Tonight's game between the Knicks and the Thunder had undoubtedly been a thrilling, heart-stirring battle.
In terms of intensity, it was the finest matchup of early 2024.
Yet in this clash, no single player had put up a jaw-dropping, eye-popping stat line.
Every player had performed at an incredibly high level, but precisely because of that, with both sides organizing their offense brilliantly and sharing the ball, everyone's numbers had ended up looking a little "unremarkable."
Chen Xi had played 43 minutes, finishing with 39 points, 7 rebounds, 15 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 2 turnovers.
Paul George had recorded 33 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 3 turnovers.
Westbrook had finished with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers.
Alexander had posted 35 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers.
Davis had contributed 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block.
Cunningham had tallied 18 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers.
The biggest stars had all delivered performances that were impressive, yet "not quite that impressive."
Under their influence, both teams had also demonstrated the very highest level of basketball in the league.
Westbrook and Chen Xi's promise to meet again in the Finals might not have been just a joke. It was a bold declaration that could genuinely come true.
After finishing their game against the Thunder Team, the New York Knicks immediately set off on the next leg of their journey.
Having said goodbye to Westbrook and the others, Chen Xi joined his team for another stretch of road games.
On the evening of January 21, the New York Knicks visited the Miami Heat.
This was also the two teams' final meeting of the season.
This time, the Thunder