章節 92: Chapter 92: The Battle for Glory - Warriors in Danger?

"New Era's Longest Winning Streak! Warriors Hit 30 in a Row!"

"Unstoppable Warriors! Who Can Halt Their Streak?"

"Streak of the Lucky Charm? The Mystery of the Warriors' Oriental Power"

"Hold Your Applause! Warriors Face Back-to-Back Against Denver Nuggets – Are They in Danger?"

These sensational headlines dominated sports media, capturing the awe surrounding the Warriors' record-breaking 30-game winning streak while foreshadowing the tough challenge awaiting them. However, the Warriors team, oblivious to the media buzz, had no time for speculation. They completed their post-game obligations and quickly boarded a flight headed for Denver.

Indeed, the fifth game in their seven-game road stretch would be a significant showdown against the Denver Nuggets and a back-to-back game at that. Not only were they up against a tough competitor, but Denver's high-altitude arena would test the players' endurance and mental resolve. For many, this challenge posed more than just a physical test; it meant coping with symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, and the notorious fatigue that came with playing a mile above sea level.

Adding to the intensity, the Nuggets were having an outstanding season, holding a firm third place in the league and second in the Western Conference. Even with a 30-game winning streak, the Warriors led the Nuggets by only two games. Analysts widely speculated that the Denver match could be where the streak would falter, as Denver was known to push even the best teams to their limits at home.

To help balance the challenge, Coach Steve Kerr had strategically rested Kevin Durant in the previous game. Yet most observers remained skeptical, noting that a single rest game might not be enough preparation. Facing high altitude on the second night of a back-to-back, and against a talented team led by Coach Mike Malone, made this a precarious situation for the Warriors. With Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Paul Millsap, and Gary Harris, the Nuggets boasted a powerful lineup that presented a real threat.

Upon arriving in Denver, the Warriors players felt the altitude's effects almost immediately. Though they had rested on the plane, many appeared drained just stepping off it. After a hurried check-in, the players retreated to their hotel rooms, scrambling for a nap to restore energy for the game.

At 7:00 PM, Coach Kerr led the team to the arena, arriving an hour early to allow extra warm-up time and acclimate to the high-altitude environment. Veterans like Curry, Thompson, and Durant appeared to struggle at first, but years of experience helped them gradually adjust. On the other hand, rookie Tang Lei felt the effects more acutely. He had struggled from the moment he arrived in Denver; his head throbbed, his breathing grew shallow, and within a few practice laps around the court, he found himself gasping and needing an oxygen mask to catch his breath.

"Damn it! Everyone always says playing in Denver is rough, but I never imagined it'd be this bad," Tang Lei muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. He knew this game was critical and couldn't afford to be at anything less than his best, but the conditions weighed heavily on his mind. Even with the oxygen, he felt uncertain about how much he could contribute.

Soon, 8:00 PM approached, and Denver's home arena, Ball Arena, was packed with fans. Tickets for this game had been marked up two to three times their usual price, but they sold out quickly. Fans didn't want to miss this chance to witness a potentially historic moment. If the Warriors' winning streak were to end here, those in attendance would have a piece of NBA history to cherish.

After the player introductions, the starters from both teams lined up at center court. The Warriors rolled out their strongest available lineup: Curry, Durant, Thompson, Cousins, and Green. The Nuggets, meanwhile, fielded their top lineup as well, featuring Jokic, Murray, Barton, Millsap, and Gary Harris.

At the tip-off, Durant found himself matched against Jokic, a rare matchup that underscored the Warriors' serious approach to this game. Every player on the court felt the weight of this moment, especially the Warriors. They knew that maintaining control from the outset could make or break their chances in this high-stakes game.

The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the ball went up, each fan hoping this would be the day the Nuggets dealt the Warriors their first defeat in over 30 games. For the Warriors, it was more than just a streak on the line; it was a test of their resilience, preparation, and the commitment they'd built throughout the season.

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