Chapter 245, G6 Battle (3)
The Nuggets' offense continues.
Nelson steadily dribbles the ball into the front court.
Inside the Pepsi Center in Denver, the fans are already boiling with excitement, their emotions at a fever pitch.
This G6 game is the most thrilling, every possession looks intense.
"Pass the ball to Zeng!"
"To Zeng!"
"Zeng!"
The home fans of the Nuggets are chanting in unison, as if their voices are a powerful force ready to lift the arena's roof.
In their hearts, they eagerly anticipate Zeng Xingyang with the ball in his hands.
Every time Zeng Xingyang holds the ball, they feel utterly reliable.
That also means exciting moments are about to unfold.
Nelson catches on and decisively passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang receives the ball and without a moment's hesitation, calls his teammates for a screen.
Jokic quickly steps up, his sturdy body blocking Barnes.
Zeng Xingyang seizes the opportunity, dribbling low with his right hand, a swift and clean change of direction, his body lunging forward like a black lightning bolt, moving at an incredible speed.
Barnes, of course, doesn't easily give up on pursuing Zeng Xingyang, his feet shuffling rapidly, signaling to Bogut for assistance, the two forming a trap to try and contain Zeng Xingyang.
However, as Zeng Xingyang moves forward, he catches a glimpse of a completely open Galinarli at the top of the arc.
Without hesitation, he flicks his wrist, no-look passing, the basketball arcs gracefully in the air, landing precisely into Galinarli's hands.
Galinarli catches the ball, takes a breath, and effortlessly releases a three-point jumper from the outside.
"Clank!" Unfortunately, the open shot misses the rim.
But Jokic showcases his formidable offensive rebounding ability, leaping high and overpowering the opponents in mid-air, successfully grabbing the offensive rebound.
Upon landing, he quickly passes the ball to the cutting Pope. Pope receives it, adjusts his footing, and calmly finishes the layup.
16 to 18.
The Nuggets' offense remains potent, showing no signs of cooling down, maintaining a smooth rhythm.
The crowd's enthusiasm surges wave after wave, their fervor burning like a raging fire, seemingly ready to ignite the whole arena.
The Warriors' offense resumes.
After a series of passes, the ball finds its way back to Curry. Curry stares intently at Zeng Xingyang in front of him, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, seemingly declaring, "I will make this shot."
Initially faking a drive, Curry swiftly switches the ball from his right hand to his left, the feint so convincing that it slightly shifts Zeng Xingyang's balance.
In that fleeting moment, Curry flicks his wrist, sending a high-arched pass over layers of defense, accurately finding Thompson in the corner.
Despite Nelson quickly closing in to contest, Thompson receives the ball without hesitation, springing up to shoot.
Nelson raises his hand high, trying to disrupt the shot, yet he doesn't jump, merely watching in vain as the basketball arcs through the air with an unusual curve.
"Clang," the basketball strikes the front rim, then Jokic secures the rebound steadily.
The Nuggets' counterattack is swift, like a sudden storm.
Zeng Xingyang, like a runaway horse, transforms into a black lightning bolt, speeding down the court with jaw-dropping speed.
Jokic, quick-eyed and deft, delivers a strong passing bounce to Zeng Xingyang, though the force is slightly excessive.
After Zeng Xingyang fully controls the ball, he finds the Warriors' defense has quickly settled.
Zeng Xingyang remains composed, avoiding a forced drive and choosing to pass the ball to Galinarli on the perimeter.
As soon as Galinarli receives the ball, Barnes shadows him closely, sticking tight in defense, offering almost no room for Galinarli to make a play.
Galinarli stays unhurried, fully exploiting his height advantage, holding the ball high above his head, then surveying the court and passing to Jokic.
Jokic, receiving the ball, leans against Bogut, starting a back-down post move.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
His body repeatedly collides with Bogut, seeking a scoring opportunity, each hit loud enough for the crowd to hear the contact.
This is a rare pure physical confrontation between the two teams.
Jokic is adept at finding chances in such duels.
Zeng Xingyang seizes the opportunity, making a quick cut from the outside.
However, Jokic fakes a pass effectively, fooling not only Zeng Xingyang but also causing Bogut to lose balance.
Jokic grabs the chance, opting for a spin hook shot.
Jokic remains exceptionally composed under high pressure, his motion smooth and executed seamlessly.
The basketball spins gently off his hand.
Bogut, standing like a post, watches it fly to the hoop without much means to contest.
"Swish!"
The ball swooshes through the net.
16 to 20.
The Nuggets gradually gain an advantage in the score.
The Warriors' offense.
This time, Thompson cleverly navigates through screens set by Bogut and Green, running to an open position.
Curry, quick-minded and fast, delivers the ball to Thompson. Thompson catches and immediately jumps to shoot.
Galinarli reacts swiftly, rushing to contest, their bodies colliding as Thompson releases the ball, causing Thompson to fall.
Beep beep!
"Swish!"
The referee's whistle blows simultaneously as the ball swishes through the net.
It's a three-point play plus a foul, the referee emphatically signals with three fingers.
Thompson, lying on the ground, excitedly pumps his fist, venting his emotions.
Zeng Xingyang witnesses this moment, feeling an involuntary admiration.
G6 Thompson is a bit terrifying.
Thompson's stability in this series is incredibly daunting, placing significant pressure on the Nuggets' perimeter defense, his presence also prevents the Nuggets from relentlessly targeting Curry.
At this moment, Thompson's brilliant play temporarily silences the crowd.
The fans quiet down, awaiting the free throw.
Thompson stands up, calmly approaches the free-throw line, takes a breath, then gently releases.
"Swish!"
The free throw is good.
20 to 20.
A 4-point possession ties the game for the Warriors.
The Nuggets are not discouraged by this; Nelson dribbles past midcourt and passes to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang receives the ball, performs a quick crossover on the right side, effortlessly bypassing Barnes.
Yet, Zeng Xingyang chooses not to drive further inside, aware that Bogut and Green are both prepared in the paint with significant defensive interference. Zeng Xingyang slows down, backing into Barnes, protecting the ball securely with both hands, while quickly scanning the court.
Barnes, feeling a bit anxious, tries to maneuver in front of Zeng Xingyang but is persistently obstructed by Zeng Xingyang's strong body, unable to move.
Zeng Xingyang continuously uses his body to fend off Barnes.
Barnes, wary of fouling, keeps his movements cautious, unable to intercept Zeng Xingyang's ball.
On the court, Zeng Xingyang perceptively spots a defensive lapse in front of him where Bogut is, lunging forward directly.
Next, he and Bogut collide in midair, both jumping almost simultaneously.
However, Zeng Xingyang's hang time clearly surpasses that of Bogut; when Zeng Xingyang is still rising, Bogut has already begun descending.
Zeng Xingyang, confirming that Bogut can't interfere, pushes the ball towards the basket.
At this moment, his impressive hang time is on full display.
The ball, after bouncing off the backboard, drops in.
20 to 22.