Chen Xi's three-point play poured a bucket of cold water over the Trail Blazers, who had been trying to build momentum.
Coach Lillard's shooting touch plummeted along with it.
The already sizable score difference was immediately stretched back to an insurmountable level.
Beep!!
The final buzzer sounded. The Thunder crushed the Trail Blazers 125-104.
Chen Xi erupted again, going 10-for-17 from the field, 7-for-11 from three, and 5-for-5 at the line for 32 Points.
Meanwhile, Westbrook once again posted a triple-double of 36 Points, 12 rebounds, and 10 Assists.
Together, the two suppressed the Trail Blazers from opening tip to final buzzer, snuffing out every wave of attempted comeback.
Butler: "So?"
That night, clips of Chen Xi and Lillard trading shots were edited into a compilation and posted online.
"Rookie of the Year goes head-to-head with Lillard, Thunder youngster completely suppresses an All-Star!"
The eye-catching title drew massive attention.
"Completely suppresses? Lillard had 33 Points, 4 rebounds, and 5 Assists, and you call that suppression? This is what happens when you don't watch the game."
"Not suppression? How many of Lillard's points came against the Thunder starters? Did you even watch the game??"
"This Thunder rookie is seriously amazing. I'm jealous as hell. He'd be so good on my Rockets!! He and Harden would be a perfect fit!"
"Why the Rockets? Obviously, the Knicks!!!"
"Hahahahahaha! The Knicks! Hahahahaha!"
"What the hell are you laughing at?! What did the Knicks ever do to you?!"
"Isn't New York's Interested Team only supposed to sign superstar players? Why are they looking at rookies now? Their standards have really dropped."
"Why not come to my Lakers? We'll take a loss and trade Scola for him."
"See? Another Interested Team has arrived."
The comments always went off-topic faster than my college roommate finished.
After