About to Be Reversed? The New York Knicks had failed to hold onto their once-massive lead, but at least their steady production had kept them in the advantageous position...
Before long, the break between quarters ended, and the Fourth Quarter Game officially began.
At the start of the quarter, it was still a battle between both teams' Transition Period lineups.
The Knicks once again put Joe's lineup on the floor.
The Nets, meanwhile, made another adjustment first, replacing their core player for this stretch with Harden.
Although this would further increase Harden's usage rate and playing time, adding to his fatigue, it was also the best opportunity the Nets had to cut into the deficit.
And in the ensuing game, Harden's performance truly lived up to their expectations.
After the fourth quarter began, he quickly displayed the foundation of his former League First dual-threat guard status, leading the team to a 10-6 run, helping the Nets claw back 4 points and cut the score difference to a single three-point shot.
James Harden had 4 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in three and a half minutes. Seizing the opportunity, he fiercely showed off his "star quality" and successfully forced the Knicks to call timeout.
If things continued at this pace, New York might just suffer a powerful 17-point comeback.
But there were no ifs.
After Harden once again smoothly connected with his teammates and delivered a brilliant assist, Thibodeau decisively called a timeout and sent Chen Xi and the others back onto the court.
For Brooklyn to win, it was useless to merely win points during the Transition Period.
The challenge they truly needed to face had only just begun.
Timeout ended, and play resumed as the players returned to the court. The Knicks inbounded from the backcourt.
Rose received