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Mike Chan

Zeng Fanbo made his Brooklyn Nets debut on Friday and said he just felt lucky to be playing in this weekend’s NBA China Games in Macau after missing almost six months through injury.
The former Beijing star had suffered a stress fracture in his back during April’s CBA play-off semi-final against Shanxi, which had sidelined him since then.
Coming off the bench for his first Nets start, the 22-year-old’s low-key debut involved minutes towards the end of each half and a significant amount of the overtime in a game where the Nets squandered an 18-point first-quarter lead against the Phoenix Suns before losing 132-127 at The Venetian Arena.
In the league’s first matches in China since before the pandemic, the Nets and Suns play again on Sunday, and Zeng said he had enjoyed every moment of being on the court.
“It was my first game after being injured [in April], I felt lucky to be playing in such a high standard game,” said Zeng, who finished with one steal and was attributed with three fouls. “I did what I could to recover, and got a spot on the team.
“I am only 22, so I still enjoy playing on the court. Every time I take the court and have a chance to compete, even for just one second, I feel like I at least tried my best. I also hope to enjoy the happiness that it brings me from being on the court.”

Zeng, who did not manage an attempt at the basket in more than 10 minutes of action, added he had “no regrets” about his performance.
“The results might not be what everyone expected, but at least I am trying hard to recover and catch up with my previous pace,” he said.
Afterwards, Jordi Fernandez, the Nets’ head coach, and guard Cam Thomas also reflected on Zeng’s long-anticipated NBA debut.
“He was out there. He tried to do the right things because that’s who he is,” Fernandez said. “He’s a kid that asks questions, he understands. I’m pretty sure he’ll watch his film and he’ll try to be better.”
Into his second season in charge, Fernandez also encouraged Zeng to make the most of his minutes and stay positive.
“The reality is, when you have minutes, you have to take advantage of those minutes because, you know, NBA minutes are really hard, and it starts right now,” the 42-year-old Spaniard said.
“Keep working, keep getting 1 per cent better, and take advantage of your opportunities. There’s a reason why he’s with us. So we got to stay positive.
“Even though we didn’t like the loss, there are a lot of positives too. So we gotta watch for now and be better for the next game.”
Thomas, who led all scorers with 22 points on Friday night, said new teammate Zeng was a “good player, and great shooter”.
“The advice I will give him is just be yourself,” the 23-year-old former first-round pick said. “I understand he could get a little hectic, a little nervous. His first game against a real NBA team, playing against great players.
“But I would just say, be yourself. Take the open shot and really just believe in yourself. He’s on the court for a reason. Just be aggressive and be yourself, Fanbo has been great for sure.”


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NBA China Games: Zeng urged to remain positive after low-key debut for Nets in loss to Suns

Brooklyn Nets player Zeng Fanbo speaks to the media after making his debut against the Phoenix Suns in Macau. Photo: Karma Lo

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez. Photo: Karma Lo

Phoenix Suns shine in Macau as the NBA makes a star-studded return to China

Fans packed into the The Venetian Arena in Macau to watch the first of the NBA China Games between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. Photo: Karma Lo

Alibaba chairman and Nets owner Joe Tsai (centre) poses for a photo with a fan. Photo: Karma Lo

Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma (second left) sits alongside actor Jackie Chan and David Beckham at The Venetian Arena. Photo: Reuters

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CBA chairman Guo Zhenming (left) and NBA commissioner Adam Silver at the signing ceremony in Macau. Photo: Mike Chan

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Zeng Fanbo spent more than 10 minutes on the court at The Venetian Arena in Macau, but did not manage a shot


Zeng Fanbo spent more than 10 minutes on the court at The Venetian Arena in Macau, but did not manage a shot.


NBA China games

Zeng Fanbo

NBA China Games: Zeng urged to remain positive after low-key debut for Nets in loss to Suns

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Zeng Fanbo spent more than 10 minutes on the court at The Venetian Arena in Macau, but did not manage a shot

Zeng Fanbo spent more than 10 minutes on the court at The Venetian Arena in Macau, but did not manage a shot