Zeng Xingyang nodded.
Mike Malone’s adjustment to the Nuggets’ second lineup is to have him and Jokic lead the team separately, which will weaken the disadvantages of the second lineup as much as possible.
Of course, this will also have some impact on the starting lineup, which requires more from players like Grant, Pope, Harris, and others.
The Clippers made personnel rotations on their side, taking out Paul.
Crawford, Paul Pierce, Bamot (small forward), Griffin, Cole Aldrich (center)
formed the Clippers’ second lineup.
Bamot’s role is similar to Wesley Johnson’s, mainly defense, and Cole Aldrich is completely different from the Blazers’ Aldridge, this guy is a pure blue-collar, doing the dirty work and heavy lifting.
The Nuggets also made a rotation, swapping out Galinari for Faried.
The game resumed after the timeout.
Crawford dribbled to the front court.
This lineup’s main attacking point is Crawford.
After Crawford made a transition pass on the perimeter, he decisively initiated a series of screens, shaking off Pope’s harassment, shifted direction with the ball, broke into the inside, and after competing with Nurkic under the basket, made a slick spin, suspended layup.
The difficulty of this shot is extremely high, but Crawford got the ball in.
Crawford’s high-difficulty shot slightly waned the crowd’s momentum.
Now it’s the Nuggets’ turn to attack.
Rivers is still having Paul Pierce defend Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang received the ball from his teammate beyond the right side three-point line, burst with step to the left to dodge Paul Pierce.
The Clippers’ defense continued to shrink towards Zeng Xingyang, with Griffin and Cole Aldrich both trying to block Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang chose to pass the ball to Nurkic on the opposite side of the three-second zone.
After grabbing the ball, Nurkic occupied position, challenged Griffin inside, then scored.
Although Nurkic’s skill set is not as comprehensive as Jokic’s, his basic skills inside are still solid, as long as he gets a shot within his confidence, he can reliably score, which is why he was once considered part of the Nuggets’ future.
Several teams inquired about trading him before the deadline, but the Nuggets’ management still hasn’t decided to let him go, wanting to see if he can fit in the second lineup with the Nuggets.
It’s the Clippers’ turn to attack.
Crawford dribbled to the front court and passed to Paul Pierce.
Paul Pierce passed the ball to Griffin.
Griffin tried to find an opening inside, but Faried pushed Griffin desperately, giving Griffin no option but to pass the ball to Crawford on the perimeter.
Zeng Xingyang extended his long arms to cover Crawford, while Cole Aldrich came over for the screen, blocking Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang did not switch defense with Nurkic but tried to chase after bypassing the screen.
Cole Aldrich’s screen was solid, Zeng Xingyang had to exert great effort to maneuver around.
Crawford’s absolute speed wasn’t quite fast, nor did he immediately take advantage of the small gap to shoot but slowed down the pace.
Crawford did not force a shot, fearing it might get blocked.
Crawford passed the ball to Griffin.
Griffin took a three-point shot from the right at a 45-degree angle.
The basketball crashed heavily against the rim and bounced up, grabbed by Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang made a quick pass to Pope at the front court, and after receiving the ball, Pope went for a layup.
At that moment, Bamot desperately retreated for defense.
A powerful block off the backboard.
The rebound went out, controlled by Faried.
No strong attack, deciding to press down and set up.
Faried held the ball, waiting for Zeng Xingyang to come over.
Zeng Xingyang came over to regain control of the situation.
When everyone thought Zeng Xingyang was going to press down and setup, he explosively accelerated.
Again, with one step evading Paul Pierce, and before Griffin and Cole Aldrich’s help defense arrived, he took off.
Single-handedly gripping the rim.
Zeng Xingyang’s consecutive dunks sent the scene into an immediate climax.
Paul Pierce watching Zeng Xingyang’s back, feeling helpless.
Paul Pierce began contemplating retirement, he simply couldn’t keep up with such a young, swift talent!