Maple scent lingered in Toronto's arena, where China faced host Canada. When 6'9" Carter nailed a 360 dunk during warm-ups, the crowd's roar nearly lifted the roof.
"That guy has a 40-inch vertical," a teammate muttered. "Coach says you're guarding him."
Lin Mo's gaze locked on Carter's calves—muscles coiled like taut bowstrings. The system pinged: [Carter's weakness: Relies on explosiveness; fatigues after repeated jumps. Strategy: Slow the pace].
Carter, a cheetah on court, slammed 3 dunks for 12 first-quarter points. Landing, he shouldered Lin Mo: "Asians belong in ping-pong."
Lin Mo stayed silent, steadying his breath. When Carter charged the hoop again, Lin Mo planted himself outside the restricted area instead of jumping—Carter couldn't stop, crashing into him. Whistle: offensive foul.
"You did that on purpose!" Carter fumed.
Lin Mo patted his jersey, watching Carter stalk to the bench. For the rest of the game, he stuck to Carter like glue, no jumps, no grabs—just shadowing his lower body. By the third quarter, Carter was gasping, his dunks losing their sting.
In the final minute, Lin Mo even stole the ball from Carter, assisting a teammate's game-sealing three.
China won 83-79. Lin Mo's stats weren't flashy: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals. But no one missed Carter's shooting plummet to 30% by game's end.
In the post-game scrum, a reporter asked Carter: "Thoughts on the Chinese defender?"
Carter tugged his jersey. "He's… annoying."
Lin Mo's system vibrated:
[Compatibility: 8.5%. Unlocked "LeBron's Physical Tenacity"]
[Global Rank: 50,342 → 48,119]