Hartenstein stepped up for the on-ball screen, and Chen Xi used it to drive.
He accelerated with a spin move to the right side of the free-throw line, gathered the ball, and faked a shot to draw the double-team before passing to Toppin in the right corner.
Toppin caught the ball and didn't hesitate, rising straight into a three-point shot.
Swish~~
The ball swished through the net!
3–2.
Obi Toppin hadn't let Chen Xi down. He sank the Knicks' first shot of the game, giving them an early three points and briefly taking the lead as the team's Scoring Champion.
As it happened, the Knicks' role players had been inconsistent for most of this series.
Rose had been in and out with injuries, Hart had never been much of an outside shooter, and Ethan and Grant had both been up and down.
It was the Slam Dunk Contest champion, Toppin, who had shot at an exceptionally high percentage and become the most reliable three-point shooter by Chen Xi's side.
The Bucks took possession for the next play.
Lillard dribbled across half court to the logo, then went straight into a high pick-and-roll. Using Brook Lopez's screen, he drove toward the three-point line, followed with an early change of direction, and accelerated again, getting past Toppin and continuing into the lane.
He took two strides. When Toppin caught back up, Lillard stopped abruptly and spun, then passed back to Lopez, who was ready and waiting.
Brook Lopez caught the ball at the top of the key, then shot a three over Hart's closeout after the switch.
That was a shot he could make.
Unfortunately, the ball hit the front of the rim, bounced up, and came down into Chen Xi's arms.
No good!
The Knicks quickly pushed the counterattack.
Chen