NBA: Rising Superstar!

"If the NBA had 58 minutes of regular time, I think these two would deliver MVP-level performances. Their stamina is just too impressive!" One excited fan commented on social media.

"I haven't watched the NBA in a long time, but I've been supporting the Nuggets ever since Xingyang joined. I've gotta say, watching the Nuggets in the playoffs is way more thrilling than watching the Rockets back in the day; this game was just too exhilarating!" Another fan reflected.

"The Nuggets are showing championship potential. Xingyang and Jokic have such a great synergy, with one on the outside and the other on the inside. They absolutely crushed the Warriors; it's incredible!" Yet another fan enthusiastically commented.

"I really admire Mike Malone. He had the guts to let the two play the entire game with two overtimes. That kind of courage is just amazing!" More fans praised Mike Malone's player strategies.

"Mike Malone will probably apologize at the press conference again, haha, but it doesn't matter. As long as we win, winning is the ultimate truth!" A fan joked.

"If it weren't for Zeng Xingyang and Jokic being young and physically fit, they'd probably struggle under Malone's usage." Some fans analyzed rationally.

"Watching a Nuggets game is full of passion, every play is blood-pumping; I've fallen for it!"

Fans expressed their admiration for the Nuggets, one comment after another.

"The Nuggets are the one team in the league least afraid of the Warriors. This series is the best proof!"

"The Nuggets have a shot at the championship this year; they fought hard for this hope. Go for it!"

"If Xingyang keeps playing like this, he'll definitely have his name on the All-NBA team. Truly deserves it!"

Domestic fans' enthusiasm continued to soar with the Nuggets' victory.

Post-game press conference.

On the Warriors' side, only Cole came out looking tired. The players didn't appear; they were still holding a player meeting. It was a meeting without coach involvement.

A reporter asked, "Coach, can you analyze what issues arose on the court?"

Cole faced the reporters, helplessly extending his hands and chuckled bitterly, "We gave it our all, every player fought until the final moments. It's just a real pity we couldn't hold on. Some players' mindset affected our team coordination to a certain extent."

Cole mentioned that Bogut's mindset was the issue. Bogut's impulsive departure greatly impacted the Warriors, directly losing the chance for lineup changes in overtime.

The small lineup was indeed passive against the Nuggets' setup.

The reporter pressed further, "Are you holding a player meeting?"

Cole frowned lightly, nodded, and said, "Yes."

The reporter continued to ask, "Has the coaching staff lost control over the team?"

Cole quickly explained, "Not at all. This is just our way of solving problems, just like students prefer discussing to solve problems; sometimes it's not necessary for a teacher to participate."

Compared to Cole's predicament, Mike Malone seemed at ease, knowing how to lighten the atmosphere.

Mike Malone appeared on camera with a big smile, holding a paper with the word "Sorry" written in English proudly.

"Ka-ka-ka!"

Flashlights went off.

A reporter jokingly asked, "Coach Mike, are you planning to apologize again tonight?"

Mike Malone shrugged his shoulders, relaxed, said, "Yes, last game I promised to reduce Zeng and Nikola's playing time. I'm very sorry I didn't manage to do that; they ended up playing the full game again. But there's no choice for winning. I once again apologize."

The media was evidently unimpressed by such bravado.

The reporter asked, "How do you feel about winning two away games in a row?"

Mike Malone's face beamed with pride, excitedly said, "Perfect! For us, this outcome is just too perfect. We will continue to work hard at home and strive to take the game."

The reporter then turned to Zeng Xingyang and asked, "Does playing 58 minutes in a game tire you? Do you have any complaints?"

Zeng Xingyang wiped the sweat from his forehead, gasped for air and replied, "Of course it's tiring; after all, this is a high-intensity game. But I have no complaints, as I said before, there are people who are much more tired than me, so I'm in no position to complain. Everything is worth it for the team's victory."

Jokic nodded continuously beside him, agreeing with Zeng Xingyang's words.

The Nuggets' team showed great respect to their opponents during the interview, not getting too complacent over winning two games straight or giving themselves a "poisonous boost." Whether it was Mike Malone or Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, they knew very well that the upcoming G3, though at home, would bring the Warriors' most intense counterattack.

After the interview, the entire Nuggets team swiftly returned to Denver, tirelessly preparing for their home game.

The streets and alleys of Denver were filled with excitement. Fans were exhilarated; they never imagined the Nuggets would win two consecutive away games.

Tickets for G3 were instantly snatched up, selling extremely well.

Soon, after a short two-day rest, the G3 game officially began.

TNT's commentary team gathered at the Pepsi Center to provide live commentary.

Barkley had a serious expression and said earnestly, "After the Warriors lost consecutive home games, they have no way out. If they lose tonight, their season is basically over. This game is crucial for them."

Smith also looked expectantly and said, "Let's see how effective their previous player meeting was, whether they can resolve internal issues and adjust their state."

O'Neal patted the table and loudly said, "Zeng and Nikola performed quite excellently before, and if the Nuggets want to win tonight, they will likely have to rely on their outstanding performance."

Miller analyzed, "Mike Malone knows very well how to maximize the power of these Nuggets. He's also very good at utilizing the pick-and-roll with Zeng and Nikola, which is the Nuggets' main weapon."

Barkley continued, "The current Nuggets have forced the entire league to pay attention to them. They have already shown strong strength and are strong contenders for the championship."

In the locker room passage.

Barnes looked nervous and stayed together with Curry. He cautiously asked, "Stephen, will we win tonight?"

Curry's gaze was firm, and he replied unwaveringly, "Yes! We will definitely win!"

Curry knew in his heart that although the Nuggets had won two consecutive games, he felt that this Nuggets team didn't truly crush them in strength.

As long as they maintain confidence and adjust their state, they still have a chance to win.

"We will definitely win!" Green waved his arms and shouted loudly, then he went to each teammate, giving them high-fives and hugs, trying to boost everyone's morale.

On the Nuggets' side.

Jokic stood among his teammates, encouraging them incessantly, "Tonight they will be anxious, they will panic, and that's our opportunity. What we need to do is maintain our own rhythm and play steadily."

"Don't rush, take it step by step, slowly undermine their defense confidence, go!"

"Go!"

"Go!"

The Nuggets players all encouraged each other, their eyes full of determination and confidence. Consecutive victories over the Warriors had given them very strong confidence.

Soon, all the opening ceremonies were smoothly completed.

Nuggets starters: Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Pope, Grant, Jokic.

Warriors starters: Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Green, Bogut.

There were no changes in the starting lineups for either the Nuggets or the Warriors.

With the referee's whistle, Bogut and Jokic stood at the center circle, ready for the jump ball.

Jokic's eyes were focused, staring intently at the basketball in the referee's hand. As the ball was tossed up, he jumped with all his might, vigorously flicking the ball to Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang caught the ball steadily, quickly moving to the right side.

Facing Thompson's close defense, his eyes glanced to the left but suddenly changed direction to the right, causing Thompson to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Zeng Xingyang accelerated and dashed in, like a black lightning bolt.

Green and Iguodala saw this and quickly came from both sides to encircle him.

At this critical moment, Zeng Xingyang caught a glimpse of Grant cutting along the baseline. Without hesitation, he made a low-handed pass, and the basketball seemed to have eyes as it accurately reached the advancing Grant.

Grant caught the ball under the basket, skillfully sidestepped Bogut's defensive rhythm with a step mischief, and made a light layup, getting the ball in securely.

0 to 2.

The fans at the Denver Pepsi Center erupted instantly.

The cheers and shouts were deafening.

The fans felt that the Nuggets had become stronger after entering the playoffs compared to the regular season!

Warriors on the offense.

Curry dribbled past the half-court line, looking calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the away game momentum.

He exchanged a glance with Green and directly executed a pick-and-roll play.

Curry, using Green's screen, broke through inside, drawing the defensive attention of multiple Nuggets players.

Then, Curry made a clever breakthrough pass, giving the ball to Barnes at the corner.

Barnes, upon receiving the ball, wasted no time and quickly passed it to Thompson at the top.

Thompson received the ball, slightly bent his knees, took a breath, and despite Harris's interference, he jumped high and took a stable shot. The basketball drew a beautiful arc across the air, swishing through the net for a three-pointer.

3 to 2.