NBA: Rising Superstar!

Chapter 258, Western Conference Finals, Game 1 begins!!



On campus, basketball fans are enthusiastically discussing the situation of these teams.

During recess, you can hear their analysis and predictions about the games everywhere, from basketball courts to classrooms.

Some students support the Spurs, believing they have rich experience and a mature tactical system;

others favor the Nuggets, optimistic about the combination of Jokic and Zeng Xingyang.

The sound of debate rises and falls, and the atmosphere is incredibly lively.

On May 14th, Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals began in San Antonio.

This game attracted global broadcasting from over 150 regions and online platforms.

Millions of fans waited eagerly in front of screens, anticipating the start of the game.

In the country, it was the weekend, and many fans sat in front of their TVs early, ready to watch the exciting duel.

The Western Conference Finals is a height Da Yao never reached in his career, but Zeng Xingyang achieved it in his rookie season, making domestic fans feel immensely proud.

Zeng Xingyang is not an ordinary role in the team; he is the absolute core.

Due to the more developed internet, watching the Nuggets' games has become even more popular than watching the Rockets' games back in the day.

Zeng Xingyang, Nuggets—these terms have recently become keywords on domestic portals, and many fans unfamiliar with basketball are also searching for related information, wanting to find out more.

At the AT&T Center, nearly 20,000 spectators made the scene black and white, creating an oppressive and tense atmosphere.

When Zeng Xingyang ran out from the court tunnel, a spontaneous chorus of boos filled his ears.

The fans here are even more passionate than those at Oracle Arena, with a hint of religious fervor. Their words carry a stronger sense of racial discrimination, appearing more uncultured compared to the Oracle Arena fans.

"Can't believe we got this far so fast," Zeng Xingyang couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes revealing a hint of emotion and determination.

"I don't find it quick; we fought for this," Jokic beside him responded with a confident smile.

As time passed, Jokic grew increasingly confident on the court, beginning to believe what Zeng Xingyang said about him becoming an MVP in the future.

He gradually discovered that the NBA wasn't as difficult as he imagined, and many players didn't perform as excellently as anticipated, with most players lacking intelligence.

"Yeah, let's continue taking them down," Zeng Xingyang nodded firmly, his eyes brimming with a resolve to win.

Soon, all processes finished, and the game officially began.

The Spurs' starting lineup was: Parker, Danny Green, Leonard, Aldridge, Duncan.

The Nuggets' starting lineup was: Zeng Xingyang, Harris, Galinarli, Grant, Jokic.

Commentator Zhang Weiping said: "Pope's injury casts a shadow on the Nuggets' starting small forward position, making this round more challenging than the last one. You can see, the adjustment might impact the team's overall tactics, and we shall see how they cope."

Yu Jia followed: "The combination of Zeng Xingyang and Jokic is key for the Nuggets to win. In the previous two rounds, they played an absolute core role. Tonight, let's see if the Nuggets have a chance to take one at the Spurs' home court. They face enormous pressure in an away game, but also infinite possibilities, hoping they surprise us."

The spotlight focused entirely on the court.

Stern-faced Duncan and chubby Jokic jumped high almost simultaneously.

Duncan reacted faster, tapping the ball to Parker first.

Parker swiftly dribbled forward, feet adjusting constantly to bypass Harris.

The audience erupted in excitement, standing up, yelling loudly to cheer for the Spurs.

The noise was deafening, as if it could overturn the entire arena.

But Harris didn't give up on defense, striving to chase down.

Parker skillfully dribbled to the front court position, Zeng Xingyang quickly stepped up and closely guarded Leonard, preventing him from smoothly getting the pass.

Parker quickly passed the ball to the incoming Duncan.

After receiving the ball, Duncan lifted it high and calmly observed the court situation.

Parker circled Duncan rapidly, looking for a cut-in opportunity.

Duncan spotted the timing and precisely passed the ball to Parker who cut in.

Jokic quickly switched defense to Parker, chasing to interfere. If Parker was a few years younger, Jokic might have had a hard time catching up. But with Parker's current decline in speed, Jokic found a chance to chase him down.

Parker soared for a layup, the movement was stretched and smooth.

Jokic extended his hand to interfere, attempting to block.

The ball brushed the rim and out.

Jokic controlled the rebound steadily.

As soon as Parker shot, Zeng Xingyang sprinted down like an arrow from a bow.

Jokic didn't hesitate, and passed a long ball over. The basketball swiftly flew in the air like a guided missile, accurately landing in Zeng Xingyang's hands in the front court.

Receiving the ball, Zeng Xingyang dribbled once on the right side, then abruptly stopped and transitioned into a three-pointer.

Danny Green's defense was a step slower, failing to catch up.

"Swish!" The basketball went through the net, scoring three points.

3 to 0, Nuggets scored first.

The cheers from the crowd instantly stopped, and Spurs fans finally realized why the Nuggets could eliminate the strong Warriors. This team indeed has a rather special capability.

Zeng Xingyang returned to exchange high-fives with Jokic.

Jokic's pass was excellent; he didn't choose to play a methodical half-court game.

If the Nuggets want to beat the Spurs, their transitional offense must be successful; otherwise, it'll be hard to win.

The Spurs' offense.

The Nuggets' counterattack didn't significantly affect them.

Parker dribbled to the front court and bounced the ball to Aldridge in the low post.

Aldridge leaned into Grant, starting a back-down isolation.

Grant isn't a traditional power forward; he can only run and jump.

Aldridge, however, is a traditional power forward, with excellent low-post offensive skills.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

After continuous one-on-one clashes, Grant retreated step by step.

Aldridge spun for a close-range jumper.

Grant was suppressed unable to make a shot.

Aldridge's shooting point was very high, executing a flick shot.

"Boom!"

"Swish!"

After banking off the board, the ball fell into the basket.

3 to 2.

Nuggets' offense.

Zeng Xingyang dribbled to the front court, passing to Jokic in the low post.

Feeling the pressure brought by Duncan, Jokic didn't try to back him down.

Jokic switched from a back-down to a face-up game against Duncan.

Probation steps before and after holding the ball.

Duncan remained unmoved, while Jokic opted to go for the sudden "Golden Rooster Stands Aloft."

The shot came unexpectedly; Duncan couldn't interfere.

"Swish!"

5 to 2.


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