Chapter 433: Chapter 345, Single-Game Double-Double!
"Time out!!" Rivers called for a halt to the game.
In just three possessions, the Clippers felt the Nuggets’ proud defense and counterattack.
It all seemed to be moving in an irreversible direction.
If they keep playing like this, the Nuggets can quickly widen the gap between the two teams and then gain an absolute advantage.
Zeng Xingyang remains the absolute core of this game, constantly driving the tempo on the court.
The Clippers players were dumbfounded, they always knew the Nuggets were tough to deal with, but never expected them to be this difficult.
Zeng Xingyang’s stunning performance at the start had the fans in the arena shouting incessantly.
This is their MVP, performing so steadily in every game.
As long as Zeng Xingyang is on the court, they can easily defeat their opponents.
Barkley said, "Just a 7-point lead, the Nuggets cannot relax yet, the Clippers still have a chance."
Smith said, "The Clippers shouldn’t easily give up this away game. If they win tonight’s game, they will have the upper hand in the season."
On the sidelines, Mike Malone patted Zeng Xingyang’s shoulder.
Just as he expected, Zeng Xingyang never disappoints.
The game continues.
This time, the Clippers finally scored two points through Redick’s inner cut.
to 7
Redick’s performance in the last game was average, scoring only 8 points, mainly due to Butler’s strict defense, making it hard for him to even find shooting opportunities.
Redick is extremely dependent on open shots, if there are no openings, he basically has no scoring opportunities.
This time he got rid of Butler’s defense with a clever back run, creating this chance.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt and passed the ball to Jokic at the right side of the free-throw line.
Jokic held the ball and observed, but the Clipper’s defense was no slouch either.
Little Jordan suddenly lunged forward.
"Pa!"
Jokic didn’t protect the ball, and it fell to the floor.
At this point, Zeng Xingyang swiftly dove and controlled the ball.
Paul also fell to the ground, both almost grabbed the ball simultaneously.
But Zeng Xingyang’s arm strength was clearly stronger, he quickly yanked the ball out.
Although he secured the ball, Zeng Xingyang was still sitting on the ground.
At this time, Butler moved towards the inner court.
Little Jordan prepared to bend down to grab the ball, if not, at least he could create a jump ball.
But Zeng Xingyang’s speed was evidently faster; before Little Jordan got there, he bounced the ball through Little Jordan’s legs.
Little Jordan felt a slight chill between his legs.
"Whoosh!"
The ball was picked up by the unmarked Butler.
This time Butler didn’t dunk, but glided in for a layup.
The basketball was easily tipped into the hoop.
to 9
"Whoa, sitting assist! That’s incredible!"
"Zeng Xingyang with that pass, just amazing."
"That’s how you play!"
"Zeng Xingyang’s passing today is very sharp."
"Yeah, every pass is an assist."
Fans online excitedly commented.
Coach Zhang smiled and said, "Jokic was a bit careless with that ball, fortunately, Zeng Xingyang salvaged it in time."
Xu Jicheng said, "Sitting assist, this is surely one of the top five plays."
On the court, Butler and Zeng Xingyang high-fived, and Butler admired, "I can’t believe you managed to pass it through like that."
"Your inner cut position was excellent," Zeng Xingyang replied with a smile.
Both played smartly with great chemistry.
On the other hand, Paul was at a loss, seeing it was about to be a jump ball, only for Zeng Xingyang to evade it.
The Clippers’ offense.
This time Griffin set a pick for Paul, Griffin arduously blocked Zeng Xingyang.
Paul made a rhythm adjustment facing Gordon, then leaped for a floater.
Jokic rushed to defend, but it didn’t have much effect.
"Swish!"
The ball went cleanly through the net.
to 9.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt, Jokic cooperatively moved up to block Bamot.
Then Zeng Xingyang used the screen to penetrate from the right side.
Zeng Xingyang’s breakthrough wasn’t just about linear speed but was accompanied by changes in rhythm.
The switching defense by Little Jordan kept close, while Griffin prepared to help from the other side.
Zeng Xingyang chose to lob the ball into the air.
On the other side, Gordon cut along the baseline, leapt up, and hooked the pass from Zeng Xingyang with one hand, then slammed it down hard.
"Boom!"
Gordon completed the alley-oop!
to 11.
The Nuggets’ offense continued to flow smoothly like a stream.
Zeng Xingyang’s pass to Gordon was spot on.
The Clippers’ offense.
Paul dribbled to the frontcourt.
Paul continued to enjoy the challenge brought by Zeng Xingyang, Paul passed the ball to Griffin at the free-throw line.
Griffin received the ball with a fake, trying to get Gordon’s balance off.
However, Gordon didn’t take the bait, clearly not afraid of Griffin’s shot.
Seeing this, Griffin chose a standing jump shot for two points.
"Clang!"
"Swish!"
to 11.
The ball hit the inner rim and then dropped in.
The Nuggets’ offense.
Zeng Xingyang with a pick-and-roll with Jokic, Zeng Xingyang moved laterally to the left using the screen.
The Clippers’ defense was focused on Zeng Xingyang, while Jokic rolled to the basket.
Zeng Xingyang made a bounce pass to Jokic as he advanced.
The timing of the pass was perfect, giving Jokic a small space to operate.
On the move, Jokic flicked the ball up.
The basketball arced through the air.
"Swish!"
Bullseye!!
to 13.
Next, Zeng Xingyang kept linking up with his teammates, his number of assists continued to rise.
The Clippers’ offense gradually warmed up.
With 3:12 left in the first quarter, the score stood at 18 to 27, with the Nuggets leading by 9 points.
Paul, tormented by Zeng Xingyang, was subbed out by Rivers, Crawford coming in.
The Nuggets also made substitutions, bringing on several rookies, but Zeng Xingyang remained on the court.
Crawford also faced Zeng Xingyang’s defensive targeting upon entering.
"Bam"
"Bam!"
Continuous through-the-legs dribbling combined with changed directions failed to shake him off.
Crawford felt the intensity of a top defender.
Crawford attempted to pass to Griffin on the other side.
But Zeng Xingyang extended his long arm to poke the ball away.
"Pa!"
The ball changed trajectory, heading toward the backcourt.
Bamot and Siakam both aimed to grab the ball, but Siakam’s arm was evidently longer, he tipped it, tapping it back to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang, upon receiving the ball, without hesitation, made a long pass to Brogdon in the frontcourt.
Brogdon took the ball easily for a layup.
to 29
This play pierced right through the Clippers’ defense.
The Clippers players could only stand bewildered.
Zeng Xingyang’s passing was sharp, and the Nuggets’ fast breaks were very swift.
It seemed that whenever there was an opportunity, they’d go for a fast break.
.....
The first quarter ended quickly, the score fixed at 24 to 38.
Zeng Xingyang put up 10 points and 10 assists in the first quarter.
A double-double in a single quarter!