The God of Clutch Shots

On the next possession, the Nuggets went on offense.

After using up a lot of time, the Nuggets moved the ball beautifully and eventually got Pope a chance to drive into the paint. Pope finished the play with a floater.

The lead was down to eight.

Little Jordan went to inbound the ball from the backcourt.

Chen Xi came up to receive the pass, then brought the ball over half court himself.

At the top of the key, he was still facing Gordon's defense.

This time, Chen Xi didn't pass. He was switching to a "Kobe-style" game.

He drove with the ball, facing up, then used a drag step into a front crossover to get past Gordon and charge inside the three-point line. Then he slammed on the gas and headed straight for the paint without slowing down.

Only after his lead foot stepped into the key did Chen finally stop short. He followed with a pump fake that looked like a floater, drawing Jokic up to contest at the rim. Then he spun around and sent the ball into the basket with a hook shot.

The hook shot wasn't one of Chen Xi's usual weapons. He wasn't particularly good at it, either.

But in a moment like this, the more unconventional a weapon was, the more useful it could be.

The ball changed hands, and the Nuggets launched another attack.

After the Jokic-Murray pick-and-roll, Jokic received the ball at the free-throw line and posted up against the smaller Westbrook. When he drew a double-team, he passed out to Murray.

With Chen Xi about to get back on defense, Murray didn't dare hesitate. He immediately passed to Little Porter.

Porter caught the ball and fired a three.

Dang!!

The ball bounced off the rim.

What a chance!

Westbrook, who had