This time Little Thomas wasn’t completely knocked away, and he struggled to jump up.
However, even at his highest point, he still couldn’t touch Zeng Xingyang’s ball.
He was still too short.
A precise heart-shooter.
The atmosphere in the arena cooled down once again.
Coach Stevens helplessly made a gesture, substituting players, switching to Smart.
Smart is a defensive player and won’t be easily targeted.
After the second half began, Little Thomas was completely overpowered on the defensive end, leading to such a passive situation.
Then Turner substituted for Sarling, increasing the speed, implementing a 4-out-1-in tactic.
Little Thomas dribbled past half-court and attempted to pass the ball but was disrupted, resulting in him being substituted out for this dead ball.
Smart took the court.
"Bye-bye, hope to meet you again in this game," Zeng Xingyang said as Little Thomas walked past.
Little Thomas clenched his fists and gritted his teeth hard, with Zeng Xingyang’s taunting voice making him feel useless.
Smart dribbled to the frontcourt and passed to Crowder on the wing.
Crowder then passed the ball to Evan Turner.
Turner, facing Pope’s defense, carried the ball and broke through to the left. Turner’s strong build cleared some space, going up for a contested side shot off the backboard.
The basketball bounced and dropped in.
After coming to the Celtics, Turner became the primary offensive option for their second unit.
As a former second overall pick, Turner isn’t a star player, just someone who can stay in the NBA.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled past half-court.
Smart came over to entangle him, not giving Zeng Xingyang a single opportunity.
Zeng Xingyang remembered this guy winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, even though the title might be inflated, it still indicated his defense wasn’t too bad.
He couldn’t play against him like he played against Little Thomas.
Zeng Xingyang signaled, and Jokic moved up to set a screen.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the side, as Amir Johnson switched over to defend.
Seeing the height advantage in the opponent’s interior, Jokic immediately rolled down.
Zeng Xingyang swiftly passed the ball to Jokic, who caught it high, adjusted his steps, and with Turner defending, lofted a shot.
Jokic scored this point with great ease.
His mismatches were even simpler and more direct than Zeng Xingyang’s.
Smart brought the ball over and continued attempting to organize an attack.
But with Little Thomas not in, the Nuggets’ defense became easier to guard, with every player continuing to switch defenses seamlessly.
The Celtics’ players didn’t have the ability to draw a double-team from the Nuggets.
Eventually, it was Turner who initiated the attack, perfectly mismatched against Faried, quickly changed direction to the left, and accelerated past him.
As a left-handed player, Turner was more proficient with routes on the left. After getting past Faried, he observed.
Jokic was drawn over, and Turner quickly passed the ball to Amir Johnson.
Amir Johnson prepared to grab the ball for a two-handed slam dunk, but Zeng Xingyang was sprinting over from the other side.
Zeng Xingyang leapt high and roared loudly, fiercely swatting the ball out of Amir Johnson’s hand.
Instantly, the fans at the baseline were stunned by the scene.
"OMG, Zeng actually managed to block a center," Barkley exclaimed, astounded by Zeng Xingyang’s defensive prowess.
He knew Zeng Xingyang’s defense was strong but never expected he could block a center now.
Although Amir Johnson wasn’t an outstanding center, being blocked by a guard at that height was rare.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t give Amir Johnson any chance, no matter which angle Amir Johnson attacked from, he would have been blocked.
"It’s absolutely astonishing, but this is the reality we witness," Smith said, spreading his hands out.
"Zeng could undoubtedly make the All-Defensive Team this season," O’Neal also remarked in surprise.
"After the second half started, Zeng Xingyang’s defense was crucial for the Nuggets’ comeback, also boosting the entire team’s momentum," Miller stated.
On the sideline, Stevens took a deep breath, even though they were still leading, he sensed a lot of trouble in this game.
The Nuggets’ players on the bench were cheering and shouting with excitement.
A block can significantly boost morale.
This Celtics’ offensive possession ended without a shot after the 24-second shot clock expired.
Without Little Thomas, they found it challenging to break down the Nuggets’ defense.
This possession was very simple.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt, passed to Jokic.
Jokic then dribbled to the top of the arc.
Zeng Xingyang made a fake cut but instead ran towards Jokic.
Jokic set a screen for Zeng Xingyang, simultaneously handing him the ball.
At the moment when Amir Johnson and Smart had a brief opening,
Zeng Xingyang decisively took a jump shot.
The basketball carved a beautiful arc.
The entire arena fell completely silent.
The originally 18-point lead had been reduced to just 1 point amidst the Nuggets’ offensive surge.
Zeng Xingyang spread his arms and struck an archery celebration pose.
The players on the Nuggets’ bench responded by dropping to the floor.
On the Celtics’ bench, Little Thomas actively approached Stevens to request to play, eager to help the team, but Stevens rejected him.
On the sideline, Mike Malone watched the game with a smile, seeing Zeng Xingyang dominate the game on both ends today.