"Why do I feel like since joining the NBA, Xingyang is getting stronger by the day? Now he just goes one-on-one against big guys, that confidence with the ball is simply unbeatable."
"Xingyang’s off-hand is also strong, I can’t tell the difference from his dominant hand."
"He just made that shot????"
"Yes, just like that. No fancy moves, even Howard, the former Defensive Player of the Year, is no match for Xingyang."
Zhang Weiping shouted, "Hey, Xingyang is really something now, his improvement in single-player offense is getting faster."
Su Qun said, "It’s pretty clear now that the Nuggets are grooming Xingyang as the core of the team, giving him a lot of tactical opportunities, and Xingyang is grasping them well."
Zhang Weiping said, "Then he needs to hit hard and take advantage of this period when the Nuggets aren’t pursuing records to solidify his position."
Su Qun said, "The Nuggets probably want to see how far Xingyang can go with full opportunities."
Both commentators were quite emotional; after Da Yao, another Chinese player is being groomed as a core player by an NBA team.
After the timeout, Howard was subbed out from the Rockets’ side, as McHale couldn’t bear Howard’s inability to attack or defend.
Harden and Capela were subbed in.
The Rockets’ substitutions quickly proved effective, with Harden once again controlling the ball absolutely.
No matter who he faced, it was unreserved single-play!
Harden’s scoring rate in single-play was too high, and the Nuggets had basically no way to counter him.
Fortunately, the Nuggets’ offensive response wasn’t too bad either.
Barton stepped up right after Zeng Xingyang’s outburst, hitting consecutive three-pointers from the outside.
The scores between the two teams remained tight.
By the end of the first half, the score was tied at 62 to 62.
Zeng Xingyang scored 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists in the first half, while Harden scored 23 points and 7 assists, creating an alternating direct duel.
Penguin Sports Studio.
Kovan and Ma Jian exchanged glances.
"Xingyang’s performance in the first half reminded me of Kobe’s shadow." Kovan felt a bit unreal.
At the start of the season, Zeng Xingyang’s offensive means was mainly catch-and-shoot threes; however, as the season progressed, his dribbling time has significantly increased, and more clean-cut offenses appeared.
Zeng Xingyang’s offense didn’t stretch over the entire first half, but the shots he made were quite crucial.
Ma Jian marveled, "Now Xingyang is undoubtedly the ace player of the Nuggets, such stable offense is on par with any historical rookie."
"I am more and more looking forward to what achievements Xingyang can reach in the future and see if he has a chance to surpass Da Yao."
"Actually, winning or losing isn’t the most important thing for the Nuggets this season; they need to establish a clear team-building path."
Kovan and Ma Jian were at a loss for words to express their emotions.
If scoring against a weak team like the 76ers isn’t much of a skill, then scoring continuously against the Rockets goes a long way in illustrating Zeng Xingyang’s current ability.
He is a natural scorer.
The bullet screen comments during the Penguin broadcast were also quite exciting.
"Explosive performance, keeping up with Harden without losing out."
"Compared to Harden, there’s still a big gap; Harden’s one-on-one play is truly unstoppable."
"The Nuggets will build around Xingyang; even rookie season Durant didn’t look as fierce as Xingyang now."
"Keep playing , go, Xingyang!"
Zeng Xingyang continues to win over fans with his skills on the court.
The current Nuggets have become the top team in China.
After the second half began, the two teams entered a defensive battle.
The offensive efficiency of both Harden and Zeng Xingyang declined, while the role players had more opportunities to shine.
The Rockets were overall stronger than the Nuggets, but with Howard completely detached from the system on the court, it reduced their efficiency.
Whereas the Nuggets’ role players performed well today.
Galinarli, Faried, and Harris all had standout performances.
Time quickly reached the last two minutes of the game.
Harden wildly changed directions outside the three-point line, causing Zeng Xingyang to foul him while making a three-pointer.
It was a classic three-point play with a foul.
With Harden’s successful free throw, the score reached 110 to 106.
The Rockets led by 4 points on the road.
Zeng Xingyang wiped the sweat off his forehead; facing peak Harden, even his Level 4 defense got overwhelmed, the pressure was immense.
However, Zeng Xingyang did not plan to stop Harden to win; that was too challenging.
Only head-to-head shoots.
The atmosphere on-site reached its peak tension.
The Nuggets fans stood up to watch.
Nelson dribbled to the frontcourt and passed to Jokic at the left 45-degree angle outside the three-point line.
Zeng Xingyang, at the key in the paint, saw Jokic receive the ball and quickly ran towards him.
Jokic leaned against Howard, turned his head, and handed the ball to the running Zeng Xingyang, blocking Ariza for him.
Zeng Xingyang settled at one step outside the left three-point line and got a clear look.
Decisively shot a three-pointer.
Players from both teams rushed to the basket to grab the rebound.
The basketball made a crisp sound as it went through the net.
Zeng Xingyang responded to Harden’s three-pointer.
This shot was extremely powerful.
The scene erupted with a boom.
The fans shouted loudly.
The DJ on site also howled, the emotions were about to explode.