"F*ck, this Spurs team is so tough to beat."
"Their strength is immense, the starting and backup attack power is almost the same."
"It’s going to be tough tonight."
The fans in the arena were feeling uneasy; the Spurs looked too formidable.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic returned to the court.
Zeng Xingyang sighed, even if the starters don’t lose points, the second lineup will.
The Nuggets’ second lineup is enough against most teams, but it’s lacking against top-tier teams.
The Spurs didn’t make many adjustments, still using the second lineup to face the Nuggets.
Popovich obviously preferred using an egalitarian approach to his formations.
Cole learned this from Popovich.
With Zeng Xingyang and Jokic on the court, the team’s strategy naturally revolved around them.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the front court, guarded by Danny Green.
Danny Green was trying hard on defense, eager to limit Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t go for a solo play but called for a screen, and Jokic came out.
Switching to guard Zeng Xingyang was the 7’3" Boban.
Boban leaned in on defense, and Zeng Xingyang quickly changed direction to get past him, charging into the paint, with Dior coming to help.
Dior blocked Zeng Xingyang’s layup path.
Zeng Xingyang bounced the ball to a wide-open Harris in the corner.
Harris took the three-point shot.
Harris’ three-point shooting was average at best and still inconsistent.
This is also one of the issues hindering him from becoming a better player.
The rebound was controlled by Boban on his return.
Harris apologized to Zeng Xingyang, saying he failed to seize the opportunity.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t blame him.
Ginobili dribbled to the top of the arc.
Zeng Xingyang went to defend.
Ginobili, at 39 years old this year, could still put up 9.5 points and 4 assists on the court, and occasionally he would have explosive games that impacted the match.
Of course, Ginobili found it difficult to go one-on-one against Zeng Xingyang.
Doing so would also be unwise, so Ginobili quickly passed the ball to David West at the high post.
David West, one-on-one with Grant, bumped him with the side, adjusted his footwork, and turned to shoot.
Grant was suppressed, unable to block.
to 34, the Spurs continued to extend their run.
The enthusiasm in the arena further subsided.
David West looked relaxed, thinking these young guys were still too immature.
"Our defense got torn apart."
"The Spurs play so intelligently; every player on their squad plays with great awareness, knowing where their defender’s weaknesses are."
"Ugh, we can’t stop them."
"We’re still too inexperienced."
Nuggets fans felt a bit dejected.
Zeng Xingyang, however, wasn’t anxious, knowing the Nuggets had strong resilience and wouldn’t crumble easily.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled past half-court, passing the ball to Jokic at the free-throw line, signaling Jokic to set him up.
Zeng Xingyang ran with Danny Green toward Grant.
Grant set a screen and then slipped away; Danny Green and David West switched defenders.
Jokic quickly gave the ball to Zeng Xingyang at the left 45-degree angle beyond the three-point line.
The Nuggets were creating isolation opportunities for Zeng Xingyang, spreading the floor.
David West clapped his hands, signaling to Zeng Xingyang, "Rookie, don’t think my defense is terrible, I’m going to stop you."
David West was quite arrogant, thinking Zeng Xingyang didn’t know his limits by trying to go one-on-one with him.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t respond to David West.
David West was 6’9", with a not-so-long wingspan and lacking athleticism; his defense was not particularly strong.
Zeng Xingyang started dribbling between his legs.
Continuous crossovers.
David West focused on containing Zeng Xingyang’s three-pointers, so his center of gravity was slightly higher.
After Zeng Xingyang’s continuous foot adjustments, he seized the chance and burst past David West’s left side with a speed attack.
Boban wanted to help, but he was too slow and was delayed by Jokic; Zeng Xingyang flew straight up and softly laid the ball off the glass.
"Where’s the defense?"
"It’s easier than crossing the street."
Zeng Xingyang passed by David West, pretending like he couldn’t find anyone.
David West was instantly infuriated.
This rookie was clearly retaliating.
This time the ball rotated to David West.
David West still wanted to go one-on-one with Grant, but Pope came to double-team.
David West passed the ball to Boban in the middle.
Boban didn’t approach the paint, opting for a hook shot instead.
Jokic gave Boban some resistance, causing his shot to miss.
The rebound was grabbed by Grant.
Boban had height, but his only threat was near the basket; far from it, he was full of holes.
Grant quickly passed the ball out to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang quickly advanced to the front court; his speed was very fast, but the Spurs’ transition defense was even faster.
Unable to fast break, they settled into a half-court offense.
Danny Green quickly stuck to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang waited for a moment until Jokic came over and screened Danny Green.
Boban switched assignments, and Zeng Xingyang used the screen to change rhythm and accelerated past Boban’s right side.
Ginobili rushed from the other side to help, but it was ineffective as Zeng Xingyang drove in with the ball.
Zeng Xingyang drove past Ginobili and laid the ball in.
Looking at the defensive intensity of the Spurs’ second lineup now, Zeng Xingyang wasn’t really worried.