In the Nuggets locker room.
Both Nelson and Jokic knew about Zeng Xingyang being attacked by Anthony in the media.
"Zeng, I’m quite familiar with Cameron, he’s a good person. Maybe there’s some misunderstanding between you two. Do you need me to explain?" Nelson said.
As a veteran who has mixed in the league for many years, Nelson has had dealings with many stars. Nelson did not want any conflict between Zeng Xingyang and Anthony.
Zeng Xingyang shook his head and refused: "I will settle this matter with him on the court."
Zeng Xingyang would go out and prove to everyone that what he said was correct.
Jokic, who was beside him, said, "I took that guy’s jersey number and he doesn’t like me anyway, but I probably won’t match up with him. Zeng, you’ll be up against him more. His playstyle is isolation, so if we force him to pass, he might make some basic mistakes."
Unlike Nelson’s conciliatory attitude, Jokic clearly supported Zeng Xingyang confronting Anthony. He was offering advice.
Jokic continued, "When defending him, be wary of his jump shots. From what I’ve observed, he prefers jump shots over driving now. Of course, if he drives in, I’ll handle it."
Zeng Xingyang nodded and said, "OK, I’ve got it."
It’s anticipated that in this game, Zeng Xingyang and Anthony will face off quite a bit.
Afterward, the three briefly discussed game details.
Jokic is a great helper to Zeng Xingyang, not just on the court, but off it too.
Jokic doesn’t steal the spotlight or speak boastfully to the media; often he prefers to stay hidden in the background.
Then, before games, he frequently analyzes opponents with Zeng Xingyang using his understanding to devise the best winning strategies.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic both understand that they need each other.
Only by working together can the Nuggets have a chance to fight for the championship, stabilizing their position on the team.
All the ceremonies ended quickly.
When Zeng Xingyang appeared, the Madison Square Garden fans erupted into loud boos.
"Rookie, don’t be arrogant, Cameron will defeat you."
"This isn’t the place for you to act wild."
"F*ck, Zeng Xingyang, you only know how to use screens to play, hiding behind Jokic to shoot."
New York fans were very adept at cursing, each appearing very excited.
Zeng Xingyang found it quite similar to the treatment Trae Young had received in New York in a previous life.
In the front VIP row, Spike Lee even came directly to Zeng Xingyang and cursed, "Rookie, you’ll be blown away."
Zeng Xingyang hadn’t even responded to this fan-director before the guy was escorted back to his seat by security.
Even back in his seat, Spike Lee continued to curse.
Evidently, New York fans still loved Anthony; they wouldn’t allow another player to humiliate Anthony.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t pay attention to the recent incident but instead scanned the Knicks players.
The Knicks’ most famous players now are Anthony and Porzingis.
This season, Anthony is averaging 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Compared to previous seasons, his jump shots have significantly increased, affecting his scoring efficiency.
Like Zeng Xingyang, Porzingis is a rookie, but he received much more attention when he first entered the NBA.
The media in New York hyped him, giving him a lot of exposure. This season, he averaged 28 minutes per game, with 15 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
If it weren’t for Zeng Xingyang’s unbelievable performance, Porzingis would have had a chance to compete for Rookie of the Year.
Unfortunately, even though his stats and performance were good, he was still far from Zeng Xingyang’s level.
This season, the Knicks’ offense and defense are both weak, and besides these two players, other players are insignificant and can’t impact the game much.
The game is about to start, with both sides jumping for the ball in the center circle.
Nuggets’ starting lineup: Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Pope, Grant, Jokic.
Knicks’ starting lineup: Calderon, Afflalo, Anthony, Porzingis, Robin Lopez.
On the bench for the Knicks sit Vujacic, Galloway, O’Quinn, Seraphin, and others.
Zeng Xingyang almost glanced at them and understood why the Knicks achieved such records; many of these guys couldn’t survive in the league a season or two later.
The referee tossed the ball high into the air.
Jokic didn’t even jump as Porzingis extended his long arm and tapped the ball away.
With his height and long arms, Porzingis had top-notch mobility and athleticism for someone his size, excellent shooting ability, a quick release, and a soft touch under the basket. He could thrive in a fast-paced basketball system!
In the first possession, he showcased his traits.
After Calderon surveyed with the dribble, he passed the ball to Porzingis asking for it beyond the right three-point line.
Grant wasn’t concerned about Porzingis receiving the ball in that position.
It’s a defensive instinct; Porzingis looked like a big man unlikely to shoot from a long-range three-point.
But facing Grant, Porzingis made a simple pump fake and, seeing the space, decisively shot a three.
The shot was quite audacious.
With cheers from Madison Square Garden fans, the ball swished through the net.
Porzingis prides himself on his range on offense. Though he’s a big man, he has a great touch.