On the other side, Zeng Xingyang ran from the baseline to the oblique side.
Just when the Rockets thought Zeng Xingyang was looking for another three-point shot, he suddenly made an inner cut.
At this moment, something slick happened, Jokic made a bounce pass guiding everyone towards Zeng Xingyang.
After catching the ball, Zeng Xingyang directly stepped forward and did a flying layup.
The Rockets had a small lineup, Capela was pulled out by Jokic, leaving no height to protect the rim inside.
Terry came to disrupt Zeng Xingyang, but with such a height difference, there was no real interference.
Easily dodging and making the layup, the ball went in.
"James, you’re in!" McHale couldn’t hold back and called Harden to the technical table, ready to substitute him at any moment.
Without Harden, the Rockets’ offense was eye-piercingly bad.
On the Nuggets’ side, seeing Zeng Xingyang high-fiving with Jokic, Mike Malone’s eyes seemed to brighten progressively, with a growing smile.
Zeng Xingyang took over all the Nuggets’ offense during this period, causing McDaniels, who was defending him, to constantly wipe the sweat from his forehead.
Zeng Xingyang brought immense pressure onto him.
Top-tier shooting ability combined with off-ball positioning skills, he simply couldn’t keep up.
The Rockets’ fans at the scene chanted Harden’s name loudly.
Without Harden, being beaten up by the opposing rookie, they felt no sense of security.
At this moment, Harden also removed his long-sleeved athletic shirt and leaned on the technical table, his expression unchanged.
He had grown accustomed to the feeling of being relied upon.
No dead ball had yet appeared on the court, with the Rockets’ offense missing once more.
Terry broke through and passed the ball outside to Brewer.
Brewer’s wide-open three-point shot also didn’t hit the mark.
The rebound was grabbed by Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang passed the ball to Nelson.
After Nelson dribbled past half-court, he passed the ball to Jokic at the right side of the free-throw line.
Jokic held Capela behind him, observing from left to right.
Zeng Xingyang was positioning on the right side, now attracting the bulk of the Rockets’ defensive attention.
Zeng Xingyang ran towards Jokic, and just when everyone thought Jokic was going to hand the ball off to Zeng Xingyang,
Jokic made a fake move, passing air to Zeng Xingyang, and smoothly leaning on Capela, spun to glide past him to the basket.
On the other side, Ariza came to intercept the ball.
Ariza cut Jokic’s hand but couldn’t stop his move, as Jokic made the basket and drew a foul.
Jokic couldn’t help but fiercely pump his fist.
Zeng Xingyang smirked and said, "Nikola, you even fooled me."
Jokic nodded with a smile, "I’ll really pass it to you next time."
If a fake move isn’t convincing enough, how can it fool the opponent? Jokic had a clear understanding of Zeng Xingyang’s threat.
This was an opportunity to exploit.
As Jokic took his extra shot, Harden came in as well.
Harden’s entry quickly stabilized the Rockets’ situation.
Harden mismatched and once again hit Jokic, then caused a foul on Zeng Xingyang’s three-point attempt.....
Thoroughly taught the two rookies a lesson.
Zeng Xingyang’s Level 4 defense wasn’t enough against Harden.
The Rockets increased their defensive intensity, reducing Zeng Xingyang and Jokic’s opportunities to cooperate.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic were taken out by Mike Malone with 5 minutes still left in the fourth quarter.
Although both played well with highlight moments, Mike Malone did not fully trust them yet, keeping veterans on the court during the final moments.
The Rockets quickly completed a comeback and then extended the lead.
Harden’s form tonight was hot, continuously producing individual offense and also driving his teammates.
The Nuggets’ starters couldn’t contend.
Ultimately, the score of the game was fixed at 114 to 121.
The Rockets secured a victory in the opening match at their home court.
Zeng Xingyang’s debut performance was excellent, playing for 28 minutes, hitting 6 out of 9 three-pointers, 4 out of 6 two-pointers, racking up 26 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.
Excellent off-ball positioning, precise three-point shooting, elite-level defensive skills.
Zeng Xingyang exhibited his characteristics well in his debut.