CHAPTER 255: CHAPTER 181, "YANG YUE COMBO" SHAKES THE LEAGUE!

After the Nuggets finished their game against the Knicks, they continued their road trip.

The Nuggets players experienced a small wave of injuries in the following period.

First, Harris had a back discomfort, and then Pope had a minor groin strain.

Although they were minor injuries, they served as a reminder to Mike Malone.

After making trades, the Nuggets have become very reliant on their main players, and the depth of the bench rotation is somewhat lacking.

Even though most of the bench players were starters last season, it’s clear to the naked eye that they are somewhat unable to keep up with the rhythm of the starting players.

The Nuggets now greatly value defense, and the defensive ability of the starting players is very strong.

High-intensity defense inevitably leads to high consumption.

This kind of play style requires more personnel rotation, otherwise, they are prone to injuries.

However, fortunately, Zeng Xingyang and Jokic are very tough; the two of them maintain efficient performance, preventing the Nuggets’ record from experiencing a steep decline.

In the game against the 76ers, Zeng Xingyang scored 42 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Jokic had 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.

In the game against the Pelicans, Zeng Xingyang scored 47 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals, while Jokic had 20 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In the game against the Kings, Zeng Xingyang scored 38 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Jokic had 30 points, 10 assists, and 13 rebounds, marking the first time this season that both players scored 30+.

The "Yang-Jokic" duo is becoming another formidable combo besides the "Splash Brothers," "Double Trouble," and "Double Guns."

Many other team managements have faced fan doubts because of this.

Zeng Xingyang was a No. 7 pick, which goes without saying, but how did they overlook a second-round pick like Jokic?

As minor injuries increased and the schedule difficulty intensified, although the Nuggets’ win rate declined somewhat, their ranking remained stable.

With four regular-season games left, they encountered the Knights. As long as they win this game, they can firmly lock in the top six.

As for whether they’ll be fifth or sixth, it will depend on the results of the last four games.

This record has also made Nuggets fans go wild; the season started with thoughts of tanking, but now it’s filled with hope.

They’ve gone through significant rotations in the starting lineup and injury waves but still achieved such a good record in the West. This is truly impressive.

Nuggets fans also recognize that all of this is thanks to Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, whose consistent performance has kept the Nuggets at a high level of efficiency.

Their outstanding performance makes fans see tremendous potential for the future.

The presence of these two players also makes the Nuggets count as having completed their rebuild. Everyone—fans, management, and media—knows that the Nuggets only need to build and strengthen around Zeng Xingyang and Jokic for a chance to win the championship.

With Harris and Pope recovering, the Nuggets’ record stabilized again.

.....

.....

April 5, 2016.

The regular season’s fourth to last game.

In Cleveland, the Nuggets faced a very difficult game against the Knights.

Zeng Xingyang’s outside touch was poor, and by the fourth quarter with 6 minutes left, his three-point shooting was 1 out of 11.

Before playing the Knights, the Nuggets went through a 3-game road trip, and Zeng Xingyang was constantly targeted, testing his stamina.

Fortunately, Galinarli came off the bench with accurate threes, and Grant and Jokic exploded on the inside to keep the score close.

The score was 88 to 95, with the Nuggets trailing by 7 points.

The game on the court entered a fever pitch.

The local Cleveland fans were sending boos.

The current Nuggets are hard to deal with, and the Knights fans eagerly hope the team can beat them.

James gasped heavily as he watched Zeng Xingyang holding the ball.

Tonight, he really went all out to chase Zeng Xingyang on defense.

Defending Zeng Xingyang is difficult, but fortunately, tonight it seems he’s been held back!

If they don’t let the Nuggets go on a surge, they can secure the game.

This game is also very important for the Knights. If they win, they can essentially lock in the second Eastern ranking.

The Knights’ final lineup is Owen, JR, James, Frye, Mozgov.

Love and TT have minor injuries, and the Knights decided to let them rest.

The Nuggets’ final lineup is Zeng Xingyang, Pope, Galinarli, Grant, Jokic.

The game reached a critical moment, with ball possession still in Zeng Xingyang’s hands.

At the top of the arc, James was defending.

With 8 seconds left on the shot clock, Zeng Xingyang made a move.

Jokic came up to set a screen for James, and Zeng Xingyang dribbled across before bursting towards the inside.

With his outside shooting in a slump, Zeng Xingyang decisively attacked the inside this time.

Frye and JR tried to double-team him but failed; Zeng Xingyang’s speed was incredibly fast.

Zeng Xingyang stepped and rose into the air, grabbing the basketball with both hands, looking to dunk. Mozgov jumped up with all his might; if Zeng Xingyang tried to dunk head-on, he might be blocked.

Zeng Xingyang didn’t dunk from the front; instead, he grabbed the ball back with both hands and switched to a mid-air right-side fold-back layup.

This play showed Zeng Xingyang’s improved ability to hang in the air; as Mozgov was descending, he released the ball.

Mozgov didn’t expect Zeng Xingyang would make such a play, and his block failed.

The basketball Zeng Xingyang shot bounced off the backboard and dropped into the hoop.

"Bang!"

"Swish!"

to 95.

Zeng Xingyang’s basket silenced the scene.

This shot had a bit of a Michael Jordan feel to it, showcasing Zeng Xingyang’s strong abdominal strength and letting his personal talent shine.

The Nuggets bench was howling; even though Zeng Xingyang experienced a long-awaited slump tonight beyond the arc, he still scored as needed on the court.

James shook his head; despite Zeng Xingyang’s shaky touch, he still scores the necessary points without fail.

The Knights’ test had come: if they can withstand Zeng Xingyang’s upcoming surge, they could determine tonight’s success or failure.

Knight’s offense.

Owen brought the ball to the frontcourt, holding the ball to observe.

Zeng Xingyang defended Owen; Owen couldn’t find a good play and chose to pass the ball to James, who cut from the right.

James received the ball and charged towards the basket, drawing a foul from Galinarli.

James went to the free-throw line.

First free throw missed.

The second free throw went in.

to 96.

The Nuggets’ offense comes again.

Jokic gets the ball and crosses half court, then passes it to Zeng Xingyang.

As soon as Zeng Xingyang gets the ball, JR and Owen quickly double-team him, even leaving Pope open.

Zeng Xingyang decisively passes the ball to Pope.

James quickly rotates to Pope, and Pope passes the ball to Galinarli.

Galinarli doesn’t rush to shoot but chooses to wait.

Jokic sets a screen for Zeng Xingyang, then the defense switches to Mozgov.

Galinarli gives the ball to Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang swiftly drives to the left, and Mozgov quickly turns to follow. Zeng Xingyang pulls the ball under his legs and steps back for a shot.

Instantly creates space.

Mozgov can’t keep up.

Zeng Xingyang takes a three-point jump shot.

When Zeng Xingyang was young, his idol once said that even if he missed his first 100 shots, he would still take the 101st.

Mozgov forcibly tries to keep up, but his feet slip, and he falls to one knee.

Zeng Xingyang’s rhythm is spot on, and he releases the ball.

The basketball draws a beautiful arc.

"Swish!"

The basketball pierces the net.

to 96.

Zeng Xingyang hits his second three-pointer of the night.

The sound of the arena falls silent once more.

A 7-point lead and a 3-point lead are completely different psychologically.

"Zeng Xingyang is hailed as the strongest rookie in history for a reason, with tremendous psychological resilience, playing just like a superstar."

"So impressive, that’s how you play."

"Zeng Xingyang’s step-back is so despair-inducing."

"Mozgov can’t stop the defense."

"Zeng Xingyang’s technical skills are indeed unquestionable, incredibly awesome."

"Even if Zeng Xingyang’s shooting touch is off, he maintains his confidence in taking shots."

"The recent drive and layup boosted Zeng Xingyang’s confidence."

The fans on the internet are buzzing with discussions.

Knights’ offense.

James advances the ball to the frontcourt.

Passes to Owen on the right.

The Knights’ players spread out to create space for Owen.

Owen and Zeng Xingyang face off one-on-one.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Owen makes consecutive sharp changes in direction, and Zeng Xingyang follows closely.

Owen can’t easily shake off Zeng Xingyang, but Owen’s offense isn’t something to be underestimated.

Owen takes a step toward the inside, leans on Zeng Xingyang, and makes a wide turn.

Pushes off and leaps backward for a fadeaway.

The backward leap and the fadeaway are both incredibly pronounced.

Zeng Xingyang leaps over, giving maximum interference, but still doesn’t disrupt Owen’s rhythm.

Owen’s core strength is very strong, allowing him to maintain stability in his shot.

"Bounce!"

"Swish!"

to 98.

"Whoa, whoa!!"

"Well done."

"Good job."

Owen’s successful one-on-one against Zeng Xingyang boosts the Knights’ morale.

Keep in mind that after a season of grinding, Zeng Xingyang is recognized for his strong defense.

And yet Owen made the shot against the formidable Zeng Xingyang, and it was spectacular.

Zeng Xingyang is helpless.

The Nuggets’ offense.

Zeng Xingyang and Jokic’s pick and roll.

After the pick and roll, Zeng Xingyang dribbles sideways, drawing the defense of James and Mozgov.

Jokic rolls to the basket, and Zeng Xingyang sling-passes the ball to Jokic.

Jokic gets the ball and makes a floater.

The rotating Frye doesn’t offer much resistance.

The basketball is precisely lobbed into the net.

"Swish!"

to 98.

"Timeout!!"

The Knights call a timeout with 3 minutes and 23 seconds left in the game.

James knows that the Knights are just one gasp away from winning. If they want to win moving forward, they must stop the cooperation between Zeng Xingyang and Jokic.

If they can’t disrupt this duo’s connection, the Knights are likely to lose the game.