Chapter 382: Chapter 294: Nuggets’ Super Rookie Squad Shocks the Whole Arena!
The Nuggets’ offensive play begins. Jokic dribbles to the front court, passing the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Ariza continues to defend, trying to swipe the ball from Zeng Xingyang’s hands, his arm stretches out quickly.
Zeng Xingyang, quick-eyed and swift-handed, merges his hands seamlessly.
"Smack!" Zeng Xingyang successfully draws a foul from Ariza.
The referee swiftly signals with three fingers, indicating a three-point foul.
Ariza instantly blows his top, yelling loudly at the referee with a face full of dissatisfaction, convinced that Zeng Xingyang came to him.
Consequently, the referee hit him with a technical foul. The Rockets fans at the scene burst into boos, usually used to Harden drawing fouls from others, now getting bullied themselves—they can’t swallow this.
Zeng Xingyang’s lips subtlety curl into a smile, saying nothing.
This flopping technique could be criticized against others, but not against Harden, whose flopping this season has drawn much grievance from many.
"Get him!"
"That’s hilarious."
"Well done."
"Keep playing like that."
"The Rockets are about to face penalties."
"The camera’s on Deng, haha."
Zeng Xingyang confidently steps up to the free-throw line, making all four shots.
to 11.
Of course, Harden is no pushover either, swiftly drawing a three-point foul from Pope upon return... The Nuggets see this and call a pause in the game.
After the timeout, both sides maintain extremely high offensive efficiency.
Zeng Xingyang and Harden both unleash their firepower, exchanging three-pointers back and forth, neither giving an inch.
Until the last minute of the first half, the firepower on both sides slightly subsides, otherwise, the first-half score for both teams might exceed 80.
The first half ends with both teams tied at 76 to 76.
Zeng Xingyang in the first half achieved 31 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Harden on the other side hit 27 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, equally matched.
In the Nuggets locker room, Mike Malone looks stern, continually emphasizing the issue of defensive intensity.
The Nuggets are on their last game of a four-game road stint tonight, with the team’s defensive focus clearly lacking.
Mike Malone shouts, "The Rockets’ offensive force is the strongest we’ve encountered this season; they have various finishing methods on both inside and outside. We must perform every detail well to win this game!"
In the third quarter, Mike Malone sends out the second lineup to face the Rockets’ starting lineup.
This swapping strategy seems a bit presumptuous; Harden immediately breaks through repeatedly, helping the Rockets gain the advantage.
Fortunately, Butler steps up in time, drawing successive fouls to prevent the Rockets from widening the score.
As the Nuggets’ starting lineup gradually takes the court, the defensive intensity of both teams suddenly ramps up.
The Rockets’ actions are considerable, but tonight, the referee’s whistle is clearly favoring them, making the Nuggets equally displeased.
Jokic is taken down by Harrell, yet only receives a common foul; Zeng Xingyang and Butler also find themselves collapsed on the floor.
This causes the Nuggets to increase their defensive actions.
During a Harrell layup attempt underneath, Butler directly pulls down the ball, causing Harrell to heavily fall to the ground. This move brings Butler his second personal flagrant foul, resulting in his ejection.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Jokic is repeatedly fouled by Harden, soon picking up his fifth foul and is forced to rest off-court.
This is the first time the Nuggets face such an unfavorable situation this season; the score now reaching 98 to 109, with the Rockets leading by 11 points.
The Nuggets call a timeout.
Mike Malone adjusts the players, Zeng Xingyang, Brogdon, Pope, Siakam, and Zubac appear on the court.
Due to minor injuries Harris and Gordon carried before this game, Mike Malone decided to let them rest, never expecting the team to fall into such a plight.
Commentator Barkley frowns and says, "The situation is very unfavorable for the Nuggets, with the Rockets always maintaining an advantage as they play at home. Zeng Xingyang is in great form today, but others haven’t provided much support."
Smith agrees, "The Rockets, on their side, have everyone firing, raining three-pointers which makes the Nuggets’ defense very uncomfortable. With Butler ejected, Jokic mired in foul trouble, and Harris and Gordon resting, the Nuggets now can only rely on Zeng Xingyang with the few rookie players."
Barkley says, "The Nuggets’ rookies are impressive in certain games, but they may struggle to fend off the Rockets’ attack tonight."
"Goodness, with this lineup against the Rockets, it’s over."
"The Nuggets’ winning streak is likely to be halted."
"Pursuing a super winning streak comes with a lot of challenges."
Fans shake their heads, not favoring the Nuggets’ chances to continue their winning streak, given the Rockets’ strong momentum at home today.
Meanwhile, on the Nuggets bench, Brogdon, Siakam, and Zubac rub their hands in anticipation, their eyes revealing excitement and desire.
The moment they’ve longed for has arrived; with key rotation players unable to play for various reasons, seizing the opportunity allows them to vie for more court time.
The Nuggets’ lineup on the court suggests they might lose the game.
However, soon, the Nuggets’ rookie group again showcases remarkable ability.
Brogdon, Siakam, and Zubac play very maturely.
Initially, it is Brogdon’s ability to handle the ball in offense that amazes the crowd; he repeatedly harnesses physical confrontation and balanced left and right-hand skills to breakthrough, leading to the Rockets’ defense being dealt blows scattering them.
While Brogdon lacks offensive opportunities, Siakam exhibits delicate technique from a low post and mid-range position—no one expected this tall forward to possess such superb basketball skills.
Zubac, on defense, repeatedly blocks Harrell, and offensively, he scores the occasional put-back dunk, eliciting cries of astonishment from the Chinese audience.
Zeng Xingyang exists on the court as a point of intimidation, calmly watching as the rookies collectively explode; he’s not surprised.
He knows well these players, in his memory capable of success, can achieve success again on any team—their technical ability and mental toughness predispose them to produce great performances.
All they’ve lacked is opportunity, and tonight, it’s theirs.
With approximately a half-quarter remaining, Mike Malone even substitutes Zeng Xingyang for a rest, swapping in Dejounte Murray.
Dejounte Murray shows no signs of timidity on entering, calmly sinking two critical jump shots from the free-throw line.
The scores between the two teams constantly edge closer.
Rockets fans and players find themselves stunned by the Nuggets’ rookie group’s play.
"What’s happening?"
"How did the Nuggets uncover so many who can step up?"
The Nuggets’ rookies not only unleash offensive firepower but are also fiercely formidable on defense.
Brogdon is capable of defending from the 1-position up to the 3-position, Siakam even from the 1-position to the 4-position, and Zubac shows impressive rim protection ability.
More importantly, they are playing with greater tenacity than the Nuggets’ starting lineup, pouring effort into defensive play.
Defense often requires attitude.
In the fourth quarter, Zeng Xingyang scores little, as the game advances with Dejounte Murray breaking through to pass the ball to Brogdon at the corner, who decisively shoots for a three-pointer after catching the ball.
"Swish!" The basketball falls through the net effortlessly, tying the score with 1 minute and 55 seconds remaining, changing the score to 120 to 120.
The two teams arrive at the final showdown moment!