NBA: Rising Superstar!-Chapter 115 - 104, Provoking Lillard, a Rain of Three-Pointers!

Chapter 115: Chapter 104, Provoking Lillard, a Rain of Three-Pointers!

Nuggets bench.

Interval break, tactics arranged.

Mike Malone put his arm around Zeng Xingyang’s shoulder and came to the technical table, saying in a low voice: "Zeng, your task is to shoot and score, don’t hesitate too much."

Zeng Xingyang frowned, sighed, and said, "Coach, give Nikola and me more playing time, or we’ll be too passive."

Before, it didn’t really matter if he was a starter or not, but recently Zeng Xingyang has been feeling frustrated. He and Jokic are almost always coming off the bench to fill the gaps left by the starters, and the gaps are not always the same.

Rather than this, it would be better if he and Jokic started; it would be a bit better.

If he and Jokic started, the team wouldn’t find itself passive right from the start of each game.

Looking at Zeng Xingyang’s eager eyes for improvement, Mike Malone said, "Don’t rush, the season is long, you will have many opportunities..."

Mike Malone still hasn’t made up his mind.

Zeng Xingyang said, "Precisely because the season has just begun, we have more chances to make adjustments."

"Once we know which directions are wrong, we need to adjust quickly, don’t be bound by old ideas."

"I want to win."

"I want to play in the playoffs."

"I don’t want to waste a season’s time."

Zeng Xingyang doesn’t believe Mike Malone can’t see the impact he and Jokic have on the court.

It can only be said that Mike Malone isn’t yet firmly supporting them as the core for rebuilding.

After all, neither of them looks like a superstar in terms of physical talent.

Jokic is quite hefty, athleticism is average, draft pick is low.

Zeng Xingyang’s dynamic talent isn’t great.

Although they are playing well, truly building a tactical system around them to chase a championship requires a significant resolve.

Challenged by the young man’s critique of old ideas.

Mike Malone chuckled bitterly and then said, "Zeng, I know you are anxious, but don’t rush."

"I understand your thoughts, but let’s first deal with tonight’s game."

"Go!"

"Win the game and prove it to everyone."

"Show through action that we don’t need to wait for others."

Mike Malone understands that to ease Zeng Xingyang’s mind right now is crucial, otherwise, if issues arise, things could get difficult for him.

"Hmm, I will give it my all!" Zeng Xingyang said earnestly.

Zeng Xingyang understands what is important; he just couldn’t help but vent to Mike Malone about the arrangements.

Perhaps the team is thinking about tanking for a season or two before choosing a core to cultivate, but he does not want to waste that time.

Zeng Xingyang has a clear vision for the futures of the Nuggets and knows what needs to be done to achieve success.

As Zeng Xingyang comes onto the court, huge boos erupt from the crowd.

"Rookie, where’s your three-pointer, why is it off?"

"This is Damian’s turf, get lost."

"We will kick your butt hard!"

The Blazers fans shout various nasty remarks.

These targeted boos also reflect the Blazers’ team’s wariness of Zeng Xingyang.

Currently, Zeng Xingyang’s playing style is much like the Warriors’ Klay Thompson.

They do not like that Warriors three-point shooter!

Zeng Xingyang does not get annoyed by these boos; instead, his desire to defeat the Blazers intensifies.

If he beats the team they support here, they should really dislike it.

Zeng Xingyang has immense confidence in his abilities, even if there are times he doesn’t perform well, he never doubts himself because of it.

The second quarter starts, Nuggets’ lineup is Nelson, Harris, Zeng Xingyang, Galinarli, Jokic.

This lineup is balanced in offense and defense.

Over at the Blazers, Lillard, who had a fierce first quarter, is resting, and CJ McCollum leads the team, with Crab (198CM), Harkless, Aminu, Plumlee.

This lineup has three-point range, even the inside players like Aminu and Feng Lai have three-point capabilities.

Of course, their defense is a bit weaker.

The Blazers have always been a fast-paced offensive team, with the main two players not being great defensively, making it tough for the team to have the character of a strong defensive team.

Compared to the Blazers, the Nuggets’ second lineup seems balanced in both offense and defense.

Since Zeng Xingyang and Jokic joined the Nuggets, the second lineup has quickly become one of the top teams in league efficiency.

This is why the management strongly requested Mike Malone to quickly move the two to the starting lineup.

Zeng Xingyang and Jokic transformed the genetic makeup of the Nuggets’ second lineup, their presence made the advanced stats look very impressive.

Other Nuggets players seem to adapt naturally when they’re in the second lineup, as if everyone knows how to play.

The game resumes.

Nuggets’ offense.

Nelson dribbles to the top of the arc position.

Nelson knows his role on the court is just to bring the ball past half-court, he doesn’t steal the spotlight.

Once his teammates are in position, he passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang who runs out of the side.

Defending Zeng Xingyang is Harkless, standing at 2 meters 03, he spreads his arms to focus intently on Zeng Xingyang.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Zeng Xingyang tries to cross him, but fails.

Harkless’s lateral speed is quite quick.

Zeng Xingyang doesn’t stick with the ball and gives it to Jokic at the free-throw line.

Jokic acts as a pivot point, delivers a hand-off pass, then turns to pass the ball to Zeng Xingyang while blocking Harkless.

Inside, Plumlee switches to defend Zeng Xingyang.

Jokic swiftly rolls down taking Harkless away.

Plumlee’s footwork is comparatively much slower.

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