As things stood, as long as Chen Xi's shooting didn't fall off too dramatically in the second half, Atlanta had basically lost any chance of winning.
But as it happened, the Hawks had been shooting well tonight, which gave them a false sense of hope.
It seemed the gap wasn't that big yet.
It seemed like they might still be able to make a run...
That mindset turned them into the next team to serve as a backdrop, following the Heat~~
Time ticked by, and soon it was 9:51 p.m.
The buzzer signaling the end of the game sounded inside Chesapeake Energy Arena, indirectly announcing the result of tonight's matchup.
The Thunder won easily, 121–105.
At the same time, the team's leading star, Chen Xi—Chris Chen!—put up another historic stat line that night.
He played 35 minutes, shooting 22-for-30 from the field, 12-for-17 from three, and 16-for-19 from the free-throw line. He erupted for 72 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block!
There was no doubt about it: tonight was Chris's night, a night that belonged to Chen Xi alone!!
This milestone-worthy, spectacular performance made every other player on the court pale in comparison.
Whether it was Trae Young's 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 16 assists, Davis's 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists, or Alexander's 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, they all looked a little "small" next to Chen's otherworldly numbers.
It was as if they weren't even playing in the same league...
After the game, Chen Xi, the undisputed star of the show, was the first to be interviewed by the "sideline reporter."
Angelina, the white reporter, was quick to congratulate Chen.
"Hello, Chris. Long time no see. Congratulations on putting up another 70-plus-point performance tonight."
"Thank you."
"How are you feeling right