Chapter Summaries

The Nets overwhelmed the Bulls behind Kevin Durant and Paul George, while the Bucks comfortably beat the Cavaliers in the first game of the next day's matchups. The Rockets and Jazz then entered their first-round series with major problems: Kyrie Irving stayed out, and Utah's teammates were freezing out Rudy Gobert.

• The Nets beat the Bulls 130-107 as Durant scored 40 points and George added 26; Lauri Markkanen led Chicago with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
• The Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 121-100 as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez combined for eight blocks, including four against Ja Morant.
• The Rockets faced the Jazz in a first-round matchup, with Irving continuing to sit out despite his proposed boycott failing to pass.
• The Jazz's locker-room tension was evident as Gobert took only 39 shots across eight restart games, and teammates—especially Donovan Mitchell—were reluctant to pass him the ball.

The Rockets, Warriors, and Heat won their opening Playoff games, exposing the Jazz’s and Pelicans’ weaknesses. On April 18, Chen Xi led the Thunder to another commanding lead over the Mavericks, leaving the game effectively decided after three quarters.

• James Harden scored 40 points and dished out 11 assists as the Rockets routed the Jazz 114-97, while Rudy Gobert remained largely uninvolved in the offense.
• Draymond Green scored 20 points in the first quarter, and the Warriors beat the Pelicans 119-101 after Steve Kerr’s offense repeatedly exploited Julius Randle’s defense.
• Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points as the Heat defeated the 76ers 112-99 with the injured Big Butt sitting out.
• Chen Xi scored 42 points in three quarters as the Thunder took control of their second game against the Mavericks, leading 97-68 after three quarters; Anthony Davis added 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Chen Xi and the Thunder beat Doncic and the Mavericks as Alexander piled up assists, while the Celtics lost to the Raptors and the Nuggets, Lakers, and Nets played their second games. The Nets took a 2–0 series lead, as did the Thunder and Nuggets, while the Raptors evened their series with Boston.

• Alexander finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 16 assists as the Thunder beat Doncic and the Mavericks; Chen Xi briefly considered persuading Doncic to leave Dallas before heading off with Alexander.
• DeRozan scored 37 points and hit three late turnaround jumpers over Jaylen Brown as the Raptors beat the Celtics and tied their series; Tatum struggled, and Brown drew criticism despite his strong performance.
• Jokic led the Nuggets past the Lakers 120–117, while LeBron defended multiple players and Carmelo Anthony scored 35 points before missing a tying shot.
• Durant scored 37 points and George added 29 as the Nets beat the Bulls 127–114 and took a 2–0 series lead.

The Bucks, Rockets, Heat, and Pelicans won their latest first-round games, with the Pelicans tying their series against the Warriors. The Thunder swept the Mavericks and waited as the remaining first-round series concluded, leaving the Thunder set to face the winner of the seven-game Warriors-Pelicans series.

• The Bucks beat the Cavaliers 120–105 as Donte DiVincenzo scored 14 points, while the Rockets defeated the Jazz and the Heat beat the 76ers to take a 2–0 series lead.
• The Pelicans beat the Warriors 121–116 behind Jimmy Butler’s 33 points, tying the series at one game apiece as Curry struggled under repeated defensive pressure.
• The Thunder defeated the Mavericks to complete a 4–0 sweep, with Chen Xi shutting down Doncic in Game 3 and ending Doncic’s first playoff run.
• The Rockets swept the Jazz, the Nuggets beat the Lakers 4–1, the Nets swept the Bulls, and the Bucks swept the Cavaliers to advance to the second round.
• The Heat beat the 76ers 4–1, while the Warriors and Pelicans went on to play all seven games, keeping the Thunder waiting for their next opponent.

The Warriors defeated the Pelicans in Game 7 and advanced to face the Thunder, completing the conference semifinal matchups. In the opening game between the Rockets and Nuggets, Houston’s early lead disappeared as Denver rallied and took control.

• Stephen Curry scored 43 points as the Warriors beat the Pelicans 123–110 in Game 7 and advanced to the second round.
• The Thunder, Rockets, Nuggets, and Warriors secured the West’s semifinal spots, while the Bucks, Celtics, Heat, and Nets advanced in the East.
• On August 31, the Rockets and Nuggets began their semifinal series, with James Harden and Nikola Jokic focusing on setting up teammates.
• Eric Gordon’s early three-point shooting helped the Rockets lead 32–24 after the first quarter, but the Nuggets responded with the Jokic-Murray two-man game.
• Jokic powered Denver’s second-quarter comeback, and Murray’s fadeaway tied the score 55–55 at halftime.
• The Rockets’ outside shooting and bench depth faltered after halftime, while Paul Millsap scored eight straight points to worsen Houston’s position.

The Nuggets beat the Rockets and the Nets defeated the Bucks in their second-round games. On September 1, the Thunder and Warriors began their series, with Chen Xi and Curry scoring early.

• The Nuggets defeated the Rockets 109–100 as Jokic and Murray led their team and Harden had a difficult shooting night.
• Durant, George, and Dinwiddie helped the Nets beat the Bucks 121–117 despite Giannis scoring 38 points.
• The calendar turned to September, and the Thunder–Warriors and Celtics–Heat matchups began; Westbrook remained sidelined for the Thunder.
• Little Gasol tipped the opening ball to the Thunder, Grant missed a three-pointer, and Davis secured the offensive rebound for a layup.
• Curry answered with a three-pointer, and Chen Xi scored with a fadeaway jumper over Green.

The Thunder built an early lead over the Warriors through efficient pick-and-roll offense and Chen Xi’s scoring, then weathered a brief Scola-led comeback in the second quarter. Chen Xi returned with the reserves and scored on a post-up fadeaway, leaving Pau Gasol struck by how much the move resembled someone else’s.

• The Warriors and Thunder traded baskets as Scola made a corner three and Grant answered with an open three.
• Chen Xi scored a signature step-back three while the Warriors struggled to convert their open looks.
• Jeff Green led the Thunder’s reserves, and the Thunder ended the first quarter ahead 37–26.
• Scola scored ten straight points as the Thunder went cold and Noel and Collins turned the ball over.
• Donovan called a timeout, replaced Noel and Collins with Gafford and Pau Gasol, and put Chen Xi back in.
• Chen Xi scored a post-up fadeaway over Pascal, prompting Pau Gasol to murmur, “So much alike...”

Chen Xi and the Thunder pulled away from the Warriors in Game 1 of the second-round series, winning 136–102 after building a 31-point lead in the third quarter. Chen Xi finished with 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Curry scored 36 for the defeated Warriors.

• Chen Xi hit a three, stole the ball from Russell, and finished a solo fast break with a windmill dunk, prompting Kerr to call timeout and put Curry back in.
• Curry answered with a three, then drew a three-point shooting foul from Chen Xi on a later attempt and made all three free throws.
• The Thunder regained control as Grant hit an open three, Davis blocked Russell and later scored a hook shot, and Chen Xi added a layup.
• The Thunder led 70–58 at halftime, then outscored the Warriors 40–21 in the third quarter to take a 110–79 lead.
• Kerr pulled the Warriors' starters in the fourth quarter, and the Thunder won 136–102; Chen Xi recorded 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The Heat defeated the Celtics in Game 1 behind Kawhi Leonard’s dominant performance, while the Nuggets and Bucks also won their games. Chen Xi, isolated in the playoff bubble, video-called his pregnant partner Talan and discussed the precautions he had arranged for her care before promising to return after the playoffs.

• Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points and led the Heat to a 120–113 Game 1 win over the Celtics as Tatum and Brown struggled.
• Jamal Murray scored 40 points and Jokic nearly recorded a triple-double as the Nuggets beat the Rockets to take a 2–0 series lead.
• Giannis scored 34 points as the Bucks defeated the Nets 119–108 to tie their series at 1–1.
• Chen Xi video-called Talan, who told him she missed him while he remained in the bubble.
• Chen Xi recalled arranging a Los Angeles home and private medical care for Talan, then promised to return after the playoffs.

Chen Xi accompanied Westbrook to extra training as Westbrook worked toward returning from injury, then the Thunder and Warriors began another playoff game with Westbrook still sidelined. The game opened with both Chen Xi and Klay missing three-pointers.

• Chen Xi went to Westbrook's room, and the two left together for extra training.
• Westbrook remained on the injury list, so Alexander continued to start for the Thunder.
• Kerr assessed the Warriors' thin bench and roster weaknesses and hoped they could win before Westbrook returned.
• The Thunder won the opening tip, and Alexander found Chen Xi, whose first three-point attempt rimmed out.
• Curry set up Klay for a three, but Klay missed as well.

The Thunder beat the Warriors 113–105 to take Game 2, with Chen Xi scoring 27 points and Davis leading the team with 31 points and 15 rebounds. The chapter then recounted the Celtics’ win over the Heat to tie their series, as Stevens’s defensive adjustments limited Leonard’s options.

• Alexander scored the game’s first basket, and Chen Xi answered with a difficult layup before Grant’s fast-break dunk prompted Kerr to call a timeout.
• The Thunder led the Warriors 32–24 after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 61–50 by halftime as Curry struggled with his shot.
• The Thunder maintained their lead throughout the second half and won Game 2 by a final score of 113–105.
• Chen Xi finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Davis led the Thunder with 31 points and 15 rebounds; Curry scored 26 points for the Warriors.
• The Celtics beat the Heat to even their series, with Tutu scoring 25 points, Brown adding 21, and Paul recording 15 points and 12 assists.
• Stevens started Smart and gave Robert Williams more playing time, using perimeter pressure and interior help to force Leonard into difficult choices.

The second-round series progressed as the Thunder, Nuggets, and Bucks battled their way toward the conference finals, while the Heat and Celtics continued their coaching duel. The Thunder and Nuggets secured the Western Conference finals matchup, and the Bucks and Nets went to a decisive Game 7.

• The Celtics beat the Heat 120–115 in Game 2 to tie their series 1–1, then the Heat won Game 3 after Spoelstra changed his approach to exploit Boston’s defense.
• James Harden scored 46 points to lead the Rockets over the Nuggets in Game 3, while Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their second straight win over the Nets.
• Chen Xi scored 47 points and dished out 11 assists as the Thunder blew out the Warriors in Game 3, taking a 3–0 series lead.
• Westbrook returned for Game 4, and the Thunder lost as they gave him possessions to regain his form; he then bounced back in Game 5 to help the Thunder complete a gentleman’s sweep.
• The Nuggets eliminated the Rockets in six games, setting up a Western Conference finals matchup against the Thunder.
• Durant hit a late game-winning three to put the Nets ahead in their series, but Middleton kept the Bucks alive in Game 6, and the teams advanced to a tense Game 7.

The Nets lost Game 7 to the Bucks despite Durant scoring 45 points, and the defeat sparked another fan war between Durant's and Curry's supporters. The Celtics and Heat also went to Game 7 after Tatum, Leonard, and Adebayo had mixed performances in Games 4 through 6.

• Atkinson gave Allen, Prince, and others more minutes to boost the Nets' defense, but Durant's 45-point performance could not prevent their Game 7 loss to the Bucks.
• Joe Harris shot 1-for-11 in Game 7 and struggled throughout the series, while Paul George scored 17 points on 5-for-18 shooting in the elimination game.
• Curry's fans mocked Durant's supporters after the Nets were eliminated, igniting a heated online argument between the two fanbases.
• Tatum scored 32 points to lead the Celtics to a Game 4 win over the Heat, but Leonard shut him down in Game 5 as Kawhi scored 31 points and led Miami to victory.
• Leonard followed with 33 points in Game 6, but Adebayo struggled on offense and defense, allowing the Celtics to force a Game 7.

The Heat defeated the Celtics in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Thunder and Nuggets began their Western Conference Finals series. The opening game remained close as the Thunder built their offense around Westbrook and Davis and Aaron Gordon disrupted Grant at the rim.

• Leonard scored 40 points as the Heat beat the Celtics in Game 7 and advanced to face the Bucks; Chris Paul scored 26 points but could not turn the game around.
• The Thunder and Nuggets tipped off the Western Conference Finals with Westbrook, Chen Xi, Grant, Davis, and Gasol starting for the Thunder against Jokic and the Nuggets.
• Gasol won the opening tip, and Westbrook and Davis scored the Thunder’s first basket with a pick-and-roll.
• Murray answered with a mid-range jumper, and Westbrook scored on a fortunate pull-up jumper on the Thunder’s next possession.
• Murray missed a three, then Westbrook led a fast break and passed to Chen Xi, whose bounce pass set up Grant at the rim.
• Aaron Gordon contested Grant’s layup and forced a miss, but Westbrook grabbed the offensive rebound and passed the ball back to Chen Xi.

Chen Xi repeatedly scored against Denver’s defense as the Thunder and Nuggets traded baskets in the Western Conference Finals opener. After Chen Xi beat Aaron Gordon for another layup, Malone called the Nuggets’ first timeout to address their defensive effort.

• Aaron Gordon read the Thunder’s fast break and protected the rim, but Chen Xi later shook Jamal Murray with a series of fakes and made an open mid-range jumper.
• Jokic scored a floater over Chen Xi after the Nuggets’ pick-and-roll created a mismatch.
• Chen Xi exploited Michael Porter Jr.’s defense to make a three-pointer, and Porter answered with a pull-up three off a handoff from Jokic.
• Chen Xi beat Aaron Gordon off the dribble and finished with a floater after the Nuggets failed to rotate over.
• Malone called the Nuggets’ first timeout, dissatisfied with their defensive effort.

The Thunder adjusted their defense to trap high on the Nuggets’ Jokic-Murray pick-and-roll, then pulled away for a 137-115 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder left the game with a 22-point victory and a 1-0 series lead.

• The Thunder opened the second quarter by trapping Murray high and leaving Harris open, forcing the Nuggets guard to test his three-point shooting.
• Harris made one open three, but the Thunder stuck with their strategy as Chen Xi, Westbrook, and Noel helped fuel fast breaks and extend the lead.
• Malone substituted Beasley for Harris, but Beasley missed all three attempts and the Thunder went on an 8-0 run.
• Malone put the offense in Jokic’s hands, and Jokic’s handoffs and post-ups helped the Nuggets recover their rhythm after the Thunder had built a lead of more than 15 points.
• The Thunder led 74-56 at halftime and went on to win 137-115, with Chen Xi scoring 33 points, Davis scoring 28, Westbrook recording 13 assists, and Alexander adding 17 points.

The Thunder and Nuggets prepared for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, with commentators discussing Denver’s trouble handling the Thunder’s double-teams and Jokic’s heavy workload. The game began with Grant making a three-pointer, Murray missing an early shot, and Westbrook racing into a contested fast break.

• Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists in Game 1, while Murray struggled under the Thunder’s defensive attention.
• The commentators predicted the Thunder had the advantage and discussed whether Malone had found a way to free Murray from the double-team.
• Meina redirected the livestream discussion to the arena as Game 2 began in Orlando.
• Chen Xi drove past Murray and passed to Grant, who opened the scoring with a three-pointer.
• Murray missed a three-point attempt over the Thunder’s defense, and Little Gasol secured the rebound.
• Little Gasol launched a long pass to Westbrook, who drove to the basket and collided with Gordon while attempting a difficult shot.

Monte Morris’s scoring helped the Nuggets recover from an early deficit and tie the game by the end of the first quarter. The Nuggets carried their momentum into the second quarter and briefly outpaced the Thunder.

• Westbrook made both free throws after drawing a foul, and the Thunder opened with a 5–0 lead.
• Jokic scored despite Davis’s goaltending block, then Chen Xi assisted Davis on a mid-range basket.
• Jokic answered with a post fadeaway, and Chen Xi hit a three to give the Thunder a 10–4 lead.
• Monte Morris scored 14 points in the first quarter, helping the Nuggets erase the deficit and tie the game at 34.
• Gordon drew an offensive foul from Davis, then dunked over Noel, while Plumlee assisted Murray and Morris on consecutive scores as the Nuggets took control of the second-quarter stretch.

Chen Xi returned to the floor and powered the Thunder’s response with a poster dunk, a steal-and-dunk fast break, and a fadeaway jumper. The Nuggets briefly answered with a Monte Morris three, but Chen Xi’s scoring showcase continued as the second quarter went on.

• Chen Xi drove past Murray and posterized Plumlee with a powerful dunk, sparking the Thunder bench and crowd.
• Chen Xi intercepted Murray’s pass, beat Morris on the fast break, and finished with a one-handed windmill dunk, prompting Malone to call timeout and bring Jokic back in.
• Monte Morris hit a three-pointer against Westbrook, making him three-for-three from beyond the arc.
• Chen Xi used a series of moves to get past Murray and Craig, then made a drifting fadeaway jumper.

Chen Xi led the Thunder to a 135–120 win over the Nuggets and a 2–0 lead in the Western Conference Finals. The Eastern Conference Finals then opened with the Bucks defeating the Heat 123–102, giving Milwaukee a 1–0 series lead.

• Chen Xi scored 20 points in the second quarter as the Thunder took a six-point halftime lead over the Nuggets.
• Jokic tired late in the fourth quarter, and the Thunder used an 8–0 run to secure a 135–120 victory and a 2–0 series lead.
• Chen Xi finished with 44 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists on 16-for-26 shooting.
• The Bucks and Heat began the Eastern Conference Finals on September 15, with Giannis and Brook Lopez attacking the paint against Miami’s defense.
• Giannis scored 37 points with 14 rebounds and 8 assists as the Bucks beat the Heat 123–102 to take Game 1.