Chapter 417: Chapter 329: Averaging 33 points, 14.5 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game, dominating the league!
Durant heard the question, his initially good mood quickly turned sour. A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes: "I’ve been in the league for a long time. I don’t really care about winning or losing in the regular season. My goal here is to win a championship, not to break records or chase MVPs. We’ll handle them in the playoffs..."
For Durant, if he fails again this year, he can’t imagine whether he would completely break down mentally.
After saying this, he stood up and turned to leave the interview scene, his back appearing somewhat forlorn.
Durant couldn’t have imagined that after joining the Warriors, he would still encounter trouble like the Nuggets. Every time he faces Zeng Xingyang, he seems to have a tough time.
After beating the Grizzlies in the last game, the Nuggets’ record was 75 wins and 7 losses.
Butler, facing reporters and mocking the Warriors, said with a smug look: "What nonsense about not caring about the regular season? They just couldn’t compete. We swept them in the regular season, and the MVP is Zeng’s. How can their team’s performance and stats compete with Zeng?"
Butler dismissively continued: "Mercenaries won’t find it easy to win a championship. We’ll continue to beat them in the playoffs."
Butler unreservedly unleashed his trash talk, and fans on both sides began to attack each other online, sparking a war without gunfire.
After finishing the last regular-season game, Zeng Xingyang’s body finally relaxed.
This period was like a harvest season for him. Sitting in a spacious, bright room, he opened the data sheet sent by the scouts and intended to take a good look at his stats.
In the 16-17 season, Zeng Xingyang played 80 games, taking rest for two games, averaging 36.2 minutes per game.
On the court, he was like an omnipotent commander, averaging 33 points, 14.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks, with an average of 2 turnovers and 3.5 fouls per game.
Overall shooting accuracy, with a two-point shooting percentage of 55%, a three-point shooting percentage of 50%, and a free throw percentage of 90%!
With such stats and shooting accuracy, he would securely win the MVP in any season.
In a sense, Zeng Xingyang was the number one in the league. Even compared to any superstar’s sophomore season, he was unparalleled in the league.
Zeng Xingyang was also a member of the 190 club for such numbers. He swept the scoring title, assist title, steal title.
Such comprehensive stats not only make him a contender for MVP but also a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
The player behind Zeng Xingyang in scoring was Curry, who averaged 30 points. Besides scoring, Curry had 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds.
The player behind Zeng Xingyang in assists was Harden, who had 11.2 assists. Besides assists, Harden had 28.1 points and 8.1 rebounds.
Zeng Xingyang, Curry, Harden, these three Western Conference guards were a terrifying presence in the league this season.
Zeng Xingyang also had detractors, but most criticizes him for his chaotic personal life rather than his court performance.
On the MVP rankings, Zeng Xingyang has firmly occupied the number one spot since the list was created, never falling off.
No matter how hard James, Curry, Harden, and others tried, they couldn’t catch up with Zeng Xingyang’s ranking.
At this time, the MVP still held significant prestige, and Zeng Xingyang naturally wanted to win this trophy, as it was a recognition of his efforts this season.
But the award is something that can only be waited for; it cannot be rushed.
After reviewing his data, Zeng Xingyang lay down on the bed to sleep. The Nuggets would rest for two days, then resume training.
Scarlett was coming over tomorrow, so he needed to recharge.
The best record in the league ensured the Nuggets had home-court advantage in the playoffs against all teams.
In the first round, the Nuggets faced the eighth-seeded Grizzlies in the West. This season, in the regular season matchups with the Grizzlies, the Nuggets had 3 wins and 1 loss.
In the game they lost, they were a bit careless, constantly missing shots at their opponents’ court and were significantly behind, ultimately failing to make a comeback.
Mike Malone, after careful consideration, finally determined the 12-man roster for the first playoff game.
Center position: Jokic, Zubac.
Power forward position: Gordon, Grant.
Small forward position: Pope, Crowder, Siakam.
Shooting guard position: Butler, Harris, Brogdon.
Point guard position: Zeng Xingyang, Jamal Murray.
This is basically the Nuggets’ regular rotation lineup for this season.
The playoffs are a test of defense, and this Nuggets lineup has no defensive holes, with youth and player ability at every position.
The Nuggets’ goal this season is the championship. After last year’s Western Conference Finals, Mike Malone has gained more experience in handling the playoffs.
Brogdon, Zubac, Siakam, Dejounte Murray, and several other rookies were very excited about playing in the playoffs. They each eagerly prepared, excitedly discussing in the Nuggets’ network group.
Grant and Pope, on the other hand, were like patient teachers, explaining the subtleties of playoff games early on to these rookies in the group.
Butler was very grateful to have joined the Nuggets. He recalled not making the playoffs with the Bulls and now could play in the playoffs as the number one seed, filled with emotion. Hugging his teammates’ thighs felt great.
On April 14, under the sunny sky, Scarlett came to Denver to visit Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang has been playing a lot of basketball with Scarlett recently. As an older sister, Scarlett took good care of him, and she also had a very hot figure.
On April 15, Zeng Xingyang held a team-building session with his investment team members in China and the US.
Zeng Xingyang currently has a very broad industrial layout, including chips, energy, new energy vehicles, internet, entertainment, department store industry, robotics, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Zeng Xingyang’s investment company even holds shares in a Premier League team and a Ligue 1 team.
As for how much money he has now, Zeng Xingyang himself doesn’t know, as the Forbes list saying he’s the richest in the NBA isn’t quite accurate.
For Zeng Xingyang, money has become just a series of numbers. Although he might not be comparable to some real asset tycoons, he has his position.
The name Zeng Xingyang has global influence, which in some measure aids him in entering various industries.
On April 16, the atmosphere was very relaxed in the Nuggets’ training facility.
Mike Malone conducted specialized tactical drills against the Grizzlies’ lineup.
Standing in the center of the court, with a tactical board in his hand, he seriously explained every tactical detail to the players, who gathered around him to listen attentively.
After the tactical explanation, it was time for training.
On April 17, playoff Game 1 is about to begin!
Outside the arena, fans were already lining up at the entrance early, waiting to enter.