Josh Hart took Harten's inbound pass in the backcourt, then turned and brought the ball up, looking to organize the offense.
He reached the high post to the left of the top of the key, waited for Chen Xi and George to cross, then passed to Chen Xi by the weak-side sideline.
Oubre switched onto Chen Xi as he caught the ball.
Chen Xi made a Triple Threat test move on the spot, then rose straight up and launched a pull-up three.
Clang!!
The ball bounced off the rim.
Chen had failed to score on his first attempt of the night.
Still, that supremely confident shot had given Oubre quite a scare.
An abrupt shot like that was frightening enough, especially coming from an elite marksman like Chen Xi. Thankfully, it hadn't gone in.
Embiid secured the rebound, then turned and delivered the ball to Maxey.
Little Horse turned and pushed upcourt again.
At the top of the key, he passed to Melton.
Melton then swung the ball to Oubre.
After catching it, Oubre looked inside and waited for Embiid to establish position before lofting an entry pass to him.
Then Big Butt tried to post up Harten on the low block.
After catching the ball, he shook his shoulders several times, then put it on the floor and leaned into Harten, trying to muscle his way inside.
The instant he gained a step, he gathered the ball and spun, finishing with a Fadeaway Jumper near the rim.
The ball swished cleanly through the net.
4–0.
By comparison, the Philadelphia 76ers had gotten off to an exceptionally smooth start.
The Knicks inbounded again for their next possession.
Chen Xi brought the ball across half court and passed to Paul George at the top of the key.
George held the ball,