Chapter 68: The Decisive Fourth Quarter! Tang Lei Grabs a Rebound Over Embiid

At halftime, the NBA spared no expense, bringing in the famous rapper J. Cole for an electrifying performance that energized the crowd. As the break ended, the intensity picked up for the second half.

In the third quarter, both teams continued with minimal defense. Tang Lei and other key players limited their minutes, conserving energy for the final quarter. With fast-paced play focused on threes and dunks, the score climbed rapidly. Thanks to Giannis and Embiid's aggressive scoring in the paint, the East held a nine-point lead by the end of the third quarter, 128–119.

Despite the East's lead, no one was too concerned. A nine-point gap in the All-Star Game meant little—a couple of threes could change everything. Now, with the fourth quarter underway, the real competition was about to begin.

The West took possession, with Paul George inbounding to Curry. Positioned as the center, Tang Lei stood near the basket, facing Embiid. Recognizing Tang Lei's smaller frame, Embiid seemed confident, a sly smile suggesting he intended to finally assert his dominance.

Curry made his move, quickly launching a three-pointer to close the gap. Unfortunately, it was slightly short, bouncing off the rim and rising above Tang Lei and Embiid. Seizing the opportunity, Embiid used his superior weight to muscle Tang Lei back, giving himself the prime position for the rebound.

Although Tang Lei couldn't match Embiid's strength, he took a different approach. Timing his leap precisely, Tang Lei rose first, stretching his arm to tip the ball. With just a finger on it, he altered its trajectory toward his side of the court.

Landing first, Tang Lei quickly leaped again, this time snatching the rebound firmly as Embiid was still grounded. Embiid, visibly frustrated, was poised to swat the ball out of Tang Lei's hands, but Tang Lei faked, drawing Embiid into the air before finishing with a powerful two-handed slam.

"Boom!" The arena shook as Tang Lei's dunk rattled the rim. The West had narrowed the gap to 128–121.

Embarrassed, Embiid wore a defeated expression, clearly bewildered at how he'd lost to Tang Lei on that play. The East quickly inbounded the ball, with Giannis wasting no time advancing downcourt.

Kemba Walker tried for a three but missed, and Tang Lei grabbed another solid rebound, passing it swiftly to LeBron. In a fast break, LeBron and Durant combined in a perfect alley-oop, with LeBron finishing emphatically to bring the score to 128–123.

Giannis responded immediately, slicing through the West's defense with his signature long strides, easily laying the ball in to restore the East's seven-point lead at 130–123.

Back on offense, Durant attempted a tough shot against Leonard but missed. On the ensuing transition, Walker sank a three, widening the lead further. Curry, trying to answer with a three of his own, missed again—marking his fourth straight miss after a hot first quarter.

The East capitalized on the opportunity, scoring again to extend their lead to twelve points, putting the West in a challenging position as the clock ticked down.

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