NBA: Rising Superstar!-Chapter 122 - 107: Zeng Xingyang Gains Fame, Okafor Gets Jealous.

Chapter 122: Chapter 107: Zeng Xingyang Gains Fame, Okafor Gets Jealous.

As soon as the game ended, the news that Zeng Xingyang scored 19 points in a single quarter against the Blazers and over 30+ for the entire game, with 8 three-pointers in a single game, was continuously reported.

"Super Rookie, Proves Himself Again by Scoring 30+!"

"Who dares say he can be easily defended?"

"Zeng Xingyang: ’I’m trying to be the best rookie.’"

"Dominating his fellow rookies and comparing to historical-level rookies."

"Chinese Miller, go ahead, take them down."

"Improvement in ball-handling skills makes scoring easier for Zeng."

Major news channels quickly reposted news about Zeng Xingyang.

Although Zeng Xingyang is still a substitute and a rookie, no one can ignore his impact on the Nuggets.

This is Zeng Xingyang’s third 30+ game this season with the Nuggets, and it’s only the seventh game for the Nuggets.

During this period, fans both domestic and global have witnessed Zeng Xingyang’s growth.

From the start of the season being able to only catch and shoot to now frequently increasing his ball-handling and isolation abilities.

This Zeng Xingyang clearly attracted more attention.

After the game, highlights of Zeng Xingyang’s goals were replayed on various forums.

If he continues to play like this, fans feel Zeng Xingyang might be selected as an All-Star in his rookie season.

If Zeng Xingyang does make it to the All-Star, it won’t just be Chinese fans supporting him, more so it’s his own determination.

Steady three-point ability, occasional exploitation of big men’s mistakes, these performances are all very delightful.

The look of a promising future superstar.

At the post-game press conference.

CJ McCollum didn’t hide his praise for Zeng Xingyang: "I have a lot of similar inspiring experiences as Zeng, I respect him a lot, he has performed excellently this year, excellent shooting, excellent tactical awareness, trying to defend him is very tough."

Lillard also said: "Zeng’s three-pointers are the key to their victory over us, I regret losing tonight’s game, but we will adjust and take revenge next time we meet."

Both McCollum and Lillard hold Zeng Xingyang in high regard.

On the other side, Zeng Xingyang was being interviewed by reporters.

A reporter asked: "You hit 8 three-pointers in a single game, what do you think about this record?"

Zeng Xingyang said: "I am very happy to break this record, to be compared with historical superstars, I am very honored."

A reporter asked: "What do you think of the team’s performance tonight?"

Zeng Xingyang said: "We all trust each other on the court, rarely playing hero ball, at times I think about solving problems myself, but ultimately, I chose the team, Nikola did great in the second half, linking everyone on the court, we maintained our advantage till the end."

Zeng Xingyang’s interviews are becoming more standardized.

....

After this crazy performance, Zeng Xingyang still ranked first on the rookie leaderboard.

This made Okafor, who just scored 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks against the Bulls, securing his first career double-double, very unhappy.

Since Okafor entered the league, he has been overshadowed by Zeng Xingyang.

Okafor’s NBA performance is actually not bad.

On October 29, 2015, 76ers vs. Celtics, Okafor made his NBA debut, hitting 16 out of 10 shots, scoring 26 points and 7 rebounds, becoming the sixth player in 76ers history to score 20+ points in his NBA debut.

On November 3, 2015, 76ers vs. Knight, Okafor played 27 minutes, hitting 21 out of 11 shots, scoring 24 points and 3 rebounds, becoming the fifth rookie player in 76ers history to have at least 2 games with 20+ points in his first 3 career games, following Allen Iverson and others.

If it weren’t for Zeng Xingyang’s extraordinary performance, he would be the top player on the rookie leaderboard, and his fame would be greater than it is now.

However, the emergence of Zeng Xingyang stole Okafor’s spotlight.

After the game against the Bulls, Okafor said: "This ranking is done by idiots, I will prove who is stronger when I face him!"

Okafor subconsciously despises Zeng Xingyang, an Asian shooter-guard, viewing him as a weakling who shouldn’t be ranked above him.

Back when Kentucky didn’t have Towns, Okafor thought Duke University could definitely have beaten Kentucky to win the championship.

The college rivalry combined with the ranking suppression in the NBA makes Okafor eager to crush Zeng Xingyang.

Okafor is also very jealous of Zeng Xingyang’s current fame.

Even though he plays in a big city, and Zeng Xingyang is in a small market, it seems all the media is discussing Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang quickly saw Okafor’s remarks online, and he quickly retaliated on social media: "I could beat you in college, and the same in the NBA."

In Zeng Xingyang’s impression, Okafor was indeed impressive during his rookie year, but his playing style is traditional and not at the level of the Big Four, during this small-ball era, his style puts him at a disadvantage, and the 76ers gave up on him soon after, and he faded into obscurity...

This guy is a classic case of early success but declining performance.

Other players from both the Nuggets and the 76ers also backed their respective teammates in various venues.

Both sides started a war of words.

.....

Before the game against the 76ers.

Zeng Xingyang participated in an ESPN program in Philadelphia reading fan messages.

The NBA often does similar promotional activities with the media, involving not only Zeng Xingyang but also other high-profile players from various teams.

However, everyone records separately, today it’s Zeng Xingyang holding the phone and recording reading comments.

"Zeng, you look more like you should be filming adult movies than playing basketball."

"If the subject is your girlfriend, I guess I wouldn’t mind." freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"Zeng, keep going, I’m optimistic about you, you will become a legendary player with the Nuggets."

"Thanks, buddy, you have great taste."

"You are China’s Reggie Miller, go go go, I support you."

"Thanks, come see me next time, and I’ll give you an autograph."

Some encouraging remarks made Zeng Xingyang feel very comfortable.

But some comments left Zeng Xingyang speechless.

"Zeng, my sister and I both really like you, can we have a child with you, would you like to?"

"No."

Trying to cheat child support? No way!

"Zeng, do you mind dating a younger sister who just turned 18? Just for one or two nights would be fine."

"I mind."

Trying to bait? No can do.

"Zeng, I love you, can you be my boyfriend? I have four or five best friends, and they’re all pretty."

"First send me photos to see."

"Sister invested in a movie and wants to invite you to be the leading actor, would you be willing?"

"Sister, please send over your photo first."

Although these fan messages were bizarre, Zeng Xingyang answered each one.

Overall, Zeng Xingyang felt the enthusiasm from the fans.

ESPN staff also noted that Zeng Xingyang’s fan base is a bit different from other players, with a lot of female fans.

These female fans are showing trends of fandom culture.

...

After playing against Philadelphia, the Nuggets are heading back to the home court.

NBA team schedules are very packed, making players feel somewhat fatigued.

But even if they’re weary, some veterans still enjoy the nightclubs enthusiastically.

Denver’s nightlife is far less vibrant than Philadelphia’s, so the veterans wanted to go out and have fun.

However, Zeng Xingyang and Jokic chose to stay in the hotel watching game tapes, chatting, or playing games.

On the court, they are brothers, but it doesn’t mean they hang out off the court.

Some players love to have fun, like Faried, Randy Foye, Barton, and Nelson.

Some players prefer staying in, like Zeng Xingyang, Jokic, and Galinarli.

Everyone basically stayed in their small circles.

Initially, Faried often asked Zeng Xingyang and Jokic to go out, but after realizing they didn’t enjoy it, he stopped asking.

Of course, this does not affect their cooperation on the court.

Playing basketball is more like work for Zeng Xingyang, Jokic, and others, and winning is a testament to a job well done.

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