This time, Anthony didn’t call for the ball, instead, he drew Zeng Xingyang to one side.
Calderon received the breakthrough pass from Afflalo at the right side of the free-throw line, shook off Harris, and scored the mid-range shot.
It was evident that playing at home, the Knicks’ players had a good feel for the ball.
Calderon excels at shooting open shots like these.
The Nuggets’ players weren’t particularly focused on defense.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt and passed to Jokic.
Jokic orchestrated the play, with Pope and Harris receiving the ball.
Soon, the ball returned to Zeng Xingyang’s hands.
Zeng Xingyang confronted Anthony.
Anthony seemed a bit nervous, as Zeng Xingyang had scored in three consecutive possessions, and he felt he might not be able to guard him.
Zeng Xingyang remained calm and called for a screen, with Grant stepping up to block Anthony.
Zeng Xingyang performed a drag-step dribble to move sideways.
Porzingis chose not to rush up, instead guarding against Zeng Xingyang’s breakthrough.
Zeng Xingyang, seeing this, decisively took a side-step to collect the ball, then hit a step-back three-point shot.
Porzingis rushed up with his full effort.
It was close to touching.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
The basketball went through the hoop.
He had scored 9 consecutive points.
The live audience couldn’t help but exclaim.
Zeng Xingyang’s rhythm looked fantastic.
Porzingis had a large defensive coverage area, nearly blocking Zeng Xingyang, but couldn’t manage to.
Zeng Xingyang was also surprised by Porzingis’ wingspan.
The shot was almost blocked.
It seemed like extra caution was needed on future shots unless absolutely certain.
Calderon dribbled to the frontcourt.
Anthony continued to call for the ball at the left side beyond the three-point line.
Calderon passed the ball over.
Anthony used triple threat and a probing step, while Zeng Xingyang maintained his balance.
Anthony accelerated to the right, and Zeng Xingyang quickly slid over.
Their bodies collided, Anthony tried to push off Zeng Xingyang but failed.
Anthony didn’t force the shot and passed to the cutting Porzingis.
Porzingis received the ball, demonstrating agile footwork, and used a spin against Jokic, throwing a high arc shot.
Though the ball was far from the basket, Porzingis had a good touch.
Jokic couldn’t match Porzingis’ current agility, making it tough to contain him in this style of play.
The Nuggets attacked again.
Jokic dribbled to the top of the arc.
Zeng Xingyang ran to the right side, with Anthony trailing him.
Anthony wasn’t too focused while defending off-ball, easily getting caught off guard after Zeng Xingyang’s counter run.
Zeng Xingyang caught Jokic’s pass at the right free-throw line, made a stop-and-shoot, scoring again.
The Nuggets’ bench went wild, as it seemed Zeng Xingyang had no intention of holding back, consistently scoring from the start of the game.
Zeng Xingyang’s scoring seemed effortless.
Barkley shouted with excitement, "Looks like Zeng is planning to make a huge impact in Madison Square Garden tonight."
Smith laughed, "Who wouldn’t agree, this guy is on fire."
On the court, the Knicks continuously passed with no openings.
With Anthony being tightly marked by Zeng Xingyang, the Knicks became somewhat aimless on offense.
The Nuggets’ players defended with growing momentum.
As Calderon sought Porzingis, Jokic anticipated the pass, darted out, and completed the steal.
Almost simultaneously as Jokic controlled the ball, Zeng Xingyang sprinted furiously down the side.
Jokic promptly sent an assist-pass, a long throw to the frontcourt.
Zeng Xingyang caught the ball without dribbling, immediately launching into a full-force tomahawk dunk.
The basketball was slammed heavily into the hoop.
The Knicks finally called for a break in the game.
Zeng Xingyang roared as he tore at his jersey in front of the camera.
The Madison Square Garden was rendered silent!