Chapter 414: Chapter 326, Beginning of the Reversal!
Denver, Pepsi Center.
The shouts of Nuggets fans filled the arena.
Nuggets’ Butler and Pope took turns to rest, with Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Siakam, Gordon, and Jokic leading the starting lineup.
Bucks were led by Matthew Dellavedova, Middleton, Brother Alphabet, Snell, and Monroe.
After the game started, both teams played with an aggressive offense.
Nuggets focused on linking through Jokic, who frequently attacked Monroe; once Jokic found his rhythm, he also activated other areas on the court.
For Bucks, Brother Alphabet and Middleton led the charge inside and out, constantly resisting Nuggets’ firepower.
In the first quarter, the score was 35 to 30, with Bucks playing fiercely as the visitors.
Brother Alphabet also showcased his talent, completing three fast-breaks taking the ball coast-to-coast for finishes.
Nuggets saw Jokic as the team’s high scorer in the first quarter, raking in 14 points, nearly half of the team’s tally.
Zeng Xingyang’s performance in the first quarter was relatively low-key, scoring only 6 points.
At the start of the second quarter, Zeng Xingyang rested on the bench while Jokic led the Nuggets’ rookie team.
When everyone expected Jokic to continue impressing, his shooting became imprecise.
Bucks adjusted their defense tactics, double-teaming Jokic, who frequently passed the ball out, but teammates failed to make shots.
Dejounte Murray made several passing errors, allowing Bucks to convert fast-breaks.
Middleton showcased his shooting skills, suppressing all Nuggets rookies.
At 7 minutes and 12 seconds, Zeng Xingyang re-entered, with the score at 45 to 35, leaving Nuggets 10 points behind.
This season, Nuggets have made many comebacks from deficits; Zeng Xingyang wasn’t flustered upon returning, patiently coordinating with teammates.
Nuggets stabilized turnovers, then Zeng Xingyang began scoring, improving the team’s attacking accuracy.
However, Bucks maintained their prowess, Brother Alphabet continued fast-paced transitions.
Bucks’ outside shooting felt almost supernatural today, consistently making unbelievable shots.
The first half quickly ended with the score at 64 to 50, as Nuggets made two turnovers in the last minute resulting in two fast-breaks against them.
Nuggets’ offense was fragmented, with almost everyone stuck in solo efforts; except for Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, others’ efficiency was poor.
Gordon had a dismal three-point shooting rate, 0 for 7, Harris 0 for 5, leading to serious setbacks for the team’s offense.
This was the root of Nuggets’ lagging.
Even though Zeng Xingyang shot 20 points with 4 assists and Jokic secured 18 points and 11 rebounds, it didn’t change the situation when Nuggets’ outside shooting seemed freezing cold to an unbelievable degree.
The atmosphere was very tense when returning to the locker room.
Zeng Xingyang took a towel to wipe the sweat, feeling uncomfortable; he’d started to gain momentum in the second quarter, but the team hadn’t turned the tide.
Mike Malone shouted while devising strategy: "Fans tonight are here for record-breaking, not to see us continually miss threes."
"Zeng, don’t keep passing outwards, attack when you should."
"Don’t think about leading the team, just play your game."
"Everyone, besides dunks and layups, reduce medium and long-range shots."
Mike Malone didn’t blame others but asked Zeng Xingyang to intensify the match.
The absence of Butler and Pope affected the team dynamics.
"Alright, I understand." Zeng Xingyang nodded, grasping Mike Malone’s intention.
This season, Mike Malone had often asked him to do so, hoping he would alter the opponent’s defensive stance.
"I’ll handle that Greek giant, I’ll defend him."
"Forget about breaking records next game."
"Break records tonight."
"This opponent can’t stop our progress."
After Mike Malone spoke, Zeng Xingyang started addressing the locker room.
"Alright, let’s crush them!"
"Be solid on defense!"
Nuggets players were quickly rallied by Zeng Xingyang’s motivation, shouting enthusiastically.
When the team leader asserted his stance, others knew not to be complacent.
Jokic admired Zeng Xingyang, who this season had proved himself as an outstanding team leader.
Fans and Nuggets players alike viewed Zeng Xingyang as the team’s soul.
If Zeng Xingyang was prepared to fight tooth and nail, then everyone would exert full effort.
Stepping out of the locker room.
"Go Nuggets!"
"Comeback!"
"Beat them."
Nuggets fans asserted their support, not blaming players despite trailing.
On the other side, Brother Alphabet sighed to Middleton, "They’re no big deal, we’ll win tonight."
Brother Alphabet scored 22 points in the first half, greatly impacting with his offensive displays, confident no one could block him.
"I reckon we mustn’t be careless," Middleton answered seriously.
Middleton felt apprehensive.
A 14-point lead substantial for Nuggets?
This season, Nuggets had many classic comebacks; even trailing by 27 points once, they’d recovered.
Underestimating Nuggets’ resilience could lead to consequences.
Second-half play began soon.
Nuggets remixed their lineup.
Zeng Xingyang, Crowder, Siakam, Grant, and Jokic.
Nuggets benched Harris and Gordon, who went wild with misses in the first half, swapping in fresh rotation.
Nuggets’ rotational depth provided confidence throughout the competition.
Bucks maintained their start lineup.
Third quarter began with Bucks possession.
Middleton’s accuracy remained sharp.
On the right-wing 45-degree angle, Monroe conducted a low-post play, attracting defense, then passed the ball to Middleton’s positioning.
Middleton caught and released a drifting three-pointer.
Shot in Siakam’s defense, heavily contested.
But Middleton’s shot rebounded off the board, finding the net.
to 50.
This three-pointer cooled the atmosphere on-site.
Zhang Weiping commented, "Bucks gained their largest lead tonight, Nuggets in a precarious position now."
"I’ll shoot you down!" Middleton confidently stated.
Zeng Xingyang ignored him, swiftly ball-handling across halfcourt.
Jokic screened for Zeng Xingyang, Monroe switched defense onto Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang quickly crossed the ball from right to left, followed by sprinting past Monroe entirely.
Brother Alphabet reached the free-throw line to assist defending Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang performed a hesitation, faking a left pull but jogged right, accelerating past.
Brother Alphabet continued chasing Zeng Xingyang.
At that moment, Zeng Xingyang slowed deliberately for contact, challenging Brother Alphabet, collected, and executed a step-back horseback shot.
"Bang!"
"Beep beep!"
"Swoosh!"
Despite body contact, Zeng Xingyang maintained gentle touch, flinging the ball.
And-one!!
to 52.
Zeng Xingyang drew Brother Alphabet’s foul while scoring.