Zeng Xingyang had the most insane game of his career.
Even though he previously scored 40+ against the 76ers, how could that game compare to tonight’s opponent?
His teammates surrounded Zeng Xingyang, running back to the locker room in a frenzy.
"Zeng, you’re the best."
"You’re definitely this year’s Rookie of the Year."
Galinarli, Faried, Lavine, Jokic, and others shouted as they ran.
The victory against the Warriors brought them immense pleasure.
At this moment, the screen in front of the TV kept replaying Zeng Xingyang’s game-winning shot against the Warriors.
Zeng Xingyang was constantly positioning, constantly using screens, and finally, the Nuggets used an elevator door play to successfully create an open shot for him.
The moment Zeng Xingyang caught the ball, he didn’t hesitate for a second and shot fiercely.
The basketball swished through the net, leaving the Warriors as mere background, while the live audience was utterly shocked.
His last defense against the Warriors was simply perfect, giving them no chance for a final shot.
This night belonged to Zeng Xingyang’s superstar performance.
Even though this was just a regular season game, Zeng Xingyang was merely a rookie, and being able to do this has broken many people’s perceptions of rookies.
Porzingis was thriving with the Knicks.
Top pick Towns was doing well with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Even Russell’s fame was increasing in Los Angeles.
But fans only regarded them as good rookies at best.
Whereas Zeng Xingyang, fans instinctively regarded him as being out of the rookie league, as if he was an All-Star player entering the league.
He quickly became the team’s core and could also lead the team to defeat strong opponents, significantly improving the Nuggets’ win rate compared to last season.
In various advanced metrics, Zeng Xingyang was leading other rookies by a wide margin.
"Zeng Xingyang is amazing."
"Another almost game-winning shot."
"This is the most thrilling game I’ve watched this season."
"Before the game, I thought the Nuggets would suffer a crushing defeat, and even when they were trailing by so much in the first half, I had faith in the Warriors, but the final result told me, the Warriors lost."
"Giving the Warriors their first defeat of the season, amazing, I thought the Warriors would go unbeaten for all 82 games this season."
Coincidentally, it was the weekend, and many fans in China watched this game.
Many fans saw Zeng Xingyang almost seal the win against the Warriors.
What feeling is more satisfying than this?
As the only Chinese player fighting in the NBA, domestic fans instinctively have a strong sense of connection with Zeng Xingyang, feeling proud of his outstanding performance in the NBA.
Domestic fans have long awaited a super guard like him.
This is a superstar style completely different from Da Yao.
The play style of big men is not nearly as captivating as that of perimeter players.
Just look at the popularity of Kobe, Jordan, Durant, and Curry to see enough.
As long as Zeng Xingyang maintains this level of performance, he can soon become the most popular athlete domestically.
Fans are increasingly looking forward to his games.
Barkley said passionately: "Kenny, after watching Zeng’s game, I’ve uncontrollably fallen in love with him, helplessly, what should we do?"
Tonight, Zeng Xingyang showcased his potential to become a superstar.
In a team without a single All-Star player, he led the team to take off, showing an unbeatable future superstar posture.
As Barkley expressed his emotions, O’Neal disdainfully said: "If Zeng knew about this, he would feel disgusted. He definitely wouldn’t like your big butt."
Smith said: "Can you guys talk about something positive and uplifting, don’t make me feel sick."
Miller raised his hands in agreement.
Besides Zeng Xingyang, the other Nuggets players performed well too.
Barton had 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, Arthur had 12 points and 4 rebounds, Galinarli had 15 points and 3 rebounds, Harris had 10 points.
Coupled with Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, the Nuggets had six players scoring in double figures.
The team’s three-point shooting percentage was as high as 60%, the main weapon that destroyed the Warriors.
It could be said that the Warriors were defeated by their three-point shooting.
Inside the Nuggets’ locker room.
Everyone celebrated with mineral water this time.
After about ten minutes of chaos, Zeng Xingyang and Jokic went to the shower to freshen up.
Then the two came out and were taken to the press conference by Mike Malone.
The media in Oakland was obviously much more than in Denver, with many Los Angeles reporters also coming here for interviews.
The photographers immediately pointed their cameras at Zeng Xingyang, snapping like crazy.
Many reporters focused their eyes on Zeng Xingyang, their expressions very complicated.
Before the game, many reporters expressed their skepticism about the Nuggets on various platforms, thinking Zeng Xingyang would get lost under the Splash Brothers’ three-point attack.
The result tonight was a slap in the face.
The reporters couldn’t believe Zeng Xingyang played so efficiently throughout the game, matching the Splash Brothers without falling behind.
An ESPN reporter was the first to ask: "Zeng, you hit a near game-winner, helping the Nuggets secure victory. How do you feel now?"
Zeng Xingyang said: "The Warriors are a very strong team, bringing immense pressure on both offense and defense. Being able to beat them at their home court is extremely difficult, and I’m very happy we did it, it’s the credit of our entire team."
Zeng Xingyang did not take all the credit for himself. The final play’s success was inseparable from his teammates giving him screens on the court; he just executed the last shot.
The reporter continued to ask: "Talk about your confrontation with Drummond, what happened on the court?"
Zeng Xingyang said: "He tried to step over my head on the court. In China, there’s a term called the ’humiliation of being stepped over,’ which is hard for a man to accept. This is not over; I’m inviting him once again to an octagon match in the offseason, where I’ll beat him so badly his mom wouldn’t recognize him."
Zeng Xingyang’s tone was very firm, which excited the reporters immensely.
A reporter asked: "Aren’t you worried about being punished by the league for your remarks?"
Zeng Xingyang said: "If I’m going to be punished, then bring it on!"
Another reporter asked: "Many people believe you will be the best rookie this year. What do you think about it?"
Zeng Xingyang said: "Thanks for their Find your next favorite novel on NovelHub today!"
After interviewing Zeng Xingyang, the reporters then interviewed Mike Malone.
A reporter asked: "The Warriors were trailing by 20 points in this game, but they turned the score around in the final stages, and then you guys turned it back. What do you think was the key factor?"
Mike Malone said: "Zeng dominated the game on the court."
The reporter continued to ask: "Zeng took the tactic board at the last moment, what did you think?"
Hearing this question, Zeng Xingyang awkwardly touched his head aside, feeling a bit guilty about his actions.
Mike Malone generously said: "Our team is very open-minded, everyone’s goal is to win games, Zeng drew an outstanding tactic that helped us win the game. Once this guy retires, he will be the best coach in the NBA."
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic laughed aside.
Mike Malone has his shortcomings, but also his virtues.