The 2012 Global Games

2012 - Paris, France

It was the semi-finals of the 2012 Global Games, and the Chinese basketball team stood on the brink of history. They weren't fighting for gold or silver—those dreams had already slipped away. 

But pride was still on the line, and for a team that had been the butt of countless jokes, a bronze medal was as good as redemption.

Marcus Han, just 23 years old, sat on the bench. As the second-youngest player on the roster, he had been more of a reserve than a key player during the tournament. 

But that didn't mean he wasn't fully invested. 

His eyes were glued to the court, his fingers tapping nervously against his knee as he watched his teammates. 

The Russian team was ahead, leading by seven points as the fourth quarter began. It wasn't a humongous gap, but it still felt like a mountain. 

The Russians were giants, their towering physiques and aggressive playstyle making every attempt at offense a war of attrition.