The final 23 seconds found Harden with the ball, pushing forward into the frontcourt and starting to run down the clock.
Now with the scores tied and the clock ticking within 24 seconds, the Thunders had the opportunity to clinch the game with a buzzer-beater.
With about 10 seconds left in the game, Harden successfully passed the ball to Durant.
In this do-or-die moment, only Durant could take the shot.
Battier subconsciously stepped back half a step at this point—he was at a disadvantage with his footwork.
Unexpectedly, upon seeing this, Durant chose to take a three-point pull-up shot directly!
This choice surprised everyone, including Thunders' head coach Brooks, because his plan had been for Durant to drive in for a mid-range shot.
After all, Durant had continued his three-point contest's touch tonight, having missed all four of his three-point attempts so far.
Furthermore, driving in would allow as much time to be run down as possible, leaving no time for the Grizzlies.
