Chapter Three: The Embers Ignite

“Chen, you aren’t too slow. You tell everyone when you’re going fast. Han, don’t jump. Draw them into the places you can see. Su—” “I know,” she said, rising. “Shoot until they shut up.” On the next break, Chen hit the brakes. Two defenders flew past him. He sent the ball back to the foul line. Han caught it, ignored the basket, and flicked a pass through three bodies into the left corner. Su shot. Swish. Lin shadowed Black Tiger’s guard on the following possession. Chen stole the ball but refused to rush. He waited for Han, swept past the big man, drew the opposing center, and bounced the ball back. Han caught it alone beneath the rim. He froze.