Chen Xi's defense, Westbrook's long pass, JB's dunk—one transition play, three core players working in perfect sync, and the arena was on fire once more.
It was as if someone had poured a barrel of oil onto an already roaring bonfire. The ceiling of Chesapeake Energy Arena was once again being tested.
The Jazz regrouped on offense, but the home crowd seemed to have gotten into their heads. They'd barely reached the frontcourt when they turned the ball over.
Chen Xi reacted in a flash and intercepted Hill's pass to Hood, then immediately sprinted downcourt. Hood stayed hot on his heels.
But Westbrook was even faster. Before Hood could catch up to Chen Xi, he'd already reached the free-throw line. Chen Xi knew exactly what he had in mind and tossed up the ball. Turtle Turtle took off from a step inside the line and hammered it home with a powerful dunk.
"What a connection between the guard duo from Oklahoma City!!!!!"
Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder didn't hesitate any longer. He called a timeout.
Years of coaching had taught him that the Thunder had found their rhythm. If he didn't call a timeout now, they'd soon be blown out.
Unfortunately, the timeout did nothing to slow the Thunder down. Westbrook, who'd been pent up for days, came out swinging that night and went after the Jazz with everything he had.
Hill was actually a decent defender for a guard, but he still came up short against Turtle Turtle.
And with his midrange shot falling tonight, Turtle Turtle had Gobert running himself ragged. Should he step up or drop back? The future four-time DPOY couldn't figure it out. (In this year's Playoffs, Doncic would also use midrange jumpers and passes out of the Pick-and-Roll to completely bewilder the Timberwolves, even