Chapter 1463: The red-hot 76ers and Butler going all out to hound Chen. "Two points."
After finishing the play, Chen Xi gave Butler a slightly provocative glance, announced his newly updated tally, and turned smoothly to run back on defense.
Perhaps this pressure, accumulating little by little as time passed, was the deadliest kind of all.
It was the 76ers' possession.
Maxey brought the ball across half court and passed to Embiid at the top of the key.
Embiid caught it, faced up against Hartenstein, and began a staple of every Philadelphia game—a center isolating with the ball on the perimeter.
He assumed a Triple Threat stance, threw a fake, then took a light step forward. Hartenstein backed off, and Embiid immediately raised the ball again and shot.
Up went his hand, and a second later, the ball dropped through the net.
10–4.
The Philadelphia 76ers had stretched their lead to six.
Their opening rhythm was as good as ever.
In just a few possessions, their two stars had already put their individual abilities on full display.
Next came the Knicks' possession.
Rose dribbled across half court.
He found George at the top of the key for a handoff.
After taking the ball, George moved toward the right wing and handed it off again to Chen Xi.
Chen Xi caught it on the move and twisted around the screen, shaking off Butler while slipping past Maxey's chase defense before charging into the paint.
He took two more steps inside, stopped firmly, and rose for a mid-range shot.
Embiid offered little resistance on this possession. His help came a little too late.
So Chen Xi comfortably sank the steady mid-range jumper.
"Four points."
Retreating on defense, Chen Xi tossed another piece of trash talk Butler's way and returned to his