Substitute Dale Curry and Chris Mullin received passes from Gan Guoyang and hit consecutive three-pointers, leading the Celtics to a new climax.
The score difference returned to over 15 points, and the Celtics' efforts to catch up by the end of the third quarter failed.
The one big four small lineup is swift on the offensive end, but has many problems on defense.
The inside can't defend against Gan Guoyang's cuts, and once it collapses, there are too many openings on the outside.
If the Celtics weren't trailing by so much, relying on the one big four small for a shootout, they might hold on.
But the 15-point disadvantage is too significant; their offensive and defensive continuity doesn't reach the intensity needed to turn the tide.
When it came to the fourth quarter, with 12 minutes left and eyes open, how to play with a 17-point deficit?
Unless the Trail Blazers' fitness severely declines, or they become complacent and waste their 17-point advantage.
