Attention returned to the rest of the game.
The Knicks had stretched their lead back to eight points.
It was the Nets Team's turn on offense.
At this point, just one minute and eight seconds remained in the game.
James Harden continued to initiate the offense with the ball at the top of the key.
Facing Rose's defense, he dribbled through his legs in place, then took a hard jab step and accelerated into a drive.
He powered through contact on the move, knocking his defender aside as he reached the free-throw line. Then he gathered the ball, took his steps, and attacked the paint, forcing his way into Hartenstein's rim protection.
Relying on his solid bulk and the momentum of his drive, Harden knocked Hartenstein back in midair and finally managed a difficult left-handed layup.
The ball glanced off the backboard and landed on the rim.
After bouncing twice, it finally slipped through the net.
Two points.
The gap was back down to six.
Meanwhile, having just completed another forceful attack, Harden sat on the floor and spread his hands at the referee in dissatisfaction. He believed Hartenstein had fouled him and that it should have been an and-one.
But the referee ignored him, and the Knicks were already preparing to inbound quickly.
Harden had no choice but to hurry back to his own end and prepare to defend the next possession.
At the other end, the Knicks went on offense.
Horford safely inbounded the ball to Rose.
Rose brought the ball over half court and stood at the top of the key, running down the clock. He waited for the Nets to step up and pressure him, then accelerated toward the left wing and handed the ball off to Chen Xi as he came up.
After receiving the