Chapter 240: The Upcoming Final Battle?
Of course, it's not just Lakers fans criticizing their own general manager; fans of other higher-ranked teams are doing the same.
Minnesota Timberwolves fans even believe that Zeng Xingyang should have been the first pick, and picking Towns was a loss.
In the Timberwolves' fan groups, they are continuously discussing, with words full of regret for missing out on Zeng Xingyang.
At the post-game press conference, Warriors' Cole attended with Curry and Green.
A reporter asked Cole: "Coach, please summarize tonight's game!"
Upon hearing this question, Cole sighed heavily with a face full of helplessness and then said: "It was a tense game where both sides gave their all. Unfortunately, we weren't too lucky and got killed at the last moment." As Cole spoke, he slightly shook his head with a look of disappointment in his eyes.
Reporters asked Green: "Drummond, how do you rate Zeng Xingyang and Nikola Jokic?"
Frowning, Green said: "I don't want to talk about how well they played; I just want to take them down. See you in G6." Green's eyes were filled with fighting spirit, as if he wanted to completely defeat the opponent in the next game.
Curry also stood up and said: "Sorry, we need to go back and prepare for the next game."
"Click click click!" The cameras of the media kept flashing.
They could feel that Curry was a bit impatient; he usually accepted interviews calmly and gracefully, but today he couldn't wait. After speaking, Curry quickly left the press conference venue, hurrying away.
The interview over on the Nuggets side was quite harmonious.
Mike Malone, Zeng Xingyang, and Jokic were all answering everything the reporters wanted to know. Smiling, they shared moments from the game and were filled with confidence for the matches ahead.
After the interviews were complete, the entire Nuggets team boarded the bus, heading to the airport to prepare for G5 in Oakland.
The bus slowly drove along, city lights flickering outside the window, and the players were filled with anticipation for the next game.
After the nail-biting showdown in G4, it seemed like the whole NBA was reignited.
Most teams had gone fishing, but the media and fans were focusing their attention more acutely.
With Zeng Xingyang's buzzer-beater, the Nuggets took the strong lead, pushing the Warriors to the brink.
This game further propelled the duo of Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, these young superstar pair gained fame, with more and more people considering them top combinations in the league, comparable to the Splash Brothers or other powerhouse duos.
Although they secured the advantage, internally, the team was not negligent due to this.
Mike Malone knows well that the Warriors won't give up easily, and the games ahead would be even tougher.
On the training court, Mike Malone continuously emphasized the details of defense to his players. He gestured while loudly saying: "Pay attention to their screens, make sure to switch defenders in time!"
Aiming at the Warriors' offensive characteristics, he devised multiple defensive strategies. Meanwhile, he encouraged his players to stay focused and continue playing like in the previous games.
"Everyone, stay steady. Stick to the plan and maintain this fighting spirit!" Mike Malone's eyes were firm as he cheered on his players.
Increasingly confident about advancing, Mike Malone's ambitions were not solely limited to the Western Conference Finals but aimed for a shot at the NBA Finals. Since the team had come this far, he had many ideas, often pondering tactics in the corner during breaks, with an urge for victory visible in his eyes.
Zeng Xingyang was also pushing himself hard during training. He understood that he was now the team leader, responsible for how far the team could go. He repeated his shooting motions again and again, the sweat soaking his jersey. With every shot, he was completely focused.
Jokic also put in some extra effort, strengthening his exercises in the weight room, increasing intensity.
Jokic understood that in the clash against the Warriors, not only would he need to be the offensive organizational core, but he'd also have to build a solid defensive wall for the team.
In front of the weight training equipment, he gritted his teeth and persisted, each exertion accompanied by a deep growl.
Over on the Warriors side, once back in Oakland, the entire team went into a closed preparation mode, rejecting all external interviews.
They were already at their last resort.
During training, Curry and Green were very focused; they were not willing to let the series end this way.
Curry practiced three-point shots over and over, striving for perfection with each shot.
Green called out loudly during defensive drills, reminding teammates of their defensive positions.
Cole continuously emphasized rotation and double-team defense.
He held the tactical board, explaining to the players: "Keep an eye on the rotation speed, be decisive when double-teaming!" For the Warriors, it was crucial to restrict Jokic and Zeng Xingyang.
As game day approached, NBA fans worldwide focused their gaze on Oakland.
This game was absolutely critical for both sides; if the Nuggets could win one more, they could historically break into the Western Conference Finals, while the Warriors were in a do-or-die situation; otherwise, they faced elimination.
On game day, Oracle Arena was packed.
Warriors fans arrived at the stadium early, dressed in team jerseys, with faces painted with team logos and holding various cheering tools. They shouted loud slogans to support and cheer for their team. The sheer volume was deafening, as if trying to overturn the entire arena.
Everything was proceeding orderly.
With the referee's whistle, the game officially began.
Warriors were the first to get the offensive opportunity.
Curry quickly dribbled to the front court, his steps nimble, swiftly handing off to Bogut, with Zeng Xingyang tightly chasing Curry.
Bogut took a step to hand it over to Curry hand-to-hand, then came for a screen.
Zeng Xingyang was blocked, and Curry quickly seized the opportunity, shooting a quick three-pointer.
"Swish!"
The basketball went in with nothing but net, a direct hit!
0 to 3.
The Oracle Center instantly erupted in cheers, fans jumped up excitedly, waving their towels and loudly calling out Curry's name.
Nuggets' turn to attack.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the front court, his eyes determined, observing the situation on the court.
He passed the ball to Jokic. Barnes directly stuck to Zeng Xingyang, continuously making small moves trying to interfere, but the referee did not call a foul.
Jokic chose to back up against Bogut, forcefully bumping a step and then slightly turning, going for a hook shot.
"Swish!" The basketball again went through the net cleanly.
2 to 3.
Warriors' offense.
This time, after ball circulation, Green made a beautiful pass, accurately delivering the ball to Thompson. Thompson, from the right side, decisively fired a three-pointer, his moves were fluid, and the basketball traced a beautiful arc in the air, scoring!
At the Warriors' home court, their touch was very good; the start was scorching hot.
While the Nuggets fell into a chasing rhythm from the start of the game.
...
....
This game had no major surprises. Nuggets only resisted through the three quarters.
Zeng Xingyang and Jokic didn't play in the fourth quarter.
The final score was 92 to 122, Warriors won by 30 points at home, making the series score 2 to 3.
This game was anticipated by the outsiders for the Nuggets to lose.
Everyone knew, G6 was the real showdown of this series!
If the Nuggets lose G6, it would be very difficult for them to win against the Warriors at Oracle Center!