Blocked by Zeng Xingyang for one possession, then he hit a three-pointer.
Wiggins seemed eager to respond to Zeng Xingyang.
There’s heat within even a clay figure, constantly being messed with by a rookie is hard to swallow.
After Rubio dribbled to the frontcourt, Wiggins actively called for the ball.
Zeng Xingyang quickly went up to defend, and teammates from both sides quickly spread out.
Coach Zhang said, "Whoa, Wiggins is really taking on Xingyang, which is understandable. After all, having a rookie constantly overpowering a first overall pick, anyone would get a bit angry. Let’s see how Wiggins’ offense goes this time."
Although Zeng Xingyang was singled out by Wiggins, Coach Zhang was confident and didn’t think Zeng Xingyang would suffer.
Zeng Xingyang lowered his center of gravity, spread his arms, his eyes locked on Wiggins. Wiggins’s offensive approach was very comprehensive, but his first step wasn’t fast, which gave Zeng Xingyang confidence in his defense. He excelled at defending this type of player.
Wiggins had just been blocked by Zeng Xingyang and didn’t dare to relax at all, as he made an early change of direction to the left.
Wiggins’s dribbling was very simple, mainly to break through and find opportunities.
Zeng Xingyang was occupied by Wiggins’s position.
Wiggins gathered the ball for a layup, but his speed wasn’t too fast. Zeng Xingyang didn’t give up on chasing back, extending his long arms, aiming at the target, and cutting down when Wiggins just lifted the ball.
Precisely cutting the ball, it bounced off Wiggins’s leg and out of bounds.
The referee made an exaggerated gesture and indicated the possession was given to the Nuggets.
Wiggins wasn’t lacking ball protection, but Zeng Xingyang’s wingspan was too long, and he cut down quickly, making it impossible to evade.
Wiggins was a bit frustrated after being stripped of the ball and shook his head helplessly. At that moment, he felt his offensive target was like Kawhi Leonard...
"Wow, this rookie’s defense is impressive."
"Cutting the ball is really fast and fierce, his defense has shades of Leonard."
"Andrew trying to muscle through him is pretty tough."
The spectators were talking, amazed by the defensive performance of the opposing seventh pick.
The Nuggets’ offense continued.
Nelson dribbled to the frontcourt, waited for his teammates briefly, and then directed Zeng Xingyang to position.
Jokic set a screen for Zeng Xingyang at the 30-degree angle on the left side, as Zeng Xingyang moved with Wiggins.
Wiggins’s defense was still not very active; after being delayed by Jokic, he didn’t continue to chase Zeng Xingyang.
The switched Garnett’s footwork was sluggish, failing to keep pace.
So Nelson quickly passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Preparing before receiving the running pass.
Catching the ball, jumping up, releasing the shot.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
Precisely through the net, another three-pointer scored.
Two consecutive precise three-pointers, Sam Mitchell on the sideline yelled angrily at Wiggins, "Catch up!"
Wiggins ignored the head coach.
Wiggins’s defense wasn’t lacking; it was mainly a mental issue. When he wanted to defend, he was the league’s elite defensive small forward, but when he didn’t, opponents easily disregarded him.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ offense.
This time Wiggins didn’t attempt a solo play, as Rubio used Garnett’s screen to break through, then made a behind-the-back pass to Garnett at the free-throw line.
Garnett took a mid-range jump shot.
Garnett couldn’t believe he was carrying the team back with the Timberwolves even when close to retiring.
The young guys on the Timberwolves seemed too soft in Garnett’s eyes.
If it were back when he was younger, he would have been shouting already.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Nelson dribbled to the frontcourt.
Sam Mitchell shouted from the sideline for Martin to switch defense with Wiggins.
Although Martin’s defense wasn’t strong, his attitude was serious, and he didn’t let Zeng Xingyang easily get open.
Nelson passed the ball to Jokic at the free-throw line.
Nelson also found that Jokic excelled at the role of a facilitator center.
After Jokic made a fake move, Towns moved up defensively, and seeing the defense on Zeng Xingyang was weak, he passed the ball over.
Martin stuck close to Zeng Xingyang, using small moves to shove constantly.
Zeng Xingyang barely caught the ball, almost getting fouled.
Seeing the referee made no call, Zeng Xingyang first stabilized his balance, then took a probing step.
Zeng Xingyang’s impression with the public was that he lacked the ability to play with the ball, but in fact, after enhancing his dribbling and breakthroughs, he already possessed the capability to play with the ball.
Martin continued sticking close, forcing Zeng Xingyang to dribble.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the right, moved a step, and found an open spot.
Martin rushing to defend, collided into Zeng Xingyang.
During high-intensity defense, Zeng Xingyang’s three-pointer flew towards the basket.
The ball went in as the whistle sounded.
Falling to the ground, Zeng Xingyang punched the air and roared.
Jokic and Galinarli came over to pull Zeng Xingyang up.
Kevin Martin was very helpless, never expecting to be hit with a 4-point play, as he was usually the one committing such fouls.
Zeng Xingyang’s ability to control his body and maintain stability under high-intensity defense exceeded his expectations.
"A bit crazy, this rookie’s shooting."
"Timberwolves’ impenetrable defense."
Fans online were stunned.
Zeng Xingyang stepped onto the free-throw line.
The free throw is made steadily.
Zeng Xingyang personally sparked a small scoring run.
After Rubio dribbled past half court, Minnesota called a timeout.
Sam Mitchell initially thought the second lineup had an advantage, but he didn’t expect Zeng Xingyang to shoot and directly push the Minnesota Timberwolves into a pit.
Mike Malone came over to high-five Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang’s series of three-pointers left him astonished, and then the three-plus-one play where he created a shooting opportunity off the dribble completely shattered Mike Malone’s belief that Zeng Xingyang could only score off catch-and-shoots.
The players on the Nuggets’ second lineup felt very excited; they felt less pressure on the court, and the team’s operations were very smooth.
Female host Xiao Yue said, "Xingyang did great, scoring 10 points in a row. Let’s invite two experts to comment on Xingyang’s performance during this period."
Xiao Yue, standing at 1.74 meters tall, is slim with a pair of long legs, graduated from Shanghai Theatre Academy, endowed with excellent verbal abilities and poise. Since childhood, she’s been fond of watching games, and this year she joined Penguin Sports as a female host.
Kovan said, "Xingyang has showcased his characteristics during this period, strong defense and accurate three-point shooting, which will help him quickly establish himself in the Nuggets. However, this hard solution play is not his style, quite surprising to me."
Ma Jian said, "It’s very challenging to make three consecutive three-pointers in the NBA. Rarely do rookies exhibit such scoring explosiveness, which also reflects his capabilities at this stage. The Nuggets can focus on developing him."
Kovan said, "Most rookies need to find rhythm and feeling upon entering the league, but it seems Xingyang does not; he can score right away."
Ma Jian said, "This relates to his inherently high-level skills, which form the basis for such explosive performances."
The bullet screen comments in the Penguin NBA live broadcast were flooding the screen at this time.
"This scoring explosiveness makes me envy."
"If he continues playing , Xingyang might actually become a starter for the Nuggets."
"So steady, the three-point shooting looks strong; creating opportunities even if there are none."
"The Nuggets currently lack a core player; how great would it be if Zeng Xingyang became the team’s core?"
"Even if he doesn’t become the core of the team, Zeng Xingyang’s role on the court is very important."
Domestic fans are now enjoying watching Zeng Xingyang’s games more and more, and this also reflects his talent.
On the Timberwolves’ bench, Sam Mitchell said to Wiggins, "Andrew, you need to take this seriously, that rookie is scoring continuously in front of you, you need to defend him."
Sam Mitchell was somewhat disappointed in Wiggins’ performance.
Wiggins is the key to the team’s perimeter defense; if he’s not fully committed, Minnesota’s perimeter defense becomes challenging.
Wiggins wiped his forehead, saying, "Okay, I got it."
Sam Mitchell said, "On offense too, don’t keep going one-on-one with him, his defense is strong."
On the Nuggets’ bench.
Mike Malone continued to praise Zeng Xingyang, "Zeng, well done, keep playing , take the shot whenever you have the chance."
Mike Malone was increasingly satisfied with Zeng Xingyang, finding him useful and highly efficient.
Zeng Xingyang at this moment was also full of energy, feeling that the coach was relying on him more and more.
Rubio came to the frontcourt, not passing to Wiggins, but signaling a pick and roll with Towns.
After the pick and roll, Rubio passed the ball back to Towns.
Nelson tried to intercept Towns’ ball but failed, instead allowing Towns to find an opportunity.
Towns attempted a three-pointer from the top of the arc.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
Towns answered with a three-pointer.
As Towns passed by Zeng Xingyang, he provocatively said, "Zeng, I can also shoot threes."
Zeng Xingyang smiled and taunted him, "That was a lucky shot, keep shooting to prove it."
Towns was somewhat annoyed; Zeng Xingyang was clearly provoking him to continue shooting from the outside.
The two were too familiar with each other’s personalities.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang slowly ran with Wiggins guarding him on one side, Kevin Martin proved unsuitable to defend Zeng Xingyang.
Nelson passed the ball to the in-form Zeng Xingyang.
Wiggins increased his defensive intensity, and Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the right side, attempting to break through.
Failing to get through, he had to dribble back out.
Wiggins’ defensive capability depends on his willingness to defend.
During his time with the Warriors, his defense in the finals troubled Tatum a lot.
He signaled for Jokic to come up, Wiggins was blocked, Towns quickly lunged forward, thinking that as long as he stopped Zeng Xingyang’s shot, it would be enough.
But Towns didn’t know that Zeng Xingyang’s ball-handling skills had obviously improved since his time at Kentucky.
Taking advantage of Towns’ lunge, Zeng Xingyang caught an opening on his right side and dribbled in.
Towns never expected Zeng Xingyang to pass him like that, quickly turning to chase back.
Garnett’s positioning was excellent, preventing Zeng Xingyang from further penetrating towards the basket.
While moving, Zeng Xingyang noticed Jokic cutting inside, and without hesitation, delivered a low hand pass to the advancing Jokic.
Jokic received the ball, twisted to hit Garnett, creating space, and effortlessly tipped the ball in.
The referee also called a foul on Garnett for hitting the hand, giving Jokic a chance for an extra free throw.
"Nice pass," Jokic turned to high-five Zeng Xingyang in celebration.
"Your handwork was excellent," Zeng Xingyang replied.
Jokic faced considerable resistance, but he still maintained his rhythm to score.
Garnett was somewhat frustrated; he raised his hand towards the referee but ultimately said nothing, knowing that the young opponent’s interior attack was clean.
Jokic made the free throw.
At this point, the camera kept focusing on Zeng Xingyang walking side by side with Jokic.
Besides these two, the Nuggets also had Nelson, Harris, and Galinarli on the court, but they seemed to have no presence at all.
The Nuggets’ offense was thriving in the hands of these two rookies.