Back on the court, Chen Xi could tell right away that he had barely recovered any of his energy. His legs still felt heavy.
Now he was experiencing all over again what it meant for his legs to feel like they were filled with lead...
There was nothing he could do. That brief rest had only given him enough time to catch his breath.
And this was when the real difference between players began to show.
The only thing keeping Chen Xi going now was his willpower.
The referee blew the whistle, and the Fourth Quarter Game officially began.
The Nets inbounded from the backcourt to Shorter, who had come off the bench.
Shorter dribbled upcourt and initiated the offense at the top of the key.
After Aldama set a Pick-and-Roll Screen, Shorter quickly took off, drove into the paint, drew the defense, then transferred the ball to T.J. Warren in the corner.
Warren caught the ball and sold a feint, then accelerated into the mid-range area, stopped abruptly, rose up, and took a jumper.
It was a move he was fairly good at, but the shot didn't go in.
Dang!!
The ball bounced off the rim.
Josh Hart grabbed the rebound.
Hart then dribbled across half court and held the ball at the left wing.
After waiting a few seconds, Chen Xi hurried up from the wing, used Gallinari's screen to get to the right wing, then caught the ball, turned, and faced James Johnson.
He squared up in a Triple Threat stance, took a Jab Step, then rose up for a deep three-point attempt.
Dang!!
Unfortunately, the three he took over Johnson's contest missed too.
The ball caromed off the rim and fell into Aldama's hands.
The Nets pushed the ball the other way again.
Shorter dribbled