This would undoubtedly give Chen Xi far more room to operate on offense.
With that being the case, if he didn't attack now, when would he?
At the other end, it was the Thunder Team's turn to counterattack.
Cunningham handled the ball at the top of the key and called for a pick-and-roll, then accelerated into a drive and kicked it out to Grimes.
Grimes caught the pass, used a shot fake, then put the ball on the floor and drove into the paint, attempting a layup against Adams's defense.
The shot missed, bouncing off the rim under pressure.
Aquaman secured the rebound.
Grimes turned around with his palms spread, looking to the referee for a foul call, but the referee ignored him.
Meanwhile, the Knicks pushed the break.
After receiving Adams's pass, Hart raced into the frontcourt, then deliberately slowed down to find Chen Xi.
Chen Xi caught the ball on the right wing at a forty-five-degree angle, made himself a convincing scoring threat, then lightly tossed the ball to his side.
Ethan, trailing through the middle, caught it on the move and immediately took his steps toward the basket.
The attack drew a defensive foul on Bane.
At the foul line, Ethan sank both free throws.
The New York Knicks cut the deficit to two points.
On his way back on defense, Ethan sought out Chen Xi and raised his hand for a high five.
"Too bad. I had a chance at an and-one there, but I couldn't finish."
The youngster regretted wasting a potential assist for Chen Xi.
"Turn around! Get back first! That's nothing."
Chen Xi had been about to offer some reassurance, but when he saw Cunningham accelerating upcourt, he immediately raised his voice and reminded Ethan to turn around and get back on