Back to the game, the Knicks launched a counterattack.
Facing the same defensive strategy Brooklyn had used, Rose chose to drive and attempt a close-range floater.
But it missed.
The ball bounced off the rim, and Claxton secured it.
Then the Nets turned and counterattacked.
Harden brought the ball across half court, then passed on the move to Durant, who was sprinting downcourt.
Durant caught the ball one step inside the three-point line and immediately took three strides toward the basket.
After two steps, he leaped into the air and swung the ball with one hand. Relying on his speed, he flew right past Hartenstein, then slammed the ball hard through the basket.
"Kevin!!! Durant!!!"
The DJ called out KD's name over the speakers, prompting wave after wave of cheers from the Nets fans.
The score moved to 11–8.
Brooklyn extended its lead to three points.
Then the New York Knicks called a timeout.
It was a rare sight.
Though they weren't trailing by much, Thibodeau had called a timeout of his own accord.
In fact, the suggestion had come from assistant coach Nash. Van Gundy had promptly agreed, and only then had Thibodeau called for the timeout.
As the players came off the court, Nash immediately went over to Rose and offered his advice.
"You can keep attacking; that's fine. They're putting very little defensive pressure on the wings, which means the pressure on you to finish from midrange and close range will be low. This is your opportunity, and it's also what the team needs you to do.
"But at the same time, you could consider working more with Isaiah. He's taller, and his floater near the basket is reliable. The 1-5 Pick and Roll isn't Brooklyn's exclusive playbook. James isn't the only one who can run it.