The Rockets’ offense comes again.
Lawson dribbles to the frontcourt.
This time Zeng Xingyang and Foye switch defense again, mainly because Ariza doesn’t seem strong enough in attack; any guard who can keep up with his speed can limit him.
Zeng Xingyang goes up to press Lawson.
Although Lawson’s dribbling is skillful, Zeng Xingyang’s height and wingspan are enough to put pressure on him.
Lawson wants to use a crossover immediately after reaching half-court to get past Zeng Xingyang.
He thought too simply; Zeng Xingyang uses his body to pressure, then raises his hand to steal the ball.
Behind Lawson is the midcourt line, which significantly limits his dribbling space.
Zeng Xingyang seizes the moment, swooping down with an outstretched arm to cut the ball.
A precise slap, and Zeng Xingyang completes the steal.
Lawson is totally stunned. It’s disastrous for a team’s defense when a point guard’s dribble is stolen.
Luckily, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t control the ball smoothly at first; he adjusts slightly to fully gain control of the ball.
At this time, Ariza also returns to the backcourt, seizing the chance to hug Zeng Xingyang and commit a foul.
"That defense, that steal, amazing."
"Since Zeng entered the league, his scoring has been inconsistent, but his defense has always been on point."
"So stylish, the defense is really fierce."
The Nuggets fans continue to cheer.
The Nuggets’ offense comes again.
Faried passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the arc top.
Lavine comes over to screen, bringing Howard with him.
A quick switch forms, as Zeng Xingyang brings Howard to the left side.
Howard is wary of Zeng Xingyang’s three-point shooting, so he defends very tightly, leaning his center of gravity towards Zeng Xingyang’s right side.
There’s a gap on the left, and Zeng Xingyang accelerates left without hesitation.
With Harrell guarding the basket, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t enter the three-second area but opts for a left-side close-range angle bank shot.
The basketball bounces and then enters the hoop.
Barkley shouts, "The rhythm of this play is very smooth; the rhythm from breakthrough to quick stop shooting completely misaligned the Rockets’ two interior defenders. It looks easy, but it requires very high body control skills."
Smith says, "Zeng’s technical skills are very solid, especially the combination of dribbling and shooting, very stable. So as long as there is space, his shooting accuracy is very high."
Zeng Xingyang retreats with a relaxed look.
The Rockets’ offense.
Howard continues asking for the ball inside, this time attacking more decisively.
Zeng Xingyang goes over to double-team but can’t stop him.
Howard causes Lavine’s blocking foul and needs to get to the free-throw line.
Howard misses the first free throw.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Foye dribbles past half-court and passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
When Barton and Zeng Xingyang are on the court simultaneously, Zeng Xingyang’s tactical rank is higher than Barton’s.
This was emphasized by Mike Malone in the locker room.
The entire Nuggets team has been convinced by Zeng Xingyang’s play; everyone knows that Zeng Xingyang will become the core around whom the team will cultivate for the future.
Barton has accepted this, not resisting much.
The core is still Zeng Xingyang, whose strength is indeed domineering. If any obvious conflicts arise between Barton and Zeng Xingyang, Barton doesn’t doubt that the team would choose to trade him.
Barton still wants a big contract; he doesn’t want to go to an unfamiliar team where his position in the team is not guaranteed.
Currently, at the Nuggets, the highest team status belongs to Zeng Xingyang, the injured Nurkic, Jokic, and then him; he still has the opportunity to produce impressive stats.
Lavine and Faried simultaneously come up to set a horns screen for Zeng Xingyang.
Ariza gets pinned down, Howard switches again.
This time, Howard shifts his center to the left, and Zeng Xingyang almost instantly capitalizes on the gap on Howard’s right side.
A behind-the-back dribble to the right, foot adjustment, and acceleration breakthrough.
Howard turns to follow, but Zeng Xingyang suddenly steps back slightly.
Howard wants to follow but finds his movement stuck, unable to keep the rhythm.
Zeng Xingyang finds another gap on the right side of the free-throw line and makes a quick stop jump shot.
Zeng Xingyang enters a frenzy of consecutive scoring once more!
Howard gets repeatedly attacked at this point by him.
After Lawson crosses half-court, he calls for a timeout.
Zeng Xingyang raises both hands, enjoying the cheering as he walks toward the bench.
The fans and teammates jump and shout excitedly.
It was Zeng Xingyang’s showcase during the opening period of the second quarter.
He dominated the opponent’s defense in various ways.
Howard’s face turned dark; at first, Zeng Xingyang attacked inside, now he’s shooting outside, and Howard can’t defend any of it.
"Why does it seem so easy for Xingyang to score now?"
"Xingyang has a great dribbling rhythm, alternating speeds; Ariza and the guards can keep up, but for Howard, it’s challenging to follow."
"Xingyang’s ball-handling skills have improved a lot since college, and combined with his on-court judgment, absolute rhythm and shooting, he scores very easily."
"Why do I have shooting skills but I’m not as strong?"
"If you had Xingyang’s full rhythm shooting ability, combined with his long wingspan dribbling skills, you’d be very strong too."
"Xingyang’s ball-handling and defensive judgment are both excellent. If his dribbling keeps improving, by then, he could attack anyone indiscriminately, which would be even more terrifying."
"Players with great rhythm often give the illusion of scoring easily; that’s Xingyang. His sense of rhythm is historically top-tier."