Chapter 229, Buying a Villa with Song Xue.
After the game, the technical statistics were quickly released.
On the Warriors' side, Curry scored 25 points with 10 assists and 4 rebounds, Thompson was on fire, scoring 33 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, Green contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and Bogut also had 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Tonight, the Warriors' most stable source of firepower wasn't Curry, but Thompson.
He was like a shooter with a sniper rifle, sinking 9 three-pointers, single-handedly piercing through the Nuggets' defense.
The Nuggets tried their utmost to guard against Thompson's three-pointers, defending with all their might each time.
But Thompson seemed to be divinely assisted, often under immense defensive pressure, precisely sending the ball into the basket. Even with such defense, the ball still went in, leaving the Nuggets helpless.
On the Nuggets' side, Zeng Xingyang scored 27 points with 8 assists and 5 rebounds but had 4 turnovers, Jokic had 22 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists, yet also racked up 5 turnovers, and Pope contributed 18 points and 5 rebounds.
Looking at it, Zeng Xingyang and Jokic's stats weren't bad, but compared to their efficient performances in the previous two games, they were somewhat lacking, with their total turnovers nearing double digits.
This partly related to the Warriors' enhanced defensive strength, which was airtight, causing many problems for the Nuggets' dual stars. Yet more so, the overexertion of the past two games burst out tonight, leading to their physical decline and affecting their performance.
The atmosphere at the post-game press conference was exceptionally heavy.
This was the Nuggets' home court, and it should have been their "fortress", yet they lost this crucial battle.
As Zeng Xingyang, Jokic, and Mike Malone entered the conference venue, photographers swiftly trained their cameras on the trio, flashlights flickering incessantly. Reporters couldn't wait, eagerly raising their hands for the latest updates.
Public relations signaled for the ESPN reporter to pose the first question.
The reporter stood up and asked, "Zeng, losing Game 3 at home, how do you feel now?"
Zeng Xingyang was silent for a moment, a glint of unwillingness in his eyes, then he said, "Losing feels terrible, and I feel very unwilling. But the reality is like this; the opponents played better in this game, clearly making thorough preparations, while we performed poorly on the court."
Another reporter quickly followed up: "What do you think was the main reason for losing tonight, and when did you feel the game was becoming very tough?"
Zeng Xingyang thought for a moment and responded earnestly, "They quickly adjusted from the losses of the last two games, not letting those defeats affect them, but instead, improving their game intensity, making our offense extremely difficult. As for when I distinctly felt the danger of losing, it was when Klay sank the eighth or ninth three-pointer despite my defense. At that moment, I realized tonight's game was going to be extremely tough."
The reporter continued to pursue, "What's your plan to respond to Game 4?"
Zeng Xingyang said, "We will adjust as quickly as possible, striving with all our might to take Game 4."
Although the Nuggets also lost a home game, for them, the situation hasn't reached an irreversible point. As long as they win a home game in the upcoming matches, they can still gain the upper hand in reaching the match point and control the progression.
Mike Malone also added from the side, "We must make changes now." In the playoffs, it's always a process of constant adjustments and battles of wits and courage.
The Warriors have made effective adjustments against the Nuggets, and now, it's the Nuggets' turn to respond.
In tonight's game, Mike Malone also deeply felt that even though the Nuggets snatched the Warriors' two home games, it didn't mean their games were secure.
As a championship-level team, the Warriors possess deep foundations and a strong capability for adjustments.
Jokic also told the reporters, "Our bodies indeed felt extremely heavy, and there were fitness issues, but this is no excuse for losing the game. We will swiftly adjust our condition and come back to win in the next game."
The press conference concluded quickly in a solemn atmosphere.
....
The next day, Zeng Xingyang didn't go to the training field but chose to rest.
After consecutive high-intensity games, both his body and spirit urgently needed relaxation.
Zeng Xingyang and Song Xue went to a high-end villa district.
This villa district was considered Denver's most upscale residential area, with beautiful surroundings, complete facilities, and strict security.
Zeng Xingyang's purpose for this trip was to purchase a villa. As his income gradually increased, he wanted to upgrade to a bigger, more comfortable house to improve his living quality.
As they stepped into the community, they were greeted by a sea of green flowers and grass, the fresh air hitting them and uplifting their spirits.
Song Xue's eyes lit up instantly, and she said excitedly, "Xingyang, the environment here is amazing, living here would definitely be very comfortable."
Zeng Xingyang smiled and responded, "This is the most expensive place. If it wasn't nice, who would buy it?"
Their agent was a White Girl, who was dressed very provocatively. As soon as she saw Zeng Xingyang, she swayed her mesmerizing figure towards him, trying to catch his attention.
Only when she received a glare from Song Xue did the agent slightly tone down.
Today they were making a final confirmation; Zeng Xingyang had already seen photos of the villa's interior and exterior before, having some understanding of the overall situation.
The agent led the two into a villa and enthusiastically introduced it, "Zeng, this villa belonged to one of the wealthiest people in Denver. He barely lived here after the renovation. The materials used in the villa are carefully selected and crafted, take the exterior for instance, it's made of high-end natural stone, with a very textured feel..."
"It covers 1200 square meters, with a very spacious space, having 15 rooms and 20 bathrooms, enough to meet all your needs. Additionally, there's a KTV, garden, cinema, gym, and even a full basketball court."
"The surrounding supporting facilities are also very complete; shopping malls, schools, and hospitals are all within a 20-minute living circle, with the security system providing 24-hour comprehensive surveillance, undoubtedly offering you a top-notch living experience."
.....
Zeng Xingyang nodded satisfactorily, immediately drawn to the complete basketball court.
The area around the court was covered with posters of Kobe and Jordan, and all sorts of facilities were complete, making it evident that the previous owner was also a keen basketball fan.
Entering the living room, the ceiling is 6 meters high, making the whole space appear exceptionally open, with a splendid crystal chandelier overhead, resembling dazzling starlight scattered across the night sky.
Song Xue excitedly scurried from room to room, marveling at the exquisite decor while gazing at the beautiful scenery outside, sighing, "The life of the wealthy is too extravagant, no wonder many people dislike capitalists. Xingyang, can I move in?"
Zeng Xingyang laughed and said, "Of course, we're just missing a cook at home, and that important role can go to you."
Song Xue flicked her hair confidently and said, "Just wait, sister will showcase her cooking skills and make you all kinds of delicious food." They conversed in Chinese, leaving the agent listening with a perplexed look.
Exiting the living room and rooms, there was a courtyard.
The courtyard had lush green grass, with neatly trimmed lawns, and a pretty little fountain, the trickling sound of water adding vitality to the tranquility.
Song Xue, wearing a little skirt, happily twirled in the courtyard and said, "You can host a barbecue party here and invite friends to come over."
Zeng Xingyang laughed and said, "OK, then it's settled on this one."
After Zeng Xingyang confirmed his intention to purchase, the bargaining task was left to Song Xue. After an intense "clash," they finally settled on a satisfactory price.
Once everything was decided, Song Xue couldn't help but declare her claim in front of the agent, taking Zeng Xingyang's hand and giving him a kiss.
Although Zeng Xingyang was often rumored with entertainment stars like Taylor Swift and Scarlett, Song Xue didn't mind. She always knew that Zeng Xingyang had never officially announced any romantic relationship, and that was enough.
She also wanted to move forward!
Zeng Xingyang held her as they returned to the car, then drove home.