Pre-game media interview.
The reporter asked, "Zeng, what are your feelings returning to Los Angeles again?"
Zeng Xingyang, hearing this question, couldn’t help but reminisce about last night’s basketball life, and said, "It’s a great city, you meet a lot of interesting people here."
The reporter asked, "By interesting people, do you mean Kobe or Chris?"
Hearing the follow-up question, which was obviously a misunderstanding, Zeng Xingyang was filled with embarrassment: "Neither, next question."
The reporter asked, "Chris Paul said he wants to beat you tonight, how do you respond to him?"
Zeng Xingyang laughed and said, "Then bring it on, I’ll challenge him one-on-one, hope he won’t avoid me."
The reporter asked, "Many people think you’ll become a superstar in the future, what’s your take on that?"
Zeng Xingyang said, "Isn’t it surpassing Michael Jordan? I like that phrase better."
As his skills increased, Zeng Xingyang became more confident in his game.
He’s not like Da Yao who was humble and amiable.
He has tremendous confidence in his abilities.
Regarding his NBA goals, Zeng Xingyang has shifted from becoming a superstar to surpassing Jordan.
After all, becoming a superstar is too easy, he wants to become the strongest one.
One’s goals change over time.
Since he wants to be the strongest, he needs to conquer all opponents.
In both words and actions, Zeng Xingyang won’t show too much courtesy to his enemies!
He intends to conquer his opponents!
The reporters were also very excited to hear Zeng Xingyang’s confident words.
Though a bit arrogant, weren’t all those superstars before?
When Jordan was young, he was not polite to Big Bird or the Magician.
Kobe and Iverson, when they were young, also clamored about surpassing Jordan.
The reporter excitedly asked, "Do you think you have the chance to surpass Michael?"
Zeng Xingyang said, "Firstly, my rookie season points are about the same as his. As long as in the upcoming seasons, my stats are better than his, and I win the championship earlier than he did, achieving more championships with better stats, then doesn’t that mean I can surpass him?"
Zeng Xingyang spoke rationally, but the reporters found it fantastical.
To surpass Jordan every season?
Do you even know what that means?
Jordan’s ten scoring titles saw him average 37 points in his highest season, and 28 points in his lowest, spanning from 1987 to 1998.
For a whole decade, Jordan was in his peak, ruling the league for ten years, achieving two three-peats in the process!
Back then, young Kobe and Iverson also declared they would surpass Jordan, but in the end, they were always chasing Jordan’s shadow, unable to surpass him.
Even though Zeng Xingyang looked strong enough in his rookie season, the reporters thought his words sounded somewhat unrealistic.
Zeng Xingyang did not argue further with the reporters.
Saying less and doing more on the court is the best way to conquer people.
If you don’t even dare to hold the belief of surpassing Jordan, you can easily be crushed on the path of chasing championships.
After the game introduction ceremony, Zeng Xingyang’s remarks had already created waves on the internet.
Clippers fans would boo every time Zeng Xingyang took a shot, and many even shouted curses.
"Chris, teach this guy a good lesson."
"This rookie is so arrogant."
"Get out of here, this is our turf."
"Surpass Michael? It’s not that easy."
The Clippers had a good record, cultivating some die-hard fans.
However, these fans are mostly bandwagon fans, loyal to whoever has a good record.
’Die-hard’ is a flexible term for them.
When Clippers players don’t perform well, they too will heartlessly attack the players, supposedly for the good of the team.
On the court, Paul and Zeng Xingyang exchanged glances.
In their previous two encounters, they had already developed some grudges.
A familiar figure appeared on the sidelines.
Last time, she and Scarlett watched Zeng Xingyang play at the Nuggets’ home court.
Now she returned to Los Angeles, once again here to support Zeng Xingyang.
Today Taylor wore a black short skirt, with a leather coat draped over her shoulders, her legs in black stockings, showcasing her long, sexy, seductive legs.
Her alluring and sexy red lips were irresistibly inviting.
Seeing the specially dressed Taylor, the surrounding fans got excited early on.
The two occasionally communicate by text, so they are acquaintances. Zeng Xingyang went over to greet her purposely.
"Taylor, why didn’t you say you were coming to watch the game? I could’ve gotten you tickets."
"It was a last-minute decision." Taylor’s voice was charming.
"Did you have dinner?"
"Had a little, not much, are you inviting me for a late supper?"
"I’m happy to treat, but I’m not familiar with Los Angeles, don’t know where’s good."
"I’ll take you, a friend of mine owns a BBQ place, it’s quite good."
"Cool, I’ll follow your lead here then."
Zeng Xingyang chatted with the excited Taylor on the sidelines for a while.
Fans around were extremely envious seeing the two chatting warmly.
"Zeng is so familiar with Taylor?"
"Are these two dating? No way."
"This kid is hitting on her!!!"
Male fans were filled with righteous indignation seeing this scene.
Unexpectedly at their home court, seducing their goddess.
The game is about to begin, the starting players remain on the court.
Nuggets starters: Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Pope, Galinarli, Jokic.
Grant has a groin injury and needs to rest for a while, so Galinarli has been arranged to start as power forward.
Clippers starters: Paul, Redick, Wesley Johnson, Griffin, Little Jordan.
Little Jordan and Jokic jump ball.
Jokic makes a feint, Little Jordan commits jump ball violations twice in a row....
Ball possession goes directly to the Nuggets.
Although possession at the start isn’t so important, these actions affect the mentality.
Little Jordan feels suppressed in intelligence by Jokic, looking disgruntled.
Paul sticks close to Zeng Xingyang, trying not to let him receive the ball.
Jokic simply throws the ball high, Zeng Xingyang raises his hand and takes the ball down.
Zeng Xingyang then dribbles forward to advance.
As the number of times controlling the ball increases, Zeng Xingyang’s ball handling has reached Level 8, which is the standard point guard level.
Paul tries to steal but can’t succeed.
Zeng Xingyang passes the ball to Jokic, then begins positioning.
Jokic holds the ball at the free throw line, observing, Zeng Xingyang’s positioning draws away the defense, Jokic singles out Little Jordan, then turns to find Galinarli at the corner.
Griffin doesn’t follow out, his attention is also on Zeng Xingyang, and Galinarli attempts a corner three-pointer.
The Italian Cannon hits the first shot crisply.
Paul glances at Zeng Xingyang.
A bit puzzled, not attacking in the first play?
Is he planning to be the facilitator tonight?
Paul dribbles forward to advance.
Paul has always been a very stable player, his style isn’t risky.
After reaching the frontcourt, Paul passes the ball to Little Jordan who came out to support.
Clippers’ tactics are played methodically, the ball goes to Griffin at the high post.
Griffin chooses to probe step then takes a mid-range shot.
Galinarli excitedly leaps forward.
If Griffin attacks, Galinarli fears he might not withstand it.
But playing this way he isn’t afraid, Galinarli’s interference is strong.
The basketball slams heavily against the rim and bounces up.
Little Jordan barely tips the ball to Paul.
Paul steadies again, waits for the formation to spread, then aims to break past Zeng Xingyang.
Goes right, Zeng Xingyang reacts quickly, swiftly shifts laterally to block Paul.
The two confront each other, Zeng Xingyang holds absolute advantage, yet Paul is very experienced, he backs the ball to the left side, preparing to bypass Zeng Xingyang again.
Paul’s idea is good, his dribbling skill is excellent, but Zeng Xingyang shows his advantage of having long arm span, he swiftly reaches down to intercept.
Precisely strips the ball away.
Zeng Xingyang has been seeking a chance to steal, but Paul protects the ball very well, such a chance appeared only for a moment, Zeng Xingyang rapidly seized it.
After stripping away the ball, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t hesitate to swiftly toss the ball forward, moving fast.
"Defended, Clippers secured the offensive rebound, Paul tried to break past Zeng Xingyang but failed, Paul made a mistake, Xingyang completed the steal."
Barkley quickly stood up and shouted, Clippers fans were also worried.
Zeng Xingyang accelerates madly along the sideline, three large steps already over the midcourt line.
At this moment Taylor Swift happens to stand near the sideline, excitedly waving her hand.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles with his left hand, reaches out his right hand.
Taylor Swift immediately understands and cooperatively reaches out.
Taylor Swift and Zeng Xingyang complete a high-five.
Zeng Xingyang actually high-fived Taylor Swift during a fast break?
Clippers fans and players stare wide-eyed.
O’Neal sees this on the commentary stand and shakes his head.
The young people these days, it’s all about flair.
Redick sees this scene, speeds up his pursuit defense.
But although Zeng Xingyang is showing off, he doesn’t slow down.
Zeng Xingyang quickly charges to the basket, as Redick just arrives, grabbing the ball with one hand, leaps high.
Redick tries hard to jump up to block, but Zeng Xingyang’s arm span and height completely crush him.
Redick himself isn’t a player known for physical prowess, completely suppressed.
Effortlessly completes a dunk over Redick.