NBA: Rising Superstar!

Chapter 496 - 408: Paul Finally Reaches the Western Conference Finals!

Generally, the MVP award is announced in the midst of the second round, but the Nuggets finished their two series too quickly.

Zeng Xingyang’s MVP award ceremony happened before the Western Conference Finals.

Zeng Xingyang invited his parents, a few female friends, and some friends over for this award ceremony.

May 13th.

Zeng Xingyang appeared in a suit on the stage for the award ceremony that had been set up long ago by the Nuggets.

All eyes were on him.

"The NBA 2017-18 season regular-season MVP goes to——————Zeng Xingyang!"

When the host shouted this sentence, the audience erupted in applause.

Zeng Xingyang received the personal highest honor of the regular season with both hands.

This was the second time in his career that he received this award, and compared to the excitement of getting the regular season MVP for the first time, this time he was much calmer.

Of course, in the eyes of outsiders, this appeared as a confident demeanor.

"Click, click, click!!"

After the award photoshoot, Zeng Xingyang stepped in front of the podium, smiled at the microphone, and began his second regular season MVP speech.

"Dear fans, family members, teammates, and coaches present, hello everyone, this is the second time I stand here holding this honor, and countless images flash through my mind like a movie—— it’s the afternoon at six years old practicing shooting with the clothesline in the backyard, it’s the lights with my father training me past midnight after a high school match loss, and it’s the stubbornness of being knocked over on the court but gritting my teeth and getting back up. MVP never belongs to a momentary brilliance but to all who strive hard for their dreams."

"I am the MVP of the NBA regular season, and many people are the "MVP" of their lives, such as my father and mother...."​

"First of all, I want to give my hottest thanks to my family. Dad, when you built my first basketball hoop, it was the beginning of my basketball dream."

"You probably never thought that the kid, who always said ’I want to play in the NBA’, would truly stand here and make you proud."

"Mom, you always said I inherited your diligence, but I know it’s you who, after crying secretly when I sprained my ankle at thirteen, still told me ’I will always support you chasing your dream’."

"And my friends, whenever I felt frustrated and discouraged, you always told me not to give up easily, that I’m the best."

Zeng Xingyang said this while scanning over his group of female friends, and this wasn’t directed at one person.

"Then, I want to express my thanks to the coaching staff and my teammates."

"This season wasn’t smooth sailing; when we lost a crucial game, we sat in the video room for a meeting that stretched over three hours. Mike drew the tactical board densely but ended by saying: ’The responsibility for losing the game is mine, but the key to winning is in your hands.’ It’s this courage that used trust as a weapon that led us to the best record in the league."

"And my brother Nikola, each time when I nearly lost my mind on the court, he would crack jokes to divert my anger on the field, making me amused, and of course not only him but others, too. Basketball is never a solo sport; without your fight on both ends of the floor, I won’t be standing here."

"At this moment, I want to say to all fans: ’The name printed on your clothes will one day be replaced by new numbers. But remember, the beauty of basketball is not the trophy’s shine, but the way you mimic my shooting form on the court and scramble for a loose ball during a game.’"

"I also want to pay my respects to my opponents; you made me stronger and more confident!"

"..."

"Always remember, when you look down at the trophy, you then raise your gaze to see the next mountain, which will be your new goal!!"

"My new goal is the championship this year!"

"My brothers, are you ready?"

Zeng Xingyang yelled this last sentence toward the group of Nuggets teammates sitting on the side.

"Ready!"

"Championship!"

"Championship!"

"Championship!!"

The cohesiveness of the Nuggets was fully displayed at this moment, and everyone present was moved by the atmosphere of unity from the Nuggets.

Zeng Xingyang’s MVP speech also made headlines after the game, drawing widespread attention from fans.

A consecutive MVP win is not rare, but it’s clear Zeng Xingyang will likely win multiple times in the future; this is only his third season, and he’s just entering the peak of his career.

The result of the other set of matchups in the Western Conference Finals came out quickly.

To everyone’s shock, the Rockets actually eliminated the Warriors 4 to 2.

The pairing of Paul and Harden led to another playoff defeat for the Warriors, ending their championship pursuit prematurely.

Zeng Xingyang also felt the impact of his presence on this scenario.

He wasn’t too surprised by the Rockets eliminating the Warriors.

This season, the Rockets already showcased great strength in the regular season with 65 wins and 17 losses, clinching the league’s second-best record.

The Rockets possess an outstanding three-point shooting system, with Harden, Paul, Gordon, Ariza, and others being three-point specialists.

During the series against the Warriors, the Rockets’ three-point strategy once put the Warriors in a tight spot.

When Paul was on the court, he could better organize the team’s offense, executing the three-point strategy more smoothly.

Moreover, the Rockets’ defense was quite tough; their active defensive attitude and excellent team defense posed many obstacles to the Warriors’ offense.

Paul further enhanced the Rockets’ defense’s overall and specific approach, allowing them to better handle and adjust against the Warriors’ "Death Lineup."

Zeng Xingyang knew clearly Paul’s role on the Rockets, having watched all the matches of the series.

Paul is still at the tail end of his prime; as an outstanding traditional point guard, he has an exceptional ability to control the game’s rhythm.

On the offensive end, Paul and Harden’s "CP3-Harden duo" rendered opponents defenseless.

Especially Paul’s unmatched mid-range game, where he could break through the opponent’s defense with his excellent personal skills during positional battles, creating stable scoring opportunities for the team. Meanwhile, in defense, despite Paul’s shorter stature, his top-notch defensive awareness and fighting spirit repeatedly succeeded in limiting Curry’s performance.

In the early series games, Paul’s defense on Curry was very standard, largely disrupting Curry’s offensive rhythm.

Curry is a player who greatly relies on rhythm.

In this world, Paul wasn’t injured and continued to play effectively in maintaining morale, controlling the pace, making the Rockets’ offense methodical, while also having a noticeable impact on defense, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Five-Star Warriors!!!

Zeng Xingyang didn’t focus on the Warriors anymore, he focused on dealing with the Rockets.

Because, Paul entered the Western Conference Finals, becoming the Nuggets’ next opponent!