Chapter Summaries

Chen led the Thunder to a decisive 129–111 win over the Lakers in Game 5, giving Oklahoma City control of the series and restoring Chen’s high-scoring form. The chapter also recounts the Warriors’ 115–103 victory over the Rockets, which put Golden State ahead in their series.

• Alexander scored eight straight points against Noel early in the second quarter, and the Lakers struggled to contain the Thunder after Howard returned.
• Chen’s fast-paced play helped the Thunder build a 23-point halftime lead, and Oklahoma City went on to beat Los Angeles 129–111.
• Chen finished with 41 points, 6 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Griffin and James scored 29 and 35 points for the Lakers.
• The Thunder’s role players hit ten three-pointers, and the team returned home before flying back to Los Angeles for Game 6.
• The Warriors beat the Rockets 115–103 as Irving’s 33 points could not overcome Golden State’s balanced scoring, giving the Warriors the series lead.

The Thunder lost Game 6 to the Lakers amid a heavily disputed refereeing performance and Chen Xi's injury, forcing the series to a deciding Game 7. Donovan criticized the officiating after the loss.

• The Celtics swept Chicago as Chris Paul led a decisive third-quarter run, while Miami eliminated Philadelphia in five games after Kawhi scored 41 points and Joel Embiid injured his knee.
• The Thunder returned to Los Angeles for Game 6, where early foul trouble and a large free-throw disparity helped the Lakers build a halftime lead of more than 20 points.
• Donovan was forced to use Gafford after Little Jordan and Little Gasol accumulated fouls, weakening the Thunder's interior defense.
• Late in the third quarter, Howard pulled Chen Xi down during a drive, injuring Chen Xi's wrist and sending him to the locker room.
• The referees tightened their whistle and gave the Thunder compensatory calls, but the Thunder still lost 107–125, pushing the series to Game 7.
• Donovan told reporters that the game had not been fair and said the officiating had frustrated his players.

After the Lakers forced a Game 7 against the Thunder, angry fan arguments and controversy over Chen Xi’s injury grew, prompting the League to replace Scott Foster as the Game 7 referee. The Raptors also won Game 6 against the Bucks, sending their series to a Game 7.

• Green was fined after criticizing the officials in the Thunder locker room, while Old Zhang defended the Lakers’ play and said the team would win Game 7.
• Fans from both sides argued online about the Lakers, the officiating, and Chen Xi’s injury as the series controversy intensified.
• Silver’s League replaced Scott Foster with Mark Davis to officiate Game 7 and signal that it intended to take a fair approach.
• The Raptors beat the Bucks in Game 6 and forced their series to a Game 7.

Chen Xi was listed as questionable with a mild wrist sprain, but he warmed up and started Game 7 against the Lakers. The decisive game opened with LeBron James attacking Chen Xi in the post.

• The Thunder announced that Chen Xi had a mild right-wrist sprain and was questionable for Game 7.
• The Warriors eliminated the Rockets in Game 6, while the Nets defeated the Heat 132–119 in the first game of their second-round series.
• Chen Xi took shots during warm-ups before Game 7, easing concerns that he would miss the deciding matchup.
• The Lakers won the opening tip, and LeBron James began the game by backing Chen Xi down in the post.

Chen Xi and James traded baskets early in Game 7, but the Lakers’ outside shooting failed and the Thunder built an eight-point lead. James returned for the final possession of the quarter with twelve seconds remaining, leaving the opening period unfinished.

• James scored first with a layup after Chen Xi stepped back on defense.
• Chen Xi answered with a mid-range jumper against James, then scored another jumper after drawing him into a shot fake.
• James passed to Howard, who dunked inside to give the Lakers a 4–2 lead.
• The teams traded baskets until Schroder missed the first shot of the game, and Westbrook made two free throws after drawing a foul on the counterattack.
• The Lakers’ perimeter players went 0-for-10 from three as Chen Xi scored 11 points and dished out three assists, helping the Thunder lead 27–17 after eight minutes.
• James played nine and a half minutes, then returned with twelve seconds left in the quarter to lead the Lakers’ final possession.

The Thunder held off the Lakers’ comeback attempt in the third quarter after a strong start by Josh Hart had helped cut the halftime deficit to single digits. Chen Xi stole Caruso’s long pass intended for James and raced back downcourt to score a difficult shot, preserving the Thunder’s lead.

• Josh Hart hit two three-pointers early in the second quarter, and Griffin’s late three helped the Lakers finish the half trailing 60–51.
• Jeff Green dunked Westbrook’s alley-oop to open the second half after the Lakers left the corner unguarded.
• Schroder drove past Uncle and scored at the rim, continuing to exploit the Thunder’s weak interior defense.
• Caruso stole Westbrook’s pass and sent the ball ahead to James on a fast break, but Chen Xi intercepted it in midair.
• Chen Xi activated [Quick First Step], crossed past Caruso, and made a running one-handed shot off the backboard to extend the Thunder’s lead.

Chen Xi and the Thunder answered the Lakers’ comeback with a deep three and a strong scoring run, restoring a double-digit lead. Alexander later returned and added to the Thunder’s momentum by beating Rondo with a crossover.

• Chen Xi grabbed the rebound and passed to Bane, whose corner three pushed the Thunder’s lead to 14 before Vogel called timeout.
• James directed the Lakers’ offense, helping Kuzma dunk and Hart score in transition as the Lakers cut the lead to seven.
• Chen Xi passed out of the Lakers’ double-team, but Bane and Anthony both missed open threes, and Caruso’s three narrowed the gap further.
• Chen Xi made a deep three off a handoff to stop the Thunder’s scoring slide.
• The Thunder scored seven points to the Lakers’ two, stretching their lead to 15, and Alexander returned to beat Rondo with a crossover.

The Thunder defeated the Lakers 125–109 in Game 7 to win their first-round series and advance to face the Pelicans. Chen Xi led the victory, though the exhausted Thunder had less than two days to recover before traveling to New Orleans.

• The Thunder carried a 17-point lead into the fourth quarter as the Lakers sat in silence and James appeared withdrawn.
• Chen Xi and the Thunder maintained their lead, and Vogel pulled the Lakers' starters with two minutes remaining.
• Chen Xi finished with 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Thunder beat the Lakers 125–109 and advanced to the second round.
• Chen Xi exchanged brief farewells with Griffin and James before the Thunder celebrated their series victory at home.
• The Thunder prepared to face the Pelicans in New Orleans after a short rest following seven grueling games.

The Bucks overcame a 14-point first-quarter deficit to beat the Raptors in Game 7 and advance, completing the 2020–21 Playoffs schedule. In the second round, the Nets beat the Heat again to take a 2–0 series lead, while the Warriors and Nuggets prepared for another close contest.

• The Raptors built a 14-point first-quarter lead, but Lillard led a Bucks surge that put Milwaukee ahead by one at halftime.
• The Greek Freak dominated the paint in the third quarter, and the Bucks defeated the Raptors 121–110 to advance, led by his 39 points and Lillard’s 28.
• The Heat adjusted their defense in Game 2 and held the Nets to 52 first-half points, while Tyler Herro made five three-pointers through three quarters.
• Kevin Durant scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Nets to a 118–114 win and a 2–0 series lead over the Heat.
• The Warriors visited the Nuggets after their first second-round game had remained close from tip-off through the fourth quarter.

The Nuggets beat the Warriors 117–112 in Game 1 after Malone shortened his rotation earlier than Kerr. On June 6, the Bucks edged the Celtics 112–111 when Damian Lillard hit a game-winning three with 4.3 seconds left.

• The Nuggets relied on their five core starters and defeated the Warriors 117–112, led by Murray’s 26 points and Jokic’s 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists.
• Curry and Klay scored 27 and 24 points for the Warriors, while Kerr took some comfort in the defensive answers his team had found despite the loss.
• Tatum scored 28 points and helped the Celtics keep pace with Giannis, who recorded 27 points and 16 rebounds in a close game against Milwaukee.
• Jaylen Brown struggled against the Bucks’ targeted defense, finishing with 13 points and 6 turnovers as the Celtics’ second option fell short.
• Lillard, despite shooting 6-for-17 overall and 1-for-9 from three, hit a difficult game-winning three with 4.3 seconds remaining to give the Bucks a 112–111 victory.

The Thunder and Pelicans opened Game 1 of their second-round series in New Orleans, with Chen Xi leading the Thunder’s early offense against the Pelicans’ strong starting lineup. The game remained tied as the Pelicans settled into a half-court possession.

• Little Jordan tipped the opening jump ball to the Thunder, and Chen Xi drove past the defense for the game’s first basket.
• Jimmy Butler answered with a layup to tie the score at 2–2.
• Chen Xi used a spin move to get past Butler and scored a floater over Little Sabonis.
• Jrue Holiday stopped Russell Westbrook’s drive, and the Thunder retained possession after the ball went out of bounds.
• Chen Xi found Desmond Bane in the corner, but Bane’s three-pointer missed, and Butler collected the rebound.

The Pelicans’ disciplined defense disrupted Chen Xi and the Thunder, while Butler and Redick helped New Orleans seize control. The first quarter ended with the Pelicans leading 28–20.

• Redick made a three-pointer to give the Pelicans a 5–4 lead.
• Chen Xi missed a difficult fadeaway after the Pelicans’ rotations cut off his easier options.
• Butler used a screen and a shot fake to score over Chen Xi at the basket.
• The Pelicans’ zone defense forced the Thunder into contested shots and slowed their offense.
• The Pelicans finished the first quarter ahead of the Thunder, 28–20.

Chen Xi returned to the court with the Thunder trailing by 16 and attacked the Pelicans’ reserves to stop their run. His scoring helped Oklahoma pressure New Orleans into ending its rotation early, though the Thunder still faced a difficult game.

• The Pelicans’ zone defense shut down the Thunder after Chen Xi went to the bench, and Donovan called a timeout to put him back in.
• Chen Xi drove past Nnaji Marshall and passed to Marc Gasol for a layup, while Lou Will answered with a layup for New Orleans.
• Chen Xi beat Marshall with a series of moves and hit a long two after Alexander handed him the offense.
• Chen Xi scored 6 points and dished out an assist, forcing Gentry to call timeout and bring four key Pelicans back onto the floor.

The Pelicans beat the Thunder 113–104 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals despite Chen Xi scoring 49 points. Chen left the arena exhausted as fans debated the Thunder’s chances and speculated about his future.

• The Thunder’s role players hit several threes to help Chen Xi keep the halftime deficit to 11 points.
• The Pelicans maintained their suffocating defense in the second half and won 113–104.
• Chen Xi finished with 49 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Westbrook and Alexander struggled against the zone defense.
• Chen Xi hugged Butler, hurried back to the locker room, and left the arena without speaking to reporters.
• Fans and media discussed the loss, criticized the Thunder’s roster, and speculated about Chen Xi leaving the team.

The Heat beat the Nets 111–106 to cut their series deficit to 1–2, then Steve Kerr’s defensive adjustments helped the Warriors contain Jokic and disrupt the Nuggets’ offense in Game 2. The chapter ended with Jokic struggling to find an answer to Green’s help defense and relentless pressure.

• The Heat defended Durant and George aggressively and beat the Nets 111–106, reducing their series deficit to 1–2.
• Kawhi scored 30 points and recorded five steals as Miami relied on its defense to secure the win.
• Steve Kerr adjusted the Warriors’ matchups, assigning Looney to Jokic and Green to Gordon so Green could help contain Jokic.
• Green’s help defense and the Warriors’ pressure stifled Jokic and undermined the Nuggets’ offense.

The Warriors beat the Nuggets 119–113 in Game 2 after Stephen Curry hit two crucial three-pointers late, despite Jamal Murray’s 47-point effort. On June 8, the Thunder faced the Pelicans without Anthony Davis or Nicolas Batum, leaving their roster weaknesses exposed before Game 2.

• Nikola Jokic struggled against the Warriors’ zone defense, while Jamal Murray scored 47 points to keep the Nuggets in contention.
• Stephen Curry made two consecutive three-pointers in the final minute, and the Warriors defeated the Nuggets 119–113 to take Game 2.
• The chapter noted that Anthony Davis and Nicolas Batum remained unavailable for the Thunder’s Game 2 against the Pelicans on June 8.
• The Thunder’s aging, unbalanced roster and the limitations of its other big men left the team especially vulnerable without Davis.
• The chapter explained that Davis’s absence forced Chen Xi to take on extra work at small forward and made the Thunder’s roster problems harder to cover.

The Thunder struggled to score and defend against the Pelicans in the opening quarter, with Westbrook shooting poorly and Chen Xi unable to carry the offense alone. The Thunder ended the quarter trailing 27–20.

• Westbrook missed two early mid-range jumpers as the Pelicans took advantage, with Redick scoring a three and a floater to give them a 5–0 lead.
• Chen Xi beat Holiday with a step-back fadeaway jumper after the Pelicans switched him onto their defensive star.
• Redick missed a three, and Chen Xi missed a pull-up three after pushing the ball up the court.
• The Thunder continued to struggle on both ends, and the first quarter ended with them trailing 27–20 as Chen Xi had 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Chen Xi and the Thunder fought back from a double-digit deficit against the Pelicans, but still trailed 101–96 with three minutes remaining. Chen Xi set up Little Jordan for a dunk, leaving the game’s outcome unresolved.

• Chen Xi encouraged his teammates before the second quarter, and Alexander helped the Thunder stay competitive with mid-range shots.
• Chen Xi returned early and created chances for SGA and Alexander, helping the Thunder cut the deficit to four by halftime.
• The Pelicans opened the third quarter with a 14–7 run, but Chen Xi scored fifteen points to bring the Thunder within three by the end of the quarter.
• Westbrook powered the Thunder through the early fourth quarter, hitting jumpers and drawing Hayes’s sixth foul.
• With the Thunder trailing by five late in the game, Chen Xi drove past Horford and Butler, then passed to Little Jordan for a dunk and his seventh assist.

Redick missed a three, and Chen Xi's ensuing rebound led to a disputed foul call against him. After a replay review overturned the call and assessed Butler with a flop technical, the Thunder kept possession, and Chen Xi faced Butler with Holiday poised to double-team him.

• Redick missed a three, and Chen Xi grabbed the long rebound before Butler fell while trying to draw an offensive foul.
• Chen Xi asked Donovan to challenge the call, and Donovan used the Thunder's challenge.
• The replay showed Butler had flopped, so the referee overturned the foul, assessed Butler a non-sportsmanlike technical, and gave the Thunder possession.
• Westbrook brought the ball up and passed to Chen Xi, who faced Butler one-on-one as Holiday hovered in position to double-team.

Chen Xi and Westbrook brought the Thunder Team within one point of the Pelicans with a clutch alley-oop. Little Sabonis went to the free-throw line after a foul, while Chen Xi and Butler wagered luxury cars on the game’s outcome.

• Chen Xi drove past Butler and Holiday, then passed to Westbrook for an alley-oop dunk that cut the Thunder Team’s deficit to one with 1:48 remaining.
• The commentators praised Westbrook’s athleticism and unselfish role alongside Chen Xi as the Thunder Team seized momentum.
• Butler set up the Pelicans’ next possession, but Redick passed up an opening and returned the ball to Butler.
• Butler used Horford’s screen and fed Little Sabonis, whose shot missed but drew a defensive foul on Little Jordan.
• Chen Xi reminded Butler of their previous loss, and they wagered an F12 and a Lamborghini Urus on which team would win.