Post-up Jump Shot

After that, the Thunder and the Celtics once again found themselves mired in a hard-fought stalemate.

The Thunder's reserves were in pretty average form.

Bane, Reddish, Gafford, Batum, and the others all failed to convert shots that should have been considered good opportunities.

Fortunately, Alexander was still playing at a high level.

Before Davis returned to the floor, Alexander relied on his ability—far beyond that of a typical reserve—to score repeatedly and help the team keep things steady.

Then Anthony Davis returned, combining with Alexander to play aggressively. Only then did they manage to suppress the Celtics again.

Next, the game reached the seventh minute of the second quarter.

After a dead ball, Chen Xi also suited up and returned to the court.

At that point, the score was 59–56.

The Thunder were still "temporarily" ahead by three.

However, the Celtics had possession for the next play.

With Chen back on the court, the game resumed.

For the Celtics, Paul had returned to the court a minute and a half before Chen Xi. He now had the ball in the backcourt, slowly crossed the midcourt line, and continued to initiate the offense.

At the top of the key, Paul passed to Smart on the wing.

After catching the ball, Smart lofted it farther inside to Tatum, who had used the mismatch to get position against Chen Xi.

And so, it was a showdown between aces.

Jayson Tatum posted up against Chen Xi!

Holding the ball in both hands and leaning into Chen Xi, Tutu first did what he usually did: survey the Thunder players' positions.

What surprised him was that the other Thunder players made no move at all. They had no intention of sending help defense...

Even Davis, who was playing center, stayed far away on the other side