The New York Knicks inbounded the ball from the sideline.
Derrick Rose held the ball, waiting for his teammates to get into position, then quickly passed it to George as he came to receive it.
George turned after catching the pass and hurried toward the three-point line. He then used Horford's pick-and-roll, feigning a burst into the paint while passing on the move to Strus in the corner.
Strus caught the ball and, without even making a shot fake, immediately moved up for a second transfer, handing it off to Chen Xi at the top.
Barrett aggressively contested the pass, making contact with Chen Xi as he caught it and causing him to stumble slightly.
At that moment, only 4.5 seconds remained in the game.
Chen Xi took two steps back toward the perimeter, regained his footing, and brought the ball under control before initiating the final possession.
Without any unnecessary setup, he immediately put the ball on the floor and drove.
He powered through Barrett's contact and charged toward the three-point line, then stopped sharply just outside it with a hard pound dribble. Gathering the ball, he rose as though he were about to force up a three.
That move scared Barrett out of his wits. Cunningham and Westbrook, flanking him on either side, also immediately launched themselves forward.
For an instant, the three defenders converging to block him and Chen Xi rising into the air with the ball in shooting position formed a breathtaking sight.
But Chen Xi did not shoot.
Less than two seconds remained in the possession.
Once airborne, Chen Xi gripped the ball with both hands and suddenly flung it forward.
To the right of the rim! Paul George!
PG leaped, caught the ball with both hands in midair, then checked its momentum and redirected