After waiting for all his teammates to get into position, Chen Xi dribbled to the top of the key and attacked Braun once again.
After a simple front crossover, he feigned a burst toward the paint, then immediately pulled back to the three-point line and fired a through pass to George on the opposite wing.
George understood immediately. Upon catching the ball, he went straight into a shooting motion to draw the defense's attention, then immediately sent a bounce pass back to Chen Xi as he curled into the paint.
Chen Xi caught the ball on the move, leaped in stride, and forced up a layup in midair as Gordon came flying in from the side to protect the rim.
The two dunk-champion-caliber high-flyers collided in midair.
In the end, Chen Xi's outstanding core strength allowed him to absorb the contact and still send the ball safely through the net.
After landing, Chen Xi rolled once, sprang back to his feet, and exchanged a light high five with George before they returned to the backcourt together.
14–7!
Of the New York Knicks' first 14 points, Chen Xi had accounted for 11 points and one assist!
Almost entirely on his own, he had kept the entire Nuggets team firmly pinned down!
His terrifying individual scoring firepower and influence on the court had dealt the visiting Denver team a brutal opening blow.
But Denver was, after all, a championship-caliber team.
Their starting five was highly skilled and mentally composed.
Even under these circumstances, they could keep a firm grip on their rhythm and continue playing their game, avoiding the fate of the Cavaliers and Wizards, whom Chen Xi had completely thrown off course.
At the other end, they launched another offensive possession.
Jokic still chose to receive the ball in the low