This also showed the fans on site that the "Death Lineup" is not invincible, they also have their nesis.
When Curry returned to the bench, he was extrely frustrated. Although he had regained his offensive rhythm, the team was still trailing by such a large margin. If they couldn’t find a way to slow down the Nuggets’ offensive montum, it would be very difficult for the Warriors to catch up, which was clearly not the situation Curry wanted to see.
The head-to-head battle between the two teams made the fans watching this ga feel very delighted. Both teams had very high tactical literacy, with their offensive and defensive levels very much on point, and the clashes between the superstars were also extrely exciting.
Curry’s three-point shooting was on point, hitting 6 three-pointers in a single quarter, leading the Warriors in a crazy offensive run.
As for Zeng Xingyang, his performance in the third quarter was also impeccable, excelling in both offense and defense.
Although Zeng Xingyang is also a guard, his style now differs significantly from Curry’s. He appears exceedingly well-rounded, seemingly without any weaknesses.
Barkley said, "This series between these two teams is going to be great to watch, with top-level offense and defense; let’s see if the Nuggets can persevere till the end."
Smith comnted, "The third quarter is a typical strength for the Warriors, but they didn’t catch up by much."
Barkley continued, "The Nuggets face a major crisis, with Zeng Xingyang and Nikola Jokic playing the entire third quarter again." He slightly shook his head, a look of concern in his eyes, as if he had foreseen the potential dangers this might bring.
Smith echoed, "Yes, keeping those two on the court has ensured the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency remains very high, but the cost is definitely not insignificant." His tone was quite serious, deeply aware of how taxing prolonged play in such high-intensity gas can be on players’ physical stamina.
As the two comntators said, although neither Zeng Xingyang nor Jokic complained of fatigue, both were gasping for air, their chests heaving heavily, with sweat trickling down from their foreheads, soaking their jerseys.
Their stamina wasn’t originally poor, but such fierce competition indeed consud a great deal of energy.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the atmosphere on the court beca increasingly intense, with the very air seeming to solidify.
Mike Malone stood on the sideline, his expression revealing a trace of hesitation and determination. He gritted his teeth, still reluctant to sub out Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, letting them continue to play. Mike Malone knew in his heart that if the Nuggets wanted to conquer the Warriors in the first two away gas, tonight might be their only chance.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic continued to battle with the Warriors on the court, both sides engaging in an intense tug-of-war around a 10-point lead. The ga entered a fever pitch, with each offensive and defensive move affecting the hearts of all the spectators.
With 5 minutes remaining, the situation suddenly changed. In the corner, Iguodala received a precise pass from Curry and shot decisively. The basketball drew a beautiful arc in the air, swishing through the net for a three-pointer.
This three-pointer was like a sharp blade, instantly cutting the gap between the two sides down to 7 points.
The Warriors fans on the scene erupted with deafening cheers, waving their signs and flags, as if they had seen the dawn of a coback.
Imdiately, it was as if the Warriors were injected with adrenaline, desperately strengthening their defense.
Green and Iguodala, among others, had eyes filled with determination and ferocity. Under their pressure, when Jokic passed to Pope, a mistake occurred. The ball was stolen by the Warriors, who then launched a fast break.
Thompson, like a flash of lightning, charged ahead, and after receiving a teammate’s pass, he stood firmly outside the three-point line and raised his hand to shoot.
The basketball traced a trajectory in the air, swishing through the net again, another three-pointer.
In just a mont, the gap between the two sides narrowed to 4 points.
At 4 minutes and 22 seconds, sensing that the montum was against them, Mike Malone quickly called for a tiout. His face was full of urgency as he strode quickly towards the court, continuously gesturing on the tactic board, conveying new tactical arrangents to the players.
The score at this point was 110 to 106.
Barkley excitedly said, "Two consecutive key three-pointers reduced the gap between the two teams to 4 points, the Nuggets are in danger." His voice trembled slightly, his body unconsciously leaning forward, eyes tightly fixed on the court.
Smith added quickly, "The Warriors are no ordinary team, this slight lead doesn’t count for much at all."
The Warriors’ bench.
Curry, Green, and Thompson all looked towards the Nuggets’ bench.
"Aren’t those two rookies tired?" Green mumbled helplessly.
"Youth is great, their energy seems boundless," Iguodala said with envy.
Curry and Thompson remained silent, but they also shared the amazent at Zeng Xingyang and Jokic’s stamina.
To maintain such efficiency after playing for so long tonight, this kind of stamina is extraordinary.
On the Nuggets’ bench, the atmosphere was slightly heavy.
Zeng Xingyang sat on a chair, wiping the large beads of sweat from his forehead, the sweat dripping down his arm and onto the floor.
Then, he picked up a water bottle and took large gulps, his throat moving up and down, trying to quickly replenish his fluids and energy. After drinking, he slightly turned his head to glance at Jokic beside him.
"Nikola, can you hold on?"
"I’m fine."
Jokic replied, leaning back on the chair.
Then Jokic closed his eyes slightly, seemingly resting with closed eyes. Jokic looked a bit tired.
Zeng Xingyang knew that despite Jokic’s chubby physique and his panting after a few steps, this guy’s endurance is no joke.
His stamina should even be better than mine.
Zeng Xingyang recalled watching gas before.
Once the Nuggets faced the Blazers in the playoffs, both teams battled through 4 overtis, Jokic played 65 minutes in that ga without complaining of fatigue.
What kind of exaggerated stamina is this?
Under such high intensity in the playoffs, even NBA players, most would cramp after playing over 45 minutes without rest.
Then, Jokic almost perford efficiently in every peak ga, which is inseparable from his stamina advantage.
Looking at it this way, Jokic’s stamina could probably rank in the top ten in history, which is sothing many fans and experts aren’t quite aware of.
Mike Malone looked at Zeng Xingyang and Jokic and said, "Zeng, Nikola, you two continue to run pick-and-rolls, find ways to score, we need to maintain our success rate."
Mike Malone simply didn’t dare to sub out Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, as compared to the Warriors, the Nuggets’ lineup depth is just too lacking. If these two leave the court, all the hard work tonight might go to waste!
"OK!" Zeng Xingyang replied firmly, a hint of determination in his eyes.
"Alright." Jokic also opened his eyes and nodded forcefully, his voice low but full of power.
Pope, Grant, Harris and others are now very confident, with Jokic and Zeng Xingyang on the court, they seem to be able to solve any difficulty.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic understood well the serious situation the team faced. They had no complaints about prolonged playing ti. For those who love basketball, they wish to stay on the court for all 48 minutes, enjoying every mont of the ga.
They are giving it their all, just hoping to win!
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