NBA: Rising Superstar!

110 to 111.

The home team Nuggets finally defeated the Spurs thanks to Zeng Xingyang's game-winning shot, avoiding the destiny of being swept this season.

This was the fourth game-winning shot Zeng Xingyang accomplished this season.

In a single season, only Kobe's six game-winning shots can compare.

Such decisive shots not only require superb technical skills but also demand a player's calmness, decisiveness, and focus during crucial moments.

In the NBA, a high-level league like this, a game-winning shot is always the object of much attention and admiration, bringing countless exciting moments and classic memories to fans!

The moment the game-winning shot is made, adrenaline surges, making both players and fans incredibly excited.

If it goes in, it's like heaven; if it misses, it's like hell. This kind of shot is thrilling.

Zeng Xingyang played 46 minutes in this game, shooting 15-of-26, including 9-of-16 from three-point range, and 4-of-5 from free throws, scoring a game-high 43 points for the Nuggets, along with 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.

The Nuggets had five players scoring in double figures. Jokic, who played about 46 minutes with Zeng Xingyang, recorded 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. Pope had 14 points, Grant 10 points, and Harris 11 points.

There was a huge disparity between the starting and bench scoring for the Nuggets. The bench lineup with Nurkic seemed somewhat helpless against the defense of players like Boban and Duncan; his isolations weren't effective.

The Spurs' interior defense wasn't easy to break through; it required a comprehensive approach to counter it. Without Nurkic's effectiveness, the Nuggets' second unit was at a disadvantage.

On the Spurs' side, Leonard played 34 minutes, shooting 11-of-18, including 4-of-7 from the three-point line and 3-of-4 from free throws, totaling 29 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

Apart from Leonard, Ginobili had 16 points, Duncan 12 points and 9 rebounds, Parker 10 points, Aldridge 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Dior 11 points.

Though Leonard played the best, his playing time wasn't on the same level as Zeng Xingyang, which also caused his stats to be suppressed by Zeng Xingyang.

Popovich often keeps Leonard on the bench, allowing more players to see court time.

Looking at the Spurs' win percentage, it's hard to say Popovich's approach is wrong, but for Leonard personally, he is certainly somewhat uncomfortable.

Leonard always feels that the rights he should have are infringed upon; compared with his status on the Spurs, he is envious of Zeng Xingyang's importance on the Nuggets.

Without a doubt, although Zeng Xingyang played off the ball for much of the overtime, he was the focus of the Nuggets' offense in the final moments, and the ball would certainly be given to him.

Perhaps, he needs to find a team of his own.

Leonard's heart wavered about staying with the Spurs.

Shaking his head, not thinking about these things, Leonard walked back to the locker room.

...

Mike Malone was in a great mood. After exchanging pleasantries with Popovich, he walked back to the locker room, needing to motivate his players further after the game.

Beating the Spurs was crucial for the Nuggets this season.

The Spurs had previously beaten the Nuggets three times, proving to be their nemesis, but tonight they successfully overcame this hurdle.

The last time Zeng Xingyang delivered such a phenomenal performance was when he scored 37 points in a single quarter and got a 50+10 super double-double in the full game.

Tonight's double game-winning shots undoubtedly give the league another reason to celebrate him.

The Nuggets' performance has significantly improved this season, and with Zeng Xingyang's superstar quality, they've perfectly filled the void left in the Chinese market after Yao Ming's retirement.

Fans are buying into Zeng Xingyang's presence once more, and as long as the league continues to elevate him, the financial returns will be substantial for them.

Compared to the market effect brought by Zeng Xingyang, even players like Porzingis and Towns, who are doing well right now, have a considerable gap with him.

....

"Awesome, another game-winning shot, the fourth of the season."

"Double game-winning shots, truly impressive."

"I love watching games like this; finally, we overcame the obstacle of the Spurs."

"So cool, one of the most spectacular games of the season."

"So strong, the best game-winning shot of the year. In the final moments, repeatedly challenging Leonard, Zeng Xingyang proved he's not afraid of Leonard, but just playing in the most reasonable way."

"Games like this are truly an ultimate enjoyment. The Nuggets need to play more like this in the future."

"Denver, goodnight!"

"If we had lost by ten or so, I could accept it, but as a Spurs fan seeing this was heart-wrenching."

"Put Leonard in, the worst part for the Spurs is suppressing Leonard."

"The Nuggets finally took down this nemesis, the Spurs. If they meet in the playoffs, it will indeed be a battle."

"Haven't there been enough miraculous shots by Zeng Xingyang this season? I'm used to it. New fans might still be in awe here."

"As a Spurs fan, before this game started, I thought it was a sure win, never expecting a game-winning shot."

This double game-winning shot quickly occupied the top headlines of major basketball forums in both countries.

This game also completely overshadowed the heat from today's other games.

Many NBA players also commented on this game.

Nowitzki, when interviewed by reporters, said, "So cool, a game-tying shot and then a game-winning one in the end; Zeng's performance was phenomenal."

Nash tweeted, "Zeng will become one of the best international players; he fits perfectly as an assassin on the court."

Kobe: "I really admire the Nuggets as a team. They are full of vigor on the court and fearlessly facing opponents who've beaten them multiple times."

James: "You know, I'm pretty close with Zeng. The Nuggets are a great team; this game-winning shot was thrilling."

....

At the post-game press conference.

Several media reporters were chatting, praising Zeng Xingyang's performance this season.

Whether before the All-Star Game or after, Zeng Xingyang's performance was impeccable.

Now there's no media doubting who the Rookie of the Year will go to this season.

Towns, Porzingis, Okafor, and other big men played well, but compared to Zeng Xingyang's performance, there is a substantial gap.

Even compared to other rookies in NBA history, only epic-level players like Jordan and O'Neal can be compared with Zeng Xingyang.

Among other rookies, Zeng Xingyang completely overshadowed everyone.

The post-game press conference.

The reporters first interviewed the Spurs.

A reporter asked Popovich, "Coach, Kawhi Leonard played 10 minutes less than Zeng, what was the reasoning behind this decision?"

Popovich said, "It was for tactical reasons; we have many excellent players on our team. We've always played this way, and it's kept us on the right path."

Popovich still insisted on equal opportunity, but never imagined that Cole would surpass him in this strategy in the future.

A reporter next to Duncan asked, "Tim, how does it feel to be defeated by a game-winning shot?"

Duncan glared at the reporter; however, it wasn't menacing but rather a bit cute, then answered, "No one likes such a feeling. We stopped many of their plays, but we didn't stop this last one, which is a bit regrettable for us."

The interview with the Spurs felt like doing homework and didn't have major breaking points.

Then the reporter asked, "How do you evaluate Zeng Xingyang?"

Duncan thought for a moment and said, "Zeng will become a legendary player. What he does on the court amazes us; he's too mature, mature beyond a rookie player."