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"Carmelo Anthony challenges Wang Song in the paint. From his gaze, you can see his determination to erase the humiliation of the college league finals."
"But our young Chinese star Wang Song isn't someone to be underestimated. As Anthony brazenly tries to dominate, Wang leaps high, attempting to block, signaling that this paint belongs to the Knicks—no intrusions allowed!"
"However, Anthony's shot attempt was a feint! His moves are undeniably frustrating..."
Before the commentator could finish, Bai Yang turned away in disdain, unwilling to watch Wang Song potentially commit another foul. Closing his eyes, he anticipated the sound of the whistle.
When no whistle came, Bai Yang reopened his eyes to witness Wang Song executing a precise steal and launching a long pass.
Relieved, Bai Yang sighed and remarked, "Whew! That was a lucky break. After being baited into the air, Wang Song's precise, surgical swipe stripped the ball from Anthony. But Wang must be cautious with his defensive moves in the upcoming plays."
The live broadcast chat lit up with comments in response to the defensive play:
— *"Anthony's fake was incredibly convincing; even I fell for it watching through a screen!"*
— *"Not against Wang Song. He just swiped it cleanly away."*
— *"Honestly, Wang's control is insane. That mid-air reaction and clean strip—his core strength must be off the charts!"*
— *"As Bai Yang said, the Nuggets are clearly targeting Wang. He needs to stay sharp for the rest of the game."*
---
At the Pepsi Center Arena, Carmelo Anthony stood dumbfounded, watching the Knicks capitalize on a fast break and score.
He was visibly frustrated with the referee's silence—how could they not call a foul for the home team? Anthony, who had enjoyed "star calls" during his NCAA career, struggled to adapt to the level playing field in the NBA.
Marcus Camby also froze mid-celebration, stunned by Wang Song's quick hands and the referee's decision. To Camby, a forward of similar height and build, Wang Song's ability to execute such a maneuver was nothing short of unbelievable.
---
Back on defense, Steve Nash ran up to Wang Song, giving him a celebratory high-five.
"Great block, Wang! Keep it up and stuff that guy even harder! Make him regret coming near the paint. Let's serve him 10 blocks tonight to remind him of the nightmares you gave him in college!"
Nash glared at Anthony with grit in his teeth.
Wang Song, however, exhaled deeply, thankful for his [Rim Protector] badge's activation. His hands had reacted with precision, snuffing out Anthony's move.
Reflecting on the NCAA tournament, Wang Song knew Carmelo Anthony was no ordinary opponent. The former Syracuse star's rapid development since college posed a unique challenge.
---
On the sidelines, Nuggets head coach Jeff Bzdelik felt a creeping unease.
Though he'd anticipated this foul-drawing strategy might falter, seeing Wang Song's impeccable rim protection firsthand shook his confidence.
Meanwhile, Knicks head coach Don Chaney jumped from his seat, cheering for Wang Song's defensive prowess.
Herb Sendek, one of Chaney's assistants, cast a disapproving glance at the Knicks' head coach. The veteran assistant found Chaney's motivational tactics lacking compared to his own fiery approach.
---
As the second quarter continued, the Nuggets stubbornly adhered to Bzdelik's plan of attacking Wang Song.
By mid-quarter, a turning point emerged—Carmelo Anthony, blocked twice in the quarter, lost his composure. The psychological toll of repeated denials shattered his confidence.
Despite drawing two fouls from Wang Song earlier, Anthony's shooting fell to a dismal 1-for-7. For a rookie desperate to prove himself, such a performance was devastating.
Bzdelik reluctantly adjusted, tasking guard Andre Miller with spearheading the offensive charge.
However, the 6'2" Miller proved far less effective at challenging the Knicks' interior defense. Wang Song barely needed to exert himself, relying on his height and positioning to nullify Miller's drives.
By halftime, the Nuggets had only managed to saddle Wang Song with three fouls. Yet their offensive inefficiency was glaring, allowing the Knicks to establish a 10-point lead.
---
**Halftime: Nuggets Locker Room**
The dejected expressions on his players' faces forced Bzdelik to reconsider his tactics.
Yes, Wang Song now carried three fouls, but at what cost? The Nuggets' scoring efficiency had plummeted. Continuing this strategy in the third quarter might force Wang Song to sit, but by then, the game could already be out of reach.
Moreover, Wang Song's five first-half blocks had positioned him for a historic defensive performance. Bzdelik dreaded the prospect of becoming the infamous coach who allowed such a feat.
(End of Chapter)