CHAPTER 31 — "Back Against the Wall"
Rockaway City vs Inwood City – Game 4 (Rockaway leads 2–1)
---
PAGE 1
Opening panel: Inwood City's locker room before the game. Silent. Tension so thick it's nearly visible.
REIGN WINTERS:
"This ain't how our story ends. Not tonight."
---
PAGE 2
The game tips off. Inwood City plays desperate, fast, and sharp. Their shooters are hot early. Two quick threes force Rockaway to call timeout.
COMMENTATOR:
"Inwood came out swinging! This isn't the same squad from Game 3."
---
PAGE 3
Rockaway regroups. Coach D keeps it calm.
COACH D:
"Breathe. They're throwing their best punch. Now let's return the favor."
---
PAGE 4
Tabar goes coast to coast for a poster dunk over Inwood's center. The crowd erupts. Bench players jump out of their seats.
TABAR (yelling):
"This is OUR HOUSE!"
---
PAGE 5
Picasso nails a corner 3 after slick ball movement from Soulo and Magic. Rockaway closes the half on a 12–2 run.
HALFTIME SCORE:
Rockaway 47 – Inwood 45
---
PAGE 6
Third quarter opens with a war in the paint. Quan and Mitch bully the boards, while Inwood's shooters struggle to create space.
COMMENTATOR:
"Inwood's spark is flickering. Rockaway's physicality is taking over."
---
PAGE 7
Soulo hits a tough layup in traffic, draws the foul, flexes on the floor. The gym roars.
SOULO (to the defender):
"Y'all not built for this."
---
PAGE 8
Final stretch. Inwood pulls within 5. Reign drives, but Tabar meets him midair — chase-down block. Momentum shattered.
TABAR:
"Not on my watch."
---
PAGE 9
Last minute: Teddy gets an offensive rebound, kicks out to Leo.
Bang. Three-pointer. Game. Series.
FINAL SCORE:
Rockaway 85 – Inwood 76
Rockaway wins series 3–1
---
PAGE 10
Wide panel: Rockaway huddles mid-court. The crowd chanting.
CROWD:
"BRING YA GAME! BRING YA GAME!"
The players look to the other end of the court where Channel City watches from the tunnel.
COMMENTATOR:
"It's official. The Finals are set—Rockaway City vs Channel City. Clash of titans."
---
NEXT — Chapter 32: "The Final Stage Begins"
Two cities. One trophy. Five games to crown a champion.