During the interval break, since the score advantage, the Nuggets players felt less pressure.
In the upcoming fourth quarter, as long as the Nuggets don’t mess up, there’s a good chance they’ll win this game.
The fourth quarter began quickly.
The Nuggets initiated the attack first.
This time, Mike Malone put Zeng Xingyang and Jokic on the court at the same time, wanting to see if they could crush the Clippers once and for all.
During the rotations in the first three quarters, Zeng Xingyang and Jokic got plenty of rest.
Jokic organized the attack from the top of the arc, signaling for a steady rhythm.
Under Jokic’s command, the Nuggets executed their tactics methodically.
After some ball movement, the ball quickly reached Zeng Xingyang outside the right three-point line.
Defending Zeng Xingyang was Wesley Johnson, not suitable for one-on-one, so Zeng Xingyang decisively passed the ball to Jokic at the right of the free-throw line, then started his positioning.
Little Jordan was defending Jokic; although Little Jordan’s reputation is bigger than Jokic, Jokic didn’t feel much pressure.
Jokic faked, slightly lifting Little Jordan off balance, then stepped inwards.
Jokic drew a double-team, and Griffin also came over.
Faried was open on the other side, but instead of passing to him, Jokic swung it to Zeng Xingyang at the corner.
With the ball in his hands, Zeng Xingyang faced less pressure, as the defense’s attention was drawn to Jokic.
Zeng Xingyang made a feint, and Wesley Johnson leaped towards him.
The fake completely tricked him out of bounds, and Zeng Xingyang adjusted in place for a three-point shot.
On the Clippers’ side, Paul brought the ball to the front court, and after a series of passes, it went to Crawford.
Crawford wanted to quickly respond to Zeng Xingyang’s offense, but his three-point shot was a bit rushed.
He shot a three-point jumper right in front of Zeng Xingyang.
The basketball heavily hit the rim and bounced up.
Jokic secured the rebound.
Zeng Xingyang dashed forward quickly, with Jokic passing to him.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic’s coordination was quick, but this time the Clippers players were better positioned.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t find a direct counterattack opportunity.
After reaching the front court, he handed it to Jokic.
Jokic reorganized, and Zeng Xingyang moved towards him for positioning.
Jokic followed up with a hand-off pass to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang received the ball and broke through behind Jokic.
He attracted a double team and, with a "look-away" pass, sent the ball to Jokic in the middle.
Though Jokic had a finish opportunity, he didn’t take it but instead showcased his exceptionally strong vision.
Jokic, without looking, passed the ball to Galinarli at the other corner.
The cooperation of two European big men.
Galinarli, the "Italian Cannon," had been waiting a long time, caught it and shot.
Another three-pointer made.
Rivers paced anxiously on the sideline.
The atmosphere at the Pepsi Center in Denver was electric, with fans witnessing the team’s increasing winning rates.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the Nuggets looked to thoroughly crush their opponent.
"Move those defensive feet faster."
"Don’t fall for those fakes."
Rivers yelled from the sidelines.
Seeing the Nuggets hit threes made Rivers feel despair.
It became increasingly difficult for the Clippers to catch up, and he felt like they were about to lose.
Contrary to the Clippers’ feelings, the Nuggets’ emotions were higher than during the regular season.
The Nuggets’ three-pointers were too sharp, consistently hitting the Clippers hard.
However, the Clippers did not give up.
After Paul dribbled up, he continued passing, finding a mismatch against Jokic.
Paul drove in and hit a close-range jumper with a change of pace.
Now the Nuggets were on offense.
Jokic dribbled upcourt.
Jokic made a gesture, signaling Zeng Xingyang to come receive the ball.
Zeng Xingyang ran over for a hand-off, and Paul was blocked by Jokic.
Jokic rolled down and requested the ball from Zeng Xingyang, ready to overpower Paul as well.
Zeng Xingyang understood Jokic well and caught onto Jokic’s anger.
All game, Paul had been drawing Jokic out, and this solo play frustrated him.
Jokic positioned between the free-throw line and the three-second area, and Zeng Xingyang threw the pass in.
Jokic took the ball, backed against Paul, spun to create space, and easily laid it up.
Every time Jokic got a mismatch with Paul inside, he capitalized successfully.
Zhang Weiping commented: "Although Paul’s defense is good, it’s really hard to make up for his height disadvantage. When encountering a player with such solid post skills like Jokic, it’s quite easy to exploit mismatches."
Yu Jia said: "Yes, during the regular season, Paul’s height disadvantage isn’t targeted as much, but in the playoffs, it gets magnified and can restrict the team from advancing further."
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic on the court celebrated with a high-five.
Zeng Xingyang knew Paul very well.
Unlike many superstars who raise a team’s ceiling, Paul often ensures the team’s floor.
This means with Paul, the regular-season record won’t be bad, but making it to championship contention in the playoffs is challenging.
This is determined by Paul’s own characteristics.
If Paul is the team leader relying on his talents alone, then unlike many scoring superstars, he can’t dominate the key moments, acting more like a crucial assistant.
If the team relies solely on him outside, it won’t work, but if there’s a superb scoring guard, the team can reach championship-level contention.