The New York Knicks called a timeout.
Thibodeau immediately decided to make substitutions.
He put out a lineup he had not used in a long time.
Chen Xi, George, Ethan, Toppin, and Horford.
The classic four-forward lineup.
After repeatedly watching the Celtics target mismatches, Thibodeau finally remembered this old ace up his sleeve two and a half quarters into the game—the lineup he had once loved using most.
The brief timeout ended, and play resumed.
The Knicks players returning to the court quickly took their positions, ready to attack.
In the backcourt, Chen Xi received George's inbound pass, walked the ball across half court to the top of the key, then dribbled in place as he surveyed the Celtics' positioning and waited for his teammates to move.
Along the left sideline, George used Toppin's screen to reach the wing, showing his hands for a pass and drawing the Celtics' attention.
At the same time, Horford strode up from beneath the basket to run a pick-and-roll with Chen Xi.
Just as everyone's eyes settled on the twin stars, Chen Xi and George, Chen Xi suddenly whipped the ball away.
From the strong-side corner, Ethan, who had quietly slipped toward the basket, suddenly accelerated, caught the pass on the move, and rose in one fluid motion.
He put the ball through the hoop with the simplest of layups.
Two points.
The score moved to 97–94.
The Knicks held a three-point lead.
Possession then switched back to Boston.
The Celtics quickly launched their counterattack.
Holiday brought the ball across half court, held it at the top of the key until Tatum curled off a screen, then passed.
Tutu faced Toppin's defense on the wing.
After a moment's hesitation, he chose to attack directly.
Holding the ball in a triple threat, he took a