Zeng Xingyang’s defense seems like a death grip.
Rondo was too close to Zeng Xingyang while dribbling and ultimately revealed a flaw.
Zeng Xingyang swung his right hand, seizing the opportunity.
He completed the cut.
The consequence of Rondo being intercepted is that the King’s backcourt is completely void of defense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt, with Rudy Gay striving to chase back to the middle of the lane.
Zeng Xingyang, at the right-side three-point line, shoots a three-pointer in transition.
For Zeng Xingyang, this kind of shot is as sure as a sure thing.
The basketball traced a beautiful rainbow arc.
Zeng Xingyang began the second half by scoring continuously, rapidly closing the gap between the teams.
"Zeng Xingyang’s scoring ability is unquestionably strong."
"This kind of transition three-pointer is too sharp."
"Unlike Curry, Zeng Xingyang’s defense is stronger."
"Even Rondo’s dribbling can be intercepted, he’s a championship-level guard."
"Zeng Xingyang is awesome!!"
Fans at home excitedly left messages online.
On the court, Zeng Xingyang also raised three fingers, waving and celebrating.
Rondo gritted his teeth as he looked at Zeng Xingyang.
As a point guard, not being able to control the ball is quite embarrassing.
But the pressure of Zeng Xingyang’s one-on-one defense was overwhelming, far exceeding Rondo’s expectations.
The game on the court continues.
This time, Rondo dared not relax even slightly.
Playing very sensibly, it was difficult for Zeng Xingyang to intercept the ball.
Rondo combined a back move with a turnaround past half court, then passed the ball to Gay.
Gay lobbed the ball high to Cousins in the post.
Jokic was cautious in his defense against Cousins, and Cousins capitalized on that.
Decisively bumping into Jokic, he spun around relying on contact.
Jokic raised his hands high, Cousins went for a one-handed hook from the right side.
This wasn’t Cousins’ favorite way, but his touch was soft enough.
Cousins’ hook shot went in.
Jokic slammed the ball hard.
He rarely felt this frustrated.
Cousins’ ability is very strong; he has too many offensive methods, and it’s hard for Jokic to limit him when he’s hesitant.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Jokic passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang, Zeng Xingyang dribbled past half court.
Zeng Xingyang transitioned the ball to Jokic, who handed it back to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang has a height advantage against Rondo, playing as a point guard now with a vision akin to Ben Simmons, he can clearly see the positioning of players on both offense and defense.
Rondo stuck to Zeng Xingyang, Zeng Xingyang called Jokic over.
Jokic stepped up, blocked Rondo, Cousins switched to defend Zeng Xingyang.
Jokic quickly cut down, took Rondo away, with Kosstan providing help defense in the paint, Zeng Xingyang didn’t pass to Jokic but pulled back, dribbling and backing away.
Cousins’ offense is impressive, but his defense is somewhat lacking, often prone to fouling.
Seeing his teammates pulling away enough.
Zeng Xingyang began a series of crossovers, making adjustments.
Cousins, knowing Zeng Xingyang’s three-point shooting is formidable, defended very aggressively.
Such a pronounced defensive inclination easily exposed a flaw to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang pulled the ball to the left, changed direction, and accelerated for a breakthrough inside.
Koulistan wanted to help defend, but couldn’t catch up, Zeng Xingyang gathered the ball, stepped forward, and executed a smooth layup.
This time Cousins came up to set a screen for Rondo.
Zeng Xingyang was blocked, Rondo used the screen to change direction and break inside.
Jokic’s defensive rhythm was disrupted, Rondo easily laid the ball in.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Jokic dribbled past half court.
Handed it off to Zeng Xingyang, then took Rondo away, leaving Cousins to switch defense to Zeng Xingyang again.
Left-side 45-degree position.
This time Cousins opted to step back in defense.
Facing Cousins, Zeng Xingyang began a series of crossovers.
Continuous large-scale pullbacks.
Cousins followed closely, constantly moving.
In terms of defensive pace, Cousins was half a step slow.
Zeng Xingyang made a lateral step-back, hesitating with the ball.
Cousins was directly faked out, flying up.
Unceremoniously, Zeng Xingyang went for the ball, turning his body and crashing into Cousins.
As the referee blew the whistle, Zeng Xingyang’s motion didn’t stop.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
The referee confidently signaled three fingers down.
Three points count, plus a free throw.
Cousins raised his hand, spat out his mouthguard, looking innocently at the referee.
He wanted to indicate he didn’t foul.
But the referee paid no attention.
Lying on the floor, Zeng Xingyang also laughed, Cousins’ fouling was indeed easy to draw.
His defensive movements seemed slightly slow, making it easy to deceive.
The fans on site exclaimed in surprise.
Since entering the second half, Zeng Xingyang’s offense was too fierce.
100% shooting accuracy.
Zeng Xingyang stepped up to the free-throw line.
Boos echoed through the venue.
Zeng Xingyang calmly made the extra free throw.
"Rudy, you go defend Zeng." George Karl shouted.
Originally Nuggets coach, George Karl signed with the King after last year’s All-Star Game.
A veteran coach, he reflected deeply on the current Nuggets.
The Nuggets have emerged from the quagmire of rebuilding, improving steadily.
Meanwhile, the King remains in reconstruction, their future looks bleak.
"Zeng Xingyang has scored 8 consecutive points, his scoring burst is showing, King should find a way to limit Zeng Xingyang, otherwise they’ll have big trouble," Smith said.