NBA: Rising Superstar!

For many rookies, they don't have the ball in their hands for the final play in the NBA.

But Zeng Xingyang is different. He does, mainly because of the trust he earned by making game-winning shots time and again on the court.

When it comes to drawing up plays at the last moment, Mike Malone doesn't even look at anyone else; he just gives it to Zeng Xingyang.

This season during the regular games, Zeng Xingyang was the league's king of buzzer-beaters.

Into the playoffs, he's still showing off his 'king of buzzer-beaters' title.

Away game in Los Angeles against a strong opponent, facing adversity, he stepped up and delivered the ultimate blow.

This shot put the Clippers on the brink directly; in the next game, the Nuggets only need to win one more, and they'll take the series.

"OMG!!"

"Buzzer-beater!!"

"Well done."

The Nuggets surrounded Zeng Xingyang, shouting excitedly.

This buzzer-beater basically secured the absolute advantage for the Nuggets; no team in NBA history has ever rallied back from a 0-3 deficit in the playoffs.

"Click, click, click!!"

Reporters rushed onto the court, wildly snapping photos of Zeng Xingyang and the Nuggets.

This season the Nuggets' performance has caught many media outlets by surprise.

At the start of the season, no one thought they could make the playoffs, yet they made it into the top four in the West.

Entering the playoffs, although many thought they would eliminate the Clippers, no one expected they would lead 3-0 now.

Counting the last three regular-season games against the Clippers, they've now won six straight.

This exaggerated winning streak has crushed the Clippers' morale.

The Clippers seem to have very little resistance against the Nuggets.

After celebrating with his teammates for a while, Zeng Xingyang ran back to the locker room. The whole team was feeling great and would celebrate even more freely after getting back to the locker room.

The Clippers were very dejected looking at the score on the board; they had fought hard all game, barely taking it to the end with the opponent, but lost because of the last possession.

Being knocked out like this is too painful.

Paul wiped sweat from his face, then walked silently toward the locker room.

Griffin sighed, his expression forlorn, as he accepted the interview from sideline reporters.

Rivers, too, reluctantly went over to shake hands with Mike Malone.

.....

"Buzzer-beater, Zeng Xingyang found the space on a fast dribble, executing a killer shot just like Michael Jordan ended the Jazz series. For Zeng Xingyang, such buzzer-beaters come as easily as flipping a hand, only this time it's just the playoffs," Zhang Weiping exclaimed excitedly: "Similarly, winning this away game means the Nuggets have absolute control over this series."

Yu Jia shouted, "This shot is too crucial for the series. Mike Malone trusts Zeng Xingyang deeply, and this trust is rewarded on the court."

In the TNT Studio, the two commentators went wild.

Barkley shouted, "An unbelievable buzzer-beater, and after sinking it, Zeng's standing is once again affirmed."

Smith said, "The strongest rookie ever, this isn't just an idle remark; his on-court prowess truly embodies this term."

The media and fans, both domestic and international, were extremely excited.

Especially those at home, the fans watching the TV broadcast were jumping up and down.

This moment is too exhilarating.

"Woah woah woah, love watching these plays, so cool."

"Xingyang is awesome, one-on-one against Defense, directly nailed the buzzer-beater."

"The Clippers didn't even have their superstars guarding Xingyang at the last moment; destined to fail."

"All Clippers knew Xingyang would receive and shoot, but couldn't stop him; this feeling is really frustrating."

"Doug Rivers' defensive strategy was obviously wrong at the last moment. Bamot couldn't have limited Zeng Xingyang in the clutch."

"Awesome, the Clippers couldn't win today even if it was 8 vs. 5."

"Love watching high-level confrontations like this."

"Playoffs are more thrilling the way they are."

Fans in front of the TV watched the replay over and over.

Zeng Xingyang's shot totally sidestepped the defense, leaving zero time for the opponent.

Such a buzzer-beater leaves the opponent utterly hopeless.

Post-game statistics.

For the Nuggets, Zeng Xingyang had 27 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks; Jokic had 22 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists; Pope had 14 points, 3 rebounds, and Harris had 9 points.

Compared to the previous two games, the scoring for the Nuggets players significantly decreased, mainly due to the opponent's increased defensive intensity and pace differing from before.

Jokic, being adept at grabbing rebounds, saw his rebound stats soaring.

For the Clippers, Paul scored 21 points, 11 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals; Griffin scored 29 points, 13 rebounds, and Little Jordan had 15 points, 14 rebounds.

Griffin played very well tonight, constantly attacking the Nuggets' inside line, causing attrition, which was one reason the Nuggets found themselves in a bitter battle; the Clippers did everything right, but they lost at the very end.

At the post-game press conference.

A reporter asked Paul what the Clippers' next move is.

Paul said seriously, "Many think we have no hope now, but we won't give up the game easily; we played terribly in these recent games, and this is our punishment!"

Paul is ready to hold a players' meeting. The Clippers are truly on the verge now.

Griffin also said, "Our luck wasn't good; of course, I'm not trying to shirk responsibility here, but in the next game, I'll be more aggressive than tonight."

Griffin's eyes were filled with fighting spirit and unwillingness.

As for the Nuggets.

Harris said directly to reporters, "This series has been easy; we didn't feel any pressure. Haha, we're already preparing for the next round."

Pope said, "We'll beat them; we'll kick their butts hard."

Tonight's physical clashes between the Clippers and Nuggets were plentiful; players on both sides played with intensity, hence weren't holding back during interviews.

But as the leader, Zeng Xingyang remained rational: "They are a strong opponent; tonight they caused a lot of trouble for us. We must take every game against them seriously."

A reporter later asked Zeng Xingyang to comment on the buzzer-beater.

Zeng Xingyang smiled, "That feeling of taking out the opponent, it's satisfying."

.....

"Jordan's heir, Zeng Xingyang delivers his first playoff buzzer-beater!"

"The strongest rookie in history, also the deadliest assassin!"

"Buzzer-beaters have become commonplace for Zeng Xingyang."

"Playoff frenzy mode on, this buzzer-beater achieved the ultimate strike."

Various news spread through the internet and major TV shows.

The impact of a playoff buzzer-beater far exceeds that of a regular-season one.

Although this series lacks the headline-grabbing intensity compared to others, today's headline belongs to "Zeng Xingyang's buzzer-beater."

Major forums and communities are buzzing about this buzzer-beater.

"Zeng Xingyang's buzzer-beaters in regular and playoffs are even more impressive than Kobe's."

"If trailing in the last moments, don't hesitate, just give the ball to Zeng Xingyang."

"Before the buzzer-beater, many overlooked Zeng Xingyang's incredibly outstanding defense. To me, that chase-down block was also key."

"The Clippers are almost broken; they were really close to winning tonight, but ultimately lost."

"Can't stop it, simply can't stop Zeng Xingyang's final blow, it's terrifying."