NBA: Rising Superstar!-Chapter 150 - 120, Warriors’ first defeat of the season, Zeng Xingyang seals the deal!

Chapter 150: Chapter 120, Warriors’ first defeat of the season, Zeng Xingyang seals the deal!

The game between the two teams was extremely tight.

The Nuggets were initiating their offense through pick-and-rolls centered around Zeng Xingyang and Jokic, and occasionally, the Warriors would make some mistakes in their defense.

It’s not that the Warriors’ defense was poor, but rather that Zeng Xingyang and Jokic’s pick-and-roll variations were too numerous.

The two would make offensive choices based on the defensive tendencies of their opponents, systematically dismantling the Warriors’ defensive structure.

However, the Nuggets couldn’t stop the Warriors’ offense either. After realizing Barnes couldn’t power through, they started focusing their gameplay around the Splash Brothers.

Curry and Thompson were frighteningly efficient, especially Curry, who not only played off the ball but also frequently drove in to score.

With Curry’s relentless explosions, when the game clock showed 20 seconds left, the score had climbed to 122 to 123, with the Warriors maintaining a 1-point lead.

The Nuggets called another timeout, and the ball was still in their hands, providing them the opportunity to change the course of the game.

Zeng Xingyang had already racked up an incredible 35 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals tonight.

On the Warriors’ side, Curry had secured 39 points, 7 assists, Thompson had 27 points, and Green had 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The cheers at Oracle Arena were deafening.

Warriors fans didn’t expect the matchup against the Nuggets to be this exciting.

The explosive performance from the Nuggets put the Warriors in a challenging position, and this crucial moment was just what the fans enjoyed watching.

Mike Malone was at the sidelines, sketching tactics.

"Zeng, you take the inbound pass, don’t manage the clock, we need to score first as we’re trailing now. Nikola, you keep setting the picks, and after the pick, you can choose to roll down. Everyone on the wings, keep an eye on your positioning and movement, just ensure you don’t obstruct Zeng and Nikola’s offensive space..."

The focal point of the tactics continued to revolve around Zeng Xingyang, with the execution needing to adapt on the fly on the court.

Mike Malone was counting on Zeng Xingyang to continue leveraging the power of the pick-and-roll and take the game away.

Zeng Xingyang wiped his forehead with a towel, feeling immense pressure.

His stats looked impressive; no one could say he played badly.

But Zeng Xingyang wanted more than numbers; he wanted to win.

If the game was lost, even great stats wouldn’t mean much.

After Mike Malone finished speaking, Zeng Xingyang added: "Coach, I think the tactics could be adjusted a bit..."

The pick-and-roll had been executed too often, and the Warriors had great patience in dealing with it.

"What ideas do you have? Feel free to share," Mike Malone said.

Zeng Xingyang didn’t hesitate, reached out to take Mike Malone’s tactical board, and started drawing upon it.

Many Nuggets players were dumbfounded witnessing this scene.

Jokic couldn’t believe Zeng Xingyang actually took Mike Malone’s tactical board.

This act was quite audacious.

Mike Malone didn’t mind Zeng Xingyang taking the tactical board; he knew Zeng Xingyang was eager for victory.

The tactic Zeng Xingyang was drawing was a Warriors’ play.

The Elevator Doors!

This was a tactic Cole often designed for Warriors’ shooters. At this point, it wasn’t as popular, and naturally, the league hadn’t yet deemed it an illegal screen.

As long as it wasn’t banned, it was extremely effective!

The Elevator Doors tactic was named after the two closing door actions by the elevator, usually involving coordination among three to four players, where one player held the ball, another set up a screen on the side, and could attack through an elevator door created by two big players.

The basic flow involved: the shooter frantically running inside and outside around in the same direction, constantly changing pace, while the interior players quickly moved outward to provide space and gaps for the ball handler.

Repeating this action ultimately led to the two interior big players closing doors timely to block the defense, allowing the shooter an open shot!

The swift changes and positional shifts in the Elevator Doors tactic often placed defensive players in a passive stance.

In such a state, even if the Warriors decided to switch defenses, the Nuggets could still create the best offensive opportunities through movement and passing.

Soon, Zeng Xingyang finished drawing, then returned it to Mike Malone with an apology: "Sorry, Coach, I overstepped."

Mike Malone waved his hand, indicating it was fine: "The tactic is good; let’s go with it."

Mike Malone instantly understood Zeng Xingyang’s intent and couldn’t help but praise it. He saw the practical nature of the tactic.

Jokic, Galinari, Barton, and others gave nods after looking at the tactic chart.

This rookie’s mind worked impressively well.

This was the first thought among the Nuggets teammates.

"F*ck, this rookie is so arrogant, he directly took the tactical board."

"Are the Nuggets players unsatisfied with the coach?"

"Haha, Zeng Xingyang is starting to take over the coaching duties."

Warriors fans chuckled seeing this scene, thinking the Nuggets were in internal conflict.

Zeng Xingyang’s act of grabbing the tactical board was criticized by many fans as disrespectful.

On the other side, the Warriors’ bench.

Green shouted: "Haha, they’re already stirred up, as long as we defend this possession well, I’ll taunt them to death!"

Green already had thought of how to mock the opponents if they won.

The rookie was infuriating.

Iguodala shrugged: "Don’t underestimate them, that guy’s no pushover."

Curry and Thompson frowned hearing Green’s words; their upbringing dictated they wouldn’t talk or act like Green.

In the domestic livestream, fans were incredibly lively.

"Got the seats ready, gearing up for the buzzer-beater!"

"If Xingyang seals the game tonight with a buzzer-beater, that would be awesome."

"Being able to push the 18-win streak Warriors this far already signifies success."

"I’m standing to watch the game at home; reminds me of the excitement watching Da Yao back in the day."

"Xingyang’s game is truly blood-pumping."

"Buzzer-beater, must be a buzzer-beater, show those Warriors fans something."

"Those Warriors fans are quite annoying."

.....

TNT studio.

"Shaq, do you think Zeng can make the buzzer-beater?" Kenny Smith asked.

"Regardless of the buzzer-beater, Zeng has already proven his capabilities; he is an outstanding shooting guard," O’Neal said.

"So far, none of the rookies have been as impressive as him," Barkley added.

"Yes, if we were to re-draft, this guy would definitely be the overall first pick," Miller said.

"I believe he can pull off the buzzer-beater because he’s inherently similar to Kobe," O’Neal remarked.

O’Neal felt that Zeng Xingyang, akin to Kobe, wasn’t fazed by challenges, and such moments only further unlocked his potential.

The timeout quickly ended.

Nuggets’ offense.

Galinari inbounded the ball to Barton.

Barton passed to Jokic, then ran to the left corner to draw Thompson’s defense away.

Jokic stood at the top of the arc dribbling and observing.

Zeng Xingyang ran from outside the right 45-degree three-point line to the corner and then cut inside.

Galinarli gives Zeng Xingyang a screen at this time.

It doesn’t work.

Zeng Xingyang tries once more; he brings the defender outside the line again.

The Warriors’ defense keeps chasing Zeng Xingyang; they’re doing all kinds of switching. It’s clear the Nuggets’ strategy is focused on Zeng Xingyang.

Zeng Xingyang keeps dodging left and right inside, then runs to the right side beyond the three-point line.

Galinarli and Faried simultaneously trap Green and Iguodala like closing elevator doors.

Jokic sees the right timing and hands the ball to Zeng Xingyang, then turns around to make the last shield screen.

Barnes, who wanted to pursue from the arc top, is also completely blocked.

Zeng Xingyang finds an absolute open space at the 45-degree angle on the right.

Positioning, catching the ball, pushing off the ground, releasing the shot.

This series of movements is as smooth as a textbook.

The basketball draws a beautiful arc.

"Swish!"

Hits dead-on!!

to 123

"Timeout!!!"

With only 0.7 seconds left, Walton despairingly calls for a timeout.

After scoring, Zeng Xingyang clasps both hands in prayer by his ear as he passes the technical table beyond the Warriors’ three-point line and runs toward the home bench.

"Goodnight!!"

This is Curry’s future iconic celebration move, now used by Zeng Xingyang at the Warriors’ home court.

Warriors fans find this scene incredibly heart-wrenching.

Nuggets players rush up and celebrate as if they’ve won the championship.

The goodnight gesture is immensely stylish!

The elevator door strategy created an absolute open shot for Zeng Xingyang.

Though there might be suspicions of moving screens and foot extensions, ironically, anyone could question this shot’s legitimacy—except the Warriors.

Because they use this tactic the most.

Of course, regardless of the strategy, the most crucial point is being able to sink the shot under such pressure from trailing.

This requires a big heart.

The Oracle Arena is struck silent!!!

No Warriors fan expected the Nuggets to use their most adept elevator door tactic to beat the Warriors.

"Oh, this is the legendary trap-the-dog tactic, haha!"

"To use this tactic, your team must have sharpshooters like the Splash Brothers or Zeng Xingyang."

"The Nuggets’ screening was well executed, and Jokic’s timing in passing the ball was excellent."

"The pursuing defenders were in dire straits, directly trapped like sandwiches."

"Still 0.7 seconds left, let’s see if there’s any hope."

.....

Pause resumes.

Iguodala’s inbounds pass.

Warriors have two offensive options, a three-point game-winner or a basket to tie.

The Warriors themselves aren’t tall enough, so driving to the basket offers them no advantage.

Green sets a screen for Curry on the outside, intending to give Curry space.

But Zeng Xingyang anticipates the Warriors’ play tactic.

When Iguodala passes to Curry, he jumps forward.

The ball doesn’t even reach Curry’s hands; instead, it directly bumps into him.

"Buzz!!!"

Time’s up for the match, in the end, Zeng Xingyang seals the game with a near game-winning shot.

This is the second time this season Zeng Xingyang has played the hero with a clutch shot.

Alongside halting the Nuggets’ four-game losing streak, he also ended the Warriors’ 18-game winning streak this season.

This match once more saves the Nuggets from their slump, and external evaluations of Zeng Xingyang rise yet again.

Jokic runs swiftly toward Zeng Xingyang and hugs him tightly, while the rest of the Nuggets players dash up to celebratively pound Zeng Xingyang all over.

Whether for the near game-winner or the final defense, Zeng Xingyang is absolutely the hero.

Ultimately, all of the Nuggets played excellently today; even though Zeng Xingyang didn’t suppress Curry’s offense, he scored many critical points, making him the standout among the Nugget’s surge.

After confirming their win over the Warriors, Zeng Xingyang feels his blood boiling, immensely thrilled.

What’s it matter for the 73-win team?

Tonight, we triumphed over you!

This encapsulates a sense of spiritual satisfaction from vanquishing a formidable opponent.

Pre-game, nearly everyone doubted them, thinking they were not on the same level as the Warriors.

The Warriors were so high above while the Nuggets were belittled in every way.

But such Nuggets toppled the league leader, defeating the undefeated Warriors this season.

Handing the Warriors their first loss of the season.

Curry spits out his mouth guard halfway, hands on hips, staring at the scoreline dumbfounded.

Thompson sighs and heads toward the locker room.

Green and Iguodala remain silent.

They can’t believe they lost at home to the Nuggets, dropping their first game of the season.

They’ve lost games before, but this situation is a bit hard to swallow.

They were still reveling in the prospects of breaking the Lakers’ 33-game win streak record.

At this moment, tonight, it all comes to an abrupt end.

That Nuggets number 8, seals Warriors’ defeat with a near game-winning dagger.

...

"Game-winner!"

"Another game-winning shot."

"Xingyang leads the Nuggets to defeat the league’s number one, the Warriors."

"The proud Warriors bow their heads tonight; they are defeated on the court."

"Nuggets hand Warriors their first defeat this season; it’s such an astonishing sight."

In the CCTV broadcasting room, Coach Zhang and Coach Su are exceptionally excited.

They also didn’t favor the Nuggets pre-game, but the Nuggets tonight just proved them wrong, pulling off an upset.

They dethroned the league leader!

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