NBA: Rising Superstar!-Chapter 477 - 389: Opening Game Blowout—Nuggets Make 29 Teams Tremble!
Zeng Xingyang is already a force to reckon with, Schneider has accepted this, but why is that Serbian big guy also so ridiculously strong?
After entering his third season in his professional career, Jokic’s improvement is comprehensive, and playing alongside Zeng Xingyang relieves him of pressure.
The first quarter quickly ended, with the score fixed at 26 to 34, and the Nuggets leading by 8 points at home.
"Keep playing like this, we will take them down with our teamwork," Mike Malone shouted loudly.
On the other side, Schneider yelled at the players, "Stick close in defense, switch on screens in time, don’t let them attack the rim."
At the beginning of the second quarter, the Nuggets’ second lineup continued to solidify their advantage, making the Jazz’s attempt to catch up futile.
minutes and 12 seconds.
Mitchell dribbled to the front court, facing Brogdon’s defense this time.
With a significant crossover, Mitchell accelerated to the right, bypassing Brogdon.
While on the move, he made a floater, and Zubac’s effort to block it failed, with the basketball thrown into the hoop.
Despite the Jazz overall lacking the strength of the Nuggets, Mitchell played excellently, with a brilliant performance.
On the court, Zeng Xingyang dribbled over.
Zeng Xingyang prepared to initiate a pick-and-roll with Zubac.
As Jokic’s substitute, Zubac’s broad frame and solid fundamentals fit well for this tactic.
Rubio was still defending Zeng Xingyang, but after initiating the pick-and-roll, Zeng Xingyang surpassed Rubio with ease.
The Jazz failed to keep up with the switch, and Zeng Xingyang drove straight to the basket, executing a clean and swift tomahawk dunk.
"Bang!"
The Jazz returned with their offense.
Mitchell was out again.
Mitchell called for a pick-and-roll with Gobert, leading to a switch with Zubac.
Mitchell crossed over under his legs, then accelerated fiercely to the right.
Zubac moved over to block.
"Bang!"
Mitchell drew a blocking foul on Zubac.
Mitchell stepped to the free-throw line.
Mitchell reliably made both free throws.
During the free throw, the Nuggets subbed all their starters back in.
Now it’s the Nuggets’ turn on offense.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic performed a two-man game.
At the top, Zeng Xingyang used a screen to move laterally while holding the ball, then dashed two steps inside, drawing the defense.
Then he made a behind-the-back bounce pass to Jokic.
Positioned at the free-throw line, Jokic received the ball and took the shot.
"Swoosh!!"
Jokic’s performance remained incredibly stable.
"Defense!!"
"Defense!!"
After completing the dunk, Zeng Xingyang quickly signaled to everyone to increase defensive intensity, personally going to mark Donovan Mitchell.
Once Zeng Xingyang dealt with him directly, Mitchell found it very difficult to attack.
Even before he received the ball, Zeng Xingyang would start preventing him from getting it.
After finally getting the ball, Zeng Xingyang still stuck to him closely.
Denying the drive, denying the shot, forcing the pass.
This tactic directly suppressed the previously strong offensive momentum Mitchell had.
Throughout the second quarter, besides his initial 4 points, Mitchell only managed another 2 points.
Then, in the third quarter, Mitchell only managed 1 out of 5 shots.
Mitchell experienced firsthand what it means to face the Defensive Player of the Year.
The encounter with Zeng Xingyang left Mitchell physically and mentally exhausted, consuming him heavily.
Meanwhile, Zeng Xingyang was thoroughly enjoying the confrontation with such an outstanding rookie.
Conquering these newcomers brings a lot of satisfaction.
With 30 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Mitchell got a chance for a one-on-one with Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang still played tight defense as Mitchell opted to drive.
Mitchell barely got past, but hadn’t completely shaken off Zeng Xingyang.
When Mitchell was about to leap for a layup, Zeng Xingyang delivered a thundering block.
"Bang!!"
"Mitchell, in the third quarter, made only 1 out of 6 shots, and this one was swatted out of bounds."
"Against Zeng Xingyang, his offensive success rate is negligible."
Barkley shook his head.
On the court, Zeng Xingyang shouted at the fallen Mitchell, "Rookie, welcome to the NBA!"
Mitchell was tightly held down by Zeng Xingyang.
However, come the fourth quarter, Mitchell came alive again as Zeng Xingyang had clocked out.
Leading by over 30 points after three quarters meant the game was already decided, so why stay on the court?
With plenty of garbage time, all five of the Nuggets starters were on the bench cheering for the young players.
Xiao Ding also entered in the final 5 minutes, securing 3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist.
Unless the Nuggets suffer many injuries, Xiao Ding is destined to spend most of the season in the Development League.
Making it into the Nuggets rotation is too challenging for him.
In the end, the score was fixed at 89 to 129.
The Nuggets crushed their opponents at the home opener by a 40-point margin.
"It’s over, the game is finally over, and the Nuggets have shown us their extremely formidable strength. Last season’s defending champions are still showcasing their dominance this season."
"Tremble, the other 29 teams!"
The Nuggets’ home commentator shouted this without reservation.
Mitchell helplessly looked at the large score difference, then glanced at his own stats, 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, with a shooting rate of 8 out of 21.
Looks decent, after all, Zeng Xingyang’s defense is just that.
But Mitchell knows well how awkward it was when going up against Zeng Xingyang, his many points weren’t scored when facing Zeng Xingyang.
Facing Zeng Xingyang, it was like being toyed with as if he were a child.
When Zeng Xingyang amped up his defense, it was suffocating for him.
After the game, Mitchell actively sought out Zeng Xingyang, hoping to swap jerseys with him.
Zeng Xingyang agreed with a smile, then encouraged, "Donovan, the future is yours."
Mitchell bitterly smiled; he was already 21, and Zeng Xingyang was of the same age. Why did that sentence sound so normal?
Butler, Siakam, and others came separately to fist-bump Zeng Xingyang in celebration. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
It was a thrilling and resounding victory.
On the stats sheet.
Zeng Xingyang recorded 35 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds, Jokic had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, Butler had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The combined assists of the Nuggets’ big three exceeded those of the entire Jazz team, and they thoroughly connected the team’s offense.
The Nuggets’ team shooting percentage reached a high of 60%, leaving the Jazz in despair.
Those scouts secretly watching the Nuggets all sighed heavily.
This year’s Nuggets remain the hottest contender for the championship.
After the game, when Butler was interviewed, Zeng Xingyang passed by and patted Butler on the head.
Butler didn’t like others touching his head, but upon seeing it was Zeng Xingyang, he quickly plastered a smile on his face.
The reporter took the opportunity to ask, "Jimmy, what do you think of Zeng’s performance tonight?"
Butler said seriously, "He’s an MVP, and he won’t be just for last season; this season, next season, he’ll continue to be."
