Recreating the Run and Gun Suns?

But the bench was still just the bench.

At least, during the transition period with Chen Xi leading the team, they still couldn't easily gain an advantage.

After Davis and Westbrook went to the bench one after another, Chen Xi took over possession and immediately began controlling the game.

My turn! Play card!

Game time: 8:32 in the first quarter.

Thunder Team possession.

After Alexander dribbled across half court, he jogged to the top of the key and passed the ball to Chen Xi.

Chen Xi caught the ball, turned, and faced Booker's defense.

He held the ball in a Triple Threat stance, tested the defense with a jab step, then burst into a drive. He charged inside the three-point line, suddenly slowed down, and took a hop step with a behind-the-back crossover, going right past Booker. Then he fired a one-handed pass to the basket.

It was a powerful, direct pass. The ball flew straight into Gafford's hands with tremendous force.

Gafford had just stepped up to set a fake screen for Alexander before quickly rolling back inside. As soon as he caught the ball, he exploded upward, driving off the floor with both feet. He leaped into the air, gripped the ball with both hands, and arched his body backward into a taut, inverted C. Then he unleashed his power and slammed the ball down toward the basket.

BANG!!!!

It was a thunderous two-handed dunk!

Gafford viciously stuffed the ball through the hoop.

Meanwhile, Chen Xi, near the left side of the free-throw line, calmly and unhurriedly retreated to the backcourt.

The Suns' two centers had distinct styles, making them relatively easy to target.

Ayton had a bit of a mental aversion to contact and didn't like playing physically. On drives to the rim where he could either