They still relied on individual ability to solve the problem.
But any fan who understood the game and had some ability to read the court would understand why Chen Xi had passed the ball to Hartenstein first, and why he had pushed George's position lower.
It was simple. Passing to Hartenstein and having him stand at the top of the arc cleared out the paint and formed a Pseudo Five-Out alignment. That created more driving space for himself and his teammates, while also giving Toppin and George in the two corners better cutting lanes.
Then he deliberately moved to George's side to receive the ball. While pushing George down toward the corner, he also kept Durant from freely providing Help defense, creating better space for himself.
Given George's individual ability and Chen Xi's passing speed, the two could combine from such close range.
Unless Chen Xi was trapped outright, once the Nets sent help, George would definitely get what was practically an open look.
With George shooting over 41% from three for several consecutive years—and even reaching 43.4% this year—giving him a wide-open look was practically handing him three points.
He was not as absurd as Chen, but he was still an outrageously reliable shooter and absolutely could not be left open.
In fact, letting George take an open three might have been exactly what Chen Xi wanted to see.
But Durant rationally chose not to help, while Zhao Si's hedge was also blocked for a moment by Shorter's body.
Naturally, Chen Xi chose the safest and simplest Mid-range finish to complete the possession.
On the court, many seemingly ordinary movements without the ball actually concealed plenty of details.
The Knicks made sensible use of their players' traits to finish the offense.
Brooklyn was also doing its best to rely