Contest and Block

Just as Brown was about to charge into the paint, Little Jordan cut him off.

Brown didn't have many options. He could only pull up for another quick stop-and-turn, then launch a fadeaway jumper.

After turning, he stretched out in midair, leaning his upper body back as far as he could.

Once he was sure he'd created enough space, Brown eyed the basket and flicked the ball away.

At the same time, Chen Xi, who had been holding his defensive position firmly, immediately sprang into the air.

He stretched out his long arm, trying to block Brown's shot.

The ball spun quickly off Brown's right hand and flew toward the basket. It passed Chen's fingertips and continued on its way.

Did he miss the block?!

No!! He got it!!!

The moment Chen Xi felt the faintest brush against his fingertips, he shouted, "Rebound!!!"

Under the basket, Little Jordan held Robert Williams firmly in place, giving him no chance to muscle his way closer.

But on the other side, Jayson Tatum shoved Jeff Green aside and leaped above Little Jordan to snatch the priceless offensive rebound.

Chen Xi had blocked Brown's shot, and it had come up short!

But after hitting the rim, it dropped right into Tatum's hands.

The shot clock reset.

The Celtics had another precious chance to score.

With defenders closing in, Tatum jumped and passed the ball back out to the perimeter.

Grant Williams caught it at the top of the key. Not daring to overstep or force a shot, he waited for Paul to come back up and take over possession, ready to organize the offense again.

The Thunder's defense was suffocating.

But the Celtics' resilience was just as remarkable.

In the final moments of the game, both teams continued to put on a thrilling show.