So even though Chen Xi continued to dominate in the second quarter, playing 11 minutes and putting up 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, he had only managed to narrow the gap between the teams by a little.
When the first half officially ended and the teams headed into the break, the score stood at 76–69, a seven-point difference.
By then, Chen Xi's personal stats had reached 34 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Scoring 30-plus in a half while also dishing out seven assists was an outstanding performance—one that could even be called miraculous.
But even with him playing so well, his team still couldn't hide its struggles.
That was because the Nets were playing just as well.
Durant had 17 points in the first half, George had 15, and Harden had 11.
The Big Three had combined for 43 points, firmly overshadowing Chen Xi's individual performance.
At the same time, the Nets' role players hadn't let the team down, either.
Prince, Claxton, Shorter, Aldridge, and even Aldama, who was finally beginning to show a little of his potential in his second year as a pro.
Each of them had contributed the performance expected of him.
Against a Nets team like this, the Knicks' chances really were slim.
Before long, the second half began.
The New York side brought out its classic four-forward lineup, preparing to make a desperate push early.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, followed its usual rotation, putting its starting five on the floor...
The Knicks had possession for the first play of the second half.
Chen Xi stood out of bounds along the baseline and inbounded the ball to Grant, then jogged upcourt and took it back.
At the top of the key, facing Paul George's defense, he launched another solo attack.
He