After catching the ball, Horford handed it off to Chen Xi.
Chen Xi then used the screen to drive into mid-range before passing to Paul George on the wing.
George caught the ball, gave a quick fake, then swung it again to Rose in the corner.
Derrick Rose caught it and launched a three-point shot.
The ball traced a gentle arc and dropped cleanly through the net.
As always, it was vintage Chen Xi basketball.
Until the game reached its more critical moments, Chen Xi's terrifying offensive efficiency always served the team.
Once he established his own scoring threat, he could influence the opponents' defensive positioning, squeeze their defensive space, and create better scoring opportunities for his teammates, making it easier for the entire team to put points on the board.
Over the course of a long game, Chen Xi spent at least thirty minutes doing exactly that.
This was also a major reason why most players saw no decline in their numbers after teaming up with Chen. Some even improved.
A superstar with historic scoring ability, outstanding passing and ballhandling, and a knack for orchestrating the offense—one who willingly shared the ball and the numbers—gave his team a tremendous boost.
On the next possession, the Thunder Team went on offense.
Westbrook brought the ball across half court, called for a pick-and-roll with Davis at the top of the key, then drove into the paint and slipped an interior pass to AD as he rolled toward the basket.
After catching the ball, AD faced Hartenstein's coverage and George's help defense, choosing to pull up immediately from mid-range.
Clang!
The ball bounced off the rim.
That finish might have been a little rushed.
Hartenstein secured the rebound and sent the ball to Rose.
The Knicks pushed the break again.
Rose brought