ushernet Chapter 493 - 405: Easy Win in Game 1
Chapter 493 - 405: Easy Win in Game 1
The Blazers’ offense resumes.
This time, the coach didn’t let Lillard take on Zeng Xingyang one-on-one again.
Lillard has already proven he can’t take on Zeng Xingyang.
McCollum dribbles forward. As the Blazers’ dual guard, CJ McCollum is a typical rhythm scorer. He relies on exquisite mid-range shots and comprehensive scoring skills to establish himself in the NBA. His jump shot release is high with a smooth arc, mid-range stops, and post-up plays are signature weapons, maintaining consistent output from beyond the three-point line, adept at creating shooting space through changes in direction and rhythm.
McCollum is an inspiring player. In high school, he was very short, and no one thought he could play in the NBA.
At that time, he perfected his ball-handling skills.
After entering the NBA, his technique combines flexibility and deception, skilled at using changes in rhythm to shake off defenses during breakthroughs, outstanding at drawing fouls, with a delicate finishing touch.
His passing awareness is also excellent, capable of finding teammates in breakthroughs and pick-and-rolls.
Overall, as the team’s second option, he combines scoring stability with tactical execution, calm and efficient in critical moments, a technically skilled and well-rounded guard on both offense and defense.
McCollum calls for a screen, and his defender switches to Jokic.
McCollum dribbles to the right for a breakthrough.
Jokic closely follows, and feeling Jokic’s balance, McCollum opts for a quick stop and jump shot.
Jokic doesn’t dare to collide, and McCollum’s shot goes in smoothly.
to 114.
The Blazers’ score remains tightly matched with the Nuggets.
Zhang Weiping said, "No one expected the Blazers to perform like this today. They are a team worthy of respect."
Xu Jicheng said, "Indeed, not many teams can push the Nuggets to this extent."
On the court.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the frontcourt, passing to Jokic.
Zeng Xingyang then runs toward Jokic, feigning to receive a handoff.
But Jokic doesn’t give it to Zeng Xingyang, he fakes instead.
This play fooled not just the Blazers but even Zeng Xingyang.
Jokic opts for a mid-range shot on the spot.
Jokic’s shooting touch is very smooth.
"Swish!"
to 116.
The Nuggets score again.
Zhang Weiping called out, "Jokic displays the style of a Western Conference All-Star center. His versatility is historically rare. He is the best help around Xingyang."
Xu Jicheng said, "Such a floater is rare even for a guard."
On the court, the Blazers’ offensive pushes forward.
Lillard dribbles to the frontcourt, encountering Zeng Xingyang’s pressing defense.
Zeng Xingyang almost strips the ball, but Lillard quickly regains control.
Lillard doesn’t continue to contend with Zeng Xingyang. Instead, he decisively passes the ball to McCollum on the right.
This time, McCollum’s pick-and-roll doesn’t succeed, forcing him to one-on-one against Butler.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Butler’s defense has strong resilience, as he firmly covers McCollum on the court.
McCollum, realizing he can’t shake off, opts for a high-difficulty fadeaway three-pointer.
Butler’s contest is right on point.
"Clang!"
The basketball crashes heavily against the rim and rebounds.
Jokic box outs the paint, as Zeng Xingyang leaps up and snatches the rebound.
"Woo-woo!!"
"Defense begins flexing its muscles."
"The Nuggets start to dominate the game."
"No one can stop them now."
"The Nuggets’ clutch ability is surging."
Fans are discussing the game.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the frontcourt.
Still, Lillard defends him.
Zeng Xingyang signals his teammates to spread out.
The Nuggets players quickly follow instructions and spread the floor wide.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Zeng Xingyang faces Lillard with continuous crossover dribbling.
Lillard works hard to match Zeng Xingyang’s rhythm, but Zeng Xingyang showcases very skillful rhythm-changing dribbling techniques.
Lillard’s rhythm is quickly disrupted.
Zeng Xingyang drives one step to the right, Lillard turns to chase but can’t catch up.
Zeng Xingyang jumps, and after reaching the apex, he flicks the ball with a shot.
It’s a very crisp mid-range shot.
"Swish!"
A precise swish through the net.
to 118.
The crowd continues to cheer, Denver fans can see that Zeng Xingyang is solving the game on the court.
However, Lillard obviously won’t give up easily.
Lillard speedily dribbles over, passing to McCollum, then swiftly sprints for positioning, Ami Nu steps up to screen Zeng Xingyang.
Gordon’s help defense is slow, McCollum passes to Lillard in time.
Lillard jumps a meter beyond the three-point line for a shot.
The basketball arcs beautifully.
"Swish!"
to 118.
The Blazers continuously keep the deficit tight, not letting the Nuggets easily take away the game.
After Lillard makes this shot, he wipes the sweat off his forehead, knowing the team’s biggest problem is not offense but defense.
The Blazers’ defense is easily breached by the Nuggets.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the frontcourt.
The Blazers’ put up a double-teaming, trying to force Zeng Xingyang to pass.
Time is under a minute now.
He signals a play with a raised hand.
Jokic comes up, blocking the double team attempt from Lillard and McCollum.
Zeng Xingyang steps back, then charges in after creating space.
McCollum and Lillard’s speed is very fast, but neither of their bodies is as strong as Zeng Xingyang’s.
"Bang!"
Zeng Xingyang forcefully barges past both, charging inside, Aminu reacts late, and Zeng Xingyang, with no hesitation, grabs the ball single-handedly and slams it down with force!
"Clang!"
The basketball is smashed into the hoop firmly by him.
to 120.
"Timeout!!"
The Blazers’ coach calls a timeout.
Stotts never expected that, entering the fourth quarter, the Blazers were leading, and now they are behind in crunch time.
Zeng Xingyang’s dominance on the court was far beyond his judgment.
Zeng Xingyang consistently maintained control over the game situation.
Fans at the Pepsi Center in Denver are cheering and screaming.
They love watching such tense games.
This season, although the Nuggets are strong, they haven’t been very exciting to watch.
Mainly because the Nuggets win too quickly every time.
The Nuggets often lead by a large margin with just three quarters, making the games dull.
Undeniably, Nuggets fans’ appetite has been spoiled by Zeng Xingyang.
There was no surprise in this game; the Blazers eventually lost with a score of 117 to 124, and the series score became 1-0.
The Nuggets safely secured a win at home.
Zeng Xingyang only scored 43 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds for a triple-double in this game, but his continuous scoring in crunch time sealed the game.
Lillard scored 38 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds. His performance was excellent, but if there’s a critique, it’s that he wasn’t as dominant as Zeng Xingyang in crucial moments.