The break between quarters soon ended, and the game moved into the second quarter.
With Paul George and Devin Booker leading their respective units through the transition period, it was once again the Knicks who extended their advantage.
It had to be said that the lineup of George, Rose, Ethan, Horford, and Adams really could hold its own against some teams' starters.
Especially on nights when PG was shooting well, the Knicks' offensive firepower during the transition period was truly formidable.
Even without Chen on the floor, a defense built around George, Ethan, and Horford remained solid and could still put considerable pressure on their opponents.
With the Knicks excelling at both ends during this stretch, it was only natural for them to gain an advantage over a Suns unit whose defense had improved slightly, but whose offensive efficiency had also declined somewhat.
A little later, with 6:19 on the clock in the second quarter, both teams took advantage of a dead ball to adjust their lineups again.
The score had reached 58–49.
The Knicks had stretched their lead to nine points.
What followed was another stretch that would influence the course of the game.
The unit led by Chen Xi faced a Phoenix lineup featuring three starters.
The Knicks now had Hart, Strus, Chen Xi, Toppin, and Drummond on the floor.
The Suns countered with Haliburton, Moody, Jae Crowder, Markkanen, and Ayton.
The outcome of this matchup between the two lineups could very well determine how tonight's game ultimately unfolded.
If Chen Xi widened the gap further while leading the team as its lone star, as he had against the Timberwolves, then victory would most likely slip further and further out of Phoenix's reach.
Conversely, if the Suns seized this opportunity and made the most of the Knicks'