Longyu Dragons vs. Shizi Dogs (1)

The scoreboard glowed, displaying the numbers in favor of the Longyu Dragons: 25-16. The gap wasn't impossible to close, but the Dragons were clearly in control.

As the players retreated to their benches, the crowd buzzed with conversation.

"Nine points isn't bad, actually," someone said. "The Shizi Dogs are keeping up."

"Yeah, but Calvin's not in his element yet," another person pointed out.

"He is doing his best," a fan defended.

"He's not," came the retort, laced with certainty. "That's why the Shizi Dogs are still able to keep up with them." 

Meanwhile, in front of the bench, Kai stretched out his legs, his eyes focused. Coach Muchen gave a nod, and Kai stood, pulling off his warmup jacket. Jet patted him on the back. 

"Show them, dog," he teased, causing Kai to shake his head. 

As the next five players stepped onto the court, something shifted among the audience. Whispers started spreading.