The Thunder’s offense.
Westbrook dribbled to the frontcourt.
Zeng Xingyang chose to take a step back for defense.
Rather than letting Westbrook shoot a three, Zeng Xingyang preferred to limit his explosiveness.
Westbrook noticed the shooting opportunity in front of him and decisively took a zombie jump shot from the top of the arc.
Although Westbrook’s three-point shot isn’t great, his shooting confidence has never faltered.
Especially this season, with him leading the team alone, he shoots however he wants.
There’s no other team core to complain about his three-point attempts, he is the absolute leader.
The rebound bounced off the front rim, and Zeng Xingyang grabbed it as he turned around.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt to take a look.
The player guarding the basket for the Thunder was Adams. Jokic got a position inside, and Zeng Xingyang passed the ball in.
Adams is very strong physically, and his ability to protect the basket is also good. Jokic chose to lean against Adams before turning with a one-legged fadeaway.
Many people think Jokic is only steady under the basket, but his shooting is actually very accurate.
Mid-range, three-pointers, Jokic excels at both.
Jokic is very stable in shooting.
Adams clearly didn’t expect Jokic to use such a flashy shooting move and didn’t close out in time for the interference.
Just like that, Jokic also stood out to close the gap.
It’s just that the Thunder fans on site don’t care about the Nuggets’ occasional offense, as the lead is still large and very safe.
Jokic’s performance today is quite ordinary, and no one expects him to continue breaking out.
In the next play, Jokic gave Adams a big block.
Westbrook dribbled to the frontcourt, initiating a pick-and-roll with Adams.
This pick-and-roll wasn’t effective, as Zeng Xingyang maneuvered around the screen to chase Westbrook.
Westbrook didn’t have a chance, so he made a no-look bounce pass to Adams.
With no mismatch, Adams faced Jokic directly.
Adams headed to the basket, attempting a layup finish like usual.
However, Jokic maintained his position, subtly withstanding Adams’ body, raising his arm effortlessly to block.
The basketball got slapped onto the backboard and bounced out, collected by Butler.
The fans gasped in surprise, not expecting Jokic to step up .
Jokic listened to what Zeng Xingyang said, putting in more effort on the court.
Jokic also wanted to reverse the game and win.
Butler, after getting the rebound, quickly passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang up ahead.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt, attracting the defense, with both Westbrook and Roberson double-teaming him.
Yet Zeng Xingyang then passed the ball to the middle.
Jokic displayed excellent motion, leaving Adams behind and receiving the pass from Zeng Xingyang.
Jokic didn’t even need to dribble; he made a floater in stride.
The ball traced a beautiful arc.
Even Zeng Xingyang was a bit surprised by Jokic’s running speed this time.
Roberson swallowed nervously, not expecting Jokic to reach their basket so quickly.
Jokic’s sudden effort reassured the Thunder fans on site.
As long as the Thunder can maintain their offense, the Nuggets’ chase will sink into trouble, leaving them with no chance still.
Westbrook pushed forward with the ball, perceiving the Nuggets’ defense has totally changed.
Zeng Xingyang approached to apply continuous pressure on Westbrook, repeatedly attempting steals, forcing Westbrook to focus on protecting the ball.
Westbrook tried to pass to teammates, but on the right side, Oladipo, who wanted to get open, was blocked in front by Butler.
As the #2 pick in 2013, Oladipo, traded to the Thunder this summer, became the team’s second leader, partnering with Westbrook.
This season, he averages 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, with a shooting percentage of 44.2% and a three-point percentage of 36.1%.
This performance is somewhat down from his Magic days, mainly due to reduced ball possession and adapting to Westbrook-led play style.
Westbrook passed the ball inside to Little Sabonis.
As a rookie, Little Sabonis’s role at the Thunder isn’t significant and he’s asked to do many things unlike his strength.
For example, when holding the ball, he wouldn’t be organizing but is encouraged to go to the basket to attack.
Little Sabonis had some advantage posting Grant, but turning back, he faced Jokic’s help defense.
Little Sabonis swung the ball to Oladipo in the corner.
Oladipo, with limited time to attack after the pass, had to force a contested three against Butler’s defense.
Butler severely disrupted Oladipo, with the shot slamming hard against the rim.
Jokic firmly boxed out Adams under the basket and then secured the rebound.
After grabbing the rebound, Jokic didn’t pass the ball; instead, he dribbled forward swiftly.
Seeing Jokic able to dribble forward, Little Sabonis was very envious.
The Thunder fans weren’t too worried; they felt a ball-handling Jokic was easier to defend.
After reaching the frontcourt, Jokic slowed down and stopped at the top of the arc.
Meanwhile, Zeng Xingyang came from the right side, and Jokic performed a behind-the-back dribble bounce to Zeng Xingyang.
Jokic then set a screen for Zeng Xingyang, blocking the chasing Westbrook. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novｅlfire.net
Created a slight opening for Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t hesitate, quickly stopping and shooting the three.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
The Thunder had to call an urgent timeout.
The Nuggets’ point-chasing surge was fierce, striking a 10-0 run to narrow the score.
When Zeng Xingyang made the three, the on-site fans fell utterly silent.
Butler came over to bump chests with Zeng Xingyang in celebration, and Jokic also gave Zeng Xingyang a high-five.
"Oh, oh, a brilliant scoring run, led by Nikola Jokic and Zeng Xingyang."
"Nikola is like a magician, making spectacular plays with the ball in his hands."
Barkley, impressed for the first time with a big man, remarked that while Jokic hadn’t exhibited last season’s playoff prowess this season, he becomes firm at crucial moments.
"The match is back on."
"The Nuggets’ scoring surge is no ordinary feat."
"Trailing by 23 in the fourth quarter and still chasing? I don’t believe it."
"As long as the Thunder stabilize their offense, there’s no need to panic."
The fans were engaged in animated discussions, creating an exciting atmosphere.