**
**Carmelo Anthony!**
The rookie from Brooklyn's slums was stunned.
Wang Song's dunk was unlike anything the Asian player had shown during their college days. This violent and dominant playstyle was a stark contrast to the rookie Carmelo had faced during March Madness.
To think his Nuggets teammate, Marcus Camby, a defensive maestro even Carmelo struggled against, was easily overpowered by Wang Song.
---
**On the sidelines:**
Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik's composed demeanor faltered.
Meanwhile, Knicks coach Don Chaney's eyes lit up, his fist clenched in excitement. Wang Song's opening performance had far exceeded expectations.
---
**Back in China:**
The domestic sports scene was abuzz with discussions.
— "Unbelievable dunk! Starting the game with such an explosive play?!"
— "Who is this? The Knicks' defensive anchor is long gone. Now we have their offensive core—'Catch-and-Slam Wang.'"
— "That was Marcus Camby! A former blocks champion, now posterized by a rookie. Time flies!"
— "This isn't just any rookie. Camby's form looks solid; he's still a top-tier defender. But Wang Song might just be the best interior player in this draft class."
— "Chris Bosh from the Raptors is decent, but if Wang Song keeps dominating the paint like this, the gap will only grow."
---
**The game resumes.**
The Nuggets quickly regrouped, organizing their first offensive possession.
**Andre Miller**, the Nuggets' veteran point guard, was at the helm. A former Cavalier averaging 16+ points and 10 assists during his prime, Miller excelled at everything except three-point shooting. With Carmelo Anthony now in Denver, Miller had adapted to a supporting role, focusing on distributing the ball.
On the offensive end, Miller signaled for his teammates to spread out. After several quick passes, the ball found Anthony in the left corner.
Facing Knicks forward Tim Thomas, Anthony executed a smooth triple-threat move, feinted, then drove to the basket with a delicate layup.
**Score: 2-2!**
On the way back, Anthony, pleased with his effort, glanced at Wang Song, interpreting the play as a personal response to the rookie's earlier dunk. But Wang Song didn't even spare him a glance.
As soon as the Knicks inbounded the ball, Wang Song sprinted upcourt, echoing his relentless energy from their college matchup during March Madness.
Anthony sneered, dismissing the Knicks' pace as futile against Denver's disciplined defense. Yet, his legs instinctively quickened, unwilling to take any chances.
By the time he turned back to the action, Wang Song was already under the basket, applying pressure to the Nuggets' interior. Steve Nash, exploiting the chaos, darted along the left wing and passed to Allen Houston at the top of the arc.
Houston, wide open, caught the ball, adjusted, and fired.
**Swish!**
**Score: 5-2!**
"Beautiful fast break!" exclaimed Kenny Smith from the commentary booth.
"Don Nelson must regret letting Nash go after seeing this Knicks offense!"
"Right now, the Knicks look more like the Mavericks. Their transition game is the league's best," Barkley chimed in.
---
**In the stands:**
Denver fans erupted in disbelief.
"How can that white guy move so fast? And that big guy—what's with his speed? Are these New York players built for high altitudes?"
"Even Carmelo needed months to adjust to Denver. These guys look like they've only been here for days!"
"Just wait. The Knicks will pay for their frenetic pace."
---
**Back on the court:**
The Nuggets responded by feeding the ball to Anthony again.
Facing his defender, Anthony used a series of feints to destabilize the Knicks' defense before driving hard into the paint. With a smooth floater, he scored.
**Score: 5-4!**
Pepsi Center erupted with thunderous applause. After enduring the Knicks' blistering offense, Nuggets fans finally had something to cheer about.
---
The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle, ending with the Nuggets leading 17-16.
---
**During the timeout:**
"Tim, you need to step it up!" Don Chaney's voice boomed as the Knicks players returned to the bench.
By mid-quarter, Carmelo Anthony had already scored 7 points against Tim Thomas's defense, dampening the Knicks' offensive momentum.
"Coach, that rookie—he's just like Wang Song… he doesn't play like a rookie at all. His offense is too polished," Thomas said, breathing heavily.
As a natural power forward, Thomas had been forced to guard Anthony at small forward. Against Anthony's agility and strength, Thomas struggled to keep up, especially in Denver's high-altitude environment, which was already taking its toll.
Chaney scanned the bench, deep in thought. The Knicks lacked a better option at forward, but a change was necessary.
"Antonio, warm up. You're going in!"
Veteran Antonio McDyess prepared to check in as the timeout ended.
On the Nuggets' bench, assistant coach Herb Sendek quietly shook his head, sensing the impending challenge.
**(End of Chapter)**