Seeing the atmosphere between the two groups getting a bit tense, Calipari did not interfere and after waiting for a while, he signaled everyone to quiet down, then said: "Warm up for 10 minutes, the match will officially begin after 10 minutes."
Zeng Xingyang put on his white training jersey and started jogging for warm-up.
Zeng Xingyang compared the strengths of both sides. Group A had more veteran players leading the team, who had a deeper understanding of tactics and better teamwork. On the other hand, Group B was more talented and individually skilled, which gave them an advantage in one-on-one situations.
.....
The match quickly began. Even in the internal training game, Zeng Xingyang was still a substitute.
Towns first got the ball to Booker, who held the ball on the right side, switched direction, broke through, and made a close-range shot to help Group B open the scoring.
Soon after, Lyles of Group A responded quickly. Lyles received a pass from Koulistan's inside play on the left corner and scored a three-pointer with a raised hand.
The transition was very fast. Group B mainly focused their offense around Towns and Booker.
Towns showcased his excellent inside and outside offensive skills, occasionally shooting a three-pointer from the top of the arc besides holding the ball for face-up inside attacks.
Booker continued to draw fouls or scored in transition, giving Group B a gradual advantage.
Group A mainly relied on Lyles and Koulistan's inside attacks to score.
After 5 minutes, both sides' scoring efficiency dropped, and they began to compete on defense.
Even though it's an internal training match, most players were in a state of intense rivalry, playing with great passion.
After about 8 minutes, both teams started making substitutions, but Calipari just glanced at Zeng Xingyang and did not call his name.
After the rotation, Group A's veteran players showed better offensive form. Their teamwork on the court was excellent, usually easily creating open shots and making them.
Booker and Towns didn't find their rhythm from the outside. Although they occasionally broke into the interior for responses, their other teammates couldn't keep up, which led to a passive situation for Group B.
Basketball games emphasize momentum; once a team's momentum picks up, it's tough to stop.
Group A played with increasing enthusiasm.
"The intensity of the match is high, they are all giving it their all."
"Yeah, no one wants to lose."
"Group B lacks outside shooters, failing to score, leading Group A to shrink their defense."
"Group B is more talented, but Group A plays more maturely with better team coordination."
The assistant coaches were discussing.
The first half ended quickly, with the score at 45-35, Group B trailing by 10 points.
In the second half, Calipari made personnel adjustments for Group B, letting Zeng Xingyang start.
"Hey, Zeng is on the court now, wonder how he'll perform?"
"He's been training very hard, but effort in training doesn't necessarily translate to resolving issues in games."
"Honestly, his talent is quite poor, sort of holding the team back."
"Apart from three-pointers, his other abilities are lacking."
Seeing his colleagues' lack of confidence in Zeng Xingyang, Kenny Paine chuckled. These guys had no idea how terrifyingly much Zeng Xingyang improved lately.
"You've finally got your chance to play, come, I'll show you that you're only fit for playing table tennis," Aaron Harrison taunted.
It wasn't due to his effort that the gap widened after he left the court; the team heated up once he was off. Now he's back on, hoping to display personal ability by riding on the team's momentum, trying to pull his own winning value.
The black guy's mouth was always dirty, making Zeng Xingyang more eager to suppress him.
Seeing Zeng Xingyang on the court, Booker proactively approached and said: "Zeng, take the shot when you're open, don't hesitate, be decisive, I'll pass it to you."
Booker faced many double teams at the end of the first half; he passed out several times, but the teammates couldn't capitalize, leaving him frustrated.
Booker was well aware that Zeng Xingyang's offensive feature was shooting threes, and his shooting was stable.
"No problem," Zeng Xingyang nodded.
Zeng Xingyang wasn't good at playing with the ball. He needed a strong attack point like Booker to partner with him.
The A group didn't specially plan for Zeng Xingyang's appearance, their strategy was just not to let him shoot threes.
Defending Booker and Towns was more crucial than guarding Zeng Xingyang.
After conversing with Booker, Zeng Xingyang ran over to Towns and said: "Buddy, when you have the chance, set an off-ball screen for me, I'll try to get open and shoot some threes."
This showed the good effect of having a good relationship with Towns.
If they only had an average relationship, Towns wouldn't even care about him — who are you? Making labor set an off-ball screen for you?
"OK, no problem," Towns replied generously.
After talking with Towns, Zeng Xingyang confirmed some tactics for the next few turns would focus on getting him shots, otherwise it'd be awkward if he kept getting open and never received a pass.
Subsequently, Zeng Xingyang came to the center of the court, signaling his teammates to come over.
Zeng Xingyang raised his fist high; Booker and Towns cooperated by raising theirs, and soon everyone gathered together.
"Guys, it's time to prove our talent, the game isn't over yet, we can defeat them."
"Turn the game around!!"
"Beat them!"
"Beat them!"
"Unity!!"
"Unity!!"
"Unity!!"
B group players were very excited, led by Zeng Xingyang, they started shouting.
This scene surprised Calipari and the assistant coaches.
He didn't expect Zeng Xingyang had such ability.
It seemed like a natural leadership driving force.
Even with Towns and Booker, both seemed very convinced by Zeng Xingyang.
"This guy looks like the team leader," one assistant coach said.
"People who are positive and hardworking tend to be respected," another assistant coach said.
Coach Calipari was also interested to see how Group B would play in offense next.
As expected by outsiders, Calipari would indeed use this match to decide the rotation lineup for the first game of the new season, letting the better-performing players play the opening match.
The second half quickly resumed.
Group A's offense, Lyles was still in hot form, actively running a pick-and-roll with Aaron Harrison. After the pick, Aaron Harrison passed the ball to Lyles.
Lyles easily overpowered the 178 cm tall small guard Tyler Ulis from a mismatch, spinning to the basket for an easy shot.
47 to 35
Zeng Xingyang also remembered his teammate Tyler Ulis from a previous life; he had once played for the Phoenix Suns for a period.
Tyler Ulis was fast, had great court vision, a pick-and-roll expert, positive on defense, a competitive and selfless player, but Ulis also had obvious weaknesses: he was short and easily disadvantaged when matched with taller opponents, especially on defense, despite having great defensive awareness.