"...Even so, judging from his body language, I didn't really see any obvious emotional reaction from Chris, anything like anger...
Over those last few possessions, he looked like an emotionless robot: catch the ball, score, get back on defense, then score again. Besides, on that earlier possession, Wiggins clearly had a chance to block him. Was he supposed to just let Chris make the layup? That's not how competitive sports work."
"...It's for the show! Can't you play along a little?!"
On the court, both teams' starters slowly walked off and returned to their respective benches to rest and regroup.
After Chen Xi suddenly erupted for eight straight points to help his team tie the score, the Warriors immediately called a timeout.
Having the advantage they had painstakingly built throughout the first half wiped out by one outrageous offensive surge from Chen Xi dealt a serious blow to their morale, but what had happened could not be undone.
All the Warriors could do now was face reality, adjust quickly, and prepare to start another round of battle with the Knicks, back on level footing.
Meanwhile, across the court, the atmosphere on the Knicks' bench could hardly have been better.
The players excitedly rose to their feet and crowded around Chen Xi. Some applauded, others bumped shoulders with him, showering him with the most enthusiastic physical displays of appreciation.
For the Knicks players, who had already forged a distinct team culture through their long winning streak, watching their franchise leader unleash such a scorching offensive wave instantly filled them with shared pride.
"Hahahaha! Fuck! I knew it! I knew it! The moment I saw you get into that triple threat stance, I knew what you were going to do next! That felt so damn good, Chris! That's it! Fuck them