CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 57, THE POOR MAN’S DURANT?

Ohio State University’s offense comes again.

Russell and Luo Wen’s pick and roll, after the pick, Russell breaks in.

Russell encounters a crowd of Kentucky defenders, clearly, he wants to score, but it will be very tough.

But Russell seems to have judged the situation, he throws the ball outwards to Tate.

Zeng Xingyang chases to defend Tate, Tate has no chance, he quickly passes to Thompson.

Thompson makes a three-point shot from the corner, Booker joined in double-teaming Russell and couldn’t get back in time.

"Swish!"

to 8.

Afterwards, the scores of both teams are very close.

On the University of Kentucky side, Booker, Towns, and Zeng Xingyang are all scoring continuously.

Meanwhile, Ohio State University is raining down threes, hitting quite a few incredible shots, keeping the score tight.

After 10 minutes, the score is 18 to 16, with the University of Kentucky leading by 2 points.

Calipari calls a timeout first, subs out Towns, and sends in Lyles.

Towns doesn’t seem very committed to defense, often losing his mark, requiring other Kentucky players to help cover, which makes it easy for opponents to find an opening.

Towns gasps as he returns to his seat.

It’s not that he isn’t committed, but sometimes he himself doesn’t know why he loses focus.

With overall talent crushing the opponents, there’s no need to stick to a standard lineup, Kentucky plays a small lineup.

The point guard is also swapped to Andrew Harris.

Harris is stronger than Tyler Ulis and better at defense, though slightly weaker in passing and coordination.

On Ohio State University’s side, they emphasize not letting Zeng Xingyang find an opening, stick closely to him, encourage him to break through, and keep double-teaming Booker as a defensive focal point.

If these two outside offensive points are locked, Kentucky’s offensive efficiency will drop somewhat.

The timeout is over, and the game resumes.

It’s the University of Kentucky’s offense.

Harris dribbles to the front court and passes to Zeng Xingyang coming out with a screen.

Tate defends Zeng Xingyang closely, not guarding against the breakthrough.

He’s giving a big chance to break through, considering Zeng Xingyang hasn’t shown much ability to break through.

Zeng Xingyang can also see that the defense is encouraging him to play the ball.

Ohio State University’s idea is good, but when executed on the court, a top shooter won’t be so easily defended.

Brother Alphabet can’t shoot, let him open two steps and see!

Iverson only goes right, try defending his drive?

Theory and practice always have a big difference.

Zeng Xingyang accelerates to the right and gets past Tate, the two big men inside are ready to block.

But as he enters the three-point line, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t continue inside, but slows and stops, leaning against the chasing Tate.

"Bang!"

Causing a human car accident.

Full responsibility on Tate.

Zeng Xingyang takes the initiative in the confrontation, smoothly shooting a drifting mid-range jumper after impact.

"Beep beep!"

The ball draws a beautiful arc.

"Swish!"

Scoring while drawing a foul, it’s a two plus one.

"F*ck!" Ohio State University’s coach cursed.

Kentucky’s number 8’s performance is abnormal!

This two plus one makes Zeng Xingyang continue to shine, fans and media are unintentionally drawn to him.

Calipari claps heavily in celebration, promoting this guy to starter really makes things easier for him.

He lacks dynamic physical talents but is not lacking in basketball IQ talent, being able to draw such fouls mainly shows he’s playing with his head.

Zeng Xingyang steps to the free-throw line, takes a deep breath, and shoots the ball.

"Swish!"

The ball is calmly shot into the basket.

to 16.

Tate looks at Zeng Xingyang with almost fire in his eyes.

He wants to limit the opponent, but the opponent slips through like an eel, never able to fully contain him.

Zeng Xingyang can’t be completely locked down.

Just defending his shot, encouraging him to break seems to cause him some trouble, but it’s far from enough to entirely impair his scoring ability.

However, Ohio State University continues to prove they’re a tough team.

This time Tate receives a pass from Russell, makes a slightly unorthodox jumper from beyond the right three-point line.

Swiftly retaliating against Zeng Xingyang.

Raises his hand for a basket, 21 to 19.

This time Zeng Xingyang’s defense is drawn by Russell, failing to stop his pass, allowing him to successfully distribute the ball.

By the time he gets back to cover Tate, it’s too late.

Kentucky’s offense comes again.

Harris pushes the ball to the front court and gives it to Booker, Zeng Xingyang continues to call for Koulistan’s off-ball screen.

Booker passes to Lyles, Lyles dribbles to break in, but the inside is too crowded, he circles out again.

At this moment, Zeng Xingyang meets Russell on the switch during his positioning.

Zeng Xingyang decisively posts up Russell at the right low post, immediately raising his hand for the ball.

Zeng Xingyang is taller than Russell, it’s not a huge but still significant mismatch.

Finally seeing Zeng Xingyang against Russell, though it’s not Zeng Xingyang defending Russell, but Russell defending Zeng Xingyang.

A huge force comes from Zeng Xingyang, Russell feels really tough.

Lyles lobs the ball high to Zeng Xingyang.

The moment he catches it, Zeng Xingyang bumps Russell with his body, then turns to shoot a jumper.

Russell’s defensive awareness is average, plus his height is suppressed by Zeng Xingyang, he puts no pressure on him.

Zeng Xingyang’s mid-range shooting rhythm is kept very smooth.

"Swish!"

Piercing the net.

to 19.

In the audience, Schwartz keeps clapping for Zeng Xingyang, his performance amazes Schwartz more and more.

Ohio State University’s defensive weakness is clearly Russell.

Zeng Xingyang takes advantage of this opportunity to go for singles.

No need for much dribbling offense, just catch and finish, using his power and height advantage to find a shot opportunity.

With this fade-away jumper, it’s not like Kobe, more like a poor man’s Durant.

Ohio State University’s offense.

Russell continues to use the pick and roll to break in, this time Zeng Xingyang double-teams more aggressively.

He initiates a sudden strike from Russell’s blind spot.

By the time Russell notices Zeng Xingyang, he’s already in front of him.

"Slap!"

Zeng Xingyang extends his long arm and slaps the ball out of Russell’s control.

Booker gets it, pushing the ball to the front court.

Zeng Xingyang continues his positioning, Koulistan and Lyles provide screens one after another.

Soon, it’s Russell defending Zeng Xingyang again.

Zeng Xingyang posts up Russell at the free throw line’s left side, reaching out to ask Booker for the ball.

This period Zeng Xingyang’s offensive state is too hot, Booker feeds him without hesitation.

Zeng Xingyang catches the ball, pivots on his left foot, feints left.

Russell is fooled, Zeng Xingyang quickly adjusts to the right turn and shoots a face-up jumper again.

Russell’s defense doesn’t put any pressure on Zeng Xingyang.

Again, a steady mid-range hit.

"Swish!"

to 19

"Whoever he guards, goes for singles, his defense is terrible." After this play, Zeng Xingyang comments with Booker and Lyles.

A guy who can even be continuously soloed, Shui La is just Shui La, a complete defensive hole.

Hearing this, Russell’s face changes, now the opponents completely disrespects his defense.