The Spurs seem to be a strong defensive team, but their specific defense against Zeng Xingyang is never enough. As long as Zeng Xingyang maintains enough patience, he can find weaknesses in their defense.
For example, attacking Aldridge’s perimeter defense, attacking Parker one-on-one.
West and Ginobili’s defense isn’t very good either.
These are all opportunities.
After the timeout, the Spurs took Danny Green off and substituted Ginobili.
At such a tense moment in the score, Popovich trusts the veterans more.
The Nuggets did not make any adjustments.
Ginobili dribbled to the frontcourt, and Zeng Xingyang’s attempt to intercept failed.
After a simple ball circulation, the ball returned to Ginobili’s hands.
Ginobili initiated a pick-and-roll with Duncan, and Duncan’s pick was solid. Zeng Xingyang was completely blocked.
Ginobili made a zigzag drive inside, and although Jokic retreated constantly to help defend, it did not have much effect.
Ginobili bypassed Jokic with a Eurostep, and Jokic couldn’t keep up. Ginobili easily made a layup.
Popovich’s quick adjustment stopped the bleeding.
On the sidelines, Mike Malone felt a tightness in his heart. The Spurs’ scary adjustment ability started to show; they are hard to collapse all at once.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Leonard directly came to guard Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang arrived at the frontcourt and initiated a pick-and-roll with Jokic.
But this time Leonard’s defense bypassed Jokic’s screen, continuously harassing Zeng Xingyang with his long arms.
Zeng Xingyang’s attempt to change direction and break through found no opportunity as Leonard demonstrated his strong one-on-one defense ability.
Subsequently, Zeng Xingyang quickly passed the ball to Jokic.
Jokic adjusted his steps and handed the ball back to Zeng Xingyang, setting another screen for Leonard.
Duncan switched to defend Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang’s consecutive crossovers were very fast.
He continuously adjusted the rhythm, and Duncan kept adjusting his steps, always following.
Zeng Xingyang’s moves have become more and more diverse.
When pulled to the perimeter, Duncan was somewhat passive. Zeng Xingyang dribbled the ball suspended to the left side, then heavily pounded it down and stepped back combining the ball.
The space opened up; a quick pull-up jumper.
Duncan’s defense was a fraction slow. It seemed like he got there, but in fact, he didn’t bother Zeng Xingyang much.
Instead, due to the huge momentum, he crashed into Zeng Xingyang.
The basketball drew a beautiful arc.
The referee raised three fingers, indicating the three-pointer was valid, plus a foul.
The audience immediately erupted in cheers.
While lying on the ground, Zeng Xingyang didn’t get up immediately. Instead, he looked towards the ceiling.
The dazzling lights, the continuous cheers and screams from the home fans ringing in his ears.
Jokic and Pope didn’t want Zeng Xingyang lying there too long and quickly came to pull him up.
"A spectacular three and one, this is the rhythm Zeng likes. Facing Tim Duncan’s defense, his offense was decisive and firm," Barkley shouted excitedly.
"Zeng is trying to solve the game with personal ability, and it’s working great. The Spurs fear this kind of attack," Smith said.
On the court, Duncan raised his hands innocently looking at the referee, but the referee showed no response.
Duncan’s rush was too aggressive, infringing on Zeng Xingyang’s cylinder.
Zeng Xingyang stepped up to the free-throw line.
Steadily making the extra free throw.
The gap between the two teams is now just one point.
Ginobili continues to carry the ball to the frontcourt for a pick-and-roll with Duncan.
Zeng Xingyang maneuvered around Duncan’s screen in a chase after Ginobili.
Ginobili had no choice but to pass the ball to Leonard on the right side of the free-throw line.
Zeng Xingyang meanwhile switched with Harris, actively defending Leonard himself.
Leonard held the ball, probing with a triple threat stance.
Zeng Xingyang gave a bit of space, as getting too close would result in being bypassed instantly, but giving too much space would allow Leonard to make a stable shot.
Leonard’s first step isn’t very explosive; he needs rhythm to create space.
However, Zeng Xingyang’s defense was smart, always maintaining positioning.
Leonard chose to back down Zeng Xingyang.
After bumping twice, Leonard turned for a jump shot.
Leonard’s wingspan is long; his release point is very high.
This shot had a bit of rhythm issue, but Zeng Xingyang still managed to disrupt it some.
The basketball slammed hard against the rim and bounced up.
The rebound was grabbed by Grant.
"Your one-on-one skills still need work, keep practicing," Zeng Xingyang shouted at Leonard.
Leonard glanced at Zeng Xingyang, said nothing, without a trace of change in expression.
"Like a robot," Zeng Xingyang muttered.
On the court, the Nuggets’ offense proceeded.
Zeng Xingyang passed the ball to Jokic.
Jokic then organized a ball circulation.
Pope and Grant each received the ball, opting to drive and kick it out.
Soon, the ball returned to Zeng Xingyang’s hands.
This time, Zeng Xingyang formed a one-on-one with Ginobili.
Ginobili’s forehead was sweating, knowing this rookie was deliberately singling him out.
He was a bit being outplayed and lacked confidence as Zeng Xingyang’s drives and shots were hard to contain.
But there was no choice; Ma Cong wasn’t going to double-team as it would disrupt the defensive system.
Now, Zeng Xingyang’s isolation play was more uninhibited; he was very aware of his abilities.
After two consecutive crossovers, he went to the right, then broke inside.
Ginobili tried hard to keep up, but after Zeng Xingyang gathered the ball, he knocked him back again.
Zeng Xingyang pushed Ginobili away.
Using the force to step back and create space, he took a mid-range shot.
The basketball traced a glorious arc.
The frenzy driven by Zeng Xingyang continued.
"Manu, it’s time you retired."
"You can’t guard me!"
After scoring, Zeng Xingyang taunted Ginobili wildly, then turned around, pushing his hands up continuously, stirring the crowd’s atmosphere.
The fans at the Denver Pepsi Center continued to cheer.
The audience felt Zeng Xingyang’s dominance in the one-on-one.
Ginobili’s heart sank hearing Zeng Xingyang’s taunts.
He indeed had thoughts of retirement!
He was no longer young, becoming part of the Spurs’ burden.