The Legend Coach: Slam Dunk

Nakamura dribbled the ball to the front court, but Otsu's tight defense made it difficult for him to advance. Forced to pass, he dished the ball to Ikeda. However, Ikeda struggled against Watanabe's close defense. With the shot clock winding down, Ikeda took a contested shot, which missed. Oshima grabbed the rebound but failed to secure the ball, allowing Hainan's guards to steal it. Hainan launched a fast break, and Otsu finished with a layup, tying the score.

Shoyo inbounded the ball, and this time Nakamura managed to break through Otsu's defense, hitting a smooth jump shot to regain the lead.

Hainan's next possession saw Otsu drive past Hosokawa and attack the basket. Despite Sugiyama's defensive presence, Otsu fearlessly took the shot. Sugiyama jumped to block it, but the referee's whistle blew—a defensive foul! Otsu stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots, putting Hainan back in the lead. The Hainan fans erupted in cheers. Otsu's performance in the second half showcased his value as Hainan's ace player.

The second half became a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to pull away. Both sides tightened their defenses, but Hainan's faster pace began to wear on Shoyo. Nakamura, not a natural point guard, struggled to control the tempo, and Shoyo's play became increasingly rushed.

As the game slowly fell under Hainan's control, Coach Takato stood on the sidelines, waving a paper fan and smirking. "Kudo-kun, you're still a bit inexperienced," he thought. "Like your teacher, Takaoka, you lack the tactical foresight to handle a game like this. Still, you're better than Takaoka—but not as good as me. Ha! Ha! Ha!!!"

With 10 minutes left, Sugiyama committed an offensive foul, his third of the game. The score stood at 70:68 in Hainan's favor, and Shoyo's players were visibly fatigued.

Kudo called a timeout. During the break, he looked at his exhausted team, feeling a pang of guilt. He had fallen into Takato's trap, and now Shoyo was on the back foot.

"I owe you all an apology," Kudo said. "I was too slow to realize Hainan's strategy, and now we're in a tough spot."

Nakamura took responsibility: "Coach, it's my fault. I'm not experienced enough."

"We can't keep playing like this, or Hainan will wear us down. We need to make adjustments," Kudo declared. "Nakamura, you'll rest for now. Oshima, you too. Saionji and Kakuta, you're up. Saionji, slow the pace down. Play steady and don't panic. We need to tighten our defense."

Kudo then turned to Sugiyama: "Shota, you have three fouls. Be careful not to pick up more. Hainan is targeting you in the paint, trying to draw fouls. Stay disciplined."

Sugiyama nodded. "I understand. I'll be careful."

"Hosokawa, increase your pressure on Otsu. Don't be afraid of fouls—just avoid intentional ones."

"Yes!"

Hainan's Timeout

"Shoyo called a timeout, so they've probably realized what's happening. But it doesn't matter. Keep pushing," Takato told his players. "Victory will be ours!"

"Yes!!!"

"Otsu, how's your stamina?"

"I'm holding up, Coach," Otsu replied, though his sweat-drenched face told a different story.

Takato knew Otsu was exhausted, but Hainan's success hinged on his leadership. Without him, Shoyo might seize the momentum. Takato trusted his training regimen, confident Otsu could endure.

The Final Stretch

The timeout ended, and both teams returned to the court. Takato immediately recognized Kudo's strategy.

"Kudo-kun, are you trying to save your energy for the final minutes?" Takato thought. "But aren't you worried the gap will become insurmountable?"

Kudo, however, had his own plan. "My current lineup isn't far behind our starters defensively, and with Shota still in the game, our offense remains strong. Otsu has been carrying Hainan for 30 minutes, facing constant pressure from Hosokawa and Nakamura. Even he can't last forever."

The game entered a stalemate. Hainan managed to extend their lead to 6 points, but Shoyo consistently closed the gap to 4. Neither team could break away, and the score hovered between a 4- and 6-point difference.

"Damn it, why can't we catch up?!" Nakamura muttered. "Those last 4 points feel impossible!"

"These guys are relentless," Otsu admitted. "We can't shake them off!"

With less than 3 minutes remaining, the score stood at 86:82 in Hainan's favor. The stadium fell into an eerie silence as the final moments approached.

Kudo called Shoyo's last timeout. The decisive moment had arrived.

Final Timeout

Kudo addressed his team: "Alright, everyone. The game has reached its most critical point. This isn't about skill anymore—it's a battle of wills. Show your fighting spirit. The match won't be decided until the very end. For the next two minutes, unleash everything you've got. This is a test of your mental strength. The team with the strongest desire to win will come out on top!"

"YES!!!"

Kudo made his final substitutions, replacing Kakuta and Hosokawa with Sugiyama and Ikeda. He knew only aggressive offense could secure the win now.

Hainan's Final Push

Meanwhile, Takato gave his final pep talk to Hainan: "Listen up. Over the years, many teams have challenged us. But you've defeated them all because of your fighting spirit. People call us the kings of Kanagawa, but you've never been satisfied. You've always strived for more. That's why you're the Hainan team of today. Shoyo, with Nakamura, Sugiyama, and their strong supporting cast, is the toughest opponent we've faced. This game is evenly matched!"

"Only the team that hungers for victory will win in the end!" Takato concluded. "In these final moments, you must give everything. Attack relentlessly. Move forward, not backward!"

"Yes!!!"