After the game ended, Zeng Xingyang’s fanbase remained at the venue, shouting loudly, as if tireless.
The sound was like an endless wave.
Zeng Xingyang stood in front of the technical stand, waving to the fans, enjoying the hero-like cheers.
Zeng Xingyang brought joy to his fans, ignited their passion, and his fans showed their love for him with action.
Zeng Xingyang thoroughly enjoyed this feeling, a sense of accomplishment that words can’t express.
This is the allure of basketball, which is why so many youngsters aspire to become superstars.
The shouts and adoration of fans, the flashing lights of media, these are the instincts people chase.
Smith, watching the interaction with the fans, excitedly said, "A 37-point quarter, a super double-double of 50+10 for the entire game, that’s Zeng Xingyang’s performance tonight."
"Averaging 28.5 points in any season, this kind of personal scoring is remarkable; he will undoubtedly win Rookie of the Year."
"I clearly remember, at the beginning of the season, Zeng’s target was Michael. At the time, we all thought it was a joke. Looking at it now, he truly achieved it, he’s made all teams take notice of him."
"The season isn’t over yet, but he has already created so many miracles for us."
"We all know Michael averaged 28 points in his first season; now, there’s a young talent not inferior to him."
"I understand discussing this might upset Michael’s fans, but... this is the fact, and I believe the future will reveal the final answer."
The camera at this moment focused on Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang stood by the court, smiling, accepting an interview from ESPN, while Nuggets players joked around beside him.
Far away in Oakland, Curry watched the Nuggets versus Kings game and was surprised by Zeng Xingyang’s performance.
Unnoticed, this rookie has grown to this extent, already becoming the Warriors’ strong rival in the West.
This season, the Warriors not only aim to break the Bulls’ 72-win myth but also win the championship.
Curry was contemplating how to play if they met the Nuggets in the playoffs.
On February 22, the Nuggets returned home to face the fourth Eastern team, the Hawks.
The voices of fans filled the Denver Pepsi Center.
The fans were passionately shouting.
On the bench, General Manager Connelly chatted with Mike Malone.
"Is a top-six finish in the West possible?"
Connelly asked with a smile, as the Nuggets were on a strong run and playoffs seemed very likely.
"We’re one win away from sixth place. I need to think about it." Malone pondered after saying, "In the upcoming games, we’ll face playoff-level opponents, it’s tough, but I’m confident."
Mike Malone was now full of ambition, quite different from the early season’s uncertainty. The team just needed to stay on track to enter the playoffs.
"Okay, let’s beat tonight’s opponent first." Mike Malone nodded and said.
"Maybe a few top opponents might stumble, and our ranking could improve." Connelly said.
"I don’t expect their mistakes, I just hope we do well now." Mike Malone said.
"Yes, may all our efforts be rewarded." Connelly said.
"They will be, certainly." Mike Malone said firmly.
Connelly and Mike Malone’s gaze turned to Jokic and Zeng Xingyang on the court playing the pick-and-roll.
Jokic gave Zeng Xingyang a hand-off screen.
Zeng Xingyang used Jokic’s screen to spring up, stepping back to shoot a three-pointer, decisively making the shot.
Mike Malone’s shout instantly blended with the cheers of the crowd.
Connelly also pumped his fist vigorously.
The two returned to their seats, satisfied.
The game between the Nuggets and Hawks was intensely competitive.
The Hawks were known as the East’s Spurs, very good at team coordination, their ball movement was very sharp.
Right from the start, they battled fiercely with the Nuggets, both teams’ scores alternated in the lead.
But ultimately, as the visiting team, their stamina was less than the Nuggets.
In the third quarter, Jokic scored consecutively in the post, then attracting double teams to assist Zeng Xingyang for a three-pointer and an inner cut assist.
This made the gap between the two teams widen instantly to eight points.
The Hawks attempted a comeback, but ultimately did not succeed, with the score freezing at 102 to 107.
The Nuggets successfully defended this home game.
Zeng Xingyang scored 26 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in this game, maintaining a stable performance.
Jokic attained 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, showing rapid growth with increasingly impressive stats.
The NBA officially updated the MVP rankings once again.
This list instantly attracted the attention of many fans and media, with discussions and news spreading across NBA websites and newspapers.
"First: Stephen Curry."
"Second: LeBron James."
"Third: Kevin Durant."
"Fourth: James Harden."
The most attention was drawn to Curry and James. Their rankings generally remained unchanged.
The Warriors were first in the league, the Knights ranked second in the East, Thunder fifth in the West, Rockets eighth in the West.
These stars’ commercial value and fame are top-tier in the NBA, considered superstars of significant influence in the league.