The TNT commentator team is in position.
"Zeng Xingyang just won the MVP at the All-Star Game, and now he has to face the ravaging of Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay. DeMarcus Cousins also claims he’ll show him a thing or two."
"This is an away game, and it’s uncertain if the entire Nuggets team can return to their state before the All-Star Game."
"Since Rajon Rondo returned, the Kings have shown a noticeable improvement in their record."
"For the Nuggets to maintain such a high win rate after the All-Star Game, they need to put in a lot of effort."
The TNT commentators all know that although the Nuggets seem stronger in this game, it’s the Kings’ home court, and with Cousins and Rondo in good form recently, a Kings win wouldn’t be an upset.
Nuggets starters: Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Pope, Grant, Jokic.
In the first game after the All-Star break, Grant returned from injury, and the break allowed the team much-needed rest.
Kings starters: Rondo, McLemore, Gay, Koulistan, Cousins.
Koulistan wasn’t highly valued at the Kings initially, with a playing style that leaned towards being a pick-and-roll player. He couldn’t even get into the rotation until Rondo’s return from injury, which increased his court time, and he recently moved to the starting lineup.
Cousins, on the other hand, is the core player of the Kings and one of the top centers in the league, with solid fundamentals and shooting range.
This season, he’s averaging an impressive 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Rudy Gay is like the Warriors’ Barnes—a versatile small forward who can do a bit of everything, but nothing too exceptional. He has outstanding physical talents and is averaging 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds this season, making him and Cousins the Kings’ best offensive players.
Rondo is averaging 12 points, 11.7 assists, and 6 rebounds this season, making the Kings’ offense look less unattractive with his playmaking.
Jokic vs. Cousins for the jump ball.
Cousins easily tapped the ball to Rondo.
The Kings initiated the first attack.
After receiving the ball, Rondo quickly passed it to Cousins at the left low post.
Currently, Cousins is very comprehensive on offense, and Jokic finds it very difficult to defend him.
Indeed, Cousins first bumped Jokic sideways and, feeling the power from Jokic’s body, quickly turned around for a mid-range jumper.
This shot included a fadeaway.
Jokic tried hard to disrupt it.
But it had little effect.
Cousins made the mid-range shot.
After the basket, Cousins arrogantly flexed his bicep.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled past half-court and passed the ball to Pope.
Pope passed it to Jokic.
Cousins didn’t relax his defense on Jokic, knowing how cleverly this Serbian plays.
Zeng Xingyang ran toward Jokic, who feigned a hand-off pass but didn’t give it.
Cousins was deceived, and Jokic turned and slipped past the defense, stepping into the paint.
Koulistan came to help, but Jokic adjusted his rhythm, fought back, and made the layup.
Simultaneously, the referee blew the whistle to signal Jokic’s basket was valid, plus a free throw.
Koulistan appeared a bit dejected, feeling he was struggling to adapt after joining the NBA.
Jokic stood at the free-throw line, met with boos from the crowd.
Jokic steadily made the free throw.
"Nikola Jokic, people easily overlook him, but beneath Zeng Xingyang’s brilliance, this rookie also has strong skills," Barkley exclaimed.
"The current league is too soft inside, far less fierce than our time," O’Neal scoffed.
The Kings went on the attack again.
Rondo dribbled into the frontcourt and passed a series of balls back to Cousins on the right low post.
Jokic continued to defend Cousins closely.
This time, Cousins faced up against Jokic, probing with his footwork repeatedly.
Jokic remained unfazed, so Cousins opted for a bank shot from mid-range.
After the bounce, the ball went in.
The game’s opening was a duel between the two centers.
Both Jokic and Cousins showcased their specialties.
Cousins has comprehensive skills, while Jokic possesses high basketball IQ.
On the other side, Rondo was defending Zeng Xingyang.
"DeMarcus will dominate your inside," Rondo shouted at Zeng Xingyang.
Excited to encounter Zeng Xingyang, Rondo eagerly wanted to school this rookie.
Zeng Xingyang retorted, "Whatever, I’ll dominate you."
"Try it. I’ve met many rookies who talk more than you; they all ended up losers."
"You’re a loser, right? No team wants you; you’re wandering around."
Zeng Xingyang’s words infuriated Rondo.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t argue further but received Jokic’s baseline inbounds pass.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled past half-court, then passed to the approaching Jokic.
With Rondo in pursuit, Zeng Xingyang headed toward Jokic.
Jokic cleverly set a screen for Zeng Xingyang.
Rondo was blocked; Jokic simultaneously passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Cousins quickly attempted to help, but Zeng Xingyang’s fake moved Cousins off balance as he dribbled inside.
Koulistan came for help, and Zeng Xingyang sneakily passed it to Grant in the three-second zone.
Grant dunked with both hands.
Zeng Xingyang started facilitating his teammates.
Rondo dribbled to the frontcourt, organizing the ball movement again.
After a series of passes, the ball ended up with Cousins.
Zeng Xingyang decisively left Rondo to double-team Cousins.
Cousins passed to an unguarded Rondo outside.
Rondo quickly faked a shot, which Zeng Xingyang completely ignored.
"Shoot it!" Zeng Xingyang taunted boldly.
Rondo hesitated and still attempted the three-pointer.
Compared to previous years, Rondo’s three-point accuracy improved, but it still lacked threat.
The basketball bounced hard off the rim.
Jokic secured the rebound.
Jokic pushed the ball forward.
Zeng Xingyang continued positioning as Rondo trailed him tightly.
Rondo’s defense was tenacious; Zeng Xingyang couldn’t shake him off with two decoy moves.
Fortunately, Pope timely delayed Rondo.
As Zeng Xingyang found an open position, Jokic passed immediately.
Zeng Xingyang caught the ball and shot from the left 45-degree angle while still in motion.
Rudy Gay was a tad slow closing in.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
Rondo dribbled to the frontcourt this time, giving the ball to Rudy Gay.
Rudy Gay initiated a pick-and-roll with Cousins.
After the pick-and-roll, Pope and Jokic quickly switched defenses.
Rudy Gay and Cousins executed a pick-and-roll.
Following the pick, Rondo and Grant both moved to block the rolling Koulistan.
This was the Nuggets’ defensive plan: to force Rondo to score individually.
Having missed earlier, Rondo hesitated to shoot again.
Rondo attempted another three, albeit reluctantly.
But the shot was missed and proved little threat.
The ball bounced out after hitting the rim; Jokic secured the rebound.
Jokic dribbled up the court and passed to Zeng Xingyang on the right.
Rudy Gay and Koulistan executed a double-team on Zeng Xingyang.
Evidently, they underestimated Pope’s role.
Zeng Xingyang passed decisively to an open Pope on the other side.
Pope received the pass and took a three-point shot from the left side.
The ball drew a beautiful arc.
The Nuggets controlled the pace of the game from the start.
If the game continues , the lead will quickly widen.
Rondo assisted the pick-and-roll with Koulistan but met resistance from Zeng Xingyang again.
This was part of the Nuggets’ defensive strategy, encouraging Rondo to make individual plays.
Earlier, having missed, Rondo was hesitant to shoot again.
"Come on, shoot!" Zeng Xingyang taunted loudly as Rondo hesitated.
The game tempo was already under the Nuggets’ control.
Frustrated, Rondo began to feel the disparity in strength between the Kings and the Nuggets.