Chen Xi!
Help defense from the middle, directly completing a block!
The Knicks knew full well that Paul would be targeted on defense, so how could they possibly leave him completely unprotected?
Chen Xi's terrifying help-defense speed and coverage were New York's greatest source of confidence right now.
The Suns' intention to target Paul from the opening tip had been far too obvious, giving him an opportunity to exploit it.
At the same time, they had an issue of their own. Huang Zhong's individual ability and skill set did not really make him the type who could break down a single defender and score at will.
His ball-handling offense was still somewhat lacking compared to those elite isolation scorers.
In short, Phoenix's first attempt at picking on someone ended in failure.
Fortunately, they still had possession.
They inbounded the ball again to the Top of the Key.
Haliburton stretched out his long arms to securely receive the ball, then held it while waiting for Ayton to move up for the screen before accelerating into a drive and penetrating the paint.
He gathered while moving into his three steps and threw in a passing fake, successfully fooling Toppin on help defense. Immediately after, he turned his head and went straight up for the layup.
The basketball grazed past Adams's fingertips and flew toward the rim.
Two points.
Behind his outstanding playmaking talent lay an equally exceptional individual scoring ability.
Tyrese Haliburton had the bearing of an Emperor~~
The Knicks went back on offense.
Paul slowly dribbled across half-court and, after reaching the Top of the Key, looked for Chen Xi again.
Chen Xi used a screen to move up to the forty-five-degree angle. After catching the ball, he gestured to Paul, then passed it right back to him.
The intention