Barnes caught the ball and threw a pump fake, getting Strus, who had switched onto him, off his feet. Then he put the ball on the floor, drove into the paint, and took a Euro Step straight at Adams. After twisting clear, he finished with a lay-in from close range.
Another two points.
The Black Falcon from North Carolina had certainly played far above his price tag tonight. Whatever else happened, plenty of Knicks fans would remember him vividly after this game...
Possession changed hands again, returning to the Knicks.
Hart received the inbound pass in the backcourt, turned, and dribbled across midcourt before finding Chen Xi.
Chen Xi came up from the wing to receive the ball near the logo, then turned to initiate a high Pick-and-Roll with Adams.
He used the screen to drive toward the three-point line, drew a double-team, and passed to Adams.
Adams caught it without pausing, immediately turned and took one dribble, then handed the ball off to Murray.
Murray moved along the three-point line toward the weak side with the ball, then passed on the move to Strus as he curled out.
Strus caught it and rose straight into a Three-Point Shot.
Clang!!
The ball bounced off the rim. Another miss.
On their first possession of the fourth quarter, the Knicks still seemed unable to rediscover their touch from outside.
But!
Josh Hart came through yet again.
He leaped out of the crowd and grabbed an offensive rebound, keeping possession alive for his team.
After landing, he turned and quickly dribbled back out to the perimeter, then passed to Chen Xi as the Knicks reset their offense.
This time, Chen Xi did not look for a screen. Instead, he attacked Barnes one-on-one from the perimeter.
He held the ball in a Triple Threat