"Won, the Thunder still came out on top."
"Facing two consecutive losses, still not a match against the Thunder."
"Not much time left for the Nuggets."
"Zeng played well, but unfortunately, Nikola Jokic is in foul trouble; without Nikola’s help, it’s difficult for the Nuggets to confront a strong team like the Thunder."
TNT’s commentator doesn’t even think much before declaring that the Nuggets have no hope.
Only Miller remains silent, glancing at the clock.
seconds are actually enough to do many things; it just depends on whether there is the skill.
Fans on domestic networks are also buzzing with discussion.
"The Nuggets tried hard tonight, but damn the referee came out to steal the show."
"Xingyang is really tired tonight, facing the Thunder’s insane sieges both offensively and defensively."
"If Xingyang’s shooting touch hadn’t slipped later and Jokic wasn’t in foul trouble, who knows what this game might have been like."
Some fans left the live stream early, thinking the game wasn’t worth watching anymore.
The timeout is nothing but a delay of the inevitable.
On the Nuggets’ bench.
After Mike Malone arranged a strategy for Zeng Xingyang to shoot a three-pointer, he didn’t rally morale; the Nuggets players also fell silent.
As if everyone accepted fate at this moment.
"Hey hey, guys, the game isn’t over."
"Don’t give up so early."
"Stand tall, hold your heads high, it’s not that I can’t afford to lose, but I can’t lose in this way."
Zeng Xingyang seriously said to everyone, scanning the team with his eyes.
On the other side, the Thunder had already started celebrating, with Westbrook’s laughter and exaggerated actions seen by the Nuggets.
Jokic, Nelson, Pope, Grant, and others looked at each other, unable to believe Zeng Xingyang still refused to give up.
Zeng Xingyang had already scored 33 points tonight, and regardless of the result, his performance was the best on the team.
But he doesn’t just want stats alone.
If they lose this game so miserably, Zeng Xingyang won’t find comfort in the stats.
Zeng Xingyang can’t accept conceding before the game ends!
"After hitting the three-pointer, foul immediately, don’t hesitate."
"Then go for the steal...."
Zeng Xingyang continued emphasizing that the game wasn’t over yet, instructing everyone on what they needed to do.
Mike Malone patted Zeng Xingyang, then said, "Follow Zeng’s instructions."
The Nuggets were not without bloodlust, they all craved victory!
Trailing by so much at this time, everything is just an NBA routine.
Is it always , is it right?
Although it’s just an ordinary regular season game, Zeng Xingyang simply doesn’t want to lose.
The 38 seconds, Zeng Xingyang didn’t know if there was still a chance, but he could only fight.
Thunder fans are singing and dancing, celebrating the forthcoming victory.
The Thunder players are a bit slack, thinking the Nuggets will just give up the game.
The timeout resumes quickly.
Now it’s the Nuggets’ turn to attack.
With five fouls, Jokic gestured for Zeng Xingyang to come to the backcourt to receive the ball.
Receiving in the backcourt is slightly farther from the basket, but it allows for more space.
Zeng Xingyang got the ball and quickly sprinted forward, Robert wanted to slow Xingyang down, but he was outmaneuvered before he could close in.
As Jokic said, accelerating in the backcourt increases the available space.
After Jokic inbounded the ball, he stationed himself outside the three-point arc at the top, and Xingyang decisively dribbled towards him.
Jokic blocked Ibaka who tried to chase Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang decelerated, stopped sharply at a slightly left position from the arc top, and quickly shot a three-pointer.
Ibaka tried his best to leap over, but Jokic’s frame was too big.
"F*ck!" Ibaka couldn’t help but curse, this damn fatty was always a trouble whenever he was on the court today, even when facing a foul crisis.
Zeng Xingyang’s rhythm was excellent, and the ball he released spun beautifully.
The basketball drew a rainbow arc.
Zeng’s three-pointer boosted the Nuggets’ morale, and the players on the court quickly searched for opponents, hunting for steal opportunities.
From the sidelines, Donovan shouted, "To KD, to KD!"
Although Zeng Xingyang was already pressed against Durant, Ibaka passed the ball high over him to Durant.
Pope and Zeng Xingyang attempted to steal from Durant together, but Durant’s dribbling avoided them.
Zeng Xingyang had no choice but to foul Durant, enacting the foul strategy.
seconds were consumed this time, leaving 27 seconds, as Durant stepped to the free-throw line.
The fans at the venue cheered as they watched Durant take his free throws, not worried a bit about Durant standing on the line.
Indeed, as Durant took the ball and shrugged his shoulders.
Two steady free throws.
Durant turned to glance at Zeng Xingyang, seemingly disdainful.
Durant knew Zeng Xingyang was unwilling, and he enjoyed that feeling.
What if you’re unwilling?
You’re destined to lose.
After Durant’s free throws, Jokic quickly went to the baseline to inbound, throwing directly to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng came up against Durant and Roberson’s blockade, passing the ball to Pope.
Pope advanced the dribble, attracting defensive attention; once inside the three-point line, he quickly turned back to find Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang, after sprinting past the half-court line, was about a meter and a half away from the right-side three-point arc; he didn’t hesitate, jumping up against the nearby Westbrook.
Westbrook held his arms high, not daring to move too much.
If a foul against Zeng was called, it would be a huge loss.
Reaching the peak, Zeng released the ball, spinning rapidly.
"Don’t give him the three-point shot!!"
Donovan sensed danger, quickly calling out.
Thunder fans in the arena were also getting nervous.
"Back-to-back threes, Zeng Xingyang shows nerves of steel at critical moments again!" Kovan shouted excitedly.
"Well done." Mike Malone clenched his fist and thrust it forward firmly.
"Keep up the defense!"
Zeng Xingyang shouted.
Two threes aren’t enough, they need to steal next or remain passive.
Zeng Xingyang gained total confidence with his shooting; if he’s given the ball, he can sink it.
On the court, Jokic didn’t celebrate, calmly observing the situation.
Ibaka went to the baseline to inbound, Jokic stood out of bounds like Ibaka, seeming just watching the ball.
The tense atmosphere at the venue made Ibaka completely unaware that Jokic hadn’t returned to defense and was right beside him.
In front, Zeng noticed Jokic’s sneaky move, marveling at Jokic’s cunning thought.
Thunder fans on the sideline noticed Jokic, shouting loudly, but Ibaka couldn’t hear them now.
Westbrook also didn’t notice Jokic was out of bounds, as Ibaka passed the ball to Westbrook.
As Ibaka released the ball, Jokic rushed out.
Westbrook turned to dribble the ball.
"Be careful..." Ibaka realized Jokic’s sneaky move at this time, loudly warning.
Jokic stretched his long arm from behind, swatting Westbrook’s ball forward.
Westbrook hadn’t prepared for this at all.
The ball escaped Westbrook’s grasp, heading forward, and Zeng Xingyang, prepared all along, sprinted over to seize the ball.
Quickly dribbling to the top and outside the three-point line, he decelerates, stops sharply, and appears ready to shoot again.
Westbrook leaped up immediately from afar.
Seeing Westbrook rushing aggressively, Zeng grabbed the ball without hesitation, sidestepping, and crashing forward.
A collision ensues, Zeng’s three-point attempt veers off course, but.
Westbrook is fully accountable, the referee raised three fingers, granting Zeng three free-throw attempts.
Westbrook panted heavily, with sweat pouring off him.
Mistake + gifting a three-point foul, even with his strong mental fortitude, he felt his mentality was cracking.
The entire Nuggets team cheered, their morale reaching its peak.