Chapter 38: The Unforgiving Clash - Chaos Unleashed on the Court

As the Sixers resumed their offense, Simmons smoothly passed the ball into the post to Embiid, who, unlike earlier, seemed more measured this time and quickly kicked the ball out to an open Harris. Harris, however, missed the three-pointer as the ball rimmed out. Looney, holding his ground, seized the rebound and quickly handed the ball to Curry, who brought it upcourt with a focused determination.

With both teams set, Curry surveyed the floor, his eyes scanning for any advantage. Tang Lei, meanwhile, was locked in a battle with Scott, who stuck to him like glue, his hand pressing into Tang's waist, looking to disrupt him any chance he got. Tang, unfazed, executed a sharp reverse cut, slipping free of Scott and sprinting toward the paint, which lay wide open as Looney had drawn Embiid outside.

Curry's pass soared high toward the rim, and Tang timed his jump perfectly, arms outstretched to slam it home. But just as he caught the ball mid-air, Scott charged in like a linebacker, delivering a jarring hit that sent Tang sprawling. He crashed to the court with a brutal thud, his right arm buckling beneath him as he landed. The arena fell silent, the crowd's breath collectively held, as fans, including Caroline and Tina, looked on in horror.

Referees blew their whistles urgently, recognizing the seriousness of the hit, but they couldn't reach the scene in time. Furious, Iguodala rushed over and shoved Scott back with a force that sent him reeling. Tempers flared, and both benches emptied as players converged, fists clenched, on the court. Officials, trying to restore order, wedged themselves between the heated players, barely managing to restrain Scott, who glared defiantly while hurling insults.

On the sidelines, Tang twisted his right arm, his face contorted in pain. The Warriors' medical team arrived quickly, assessing his condition as they gently moved him onto a stretcher, preparing to escort him off the floor. Tension lingered in the air, and when the arena's screen focused on Scott, a wave of boos swept through the crowd. Scott, far from remorseful, muttered with a defiant smirk, as if he were the one wronged.

Fighting to maintain his composure, Curry called his teammates together, leading them in a prayer for Tang Lei's safety. Caroline, seated in the stands, covered her mouth, tears pooling in her eyes. She had seen too many promising careers derailed by injuries, most painfully those of Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, who had inspired her growing up. Watching Tang be taken off the court was nearly unbearable.

"Hold on, Caroline," Tina said softly, leaning over to offer a comforting hug. "He's strong—he'll get through this."

Meanwhile, the Tencent live chat was ablaze with outrage, and even the normally composed commentators struggled to contain their anger.

"That was a blatant, dangerous foul! Scott had no intention of playing the ball—he was going straight for Tang," Huang Meng stated, his voice filled with indignation.

Yang Qun, just as outraged, added, "Scott deserves the harshest punishment for this."

Comments poured in with fans barely able to control their emotions:

"Scott's garbage! That hit was meant to end Tang's career!"

"If the league lets this go, I'm done with the NBA for good!"

"He doesn't belong on the court—throw him in jail!"

"Finger Crossed For Tang Lei"

Messages of support and concern surged through the chat as fans united in their hope for Tang's swift recovery, rallying behind him with a collective fervor that left no question of their loyalty and fury at what they'd just witnessed.