Collison dared not be careless; he quickly defended up, not giving Zeng Xingyang the chance for a quick-draw three-pointer.
Collison thought Zeng Xingyang was just a shooter and wouldn’t attack with the ball like that.
Zeng Xingyang swiftly went to dribbling.
Facing Collison’s defense, Zeng Xingyang began a consecutive crossover dribble with direction change.
Collison’s defense wasn’t strong. Zeng Xingyang felt his ball-handling attack ability was completely fine.
With continuous rhythm adjustments, Collison’s steps swayed along with Zeng Xingyang’s footwork.
"Hey, this guy’s dribbling looks pretty good."
"Isn’t he just a pure shooter? He made lots of errors during the preseason, stop dribbling."
The Nuggets fans didn’t think highly of Zeng Xingyang’s ball-handling attack.
During the preseason, Zeng Xingyang’s ball-handling attack ability was just somewhat lacking, with tons of errors.
During consecutive dribbling adjustments, Zeng Xingyang found an open space on Collison’s right side and made a sudden move.
Collison quickly turned to pursue; Zeng Xingyang stepped back, instantly widening the gap with Collison.
This combination of sudden move and step-back gave Zeng Xingyang the space he needed.
Without a moment’s pause, Zeng Xingyang collected the ball for a quick jump-shot three-pointer.
Collison wanted to pounce but couldn’t keep up with the rhythm; he could only watch helplessly as the ball pierced the sky.
The basketball cut through the net!
Zeng Xingyang once again displayed his ball-handling attack ability.
After scoring, Zeng Xingyang glancing at Barton, as if to say, this is the difference between us.
Give me the ball, and I can put it in the net.
"Awesome." Jokic came over to high-five Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang’s ball-handling attack ability was visibly improving.
On the sidelines, Mike Malone also clapped in celebration.
Zeng Xingyang’s ball-handling attack ability wasn’t as poor as imagined.
Barton’s expression didn’t change at all, as if he couldn’t see Zeng Xingyang.
"Zeng...Xing...Yang!"
The Pepsi Center DJ in Denver stirred the atmosphere, shouting Zeng Xingyang’s name.
Kovan seeing this step-back three-pointer made felt invigorated for Zeng Xingyang: "Nick Collison, the Thunder veteran, seemed bewildered by Xingyang’s crossover dribble."
"Don’t mind that Xingyang is only playing his third game, but he just scored 30 points in his last game."
"His scoring methods are varied and rich."
Fans online excitedly flooded the screen with comments.
"Xingyang’s dribbling step-back looks good."
"Very fluid offensive rhythm, creating space in an instant."
"Xingyang’s ball-handling attack can be trained; this play shows his talent."
On the court, after scoring that shot, Zeng Xingyang was full of confidence.
The Thunder’s offense back again.
This time, Durant finally launched the attack.
Outside the right three-point line, the Thunder created a one-on-one space for Durant.
Durant faced Zeng Xingyang with a big direction change dribble, accelerating to the right to charge forward.
Zeng Xingyang lost his position somewhat but didn’t get completely shaken off. Zeng Xingyang’s focus was to lock down Durant’s mid-range stop.
Jokic’s positioning was good, making it difficult for Durant to finish at the rim.
Under the double-team, Durant spotted the cutting Waiters.
Barton there missed Waiters again; Durant slam-passed the ball to Waiters.
Waiters’ flying layup sent the ball in.
"Stay with your man." Even Jokic couldn’t tolerate it anymore, shouting at Barton.
Barton’s defense was like a sieve; watching them almost stop Durant, he caused another issue.
Barton couldn’t even respond; he was letting his teammates down.
On the sidelines, Mike Malone didn’t hesitate and called Harris to the score table, ready to substitute Barton.
Defense relies heavily on teamwork; if one point’s defense is bad, it’ll easily be exploited and broken.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Nelson dribbled into the front court.
Barton, criticized by Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, plus continually missing offensively, had no intention of catching the ball, standing at the corner to spread space.
Zeng Xingyang used Jokic’s right-side free-throw line screen to run out to catch the ball.
Chasing to defend Zeng Xingyang was still Collison.
Nelson passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
At the moment of receiving, Zeng Xingyang faked a move.
Collison jumped up for the block.
Seeing Collison take the bait, Zeng Xingyang quickly placed the ball, accelerated on the left side, and broke through.
Collison was completely left behind by Zeng Xingyang.
With strong momentum, Ibaka quickly stepped up to assist in defense.
Zeng Xingyang, during high-speed travel, passed the ball to Jokic following up in the middle.
Jokic smoothly positioned himself in the three-second area, eased Durant off for a simple layup to score.
Jokic might not jump high, but his offense under the basket is very steady; he always finds his rhythm to put the ball in.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic connected again.
"Wow, this pass from Xingyang was beautiful, and Jokic’s finish was very easy."
"The Nuggets’ substitutes are stronger than their starters."
"I love seeing these two work together, it’s very smooth."
"Our rookie is pretty good this year."
"Hey, keep playing , rookie."
Cheers erupted in a Denver local bar.
The fans there enjoyed seeing these kinds of plays.
With the Nuggets’ starters on the court, the team was suppressed by the Thunder, but when the substitutes came on, they were able to compete evenly.
Every offensive play by Zeng Xingyang would excite the Nuggets fans.
The Thunder’s offense.
Waiters found his confidence. This time, he didn’t pass through Durant; he faced Barton’s defense and made a direction change to break through.
Barton still couldn’t keep up, but Jokic predicted Waiters’ attack route, and stood one step in front of the three-second area.