Overall, the score remained within a range both teams could accept.
So the turning point that would truly shape the game still lay in the second half.
Four and a half minutes into the Third Quarter, after a timeout, Thibodeau finally brought out his trump card for the season once again.
The squad of forwards led by Chen Xi.
They came into the game.
After the timeout, the Knicks were the first to launch an attack.
Chen Xi received Grant's inbound pass in the backcourt, turned, and brought the ball across half court himself, arriving at the top of the key to face Jaden's defense again.
He took one dribble and stopped, then handed the ball off to Grant as he circled around on the wing. He moved with the play, settled into the low post, and called for the ball with his back to the basket.
After receiving Grant's lob, Chen began his post-up.
He held the ball in both hands, leaned back slightly, and watched the defense shift as he rolled his shoulders. Then he slammed the ball down, reset his feet, and spun toward the baseline, flowing into a fadeaway jumper.
Swish~~
The ball swished through the net.
Another steady two points.
After that basket, Chen was on track to finish the night with at least 30 points once again.
The Timberwolves took possession next.
Alexander Walker, who had come off the bench, brought the ball across half court, then found Reid at the top of the key to run a pick-and-roll. After one dribble, he went straight for a three-point shot.
Dang!
The ball bounced off the rim.
Walker had gone two-for-four from beyond the arc tonight, a respectable rate, but unfortunately, he missed his fifth attempt.
Ethan secured the defensive rebound, and possession returned to