Contents
24. Ryan
Overview
Ryan balances media pressure and care for recovering Indy, earning Ron’s surprising approval and hearing early MVP buzz. On court, the Devils dominate and Ryan appears unstoppable, but a dangerous undercut on a dunk causes a severe knee injury. The setback threatens his season and deepens his guilt over their "fake" relationship.
Summary
Ryan navigates a reporter-heavy game day while noting Indy has recovered from a 24-hour bug. He worries about her tendency to neglect herself but is relieved she’s well enough to travel. In the tunnel, GM Ron praises Ryan for prioritizing Indy, calling her family and pushing Ryan to confront how real their arrangement has become.
Ron mentions Caroline wants Indy to join them at an upcoming Phoenix game and reveals early MVP chatter focused solely on Ryan, reinforcing the team’s playoff hopes. Ryan absorbs the validation but feels queasy that their ruse helped shape this perception, questioning whether he’s been using Indy.
During the game, Chicago surges to a big lead. Ryan orchestrates the offense, hits a three, and posts another triple-double pace, anticipating fourth-quarter rest. Teammates Ethan and Dom contribute to a transition opportunity that Ryan finishes with a controlled dunk to seal momentum.
As Ryan descends from the rim, Memphis’s point guard barrels under him, sweeping his legs. Ryan twists midair and lands awkwardly on his right foot, pain exploding through his knee. He collapses, clutching the joint as the team doctor sprints over. In that instant, Ryan realizes the injury could derail his season and everything he’s been building.
Who Appears
- Ryan ShayDevils captain and narrator; cares for sick Indy, earns Ron’s praise and MVP buzz, then suffers a serious right-knee injury.
- RonGM who calls Indy family, invites her to a Phoenix game, and tells Ryan he’s the MVP frontrunner.
- IndyRecovering from a 24-hour bug; packing for travel; her care prompts Ryan to miss practice and reassess their ruse.
- EthanTeammate who celebrates Ryan’s triple-double pace and triggers the transition leading to Ryan’s dunk.
- DomTeammate providing key defense and deflection that starts the fast break before the injury.
- Memphis point guardOpponent who undercuts Ryan beneath the basket, causing the knee injury.
- CoachPrepared to rest Ryan in the fourth before the injury occurs.
- Team doctorRushes onto the court to assess Ryan’s injured right knee.
- LeonBackup point guard expected to take over late in the game before the injury.
- CarolineRon’s partner; wants to attend the Phoenix game and include Indy.