With Chen Xi and Rose working together in perfect sync, they connected on yet another fast break.
The gap between the teams widened to 16 points once again.
Possession returned to the Bucks.
On the sideline, Buden shouted for Lillard to handle the ball and for them to take as many three-pointers as possible.
That was perhaps the only solution they had left.
There were only six and a half minutes remaining.
A 16-point deficit clearly wasn't something they could overcome by grinding out two points at a time.
All they could do now was increase their three-point volume and efficiency while staying focused on defense.
They had to do everything they could to the best of their ability, and reach for that hope that was steadily slipping away.
Lillard brought the ball upcourt again and initiated a pick-and-roll at the top of the key.
This time, he didn't look to work with Giannis.
He used the screen to drive, drew the defense, then immediately passed to Allen on the wing.
Allen caught the ball and rose for a three-point shot.
The ball bounced off the rim and missed.
Giannis and Hartenstein wrestled for position under the basket, leaving the other big man still on the floor with a golden opportunity.
Portis grabbed the precious offensive rebound, then immediately leapt up again and scored a layup while Giannis kept Hartenstein boxed out.
Two points. The deficit was down to 14!
The Knicks went on offense.
Rose dribbled over half court to the top of the key, then passed directly to Chen Xi.
Chen Xi dribbled toward the left sideline, drew a double-team, then passed to Ethan, who was relatively open.
Tari Eason caught the ball and took a three-point shot.
Unfortunately, it missed.
Allen collected the defensive rebound and passed