The Nuggets were celebrating, with Harris, Pope, and Jokic taking turns to pat and hug Zeng Xingyang.
Nearly everyone present was screaming for Zeng Xingyang’s game-saving three-pointer.
This three-point shot brought the game back from the brink.
Denver’s DJ shouted with a prolonged intonation.
Zeng Xingyang sat back on the bench amidst the cheers.
"Click click click!!"
The camera continued to capture this scene.
Mike Malone handed a towel to Zeng Xingyang.
"The Nuggets have plenty of time to attack, they can choose to go for two points or opt for a three-pointer."
"If they go for two points, then they must ensure success, while the Spurs can expand their defense."
"Jokic throws in, Pope receives, Pope then passes, Zeng Xingyang dribbles in, facing Leonard’s defense."
"Three-pointer with a jump shot!!"
"Nearly a game tie!!"
CCTV commentator Coach Zhang couldn’t help but get excited.
Instantly, both domestic and international networks were buzzing.
"Xingyang is tougher than James, dodging defensive daggers throughout the match, scoring right at the end."
"Dominating, dodged Leonard all game, challenging his defense at the last moment."
"Zeng Xingyang’s shooting form is truly stylish and precise."
"Dodge Leonard’s defense for 47 minutes and 30 seconds, then single-handedly challenge him at the end, haha, incredible."
"Leonard’s defense is flawless, but Xingyang’s defense is just too strong."
"Isn’t loving NBA all about this? At crucial moments, don’t pass; just beat the star solo, that’s how superstars should play."
"If Nuggets had another All-Star point guard, they’d certainly win the championship."
"Xingyang is awesome!!!"
"Whoa, so accurate, this is nearly a game tie."
Zeng Xingyang showed his guts to fans worldwide.
Even with Leonard, whom he least wanted to face, defending at the last moment, he still chose to stand out and take responsibility.
Over at the Spurs bench.
The atmosphere among the veterans was particularly heavy.
Popovich was setting up tactics as usual: "Give the ball to Manu, Manu, you handle and run a pick and roll with Tim...."
Leonard felt uncomfortable hearing Popovich’s setup.
Though he’s always respected his GDP teammates, at this moment, the ball should be in his hands.
Leonard had strong confidence in his strength; as long as he had the ball, he was confident he could score.
Nuggets’ defense was decent but couldn’t stop him.
But Leonard wouldn’t voice his objections.
The other Spurs players naturally wouldn’t challenge Popovich’s authority.
Spurs’ sideline ball.
The ball was smoothly delivered to Manu.
Zeng Xingyang was defending Leonard, thinking the ball would go to Leonard, but it didn’t.
Manu challenged Pope’s defense.
Couldn’t shake him with continuous direction changes, Duncan stepped forward.
Ginobili used the screen to slide sideways.
Pope navigated around Duncan’s screen to chase Ginobili.
Ginobili opted for a side-step mid-range shot on the right side, a very challenging shot, Pope jumped strongly.
The basketball missed everything, directly controlled by Jokic under the basket.
Jokic directly threw hard to the front court.
The basketball slammed heavily on the rim, startling everyone at the Spurs.
Both teams entered overtime.
"It seems you aren’t valued within the team, you didn’t even get to touch the ball at the end." Zeng Xingyang said to Leonard: "Leave, San Antonio isn’t worth your attachment."
Leonard’s eyes revealed a trace of unwillingness.
But he still ignored Zeng Xingyang and walked straight toward the team’s bench.
The fans at Pepsi Center in Denver were cheering.
The team survived a crisis of a last-second defeat.
Barkley said: "There’s some controversy about Spurs’ final play tactic, Gregg Popovich chose to trust the veterans more than Kawhi."
Smith said: "This might be a potential crisis for the Spurs; going for egalitarianism at the last moment doesn’t work."
Barkley said: "By comparison, Nuggets’ tactic at the last moment was very clear: give it to Zeng Xingyang, let him take the shot, believing he can bear this responsibility."
Smith said: "Manu missed the game-winning shot, unfortunate."
Barkley shook his head: "This tactic plan already signaled failure upon design."
On the sidelines, Ginobili gasped heavily, feeling the power of time.
"This game was too exciting, all kinds of detailed offense and defense battles."
"The Nuggets have unlimited potential, their future looks promising."
"Popovich made a mistake, what’s the point of giving the ball to Ginobili at the last moment; giving it to Leonard would’ve been best."
"Even Xingyang was surprised the ball wasn’t given to Leonard, he was defending empty space, haha."
"Nuggets’ current outside defense terrifies many guards, the steel defense built by Harris, Pope, and Zeng Xingyang is overwhelmingly strong."
"Nuggets will face challenges after entering the playoffs."
"I have a premonition the Nuggets will win this game."
The game provided immense enjoyment to the fans.
Leonard and Zeng Xingyang’s critical moment exchanges were both stable, going back and forth.
The commentator’s mic was nearly shouted out.
Fans continued lively discussions in online live chat rooms.
Mike Malone calmly set up tactics.
"In the upcoming overtime, try to speed up the rhythm, they don’t have enough stamina to keep up with our pace."