CHAPTER 254: CHAPTER 180, NEW NICKNAME, RECORD HARVESTER.

Record-breaking machine!

That’s the nickname for Zeng Xingyang now.

Last time he broke the rookie scoring record with 58 points, making people think that was the rookie’s limit.

But this time, he raised that limit again to 65 points, further challenging what fans perceive as the rookie ceiling.

The final score of the game was 123 to 111, with the Nuggets winning by 12 points on the road.

The moment the game ended.

Barkley excitedly said, "For New York fans, don’t feel discouraged by this. They witnessed a superstar’s record-breaking night; Zeng Xingyang’s performance was unbelievable. He has become the new king of Madison Square Garden."

Smith said, "The Knicks tried every possible way to defend against Zeng Xingyang in this game, but they failed. Carmelo Anthony’s pre-game comments now seem like a joke."

Barkley said, "Yes, although Carmelo is outstanding, his performance is not on the same level as Zeng’s. There’s no comparison; Zeng already has the ability to dominate the game, while Carmelo no longer possesses such ability."

Smith said, "I now have no idea what Zeng’s limit is. It wouldn’t be surprising if he scores 70 points next time."

Most New York fans were left stunned, thinking that Zeng Xingyang might be a basketball robot engineered by China.

Specifically made to play in the NBA.

Otherwise, how could a Chinese guard be so ruthless?

Recently scored 58 points in a single game, 37 points in a single quarter, and now 65 points in a game.

A definite record-breaking machine.

And this is something that a rookie has achieved.

Is this even human?

Lambis, with a serious look, shook hands with Mike Malone, not even wanting to say a word to him.

This guy is too ruthless.

He’s just an interim coach, and now he’s left with a mark of shame at Madison Square Garden.

Lambis felt incredibly uncomfortable.

Along with Lambis, Anthony was equally uncomfortable; he said a lot targeting Zeng Xingyang before the game, making him very embarrassed.

Anthony scored 32 points today, which isn’t bad. If it was before, he would have been satisfied with this score, but tonight his performance compared to Zeng Xingyang is trash, not even half of Zeng’s score.

He doesn’t even want to mention it.

Anthony felt like a clown at this moment. He could already imagine how the media would target him at tonight’s post-game press conference.

Post-game stats for the Nuggets show, besides Zeng Xingyang, Jokic with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists, Pope with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, Grant with 10 points and 5 rebounds, Harris with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Other Nuggets players didn’t score much, and none of the substitutes reached double digits. Most of their ball possession was concentrated on Zeng Xingyang and Jokic.

On the Knicks’ side, Anthony had 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, Porzingis had 29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals, Calderon had 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, Afflalo had 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Knicks’ best performer was actually Porzingis. Anthony scored high, but most of his points came from solo plays and didn’t help energize his teammates much.

Porzingis, with his assists and blocks, had a greater impact on both offense and defense for the team.

Online, fans were crazily discussing the game.

Zeng Xingyang has shattered many people’s perceptions, raising the rookie ceiling.

"Zeng Xingyang dominates, leaving a strong impression."

"Invincible War God, loving the current Zeng Xingyang."

"In his rookie season, Zeng Xingyang is unquestionably one of the league’s top-five scorers; becoming a scoring champion is just a matter of time."

"Zeng Xingyang now plays with great spectacle, showcasing a variety of skills and intelligence, plus talent."

"This year, I only know one star with the surname Zeng, and that’s Zeng Xingyang."

"If Zeng Xingyang had weaknesses two months ago, he now has none. Shooting, driving, passing are all top-notch. How does one even defend against him?"

"Whenever Zeng Xingyang scores below 30 points, it can be considered an off night."

"I love the current Nuggets’ atmosphere; they are so friendly, always feeding Zeng Xingyang the ball."

"When you become strong, people around you naturally act like that for you."

"Knicks again, the Knicks! It’s well-known that Madison Square Garden is the place for stars to shine."

"Every star shines brighter in New York, this is what attracts people to a commercial league!"

"Hopefully, Zeng Xingyang remains strong in the playoffs."

"At the draft, no one could have known Zeng Xingyang would raise the intensity for the whole NBA; his scoring ability is fantastic, and his overall feel is very consistent."

.....

.....

Whether domestically or in the United States, Zeng Xingyang’s 65 points stirred up huge excitement.

Of course, fans have gotten used to such craziness.

Zeng Xingyang occasionally makes news with his performances.

At the post-game press conference.

Anthony adjusted his demeanor and came out.

Many media members radiated excitement looking at Anthony.

The media here is known for being the most critical about the NBA; when played well, they can praise to the skies, just as Porzingis quickly made a name for himself; but when played poorly, the media will trample on them.

Anthony, Porzingis, and Lambis had just taken their seats.

A reporter asked Anthony a sharp question: "Cameron, do you remember what your evaluation of Zeng Xingyang was before the game?"

"Zeng scored 65 points tonight, breaking the record you set last year."

This question made Anthony awkwardly touch his bald head, unsure how to respond.

Seeing Anthony unable to respond.

Another reporter asked, "Cameron, Zeng broke the rookie single-game scoring record at Madison Square Garden. What’s your evaluation of it?"

Again Zeng Xingyang.

Anthony felt numb, having no choice but to say, "Congratulations to him."

Lambis and Porzingis felt embarrassed for Anthony.

Taunting him constantly before the game, yet having to praise him afterwards.

Absolutely frustrating.

On the Nuggets’ side.

Mike Malone beamed, saying, "Zeng is the best rookie in NBA history. He’s created a series of unbreakable myths this season, and Michael’s rookie records will all be broken by him."

Mike Malone is now a fan of Zeng Xingyang; Zeng Xingyang has performed so outstandingly on the court, giving the Nuggets a clear direction for team-building.

Jokic said, "We’re all feeding the ball to Zeng; we know what he’s capable of. The feeling of all this is wonderful, and we’re all trying our best to win games."

Zeng Xingyang said, "The fans and players here kept taunting me; I wanted to respond to them. This is my response: a night they’ll always remember."

"Of course, they aren’t a playoff team; winning or losing in the regular season doesn’t matter, but we are different; we’re aiming for higher goals."

"Click click click!!"

You have to show off a bit when you win, right?

.......

The next day, Anthony’s comparison with Zeng Xingyang’s stats became the headlines for major editions.

The image of Anthony’s dark face and his post-game forced praise for Zeng Xingyang made Nuggets fans feel relieved.

Their headlines were also interesting.

"Zeng Xingyang scores 65 points, Anthony furious!"

"Knicks show gritty defense, preventing Zeng Xingyang from scoring 70 points."

"It’s just breaking the NBA rookie scoring record, not the single-game 100-point record."

"Shamelessly, Knicks fans chant MVP!"

"Gentlemen bow, Zeng Xingyang dominates New York!"

"Sweet melon turns bitter melon, Anthony becomes the most humiliated player this year."

Anthony has not been ridiculed by New York media this badly for a long time.

New York media are increasingly dissatisfied with Anthony, as the Knicks’ record has been terrible, which is directly tied to his leadership as the star player.

Quite a few media outlets have been calling for Anthony to be traded; his season in New York has been a failure, and New York now needs to rebuild around Porzingis.

These news and comments hit Anthony hard; back when he was prominent in New York, these media outlets were fawning over him.

Anthony had thoughts of leaving, needing to consider his future carefully.

Money is no longer his pursuit; he wants to see if there’s a chance to win a championship.

However, since the trade deadline has passed, he can only take action in the summer.