CHAPTER 461: CHAPTER 373: FINALS GAME 1 (PART 2)

Knight’s offense.

Owen’s ball-handling ability is already among the best in the league, and even Zeng Xingyang doesn’t dare to say he can absolutely suppress him.

However, he is at a disadvantage in confrontation, which requires him to have more variations in rhythm to shake free when dribbling.

Owen passes the ball to James after reaching the frontcourt.

James was just blocked once, so this time he chose to lob the ball to Love in the inside.

Love leans into Gordon, preparing for a post-up play.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Love continuously bumps into Gordon.

Gordon maintains his position, leading Love to choose a turnaround fadeaway jumper.

"Clang!"

The basketball hits the rim heavily and bounces up.

The rebound is snatched by Jokic.

The strength of the Nuggets lies in their one-on-one defense capability, making it difficult for the Knights to create space.

After Jokic grabs the ball, he decisively flings it forward.

Owen is eager to intercept.

Too rushed, dodged by Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang speeds up again, initiating a high-speed transition.

James retreats on defense.

This time, Zeng Xingyang’s ball pressure attracts the Knights’ defense.

Pope quickly reaches the frontcourt, and Zeng Xingyang decisively passes the ball to Pope.

Pope’s soaring layup puts the ball in securely.

to 4.

The Nuggets are showcasing their advantage.

Extreme transitions leave the Knights’ defense struggling.

The fans at the Pepsi Center in Denver cheer quickly.

Knight’s offense again.

This time, Owen uses screens from Love and TT to shake off Zeng Xingyang’s defense and, after reaching the basket, fights off Jokic for a layup, scoring.

to 4.

Owen is a clutch player; he doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities when the team is in trouble.

On the contrary, he’s willing to take it on.

If Owen is the leader and James the second, the pairing would have no issues.

But as it happens, James is the team’s leader, and Owen is the second.

This is why Owen and James don’t get along!

Nuggets’ offense.

Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the frontcourt.

Zeng Xingyang initiates a pick-and-roll with Jokic.

After the pick-and-roll, Zeng Xingyang makes a low-hand crossover to drive into the lane.

Jokic doesn’t rush into the lane but instead pulls to the three-point line.

Zeng Xingyang throws a no-look bounce pass to Jokic at the top of the arc.

Jokic takes the pass and shoots a three-pointer.

The basketball draws a beautiful arc.

"Swish!"

Pierces the net.

to 7.

Jokic’s three-point shot is very consistent, offering more tactical options for the Nuggets.

Knight’s offense.

Owen dribbles to the frontcourt, once again trying to use double screens, but the Nuggets’ defensive rotation is quick, preventing Owen from breaking through.

Owen passes the ball to James, but the Nuggets’ defense is like a steel trap, and James’ attempt to drive on the left side also fails.

James forcefully tosses the ball to JR Smith outside.

With time running out, JR Smith makes some dribbling moves against defense, then quickly stops and shoots.

This shot hasn’t shaken off Butler, making it very difficult.

"Clang!"

Another missed shot.

This rebound is captured by Jokic.

Zeng Xingyang continues to push ahead quickly.

Jokic makes a long pass to Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang, with the ball, charges towards the right side beyond the three-point line.

Zeng Xingyang decelerates and stops suddenly, making James leap trying to block.

With an opening, Zeng Xingyang adjusts his rhythm, then shoots a quick three-pointer.

The basketball draws a beautiful arc.

"Swish!"

Straight through the hoop.

to 10.

"Timeout!!"

Tyronn Lue is somewhat furious.

He couldn’t imagine the game would be so challenging right from the start.

The defensive intensity provided by the Nuggets exceeded their expectations.

On the bench, James is a bit frustrated, feeling the Knights’ strength is clearly not as good as last year, while the Nuggets seem overall stronger, making him feel the Knights don’t have much hope.

The gap between the two sides is too large, which makes James feel a bit stressed.

"This game is very dangerous for the Knights."

"The Nuggets’ momentum is on the rise, leaving the Knights passive."

"The Knights seem completely unprepared."

"The Nuggets’ offense is incredible."

"The Knights have already won a championship. This year, it’s the Nuggets’ turn."

Fans are buzzing online.

On the bench.

"Zeng, I definitely want to train three-point shooting with you in the offseason." Siakam declared confidently.

"Give me a 100,000 deposit first, if you run off midway, no refunds," Zeng Xingyang said.

"Uh, forget it..." Siakam rethought and backed down from Zeng Xingyang’s intensity.

"I’ll do it, I want to train," Dejounte Murray shouted.

Dejounte Murray had fewer opportunities in the playoffs and eagerly hoped to enhance his personal ability to strive for more chances next season.

"Let’s talk about it later," Zeng Xingyang smiled.

For now, the focus is still on the finals.

The Nuggets have a good mindset during the game; everyone is focused on the court and relatively relaxed off the court.

In contrast, the Knights are feeling somewhat nervous.

James keeps chewing his mouthguard, occasionally glancing over at the Nuggets, and nobody knows what he’s thinking.

"We need to increase our focus."

"Keep up with the opponent’s game pace."

Love stood up to emphasize.

Love knows that there’s a significant gap this season between Owen and James, so he often plays the peacemaker role.

He also proactively says some motivational words to the team.

After the timeout.

The game continues.

James brings the ball up.

James hands the ball to Love.

Love then hands it off to Owen.

Owen tries to use Love’s screen to break through but is met with a double-team from Zeng Xingyang and Gordon.

Owen struggles a bit and wants to get the ball out quickly; just as he passes, Zeng Xingyang deflects it.

The talent of these two is incredible. The first time the ball is picked up by Love, but he doesn’t secure it and is stripped by Butler.

"Slap!"

The ball gets stolen.

The basketball falls and is controlled by Butler.

Barkley said, "The Nuggets have successfully defended again, showing the determination to win in their performance on the court."

Smith said, "On the other hand, the Knights seem to be giving up."

On the court, Butler quickly launches a fast break, passing it to Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang on the left, Gordon on the right.

Zeng Xingyang tosses the ball high into the air in stride, and Gordon leaps up, catching the ball with both hands for a powerful slam dunk.

"Bang!!"

to 12.

The Nuggets continue to widen the gap, putting the Knights in an increasingly disadvantageous position.

At this critical moment, James still stepped up.

The Knights come on offense.

James signals a clear-out on the right side, and after spreading the space, he forcefully drives on Pope’s right side, leans in, and completes a spin and shoots.

Pope’s defense even leaves James off balance.

"Bang!"

"Swish!"

The ball goes in as the whistle blows.

James scores with an extra free throw.

Standing at the free-throw line, James takes a deep breath.

"Swish!"

to 12.