Swish!
A crisp swish of the net echoed through Oracle Arena, as Stephen Curry sank a super-long three-pointer over Lonzo Ball.
After scoring, Curry performed his signature celebration, pointing one finger to the sky.
This was his 40th point of the game!
With a few minutes remaining, the Golden State Warriors, playing at home, led the Los Angeles Lakers 108-94, making victory a certainty.
Currently, the Warriors held an 8-1 record, ranking second in the Western Conference.
Their record was excellent, yet their ranking left them dissatisfied.
After all, with five superstars in their prime, being suppressed by a team led by a rookie felt unreasonable.
"I wonder if Portland can defeat the Clippers!"
The camera shifted to Portland, Moda Center!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Kai Chen held the ball at the arc, running down the clock with Evan Turner defending him.
Only three minutes remained.
Fans in Rip City stood, holding their breath.
The score was 98-98!
After a brutal stretch of back-to-back games, the Clippers were visibly fatigued, struggling against the well-rested Portland Trail Blazers.
Led by their backcourt duo, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, Portland controlled the tempo from the start.
Because of this, the Clippers faced their toughest challenge of the season, completely suppressed throughout the first half.
Meanwhile, Kai was out of rhythm early, cold from outside, shooting just 5 of 15.
Fortunately, he adjusted in time, repeatedly attacking the interior, drawing fouls, and converting 8 of 8 free throws for 18 points.
Aside from Kai Chen, only Carmelo scored in double digits.
The Clippers improved in the second half. Brook Lopez repeatedly scored over Jusuf Nurkić, while Kai Chen and Carmelo rediscovered their shooting touch, trimming the deficit.
It wasn't until four minutes remaining that Kai Chen hit a mid-range jumper off Lopez's screen, tying the game.
"Phew!"
Kai Chen exhaled, glanced at the dwindling shot clock, and made his move.
After a jab step, Turner was faked half a step off balance. Kai Chen seized the opening, exploding left.
"Double team!"
From the wing, OG Anunoby abandoned Jeff Green and rushed to help.
But Lopez's positioning blocked the angle.
Kai Chen rose for a mid-range jumper.
Swish!
Like a blade slicing through the air, the shot delivered a fatal blow!
"This is the Clippers' first lead of the game!"
In a live stream, NBA Insider let out a long breath.
"At critical moments, you still rely on Kai Chen. Without him, this team collapses!"
Just as NBA Insider prepared to continue, comments flooded the stream with news of the Warriors' victory.
Seeing this, NBA Insider frowned.
"The Warriors won? That complicates things. If the Clippers lose, they drop to second in the West."
"Sigh… Sometimes you have to admire Durant's eye for choosing teammates."
On the court, Portland attacked again.
Lillard brought the ball up and fed Nurkić at the high post.
From there, Portland's offense unfolded with machine-like precision.
After a dizzying sequence, Lillard emerged beyond the left arc and fired.
Swish!
It went in!
100-101, Portland reclaimed the lead!
"Damian Lillard is taking over again."
On the sidelines, Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers narrowed his eyes.
"We're in danger now."
"Don't we still have Kai?"
"He's never failed us."
The assistant coach beside him finished speaking, then turned his head to look at Doc Rivers, who nodded.
Kai Chen had never faltered in critical moments.
If the Clippers wanted to steal this game, Kai Chen's next sequence would be decisive.
Possession switched.
Kai Chen inbounded to Beverley, who advanced deliberately.
Just past half court, Kai suddenly accelerated, shaking free from Turner.
He received the pass in stride.
As Nurkić stepped up, Kai Chen spun smoothly past him and drove into the paint.
Facing an open lane, he hammered down a one-handed dunk!
102-101!
Back on the other end!
Turner attacked the paint but was smothered by Kai Chen.
With no space, he kicked it out to McCollum, who quickly fed Nurkić under the rim.
Nurkić went up.
Jeff Green rotated instantly, contesting the shot.
Bang!
The ball rattled off the rim.
Anunoby soared above Lopez, snatching the rebound and kicking it out to Lillard.
Damian Lillard received the ball, adjusted slightly, and took a wide-open three-pointer!
Swish!
The basketball arced beautifully through the air, then swished through the net!
102:104!
Portland once again took the lead!
"Rip City!"
"Rip City!"
"Rip City!"
The fans in Moda Center also stood up, shouting the chant unique to Portland!
"My Time!"
Damian Lillard, having scored, then performed his signature move, tapping his wrist towards the Clippers' bench nearby.
"Brook Lopez, get off the court now!"
On the live stream, NBA Insider was furious: "A two-meter-something big man can't even secure a rebound, what good are you for?! You're absolutely useless!"
"And Damian Lillard is already arrogantly checking his watch, oh my god, this useless guy makes me so angry!"
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