After the timeout, the Kings started to exert effort.
Cousins began to relentlessly attack Jokic inside, showcasing the prowess of a league’s top center.
Currently, Cousins is considered one of the top centers in the league.
His playing style is diverse, and combined with a good shooting touch today, Jokic found it tough to defend.
Cousins also increased his attacks on the basket,
leading the referees to continuously call defensive fouls on Jokic, sending him to the bench.
Under Cousins’ lead, the entire Kings team regained their touch, with McLemore, Rondo, and Rudy Gay all starting to hit three-pointers.
On the Nuggets’ side, without Jokic’s organization, their offensive efficiency slightly declined.
Especially after Zeng Xingyang was subbed out and the rotation came in, the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency noticeably dropped.
The Kings overtook the score, playing with soaring momentum at home, getting more excited as the game progressed.
By the end of the first half, the score was 51 to 58.
The Nuggets were trailing by 7 points on the road.
From leading by 7 to lagging by 7, both teams experienced a drastic morale reversal.
Halftime, in the visitors’ locker room.
"Zeng, go up and look for mismatches to play one-on-one, Nikola, be mindful of your fouls," Mike Malone said.
Mike Malone’s expression didn’t look good, as the overall team performance today was average.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic both nodded.
Then Mike Malone began to draw up the second-half plays.
Zeng Xingyang wasn’t worried about being behind now.
NBA teams are never too bad; teams like the Warriors often fall behind.
But strong teams typically use tough defense and superior offense to pull back from a trailing situation.
Teams like the Kings have bursts of energy but can’t sustain them.
Coming out of the locker room, Zeng Xingyang heard cheers and support.
"Xingyang, go for it, take them down."
"This point difference is nothing."
"Xingyang, you’re so handsome, I want to have your baby."
"Just crush them hard."
Even on the road, there was still a crowd of girls wearing Zeng Xingyang’s jerseys cheering loudly.
These female fans were of various races, part of Zeng Xingyang’s fan base.
You can see them in many away games.
Their cheers and screams attracted quite a bit of attention.
Barkley sourly remarked, "These girls’ cheers will only fuel the opponents’ anger."
O’Neal said, "Only those without strength would fear opponents; guys like me and championship members would just enjoy such cheers and screams."
Barkley rolled his eyes at O’Neal, choosing to ignore him.
The second half began.
Both teams were back with their starting line-ups.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled across the court.
Zeng Xingyang was getting more comfortable with his role as a point guard.
This allowed him better control of the team’s offensive rhythm.
Guarding Zeng Xingyang was still Rondo.
Rondo is only 185 cm tall, but his defense isn’t bad, mainly due to his long wingspan and high basketball IQ.
Rondo didn’t dare to be careless while defending Zeng Xingyang; from their first-quarter encounters, he knew how terrifying Zeng Xingyang could be.
He’s definitely a superstar scorer like Durant, Curry, Harden.
Zeng Xingyang’s scoring efficiency is very high; his personal performance can’t simply be evaluated as just a decent rookie.
Rondo said to Zeng Xingyang, "Zeng, I won’t let you score easily."
Zeng Xingyang replied, "Are you motivating yourself?"
Zeng Xingyang passed the ball to Jokic, then ran to the right side, signaling his teammates to clear out, preparing for a one-on-one play.
Jokic, seeing that the space was adequate, passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Upon receiving the ball, Zeng Xingyang quickly burst left with the first step.
Had Rondo been a few years younger, he might have kept up with Zeng Xingyang’s burst, but now he was slightly slower, missing the first step.
Zeng Xingyang secured his position, using his body to block Rondo’s defensive path.
Seeking rhythm amid continuous physical battles.
Zeng Xingyang switched hands dribbling, found an opportunity at the right side of the free-throw line, stepped back to create space while confronting Rondo.
Took a mid-range jump shot.
The ball was gently released.
This time, Cousins didn’t come out from inside to interfere.
Zeng Xingyang had no major pressure shooting.
Zeng Xingyang’s sense of rhythm was excellent, allowing him to seize opportunities to make the jump shot.
Rondo shook his head in disappointment.
The female fans screamed excitedly.
Seeing the jumping female fans, Zeng Xingyang sent them a flying kiss.
The female fans’ atmosphere exploded even more, even overshadowing the home crowd.
The surrounding Kings fans were bewildered, feeling as if they were the ones in an away game.
Rondo dribbled to advance, Zeng Xingyang approached to pressure, attempting a steal.
Rondo’s frame looked somewhat frail compared to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang ramped up the intensity of his defense, Rondo hesitated to pass immediately, getting slightly stubborn with Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang wasn’t letting him cross mid-court easily.
But Rondo underestimated Zeng Xingyang’s defensive intensity.
Zeng Xingyang proactively engaged in physical contact with Rondo.
Rondo tried to spin but couldn’t shake free, quickly changing direction to the right, attempting to burst through.
But the space was insufficient, preventing a full sprint.