November 11—the 2022 Singles' Day~~
The "Dragon Unleashed" returned to New York and rejoined the team right on schedule. That evening, he led the New York Knicks as they took on the Boston Celtics.
The final score of the showdown was 120–109.
The New York Knicks had, unfortunately, lost another home game.
Chen Xi played 44 minutes, shooting 18-for-26 from the field, 7-for-10 from three, and 15-for-15 from the free-throw line. He exploded for 58 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, but still couldn't stem the slide, ultimately swallowing a bitter defeat.
Against a team as strong as the Celtics—one of the Eastern Conference's top contenders, with a formidable defense—the Knicks' lack of talent across the roster was exposed once again.
As the game went on, they fell into the same old problems.
Aside from Chen Xi, no one else could step up and provide any offensive firepower.
Rose had an even rougher night. After playing just four minutes in the opening stretch and putting up 2 points and 1 assist, he injured his left ankle and had to leave the game. Sadly, he never returned that night.
Grant's performance was at least passable. He shot 5-for-13 and finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.
And that already made him Chen's most reliable teammate that night.
Aside from Chen and Grant, Hart had 5 points and 4 rebounds, Harten had 8 and 7, Drummond had 8 and 9, Ethan had 2 and 3, Toppin had 6 and 3...
Not one of them scored in double figures. Even more absurd was Evan Fournier, who came on for Rose.
He played 23 minutes, went 0-for-7, and put up a whopping 0 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, finishing with a staggering minus-17...
And this player was still earning