At that moment, Kevin Garnett wanted to kill Su Xi.
He stormed over, but his reason held him back from doing anything more. He ran to set a screen for Cassell, planning to use the opportunity to land a cheap shot on Su Xi.
Su Xi deftly dodged, using a spin move to get around the screen.
Just then, the camera caught Garnett swinging an elbow as he set the screen.
Barkley said on television, "Looks like the Western Conference Team is getting serious now."
He was putting it mildly. After all, with the festive atmosphere of the All-Star Game, it wasn't the time for divisive comments.
But the viewers at home could see it plain as day. Garnett had clearly lost his cool.
Cassell drove to the free-throw line, where Little O'Neal hedged out to slow him. Cassell came to a screeching halt and was about to gather the ball when Su Xi saw his chance and chopped down with his hand... SMACK!
He slapped the ball away from behind.
At the same time, he closed in and snatched the ball away.
