CHAPTER 460: CHAPTER 372: FINALS GAME 1 (PART 1)

The Nuggets have surpassed their previous season and fulfilled their wish of winning the Western Championship.

At the moment the game ended, snowflakes drifted down from the sky.

Zeng Xingyang wasn’t as excited as he imagined because from Game 4 he already knew the outcome was set.

The Warriors, whom he always considered the greatest enemy, couldn’t defeat them this season.

The super lineup assembled by the Nuggets this season has shown its effectiveness, overwhelming the Warriors nearly the entire series on the court.

The Warriors appear strong, but actually didn’t have a chance.

The only game the Warriors won cannot be considered, as it was due to external factors.

Barkley exclaimed, "The Nuggets are ready for their championship."

Smith said, "The Nuggets’ current strength makes them unparalleled in the league; no team in the East can defeat them."

Neither of the commentators anticipated the Nuggets would resolve the Warriors so neatly.

Before the series started, they thought the Warriors could at least battle the Nuggets for over six games.

Unexpectedly, besides the one game the Nuggets conceded, the Warriors found it hard to win any.

The comprehensive strength of the Nuggets is truly terrifying.

...

"Awesome, witnessing the Nuggets topping the West in person."

"Incredible, Zeng Xingyang is the strongest player this season."

"Even with Durant joining the Warriors, they were defeated; next season trying joining the Nuggets?"

"Zeng Xingyang is awesome, the Nuggets are awesome, I love watching the Nuggets’ games."

"Without a doubt, Zeng Xingyang as MVP, Nuggets as champions."

"Averaging 42 points, 16 assists, and 8 rebounds per series, Zeng Xingyang should be the strongest point guard in NBA history."

"Currently the strongest combat power with no question, because his statistics are too domineering. What Zeng Xingyang lacks now is just honor."

"Honor for Zeng Xingyang is merely a matter of time; the next few years will be his reign."

As the commentators and fans were exclaiming in awe.

Zeng Xingyang and the entire Nuggets team smoothly accepted the Western Championship trophy.

The Nuggets are not particularly concerned about this trophy; they are more focused on the upcoming finals.

This mere Western Championship trophy is already not enough for them.

Domestically, coverage of Zeng Xingyang has unfolded like a thunderstorm.

Since entering the playoffs, Zeng Xingyang has repeatedly showcased dominance; as long as Zeng Xingyang plays a good game, both fans and media praise him unfailingly.

This repeatedly motivates those who don’t usually watch basketball to get to know Zeng Xingyang.

The result is Zeng Xingyang’s fan base keeps growing.

Nearly everyone who watches Zeng Xingyang’s games feels thrilled.

.......

"Deservedly earned, the Western Champion is born."

"The Nuggets dominate the West with a 12-win and 1-loss record."

"The Cavaliers breakthrough in the East, LeBron James and Owen showcase their dominance."

"The Nuggets and Cavaliers meet in the finals!"

"Zeng Xingyang VS LeBron James + Owen!"

"Nuggets easily break through the West, aiming for the championship."

"JR: No one expected us, but we beat them."

"LeBron James: Facing Zeng is a very interesting experience."

.....

Six days after conquering the West.

The Nuggets welcomed the Cavaliers to their home court for Game 1 of the finals.

This series attracted nearly global attention from basketball fans.

LeBron James is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding superstars of the past decade, and Owen is also a top-notch attacker.

With players like Love and JR, among others with solid skills, their matchup with the Nuggets is highly captivating.

The Cavaliers’ starters are: Owen, JR Smith, LeBron James, Love, Tristan Thompson.

The Nuggets’ starters remain: Zeng Xingyang, Butler, Pope, Gordon, Jokic.

Although the public unanimously believed the Cavaliers weren’t a match for the Nuggets, Zeng Xingyang wouldn’t be careless because of this.

Jump ball.

Jokic jumps with TT.

TT tips the ball to Owen.

Owen pushes forward quickly while dribbling, maintaining strong defense from Zeng Xingyang; Owen uses his body and spins to charge past midcourt.

At the front court, Owen directs.

After entering the playoffs, under coach Tyronn Lue’s guidance, they have crafted a tactical system around James, Owen, and Love, centered on solo plays and space expansion. The core logic of this tactical system is "utilizing the personal ability of superstars to break the opponent’s defense while amplifying the tactical effect with the shooters’ three-point threats!" The Cavaliers rely on the personal abilities of James, Owen, and Love, as well as the efficient performances of the shooters to continuously reach the finals.

Owen passes the ball to James at the top arc.

Love and JR Smith come up with a synchronized crossover screen, Pope is directly beaten.

James charges into the paint, Gordon comes to help defense, looking for TT.

But Jokic has blocked TT, making the pass difficult, James goes for a maneuvered layup while on the move.

This play seems awkward.

"Bang!"

Jokic, under the basket, seized this opportunity, resolutely sending a block.

The ball is blocked and falls into Zeng Xingyang’s hands.

While the Cavaliers players haven’t yet reacted in defensive awareness, Zeng Xingyang launches a counterattack.

On the other side, Butler rushes as well, and the Nuggets’ transition offense unfolds.

Zeng Xingyang spots Butler having a better chance than himself, swiftly passes the ball to him.

In the front court, a 2-on-2 opportunity is formed, with JR and Owen returning for defense.

Butler holds the ball beyond the three-point line, feigning an offensive posture.

In fact, both Butler and Zeng Xingyang have significant physical advantages in the fast break, making it difficult for the Cavaliers to defend.

After drawing the defense, Butler uses the ball from behind.

Zeng Xingyang leaps before Owen, firmly grasping the ball in mid-air, then arching his back.

"Bam!"

The basketball is smashed into the hoop with force.

The rim emits a painful groan.

to 2.

Fans at the Pepsi Center in Denver continue cheering loudly.

Owen turns around looking at Zeng Xingyang, feeling immense pressure as he is dunked on like this.

Zhang Weiping commented, "Owen clearly holds a disadvantage on both offensive and defensive ends against Zeng Xingyang."

Xu Jicheng said, "Tall point guards have significant advantages on the court."

Zeng Xingyang’s success leads more teams to favor developing tall point guards.

The advantage is too evident when a tall version of a point guard emerges.

"Wow, really awesome."

"Butler’s pass to Zeng Xingyang feels comfortable."

"The Nuggets’ speed is so fast now, it’s simply unstoppable when they run."

"The Nuggets’ counter-attack ability can easily crush opponents."

"Zeng Xingyang is the strongest current player."

"Owen is so innocent, just being dunked on like that."

Fans are gradually adapting to Zeng Xingyang’s increasingly aggressive style.

They feel Zeng Xingyang is getting more casual about dunking.

Of course, fans are not satisfied with merely watching a dunk, they hope to see more.