Chapter 264: Free Throw Line Slam Dunk!!
Reorganize the offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the frontcourt.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic run a pick-and-roll.
After the pick-and-roll, Aldridge switches to defense this time.
"Spread out!"
"Hurry up and spread out."
Even Mike Malone can't help but shout from the sidelines.
Jokic pulls Leonard away, giving Zeng Xingyang a one-on-one chance against Aldridge.
"Defend him!"
"Restrict him."
"Don't give him too much space."
The audience keeps roaring, and Spurs fans are cheering for Aldridge.
Aldridge shifts his weight, spreads his arms, and keeps his eyes locked on Zeng Xingyang.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Zeng Xingyang makes continuous between-the-legs crossovers.
With Zeng Xingyang's significant three-point threat, Aldridge has to lean slightly forward.
Zeng Xingyang easily seizes the opportunity and accelerates to the right side.
Leonard comes for help defense at this moment.
Zeng Xingyang decisively bounce-passes to Jokic.
Jokic takes the initiative, goes for a layup against Duncan.
"Bang!"
"Beep beep!"
It's a three-point play.
"Well done!!"
"Good job, keep playing like that."
Jokic's score boosts the Nuggets' morale.
Leonard can't help but instruct Aldridge: "If he gets past you, you can foul him."
Leonard rarely speaks, but this defense was too easily broken by Aldridge.
Aldridge nods.
Jokic steps up to the free-throw line.
"Swish!"
Steady free throw.
62 to 66.
The Nuggets' offense is very steady, dealing a significant blow to the Spurs.
"That play was very rational, Zeng Xingyang delivered the ball precisely to Jokic."
"Once Jokic is in that position, it's virtually indefensible."
"Zeng Xingyang also capitalized on the Spurs' defensive lapse."
"Both teams are constantly adjusting and countering their tactics."
"Now it looks too easy for Zeng Xingyang to get past defenders, changing pace with a single step."
The fans are discussing fervently.
On the court, the Spurs attack again.
Parker dribbles and accelerates forward.
Though Parker quickly reaches the frontcourt, he doesn't initiate the attack.
Parker passes the ball to Duncan in the low post.
Duncan continues the one-on-one play against Jokic.
Jokic raises his arms to absorb Curry's impact.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Duncan bumps into Jokic, but can't clear the way, Duncan tries to turn and pass to Leonard.
But Harris anticipates the pass.
"Slap!"
Harris rushes in for the steal.
Without a fast-break opportunity, Harris dribbles to the frontcourt and passes back to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang holds the ball with his back to Leonard, checking the sides.
Leonard forces his leverage onto Zeng Xingyang's waist, so a direct fadeaway would lack power.
Once the teammates clear the space.
Zeng Xingyang chooses not to fadeaway immediately, instead turns to face up and then takes the fadeaway.
Leonard defends diligently.
Unfortunately, his defense doesn't affect the final result.
"Swish!"
64 to 66.
"Slap!"
"Beep beep!!"
The referee calls a wrist foul on Leonard.
Zeng Xingyang has another chance at a three-point play.
Zeng Xingyang steps up to the free-throw line.
"Clang!"
The ball bounces out, but Jokic boxes out Duncan with his left hand, stretches his right.
The ball is easily tipped in.
66 to 66.
"Great job, well done."
"Jokic is really fierce under the basket, Duncan's age is catching up."
"The Nuggets' anchor inside is undoubtedly Jokic."
"Amazing, amazing!"
The fans are discussing online.
The Spurs attack again.
Parker dribbles to the frontcourt and passes to Leonard.
Leonard and Duncan run the pick-and-roll, blocking Zeng Xingyang, Leonard changes direction to break through.
This time Jokic's help defense doesn't pressure Leonard much.
Leonard stops abruptly for a close-range jump shot.
The ball traces a beautiful arc.
"Swish!"
Right on target!!
66 to 68.
After a series of errors, the Spurs finally stop the decline, and Popovich decides against calling a timeout.
Zhang Weiping says: "The Spurs' tactical literacy is extremely high, maintaining great composure even in adverse situations."
Yu Jia says: "That's typical of the Spurs."
The Nuggets' offense.
Jokic dribbles to the frontcourt.
Zeng Xingyang pins Leonard in the low post, then raises his hand for the ball.
Jokic lobs the ball high to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang receives it without hesitation, quickly posting up Leonard.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
After a couple of bumps, Zeng Xingyang chooses to step forward for a face-up.
Stops suddenly for a fadeaway shot.
Zeng Xingyang jumps with height to spare.
Leonard works hard to contest, but doesn't reach it.
Despite considerable pressure, this range is just too close for Zeng Xingyang.
"Swish!"
68 to 68.
Zeng Xingyang avoids rash breakthrough or dribble pull-up threes, opting for solid mid-range shots instead.
Such scoring efficiency is very high.
Leonard's expression reveals little, but the frustration is palpable.
Few in the NBA dare to go one-on-one against him like this.
After scoring on Leonard, Zeng Xingyang can't help but trash talk: "You can't stop me!"
Leonard doesn't reply verbally to Zeng Xingyang.
He responds with action.
Leonard takes Parker's pass, fiercely changes direction to break through.
Zeng Xingyang maintains defensive position, Aldridge follows suit, Leonard dishes the ball to Aldridge.
Aldridge squeezes for a layup, scoring steadily.
68 to 70.
The Nuggets' offense.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles to the frontcourt.
This time he passes to Jokic, who comes to help.
Jokic quickly returns the ball hand-off style.
Meanwhile, he screens Leonard.
Zeng Xingyang capitalizes on the fleeting opportunity, decisively shooting a three-pointer.
The ball traces a splendid arc.
"Swish!"
Right on target!!
70 to 70.
Compared to the Spurs' team offense, the Nuggets don't rely on others, focusing every play on Jokic and Zeng Xingyang's partnership.
The Spurs attack again.
Parker dribbles to the frontcourt.
Parker passes the ball with a bounce to Duncan, who backs into Jokic, looking to spin for a layup.
This attempt by Duncan is too simple, Jokic taps the ball.
The ball falls down.
Then Jokic regains control of the ball, and Zeng Xingyang sprints forward.
Jokic tosses the ball ahead, Zeng Xingyang catches it at midcourt.
Leonard is chasing Zeng Xingyang, and as Zeng Xingyang catches the ball, he seamlessly switches hands.
He smoothly bypasses Leonard.
Zeng Xingyang drives for the inside, with Leonard unable to catch up.
At a point just before the free-throw line, Zeng Xingyang takes off with long strides, grabbing the ball in one hand, gliding.
The fans at the AT&T Center are dumbfounded, watching in disbelief.
Getting closer!
Finally!
"Clang!"
"Click click click!!"
Countless cameras capture the moment!
The ball is slammed into the hoop.
72 to 70!!
A free-throw line dunk.
Zeng Xingyang performs it in the Western Conference Finals!!
A stunning show for all!!