With Chen Xi using his body to keep him away from his opponent, Toppin quickly calmed down at his leader's words.
He slowly approached the free throw line, took a deep breath, and caught the ball the referee tossed him. After bouncing it three times, he sent it toward the basket.
Clang!!
The first free throw missed.
Toppin was a little dejected.
But just as he lowered his head, a familiar large hand appeared before him.
It was Chen Xi again, standing to the left of the free throw line and immediately extending his hand toward Toppin.
This time, Chen Xi said nothing, and Toppin offered no response. He simply reached out and lightly slapped the hand that had already scored over seventeen thousand points in the league, then reset himself for his second free throw.
This time, the ball finally behaved and swished through the net.
The gap was cut back to two points.
A familiar number, and a very dangerous one for the Thunder.
With the free throws over, the Knicks quickly retreated on defense, while the Thunder Team inbounded the ball again and brought it upcourt for their next possession.
Four minutes and twenty-five seconds remained.
On this possession, the Thunder Team chose to share the ball with considerable patience.
Led by Westbrook, SGA, and Cunningham, they repeatedly drove and kicked.
After several cuts and exchanges, they finally disrupted the Knicks' defensive formation.
Davis ultimately caught the ball near the rim and laid it in to finish the possession.
Four points.
The Knicks' possession.
George inbounded the ball to Chen Xi in the backcourt.
Chen Xi caught it, turned, and dribbled across half court, moving to the right of the top of the key to face Barrett's defense.
He executed a stationary between-the-legs crossover, followed it with