Marcus drains a last-second flurry—nine points in 15 seconds and the game-winner—Riverside erupts and the team clinches a playoff spot. The game triggers his system: reward Phantom Steal and a new mission—score at least five field goals against the same defender in a high-intensity matchup to earn Apex Spring. Marcus's hand is healing and the coach plans to play him, so he hopes to win a starting spot. Teammates praise him and announce a first-round match with Southland, while a critic calls his shots lucky. The episode ends with Marcus facing the system's demand as the Southland series looms.