It's Clear That You Can't Afford to Lose!

The University of Massachusetts Basketball Hall is silent in the early morning, save for the rhythmic echoes of basketballs bouncing and sneakers squeaking. Lin Tianhui and Tracy McGrady stand at opposite ends of a relatively remote outdoor court, each preparing for the duel that will test their skills and resolve.

Lin Tianhui looks calm as he addresses McGrady, "It's not impossible to go heads-up, but I still think we should find a venue where there's no one around. That way, we can focus on the game without distractions."

McGrady nods, understanding the necessity of privacy for a true test of skills. "Alright. If he agrees, we'll battle tomorrow. If not, then I guess we'll just have to drop it."

Carter, eager for the showdown and supportive of McGrady, reassures him. "No problem. As long as we can have this one-on-one, the rest doesn't matter."

McGrady's initial reaction to the venue arrangement is not one of excitement but disappointment. To him, the decision to avoid a public setting suggests a lack of confidence from Lin Tianhui.

"That's clear," McGrady thinks. "Lin Tianhui is afraid of losing, and he's trying to shield himself from the potential embarrassment."

Unbeknownst to McGrady, Lin Tianhui's reasoning is more considerate. Lin Tianhui understands that a public defeat might damage McGrady's confidence and future prospects. His goal is not to destroy a rising star but to offer a challenging yet fair contest.

Early the next morning, both players arrive at the agreed-upon location—a secluded outdoor court. The sun is barely up, and the court is deserted, providing the perfect backdrop for their highly anticipated face-off.

"Hey man, hope we have a good confrontation today!" Lin Tianhui greets McGrady with a friendly tone.

"I'm going to blow you up!" McGrady retorts sharply, his demeanor making it clear that he's here to win.

The temperature between them drops noticeably. The competitive edge is palpable.

Watching from the sidelines, Marcus Camby comments to Vince Carter, "I like McGrady's attitude, but I'm not optimistic about his final outcome."

Carter, ever confident in his cousin, responds, "Maybe, but we're not here just for fun. This is serious."

With that, the game is set to begin.

"You come first!" Lin Tianhui gestures towards the three-point line with a calm authority.

McGrady, undeterred, steps up to take the first shot. With a swift, confident motion, he attempts a dry pull-up jumper—his signature move.

"Bang!"

The shot is clean but rushed, and it clangs off the rim. The ball rebounds into Lin Tianhui's possession.

Lin Tianhui, unfazed, begins his attack with a deliberate dribble. He opts for a conservative approach, aiming to maintain fairness and not overly intimidate McGrady.

"Bang!"

Instead of a quick shot, Lin Tianhui uses his speed and rhythm to his advantage. His dribbling is fluid, and his movements are rapid and precise.

"Bang bang!"

"Whoosh!"

Lin Tianhui's speed is a stark contrast to McGrady's previous attempt. Within a few quick dribbles, Lin Tianhui moves past McGrady and completes a smooth layup.

"Shh!"

The ball swishes through the net, marking the score 2:0.

McGrady, stunned by the rapid pace and the seamless execution of Lin Tianhui's play, feels a pang of frustration. He's trying hard to keep up but finds himself significantly outmatched.

Determined, McGrady takes the ball again, pushing himself to showcase his speed.

"Whoosh!"

He accelerates, trying to replicate his earlier success, but Lin Tianhui's defense is relentless.

"Snapped!"

Lin Tianhui's large hand clamps down on the basketball, effectively cutting off McGrady's offensive opportunity.

"Too slow!" Lin Tianhui comments dismissively, his words hitting McGrady hard.

McGrady's frustration grows. He's always been a dominant force in his games, but today he feels overpowered and outpaced. His confidence is rattled as Lin Tianhui's superior speed and defense become evident.

The next offensive play from Lin Tianhui is even more assertive. He uses his speed to charge towards the basket, opting for a powerful dunk rather than a layup.

"Boom!"

The dunk reverberates across the empty court, emphasizing Lin Tianhui's dominance.

Camby, observing the match, is relaxed and unsurprised by the outcome. "Maddie is still young," he says with a smile. "This contest is exactly what I expected. The two are clearly not on the same level."

Carter, although a bit disheartened, maintains hope. "This is just the beginning. I'm sure McGrady will adjust and come back stronger."

The duel, though one-sided so far, is just beginning. Both players' competitive spirits are high, and the outcome remains uncertain as the game progresses. Lin Tianhui's intention to offer a fair challenge and McGrady's determination to prove himself make this confrontation a significant moment for both.