining**
