NBA: Rising Superstar!
Chapter 445 - 357: Dominant Xingyang Zeng!
CHAPTER 445: CHAPTER 357: DOMINANT XINGYANG ZENG!
The Staples Center fell into a deathly silence, followed by the Nuggets’ bench bursting into cries of astonishment and screams.
Zeng Xingyang shattered everyone’s hopes of Paul winning with a ruthless three-pointer.
On the court, victory is never given!
The Nuggets players and staff charged at Zeng Xingyang like a joyful pack of beasts.
They jumped and cheered, embracing each other, celebrating this hard-earned victory.
Zeng Xingyang raised his hands high, his eyes filled with pride,
At this moment, he was the king of this court.
In the Staples Center, Clippers fans stood in shock, staring at the screen replaying Zeng Xingyang’s game-winner again and again, their hearts shattered into countless pieces.
Some female fans couldn’t help but cry aloud, tears flowing freely down their cheeks, while the male fans were in disbelief, with some even angrily throwing their drink bottles to the ground.
The Clippers were swept away.
"Chris, keep pushing for next year," Zeng Xingyang said politely to Paul, who had just stood up, after celebrating with his teammates.
However, at this moment, the consolation sounded like the cruelest mockery to Paul.
How many more "next years" does he have in his career? This loss cut deeper than any before.
Paul understood in his heart that this game might be the end of his Clippers career, leaving his future direction a blur.
His eyes were full of exhaustion and despair as he turned silently to leave, his figure appearing incredibly desolate.
Blake Griffin was equally dejected, sitting on the floor, unwilling to get up, his hands supporting him on the ground, his body trembling slightly.
Zeng Xingyang’s game-winner utterly crushed his confidence, as if foreshadowing the decline of his career.
The once soaring "White Demon" of the court now seemed like a soulless shell.
The cheerleaders were also crying, having witnessed the glory of "Lob City," those thrilling alley-oops, those passionate victories that felt like they happened just yesterday.
Yet now, all of it seemed to vanish with Zeng Xingyang’s game-winner.
They cried and shouted in regret for the team that had brought them countless joy and glory.
Zeng Xingyang scored a triple-double with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. Although it wasn’t his most glamorous stats, it was enough to lead the Nuggets to eliminate the Clippers.
After the game, Zeng Xingyang greeted each Clippers player, every handshake, and every hug full of respect.
This series saw both sides show ample respect with no malicious fouls and no dirty plays.
There was little animosity between them.
Back to the Western Conference Finals!
Zeng Xingyang had waited a whole year for this moment! This time, he was ready to win the championship, his eyes full of determination.
Zeng Xingyang looked into the distance, seemingly seeing the coveted O’Brien Trophy beckoning him.
Clippers owner Ballmer sat in the audience, eyes fixed on Zeng Xingyang’s back, filled with fascination.
His fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest, utterly captivated by Zeng Xingyang’s dominance in the final moments tonight.
Even though the Nuggets were trailing, most players would choose a quick attack to tie the game and enter overtime, yet Zeng Xingyang didn’t. He sealed it with his signature three-pointer!
That dominance, that unmatched aura, was the image of a perfect basketball superstar in Ballmer’s heart.
"This young man must be brought to Los Angeles!" Ballmer secretly resolved in his heart, starting to plan.
Denver is just a small market, and the Kroenke family’s $18 billion fortune is nothing compared to his. As long as money can solve the problem, it’s not a problem.
As for how to operate it and how to persuade Zeng Xingyang, that’s for later.
In his heart, Ballmer was already plotting a groundbreaking recruitment plan.
At the post-game press conference.
Zeng Xingyang was surrounded by journalists, flashes going off nonstop. Next to him, Jimmy Butler was anxious to use the restroom but couldn’t get a word in, showing a slightly impatient expression.
"Why did you choose that offensive strategy on the final play? Did you feel any pressure?" a reporter eagerly asked.
Zeng Xingyang smiled slightly, adjusted his collar, and slowly said, "My teammates were already very tired. We wanted to go back and rest early rather than play overtime. So from the start, I decided to shoot a three. Whether it went in or not, we would still have a chance back at home, so there was no pressure."
Zeng Xingyang’s tone was calm and steady, as if the life-or-death moment he just experienced was an ordinary training game.
"Zeng, congratulations on advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Returning to the West finals, do you have anything to say?" another reporter asked, holding up a recording pen.
Zeng Xingyang’s gaze calmly swept around the reporters present, saying, "I’m back. I waited too long for this moment, a whole year. This time, my teammates and I are ready, and I hope my opponents are just as prepared."
His voice wasn’t loud, yet it was full of deterrence, as if announcing to the entire league: his era is about to arrive!
"Which team do you want as your opponent in the Western Conference Finals?" the reporters continued to press, making the atmosphere instantly tense.
"Who do you want to see us play against?" Zeng Xingyang countered, a confident smile tugging at his lips.
"Warriors!" "Warriors!" the reporters shouted in unison, their voices deafening.
With Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors were undoubtedly the desired opponents for everyone, given their terrifying prowess and dazzling style that shook the entire league.
Only the Nuggets were their match!
Zeng Xingyang nodded, his smile glowing even brighter: "Then as you wish, I hope they can advance so we can face them!"
"Aren’t you afraid of them?" one reporter pressed curiously.
Zeng Xingyang shrugged, his tone light yet domineering: "You should ask if they’re afraid of us. They couldn’t find a way to beat us in the regular season, and it will be the same in the playoffs."
Zeng Xingyang’s answer left the reporters with surprised expressions.
His confidence bordered on arrogance, but after just hitting a game-winner, it seemed so rightful on him.
Thinking of his regular and playoff records, if it were anyone else, they might be even more arrogant.
Finally, a bursting Butler couldn’t hold back and interjected: "They’re just a bunch of soft cowards, only fit to be our stepping stone. We will sweep them!" Then he rushed to the bathroom.
Sweep the Warriors?
Butler’s words became the focus of everyone’s discussions.
The reporters eagerly recorded the statement, knowing that tomorrow’s sports headlines would undoubtedly be dominated by Butler’s bold claim.