The culprit behind that absurd third-quarter score was, without a doubt, Chen Xi, who had gone wild for 27 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in that quarter alone.
That terrifying 27-point outburst had weathered Doncic's equally ferocious firepower and forced the pressure right back onto him.
Their outrageous scoring duel once again showed everyone watching just how terrifying the reigning League First Person, only twenty-seven years old, could be when he went completely berserk.
Although Doncic's 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in the quarter were impressive in their own right, there was nothing he could do. Like all the stars Chen had turned into background scenery before him, Doncic could only watch as his spectacular performance became a supporting act.
More importantly, once that offensive shootout had produced a winner, the Knicks took complete control of the game's tempo.
With Doncic having burned through so much energy, beating the Knicks would be an uphill battle for the Mavericks.
Even though the gap between the two teams wasn't actually that big yet...
At courtside, Chen Xi stepped off the floor, plopped down on the bench, and began joking with George with a broad smile.
"I told you you'd see it. Just seven more points."
George laughed and held out his right hand, exchanging a light high five with Chen Xi.
"Of course I never doubted you, but actually seeing something like this happen right in front of me still blows my mind! Maybe I missed the Michael Jordan era, but now I'm witnessing another chosen one in basketball history at his peak."
"Hey! What chosen one? I'm just an unremarkable, ordinary guy—a cheater."
Chen waved a hand.
"We're all friends here, so I won't bother with the empty talk~~ Just enjoy these next few