NBA: Rising Superstar!

Many star players also discussed the series between the Clippers and Nuggets.

During an interview with reporters about Game 3 of this series, Kobe said, "I watched this game, and Zeng's performance was amazing. He did what he should on the court, never afraid, always facing challenges."

Although Kobe officially announced his retirement, he hasn't completely left basketball. This year, he appeared on a TV program to work on player technical analyses.

James said, "Whatever that guy does isn't surprising. He's one of the best players in the league. I love his playing style."

Parker said, "I was shocked. I hope to have the chance to face him in the future."

Nash said, "All along, Zeng has been on the path to becoming the best player."

The stars who watched the game were also very excited; the match was incredibly thrilling.

Only the Warriors players didn't comment because their series with the Rockets is tied at 2-2.

The Rockets have proven to be much tougher than the Warriors imagined, especially with James Harden challenging the Warriors' defense.

The Warriors players are entirely focused on how to eliminate the Rockets.

The Warriors' dominance isn't as wild as it was during the regular season, making many fans worried about their championship prospects.

Furthermore, if the Warriors eliminate the Rockets, they will face the Nuggets next.

.....

The day before Game 4 starts.

League staff notified the Nuggets management that Zeng Xingyang had won the "Rookie of the Year" award.

The award presenters came to Los Angeles and conducted the award ceremony on the sidelines of the training ground that afternoon.

Rookie of the Year isn't a major award, so the ceremony wasn't very grand.

Zeng Xingyang even accepted the trophy wearing his training gear on the sidelines.

Zeng Xingyang received the Rookie of the Year trophy from the host and then raised it high with one hand.

"Click, click, click!!"

Reporters around him continuously pressed their camera shutter buttons.

Choosing the Rookie of the Year is similar to selecting the MVP; it's also voted on by media journalists.

Zeng Xingyang was chosen unanimously this year!

Although Zeng Xingyang didn't become MVP in his first season like Chamberlain, his performance doesn't fall short compared to any superstar.

This has made media journalists broadly consider Zeng Xingyang the strongest rookie in modern basketball history.

Whether he can surpass Jordan depends on his future achievements compared to Jordan.

If his future achievements exceed Jordan's, naturally, his rookie season surpasses as well, but if the future gap is large, then future media and fans likely won't acknowledge this.

"Zeng, congratulations, it's the result of your effort this season. You've become the best rookie in NBA history." Mike Malone gave Zeng Xingyang a big hug.

Mike Malone's attitude towards Zeng Xingyang has transformed from initial dismissal to indispensable.

Zeng Xingyang smiled and said, "Thank you."

Zeng Xingyang doesn't care about Malone's initial skepticism; those unhappy moments have long passed.

Since gaining recognition, he has occupied a very important position in Malone's lineup, even higher than during his time in NCAA.

At Kentucky, his ball control and tactical position were far less prominent than with the Nuggets.

"Congratulations, man." Jokic also came over and bumped chests in celebration.

Without a doubt, Jokic has been the greatest help to Zeng Xingyang in the team.

The two grow and progress together.

Faried also joined in with the crowd cheering.

Teammates witnessed how Zeng Xingyang achieved greatness.

They are all aware that even though Zeng Xingyang is just a rookie, he is bound to become a superstar.

Zeng Xingyang was very happy to receive this trophy. If it weren't for the playoffs, he would have rented a nightclub to throw a party.

When the news reached domestically, local fans were equally excited.

Da Yao was highly regarded as the top pick back then, but he didn't win Rookie of the Year in his rookie season, which many fans saw as a regret.

The emergence of Zeng Xingyang in some aspect remedies that regret for the fans.

A player from their own country became the strongest rookie of the season.

This feeling is sensational; there's plenty to boast about.

"The Strongest Rookie in History, Truly Deserving!"

"Zeng Xingyang's Dominance is More Apparent in the First Three Playoff Games!"

"Unanimously Chosen, Undisputed, Zeng Xingyang Impresses American Media."

"Zeng Xingyang Wins Rookie of the Year Award this Season!"

Initially, Zeng Xingyang's identity as the seventh pick winning Rookie of the Year didn't seem surprising, but when he was chosen, fans didn't think so.

At that time, Nuggets fans even thought choosing a 3D player with that pick was a huge loss.

Yet they couldn't have imagined Zeng Xingyang would quickly develop a ball-handling style and soon become the Nuggets' new core.

He conquered doubters among fans and media with game-changing performances.

Ultimately, he achieved complete recognition.

A group of NBA veterans commented on Zeng Xingyang's performance this season.

Chris Webber said on a program, "Zeng is my favorite player in the league right now. Despite being a rookie, he already shows a level-headed and mature attitude towards basketball that many veterans can't. His rookie season has been filled with many surprising rookie performances."

Arenas said, "There's nothing to criticize about this award. Zeng is unquestionably the best rookie this season, without exception."

Olajuwon said to reporters: "Congratulations to him, he will become an MVP in the future."

Pippen said: "At the beginning of the season, I kept hearing the name Zeng, Zeng, Zeng. When I went to watch one of Zeng's games, I realized that he is the best rookie of this season."

Dominique Wilkins said: "Everyone knows how difficult the rookie season is, but being able to stand out is enough to show his excellence."

.....

Game 4 has started.

The Staples Center was still packed.

The Clippers increased their defensive intensity right from the start of the game.

Zeng Xingyang was in average form, only scoring 6 points in the first quarter, and after encountering double-teams, he chose to pass more often.

But the other Nuggets players were also feeling off, missing many open shots.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was 21 to 28, with the Clippers leading by 7 points.

As they entered the second quarter, the Nuggets' shooting did not improve, and they also slackened on defense, allowing the Clippers to further extend their lead.

At halftime, the score stood at 44 to 60, with the Nuggets trailing by as much as 16 points.

Many fans and media believed that the Nuggets intended to let go of this game and win at home to advance.

But the Nuggets never had any intention of giving up; it was just that after leading 3-0, both players and coaches had naturally relaxed a bit.

This led to the Nuggets failing to close the gap in the second half.

In the end, the game ended with a score of 95 to 110.

The Clippers claimed Game 4 at home, adjusting the series score to 3-1.

Zeng Xingyang, who had just received the Rookie of the Year award, scored 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in this game.

Jokic performed well with near triple-double stats, scoring 30 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds, but it was to no avail as the rest of the Nuggets were in poor form.

For instance, Harris and Pope both shot under 30%, and while Zeng Xingyang's stats were decent, he only made 2 out of 13 three-point attempts, below average.

Even though they lost this game,

neither the Nuggets internally nor the media externally were overly concerned.

Everyone assumed that the Nuggets would smoothly defeat the Clippers in Game 5 and advance to the second round.

However.

Game 5 was not as smooth as expected.

The Nuggets were unexpectedly defeated at home.

Zeng Xingyang fell into foul trouble early in the game; he committed two fouls in quick succession against Griffin's mismatches.

He then sat on the bench early.

Zeng Xingyang's exit put the Nuggets in a passive position as their offensive efficiency plummeted.

The Nuggets also failed to enhance their home court defense, allowing the Clippers to take the initiative.

In the second half, the Clippers continued to intensify, aggressively double-teaming Zeng Xingyang.

Then, Crawford exploded!

Crawford hit three miraculous three-pointers in just a minute and a half, including a four-point play!

In the final moments, Paul showcased his top-level controlling master skills, hitting three consecutive mid-range shots against the Nuggets' interior, sealing the game.

This scene mirrored their regular season win against the Nuggets.

Paul disproved the external comments that he needed to rely on teammates in crucial moments.

He proved again that he is not a Kidd-type point guard.

He also has a big heart.

3 to 2!!!

The Nuggets lost at home, and Game 6 will return to Staples!

"The series just got interesting. If the Clippers win one more at home, this series will go to a Game Seven showdown."

"The Nuggets underestimated Game 4, but tonight they genuinely couldn't beat the Clippers."

"The Clippers have a lot of experience; Paul's, Griffin's, and Little Jordan's roster depth is strong, plus explosive scorers like Crawford—Nuggets need to be cautious."

"Xingyang's early fouls were crucial. Even when he returned, he couldn't save the team. Could it be that winning the Rookie of the Year trophy actually affected him?"

"Didn't expect the series to have suspense; the Nuggets are still too young, making mistakes."

Fans domestically and internationally are buzzing with discussions.

.....

As the final whistle of the game sounded, Zeng Xingyang clenched his fists.

If Game 4's loss was due to the team's relaxation leading to a loss, then Game 5 was a genuine attempt to win and eliminate the opponent but failed to do so.

The Clippers seized the opportunity when the Nuggets were not in good shape and completed a comeback on their home court.

Zeng Xingyang once again felt the cruelty of the playoffs.

Both sides knew each other too well.

If it's not absolute dominance, then when one team becomes complacent, it gives the opponent a chance.

The Nuggets' strength is clearly not enough to absolutely crush the current Clippers, who won two consecutive games.

"Next game, we must win." Jokic said as he walked over.

"Yes, we cannot lose." Zeng Xingyang nodded.

Neither of them wants to go into a Game Seven against the Clippers; it's too dangerous.