Chapter 459 - 371: Warriors Eliminated! West Champions Crowned!! - NBA: Rising Superstar! - NovelsTime

NBA: Rising Superstar!

Chapter 459 - 371: Warriors Eliminated! West Champions Crowned!!

Author: Piling Worker
updatedAt: 2026-02-22

CHAPTER 459: CHAPTER 371: WARRIORS ELIMINATED! WEST CHAMPIONS CROWNED!!

No matter how crazy Zeng Xingyang’s long-range three-pointers were, Curry maintained his rhythm, striving to make the shots.

Curry’s mentality was extremely calm, knowing very well that while everyone else could collapse, he must not.

The Nuggets’ offense came again.

Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt and passed to Jokic.

Jokic didn’t think about finding someone else but kept his eyes on Zeng Xingyang.

Butler came over to set a screen for Zeng Xingyang, who quickly cut back to create space.

Jokic then dribbled over for a handoff pass to Zeng Xingyang.

After receiving the ball, aided by Jokic’s screen, Zeng Xingyang jumped up instantly for a high-point shot.

Warriors’ players rushed over to defend, with Green and Iguodala eager to disrupt Zeng Xingyang.

But ultimately, they were a step too slow, and the basketball drew a beautiful arc.

"Swish!"

to 53.

Through the net.

Three consecutive three-pointers.

Warriors’ three-pointers were fierce?

Then Zeng Xingyang shot even fiercer.

After landing, Zeng Xingyang arrogantly put his hand to his ear, listening to the cheers.

The fans at the Denver Pepsi Center didn’t hold back their screams.

Curry quickly dribbled past half-court to call a timeout.

Once the Warriors players gathered, Cole shouted at everyone, "Up the defense, don’t let him shoot threes, how many times have I emphasized this!"

Green and Iguodala exchanged glances, both with grievances.

As if they wanted Zeng Xingyang to make those threes.

Zeng Xingyang was playing extremely well; it wasn’t their defense that was the problem, but largely his personal skill was just that strong.

However, from Cole’s angle, if he emphasizes Zeng Xingyang’s shooting accuracy and you don’t stop him, it’s your problem.

Barkley said, "Both teams’ pace and shooting percentage have improved. It’s clear the Warriors aren’t willing to just lose the series like this."

Smith replied, "Yes, the Warriors have been defending hard, but Zeng Xingyang has shown stronger individual combat abilities on the court."

During the break, Zeng Xingyang received a massage from the staff.

Mike Malone explained tactics to the crowd.

On the offense, aside from Zeng Xingyang, others need to find ways to attack the Warriors’ inside line.

The flaw in Warriors’ small-ball lineup is their lack of height inside.

As for defense, just try to limit the Splash Brothers’ three-pointers as much as possible.

Encourage Durant’s high-difficulty mid-range shots a bit.

The Nuggets are not afraid of outscoring Durant, as if Durant misses, they typically don’t have offensive rebounds.

Soon, the game resumed.

The Warriors’ offense came again.

Curry held the ball and pushed forward, with Zeng Xingyang continuously pressuring him.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Consistently challenging Curry physically.

Curry struggled to dribble past half-court.

Curry gave the ball to Durant.

Durant was tussling with Grant.

Pope, having expended some energy, led to Mike Malone making adjustments at the small forward position.

Grant’s physical talent is outstanding, but Durant barely used his shoulder to push him away, taking one step to the right, then quickly shifted left to break through.

Grant chased back, Durant faked a shot, and then shot with a change of pace.

"Clang!"

"Swish!"

After a considerable effort, Durant finally scored.

The difficulty level of this shot was very high, a typical Durant-style shot, leaving Grant with little recourse.

to 53.

Nuggets’ offense.

Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt, initiating a pick-and-roll with Jokic.

After the screen, Zeng Xingyang easily drew a double team from Iguodala and Green.

Jokic rolled, and Zeng Xingyang delivered the ball to him.

Jokic received the ball in a mismatch against Curry.

Pushing with his hip.

Curry was knocked away.

Jokic turned and laid the ball in easily.

to 55.

Warriors’ offense.

Curry dribbled to the frontcourt as Green set a screen.

Zeng Xingyang was blocked.

But Gordon switched quickly, forcing Curry to retreat.

Curry saw Green secure position and quickly passed the ball inside.

Green caught the ball, charging directly towards Zeng Xingyang’s right side.

Green, being an inside player, generally had the advantage in mismatches against guards.

But Green wasn’t skilled at attacking on his own, and Zeng Xingyang’s defense was far superior to average outside players.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Green’s physical challenge didn’t dislodge Zeng Xingyang; instead, Zeng Xingyang contained him.

"Slap!"

As Green attempted a layup, Zeng Xingyang leapt up courageously for the block.

Green’s shot was pinned against the backboard.

The rebound bounced out and Jokic controlled it.

"D*mn, are the Warriors even playing anymore? An inside player can’t score against an outside player, leading to a one-on-one block."

"Is Zeng Xingyang just any outside player? He’s the strongest defender!"

"Incredible, that’s a real stop."

"The Nuggets’ strength isn’t just in offense, but also in defense, having a physical talent advantage against nearly all teams."

"That block is demoralizing!!"

Green truly felt hopeless; as an inside player, he couldn’t break through Zeng Xingyang’s defense with a charge.

This was a real embarrassment!!

However, embarrassment wasn’t the main issue now.

The Nuggets began their counterattack.

Once Jokic secured the ball, he quickly pushed forward.

Jokic’s speed was exceptional, with Zeng Xingyang and Gordon running on the sides.

As Jokic crossed half-court, facing Durant, he executed a move to barely get by, drawing the defense with a feigned pass to Zeng Xingyang but actually, without looking, passed the ball to the trailing Gordon on the other side.

Gordon soared in, grabbing the ball with both hands before slamming it down hard.

"Clang!"

The ball was slammed into the basket.

to 57.

The Nuggets were completely in rhythm, maintaining a firm grip on the game since the last match.

The Warriors sought to close the gap, but couldn’t catch up.

By the time reached the fourth quarter at 5:12, the gap between the teams remained around 10 points after the see-saw battle.

Nuggets’ offense.

Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the frontcourt, collaborating with Jokic for a pick-and-roll.

Post-screen, both Zeng Xingyang and Jokic rushed towards Warriors’ inside line.

But instead of passing to Jokic or going for the finish himself, Zeng Xingyang opted for a pass to Butler on the outside.

The Warriors’ defensive focus was on Zeng Xingyang and Jokic; they practically left Butler unguarded.

Butler took the ball, faking a shot initially to draw Warriors’ defense.

But the Warriors paid him no mind, lacking the energy to contest him.

With no choice, Butler shot the three himself.

"Swish!"

This shot secured the victory.

....

....

The final score was 123 to 130.

The Nuggets eliminated the Warriors with a 4-1 series win.

The Nuggets became the Western Conference Champions!!!

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