The stage was set, and after a brief warm-up, the starting five of both teams were introduced to the roaring crowd of 23,000.
"Ugh!"
The noise was deafening as the championship battle was about to commence.
"Snapped!"
In the jump ball, Marcus Camby, who had previously won every tip-off since the Round of 64, found himself outmatched for the first time. The University of Kentucky gained the first possession.
Point guard Daniel Greenton quickly advanced the ball. As he crossed half-court, he passed it to Antoine Walker.
Walker was known for his exceptional offensive skills. If not for some lapses in defense, he would have been a higher draft pick.
"Bang!"
Walker, taking possession, eyed Lin Tianhui as he began his drive. Lin had prepared meticulously, analyzing Walker's style.
Instead of forcing the action, Lin chose a strategic approach: fake a shot and pass.
Walker, receiving the pass, found an open power forward who made a smooth mid-range jumper to put Kentucky on the board.
"Walker's court vision is remarkable. He's always in control, making smart plays. His role has been crucial for Kentucky's success, and he's showing why he's a top prospect."
"Indeed. Walker's performance has been pivotal. Lin Tianhui may be his toughest opponent yet, but Walker is handling it with skill."
The commentators praised Walker's initial move, but Lin Tianhui and Marcus Camby were prepared for a tough game.
With the ball back in Massachusetts' hands, Collins advanced it and immediately passed to Lin Tianhui.
In the University of Massachusetts' new offensive strategy, Lin had become the primary focus, shifting from Camby.
"Bang!"
Lin took the ball and signaled his teammates to clear out. Facing Walker, Lin wasn't about to hold back. He intended to exploit Walker's slower defense.
"Bang!"
Lin lowered his center of gravity, gathered his strength, and surged towards the basket.
"Whoosh!"
It wasn't about complex moves; it was a pure race of speed.
Walker was left behind, an afterimage of Lin Tianhui was all that remained in his view.
"Boom!"
By the time Walker managed to turn and attempt a defense, Lin had already executed a powerful dunk.
"Call!"
Walker rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Lin's burst of speed was almost supernatural.
"Oh my God, that speed! Is he even human?"
"Lin's response was stunning. He outpaced Walker completely. This speed advantage could be the game-changer. Kentucky's defense has a serious problem now!"
The commentator's astonishment was evident as Lin Tianhui's performance seemed almost otherworldly.
Walker's heart pounded as he realized Lin's speed was beyond anything he had encountered.
Determined not to let Lin's brilliance overshadow him, Walker focused on maximizing his offensive opportunities.
Instead of challenging Lin head-on, Walker used pick-and-roll plays to avoid direct matchups.
"Snapped!"
In a post-up against the smaller Collins, Walker felt confident. But just as he prepared for his move, another blur appeared.
In an instant, Lin had stolen the ball from Walker's hands.
The photographer struggled to keep up with the action, only managing to capture Lin's triumphant dunk and fast break.
"What just happened?"
The photographer could hardly believe it. Lin had not only stolen the ball but also completed a fast break in mere seconds.
"This speed is unreal... The camera couldn't even keep up with him!"
Lin Tianhui's speed was so exceptional that even professional equipment struggled to capture his movements. The game was turning into a showcase of Lin's extraordinary capabilities, and it was clear that the University of Massachusetts had an edge.
As the game continued, it became evident that Lin Tianhui was not just a star; he was a phenomenon.