Both teams had returned to their benches, and coaches kept an eye on players to avoid any further escalation. Meanwhile, the referees gathered courtside, repeatedly reviewing the incident on the replay monitors. After a thorough examination, they reached a unanimous decision. Scott's foul on Tang Lei was a blatant Flagrant 2, a targeted hit with no attempt to play the ball.
The lead referee raised his hand to signal the call to the scorer's table, "Flagrant 2 on Scott. He is ejected from the game." The crowd erupted in cheers, pleased with the outcome. According to league rules, Scott's Flagrant 2 would also likely lead to a fine up to $35,000, and upon further review, a possible suspension.
Scott, visibly displeased, muttered protests under his breath as an assistant coach escorted him off the court. Since Tang Lei had been fouled on a scoring attempt, the Warriors received three free throws and possession. Curry took the free throws in Tang's place, hitting all three and bringing the score to 84–81, with the Warriors retaining possession.
Quinn Cook entered the game to fill Tang Lei's spot, and Draymond Green also subbed back in. Green inbounded to Thompson on the wing, but with the defense crowding him, Thompson passed to Green at the top. Curry then darted around a screen and, in one fluid motion, took a handoff from Green. Curry launched a drifting three-pointer that sailed high before swishing through the net, extending the Warriors' lead to 87–81 and igniting the crowd.
Undeterred, the 76ers remained composed, as the boos and jeers intensified from Warriors fans. Jimmy Butler responded with a contested three-pointer, narrowing the gap and displaying the Sixers' resilience. The two teams continued trading baskets, with neither able to build more than a slim lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Warriors led 95–93—a narrow two-point advantage.
Back in the locker room, Tang Lei lay on a stretcher, initially overwhelmed by pain from the fall. The impact had reverberated through his entire body, a painful reminder of how one misstep in the professional leagues could have devastating consequences. Scott's dirty play wouldn't be easily forgotten. Tang quietly vowed that, if they ever faced each other again, he would settle the score.
As the medical team prepared diagnostic tools for a preliminary assessment, Tang saw an opportunity and made a critical decision. Opening his system menu, he reluctantly exchanged 50 hard-earned system points for a "Mid-Tier Healing Potion." These points represented countless hours of dedication and achievement, but the benefits of a quick recovery outweighed any sense of loss. The potion would repair fractures and internal bruising in a matter of minutes, possibly allowing him to return to the game.
Tang drank the potion swiftly, feeling an intense warmth spread through his body, focusing on his injured arm. Within moments, a soothing sensation replaced the initial pain, with an almost unbearable itch signaling rapid recovery at the cellular level. Minutes later, he tested his arm, rotating it with no sign of pain or stiffness.
When the medical staff returned to conduct scans, they were stunned—every test returned clear results. One trainer, still puzzled, asked, "Tang, can you try moving your arm for us?"
Tang nodded, lifting his arm and flexing it with a growing smile. "Feels good. I'll try standing and moving around."
He rose from the stretcher, stretching his arms and legs without any discomfort. Looking at the trainers and a floor manager who had come to check on him, he smiled. "I'm ready to get back on the court."